Jingellic Reserve – Free Murray River Camping NSW

For those in search of the quintessential Australian riverside camping experience, it’s hard to look past the spectacular Jingellic Reserve. Nestled on a sprawling, grassy flat right on the banks of the mighty Murray River, this beautiful free campground offers a perfect blend of natural scenery, recreational opportunities, and classic country convenience. The reserve is huge, providing an abundance of shady, level spots for every type of setup, from the largest motorhomes and caravans to simple tents. You can choose a prime waterfront position to wake up to the gentle sounds of the river or find a more secluded spot further back amongst the towering gum trees.

The location is a paradise for water lovers. The Murray River here is broad and inviting, making it an ideal location for fishing for Murray cod and trout, launching a kayak to explore the serene waterways, or simply enjoying a refreshing swim on a hot summer’s day. The campground is proudly pet-friendly, with vast open spaces for dogs to run and play. While the facilities are basic, they are well-maintained and include a clean toilet block and rubbish bins. The absolute trump card of Jingellic Reserve, however, is its location directly adjacent to the historic Bridge Hotel. It’s a rare and wonderful luxury to be able to wander from your free campsite just a few metres to one of the country’s great old pubs for a cold beer on the veranda overlooking the river. This perfect combination of stunning natural beauty and friendly local hospitality makes Jingellic Reserve one of the most beloved and highly-rated free camps in Australia.

• Website: www.jingellicpub.com.au
• GPS Coordinates: -35.92902, 147.70359

Site Information

• Location: On the banks of the Murray River, in the village of Jingellic.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs.
• Road access: Sealed road, 2WD accessible.
• Site surface: Large, flat grassy areas.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge.
• Maximum overnight stays: No specified limit, but respectful short stays are encouraged.
• Facilities: Toilets, rubbish bins.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: Not available. Bring your own.
• Mobile phone coverage: Good with Telstra, patchy with other carriers.
• TV reception: Good.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: Yes.
• Open fires: Permitted in your own fire pit/brazier, subject to local fire bans.
• Generator use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of sites available: Hundreds of unmarked sites across a very large reserve.

Essentials to Bring

• Your own drinking water.
• A fire pit if you want a campfire.
• Fishing gear and a NSW Recreational Fishing Licence.
• Kayak, canoe or other watercraft.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, extremely pet friendly.
• Fishing: Excellent Murray cod and trout fishing in the Murray River.
• Short walks: Pleasant walks along the extensive riverbank.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Bridge Hotel, Jingellic (adjacent to the reserve)
  • Walwa Hotel, Walwa VIC (~15 km)
  • Corryong Hotel Motel, Corryong VIC (~40 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Bridge Hotel, Jingellic (adjacent)
  • Walwa General Store & Cafe, VIC (~15 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • The ‘Man from Snowy River’ history in Corryong (~40 km)
  • Scenic driving along the Murray River Road.
  • Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park, VIC (~30 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Walwa Riverside Caravan Park, VIC (~15 km)
  • Colac Colac Caravan Park, VIC (~35 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Clarke’s Lagoon Reserve, VIC (~10 km)
  • Neils Reserve, VIC (~20 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Walwa Riverside Caravan Park, VIC (~15 km)
  • Khancoban Caravan Park (~70 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Walwa, VIC (~15 km)
  • Corryong, VIC (~40 km)
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Walwa, VIC (~15 km) – check with local businesses.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite at the reserve.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Upper Murray Region

• Summer (December – February): Hot and generally dry days, perfect for swimming and river activities. Average temperatures from 15°C to 31°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and cool, crisp nights with beautiful autumn colours. Temperatures range from 6°C to 25°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cold, with heavy frosts common, especially overnight. Days are often cool but clear and sunny. Temperatures range from 1°C to 13°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm days with cool nights. The landscape is green and vibrant. Temperatures range from 6°C to 23°C.