Oven Rock Campground | Free Cairn Curran Reservoir Camping Near Castlemaine & Maldon

Oven Rock Campground is a spectacular and hugely popular free camping destination, offering a classic Australian bush experience on the expansive shores of Cairn Curran Reservoir. Located in the heart of the Victorian Goldfields, this vast reserve is a paradise for families, boaties, anglers, and self-sufficient travellers seeking a scenic and budget-friendly getaway. The campground is spread across a massive, open, grassy foreshore, dotted with shady trees, which provides an almost limitless number of fantastic sites. It’s perfectly suited for all types of setups, from the largest big rigs and motorhomes to tents and camper trailers, with many spots offering stunning, uninterrupted views across the water. The atmosphere is famously relaxed and social, a place where campers gather to enjoy the incredible sunsets and the wealth of recreational opportunities the reservoir provides.

The main attraction is undoubtedly Cairn Curran Reservoir itself, a major hub for water sports. The boat ramp at Oven Rock provides easy access for powerboats, making it a hotspot for water skiing, wakeboarding, and sailing. The reservoir is also a renowned fishery, famous for its healthy populations of Yellowbelly (Golden Perch), Redfin, and Trout. For a free camp, the facilities are basic but functional, perfectly suiting the rustic, natural setting. Its prime location makes it an ideal base for exploring the rich history and charm of the surrounding region. The beautifully preserved gold rush town of Maldon is just a short drive away, as are the vibrant arts and food scenes of Castlemaine and Bendigo. For an unbeatable free camping experience that combines magnificent scenery, fantastic recreation, and a welcoming atmosphere, Oven Rock is a true Goldfields treasure.

Campground Information

• Name: Oven Rock campground
• Address: Elphinstone VIC 3448 (Access via Baringhup West)

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -37.11992156869616, 144.30330416966578

Website

• Website: This is a public reserve managed by Goulburn-Murray Water. Information is available on the G-MW website.

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Lakeside reserve on the shore of Cairn Curran Reservoir.
• Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, Tents.
• Road Access: Unsealed gravel road. Generally 2WD accessible with care, but can be slippery after rain.
• Site Surface: Mostly grass and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit, but short to medium-term stays are encouraged.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets, boat ramp. No power or showers.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra, patchy for other carriers.
• TV Reception: Good digital TV reception.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush (pit) toilets.
• 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 room for hundreds of campers.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, boat/kayak, fishing gear.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead.

Activities

• Fishing: Premier location for Yellowbelly, Redfin, and Trout.
• Short Walks: Enjoy leisurely walks along the extensive foreshore.
• Boating & Water Skiing: A major destination for all forms of water sports.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • The Baringhup Hotel – Approx. 10 km
  • Kangaroo Hotel (Maldon) – Approx. 18 km
  • Railway Hotel (Newstead) – Approx. 18 km
• Places to Eat:
  • The Baringhup Hotel (Bistro) – Approx. 10 km
  • Numerous highly-rated cafes and bakeries in Maldon – Approx. 18 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Cairn Curran Reservoir – You are on it!
  • Historic town of Maldon – Approx. 18 km
  • Victorian Goldfields Railway (Maldon) – Approx. 18 km
  • Castlemaine town centre – Approx. 30 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Maldon Gardens Caravan Park – Approx. 18 km
  • Newstead Recreation Reserve – Approx. 18 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Laanecoorie River Reserve – Approx. 20 km
  • Hamilton’s Crossing – Approx. 15 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Maldon Racecourse Recreation Reserve – Approx. 18 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Maldon – Approx. 18 km
  • Newstead – Approx. 18 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available in Maldon or Newstead townships.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite (non-flush).

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and dry, perfect for water sports, with average temperatures of 15-31°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Warm, sunny days and cool nights, ideal for walking and exploring, averaging 8-24°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and crisp, with frequent frosts, but often with clear, sunny days. Great for campfires. Averaging 3-14°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and pleasant, with the countryside green and lush, averaging 7-22°C.