Glendinning Campground | Free Rocklands Reservoir Camping & Boating

Set on the eastern shores of the vast Rocklands Reservoir, Glendinning Campground is a premier free camping destination for those looking to experience the rugged beauty of Western Victoria. This popular bush camp offers a spectacular natural setting, making it a favourite for anglers, boating families, and anyone seeking a spacious and scenic retreat near the Grampians. The campground is spread across a wide, open foreshore dotted with shady trees, providing ample space for campers to find their ideal spot with stunning views of the water and the distant Black Range. It’s a place renowned for its incredible sunsets, peaceful atmosphere, and the freedom of a classic, large-scale Australian bush camp.

As one of the more developed free camps on the reservoir, Glendinning offers the convenience of basic toilet facilities, making it a more comfortable option for families and those staying for longer periods. The main attraction is the reservoir itself, a legendary waterway for recreational activities. A boat ramp provides easy access for all types of watercraft, from fishing tinnies to ski boats. The fishing is exceptional, with anglers targeting the abundant populations of Redfin, Trout, and Yellowbelly. The surrounding open woodland is a haven for wildlife, with regular sightings of kangaroos, emus, and a diverse range of birdlife. While it offers a wonderful sense of remoteness, the campground is an excellent base for regional exploration. The historic towns of Balmoral and Cavendish are a short drive away for supplies, and the hiking trails and Aboriginal rock art shelters of the Black Range State Park are also nearby. For a fantastic, budget-free holiday that combines top-tier freshwater fishing and boating with expansive natural beauty, Glendinning Campground is an iconic Victorian destination.

Campground Information

• Name: Glendinning Campground, Rocklands Reservoir
• Address: 1320 Yarramyljup Rd, Rocklands VIC 3401

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -37.29655994873708, 141.99940520113668

Website

• Website: This is a public recreation area managed by GWMWater. Information is available on the GWMWater website.

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Lakeside bush camp on the eastern side of Rocklands Reservoir.
• Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, Tents.
• Road Access: Unsealed gravel road. Generally 2WD accessible but check conditions after rain.
• Site Surface: Natural grass and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit, but short-term stays are expected.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets, boat ramp. No power or showers.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Patchy. Telstra offers the best chance of a weak signal.
• TV Reception: Unreliable.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush (pit) toilets are available.
• Rubbish Bins: No. This is a strict carry-in, carry-out site.
• Open Fires: Permitted in contained fire pits, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. BYO firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Very large, unmarked area with plenty of space.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, insect repellent.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead.

Activities

• Fishing: A premier destination for Redfin, Trout, and Yellowbelly.
• Short Walks: Explore the vast foreshore and nearby bushland.
• Boating: A boat ramp provides access for all forms of watercraft.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Balmoral Hotel (Balmoral) – Approx. 20 km
  • Cavendish Hotel (Cavendish) – Approx. 35 km
  • The National Hotel (Stawell) – Approx. 70 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Balmoral Hotel (Bistro) – Approx. 20 km
  • Balmoral Roadhouse / Cafe – Approx. 20 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Rocklands Reservoir Dam Wall – Approx. 5 km
  • Black Range State Park (Aboriginal Rock Art) – Approx. 15 km
  • Grampians National Park (Western entrance) – Approx. 50 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Balmoral Recreation Reserve – Approx. 20 km
  • Cavendish Recreation Reserve – Approx. 35 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Brodies Corner (Rocklands Reservoir) – Approx. 15 km
  • Fergusons Campground (Rocklands Reservoir) – Approx. 10 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Balmoral Public Dump Point – Approx. 20 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Balmoral – Approx. 20 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available in Balmoral.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite (non-flush).

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and dry, perfect for boating, with average temperatures of 14-30°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Warm, sunny days and cool nights, ideal for fishing and hiking, averaging 8-23°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and crisp, with frequent frosts, but often with clear, sunny days, averaging 3-14°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild, a beautiful time to explore the national parks, averaging 6-21°C.