Nyah Lions Club Recreation Reserve Camping Area | Free Murray River Camping Near Swan Hill

An absolute icon on the Australian free camping scene, the Nyah Recreation Reserve is a magnificent community-run facility that offers an unparalleled camping experience on the banks of the mighty Murray River. Located just north of Swan Hill, this vast and beautiful reserve is a testament to the generosity and hard work of the local Lions Club, providing travellers with an exceptional and budget-friendly basecamp. The campground is set across a sprawling, lush, grassy area shaded by majestic river red gums, with an enormous number of prime, level sites, many offering direct river frontage. It’s a paradise for all types of campers, from those in the largest big rigs to tent-based adventurers, and the atmosphere is famously friendly, safe, and welcoming.

What makes the Nyah Recreation Reserve legendary among travellers are the outstanding facilities, which are truly remarkable for a donation-based campground. The reserve boasts clean flushing toilets, hot showers, a public dump point, and even a selection of powered sites, all maintained by dedicated local volunteers. The Murray River is the star of the show, providing a stunning backdrop and a playground for recreation. A boat ramp allows for easy access to the river, which is a premier destination for fishing for Murray Cod and Golden Perch, as well as water skiing and kayaking. The adjacent Nyah-Vinifera Park offers extensive bushwalking tracks through stunning riverine forest. With the towns of Nyah and Nyah West just minutes away for supplies, and the major regional hub of Swan Hill a short drive south, this campground perfectly balances tranquil riverside seclusion with fantastic convenience. For an unbeatable camping experience that combines natural beauty, top-tier facilities, and incredible community spirit, the Nyah Recreation Reserve is a must-visit destination.

Campground Information

• Name: Nyah Lions Club Recreation Reserve Camping Area
• Address: Monash Ave, Nyah VIC 3594

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -35.16763136308355, 143.38002471027391

Website

• Website: This is a community-run reserve. Information is available on the Gannawarra Shire Council website.

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Expansive riverside reserve on the Murray River.
• Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, Tents.
• Road Access: Sealed road to the reserve, then good quality dirt tracks within.
• Site Surface: Mostly grass and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free/donation for unpowered sites. A small fee applies for powered sites.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No strict limit, but medium-term stays are typical. Please check with the onsite caretaker.
• Facilities: Flushing toilets, hot showers (donation), dump point, powered sites, boat ramp, potable water.
• Potable Water: Yes, available.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
• TV Reception: Excellent digital TV reception.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Permitted in contained fire pits, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. BYO firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of the large number of campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Very large, with hundreds of unmarked unpowered sites and a good number of powered sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Donation money, fishing gear, boat/kayak.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, this is a very popular pet-friendly campground.

Activities

• Fishing: Premier destination for Murray Cod, Golden Perch, and Redfin.
• Short Walks: Direct access to the extensive walking tracks of the Nyah-Vinifera Park.
• Boating & Water Skiing: A boat ramp provides excellent access to the Murray River.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Nyah West Hotel (Nyah West) – Approx. 4 km
  • Tooleybuc Sporting Club (NSW) – Approx. 25 km
  • The Commercial Hotel (Swan Hill) – Approx. 25 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Nyah West Hotel (Bistro) – Approx. 4 km
  • Nyah West Takeaway & Cafe – Approx. 4 km
  • Numerous options in Swan Hill – Approx. 25 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Nyah-Vinifera Park – Adjacent
  • The Murray River – Onsite
  • Pioneer Settlement (Swan Hill) – Approx. 25 km
  • Tooleybuc Bridge & NSW border – Approx. 25 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Tooleybuc Caravan Park (NSW) – Approx. 25 km
  • BIG4 Swan Hill – Approx. 24 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Piangil Recreation Reserve – Approx. 25 km
  • The Gums Camping Area (Murray River Reserve) – Approx. 35 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Located onsite at the Nyah Recreation Reserve.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Nyah West – Approx. 4 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available onsite.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and sunny, ideal for river activities, with average temperatures of 16-32°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Warm, sunny days and mild nights, perfect for fishing and exploring, averaging 9-26°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and crisp with frosty mornings and often clear days, great for campfires, averaging 4-15°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild to warm and pleasant, a prime time for being on the water, averaging 8-24°C.