James’ Camping Reserve | Free Swanpool Creek Camping Near Benalla

Tucked away in the picturesque foothills of the Strathbogie Ranges, James’ Camping Reserve is a delightful and popular free campground that offers a classic Australian bush experience. This wonderful, community-managed reserve is set on the serene banks of Swanpool Creek, providing a peaceful and shady retreat for self-sufficient travellers. The campground is a spacious, grassy, and relatively flat area surrounded by beautiful native bushland, with an abundance of large, shady sites suitable for all types of setups, from tents and swags to large caravans and motorhomes. It’s a place renowned for its tranquility and natural beauty, where campers can relax to the sounds of the babbling creek and the rich chorus of local birdlife, including kookaburras and rosellas.

The main appeal of James’ Reserve is its perfect blend of a secluded bush setting with convenient access to regional attractions. The clear, shallow waters of Swanpool Creek are perfect for a refreshing paddle on a warm day and are a popular spot for yabbying and fishing for small trout. The pet-friendly policy and wide-open spaces make it an ideal spot for families to unwind. For a free camp, the facilities are simple but well-maintained, with non-flush toilets available. The location is a fantastic base for exploring the surrounding area; it’s a short drive to the historic Swanpool Cinema, the stunning Mount Samaria State Park, and the vibrant regional hub of Benalla, with its famous street art and gallery. It also serves as a great alternative for those exploring Ned Kelly country around Glenrowan. For a memorable, budget-friendly stay that embodies the peace and beauty of the Victorian bush, James’ Camping Reserve is a true local treasure.

Campground Information

• Name: James’ Camping Reserve
• Address: 1121 Lima E Rd, Lima East VIC 3673

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -36.836362567119586, 145.94668901285024

Website

• Website: This is a public reserve. Information can be found on the Benalla Rural City Council website.

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Creekside bush reserve in the Strathbogie foothills.
• Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, Tents.
• Road Access: Sealed road to the entrance, then good quality dirt tracks within.
• Site Surface: Mostly grass and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping (donations are appreciated).
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe local signage; short to medium-term stays are typical.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets, fire pits. No power or showers.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Patchy. Telstra has the best chance of a signal.
• TV Reception: Possible but can be unreliable.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush (pit) toilets.
• Rubbish Bins: No. This is a strict carry-in, carry-out site.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. BYO firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: 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: Fishing for small trout and yabbying in Swanpool Creek.
• Short Walks: Enjoy leisurely walks along the creek and through the surrounding bushland.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Swanpool Hotel – Approx. 15 km
  • Tatong Tavern (Tatong) – Approx. 25 km
  • The North Eastern Hotel (Benalla) – Approx. 25 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Swanpool General Store & Cafe – Approx. 15 km
  • Numerous cafes, bakeries, and pubs in Benalla – Approx. 25 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Swanpool Cinema (Historic Cinema) – Approx. 15 km
  • Mount Samaria State Park – Approx. 20 km
  • Benalla Street Art & Regional Gallery – Approx. 25 km
  • Winton Wetlands – Approx. 30 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Benalla Tourist Park – Approx. 25 km
  • Mansfield Holiday Park – Approx. 45 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Casey Weir – Approx. 20 km
  • Stringybark Creek Camping Area – Approx. 30 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Benalla Showgrounds Public Dump Point – Approx. 25 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Benalla has multiple 24-hour options – Approx. 25 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available at the Benalla Visitor Information Centre.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite (non-flush).

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days with cooler evenings, averaging 15-31°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights, ideal for walking, averaging 9-24°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and crisp, with frequent frosts, but often with clear, sunny days. Averaging 3-14°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and pleasant, a great time to see the countryside green and lush, averaging 8-22°C.