Prado Camp Out Benalla – Free 4WD Bush Camping VIC

Escape to the rugged tranquillity of the “Prado Camp Out,” an informal 4WD bush camping area nestled in the heart of the Warrenbayne-Boho State Forest, just south-east of Benalla. This is not a formal campground; it’s a secluded clearing popular with 4×4 enthusiasts and self-sufficient campers seeking a genuine bush experience away from the crowds. This site is your gateway to exploring the forest’s network of tracks, gullies, and ridges.

Access to this specific site is via unsealed state forest tracks, which can be rough, rutted, and challenging. A high-clearance 4WD is essential, especially after rain when tracks become slippery and muddy. This location is not suitable for 2WD vehicles, large caravans, or big rigs. It is best suited for tents, swags, rooftop tents, and rugged, high-clearance off-road camper trailers. The reward for your effort is a peaceful, isolated spot surrounded by native bushland.

As a dispersed bush camp, there are absolutely **no facilities**. Visitors must be 100% self-contained and prepared to “leave no trace.” This means you must bring all your own supplies, including drinking water, and must take all your rubbish back out with you. There are no toilets, so a portable camping toilet system is essential. There are no picnic tables, bins, or power. Mobile phone service is extremely limited or non-existent; carry a UHF radio or satellite communication device for safety.

Camping is free, as is standard in Victorian state forests. Pets are permitted but must be under your control at all times to protect wildlife. Campfires are generally allowed in accordance with state forest rules (i.e., in a clear 3-metre space, attended at all times) but are strictly prohibited on days of Total Fire Ban and during fire restriction periods. It is critical to check the CFA website before your trip. Bring your own firewood, as collecting wood from the forest is prohibited.

While secluded, this camp is only a short 20-30 minute drive from the full services of Benalla, where you can stock up on fuel, food, and water before heading into the forest.

Prado Camp Out – Benalla – VIC Map

Site Details

Name: Prado Camp Out – Benalla (Informal Bush Camp)
Address: Access via forest tracks, Warrenbayne-Boho State Forest, Benalla VIC 3672 (Location code: FXR2+2R)
GPS Coordinates: -36.50988, 145.95206

Site Features

• Location: Informal clearing in Warrenbayne-Boho State Forest, south-east of Benalla.
• Site Suitable For: 4WD vehicles only. Tents, swags, rooftop tents, off-road camper trailers.
• Road Access: **4WD Only** via unsealed, rough forest tracks. Not suitable for 2WD or large caravans.
• Site Surface: Dirt, grass, uneven ground.
• Camping Permitted: **Yes,** free, dispersed bush camping.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Not specified (standard state forest rules apply, typically max 28 days).
• Picnic Tables: **No.**
• Potable Water: **No.** You must bring all your own water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: **No / Very Poor.** Expect no reception.
• TV Reception: No.
• Onsite Public Toilets: **No.** You must bring your own portable toilet system and remove all waste.
• Ullage (Dump Point): **No.** Nearest is in Benalla.
• Drive Through: No, this is an open clearing.
• Rubbish Bins: **No.** You must take 100% of your rubbish with you (Leave No Trace).
• Open Fires: Permitted, subject to CFA fire restrictions and Total Fire Ban days. Bring own firewood. Use existing fire pits where possible or bring a portable fire pit.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but considerate use is essential in a quiet bush setting (e.g., 9 am – 8 pm).
• Number of Sites Available: Unmarked, informal clearing. Can fit a small group of vehicles.
• Essentials to Bring: **Everything.** Drinking water, portable toilet, rubbish bags, firewood, 4WD recovery gear, navigation tools (maps/GPS), first-aid kit.
• Pet Friendly: **Yes,** as per state forest rules. Must be on-leash or under direct control.
• Fishing: No.
• Short Walks: Yes, informal bushwalking and exploring forest tracks.

Local Amenities

Note: All major amenities are located in Benalla (approx. 15-18 km drive via tracks/roads).

• Local Pubs:
  • North Eastern Hotel (Benalla) (approx. 15 km)
  • Railway Hotel (Benalla) (approx. 15 km)
  • Commercial Hotel (Benalla) (approx. 15 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Benalla (Numerous cafes, bakeries, restaurants) (approx. 15 km)
  • Benalla Curry House (approx. 15 km)
  • Main Street Cafe (approx. 15 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Benalla Street Art Trail (Benalla) (approx. 15 km)
  • Benalla Art Gallery (Benalla) (approx. 15 km)
  • Benalla Botanic Gardens & Lake Benalla (approx. 15 km)
  • Winton Motor Raceway (approx. 25-30 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Benalla Tourist Park (Benalla) (approx. 15 km)
  • Benalla Showgrounds (Low-cost camping) (approx. 16 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • James’ Camping Reserve (Baddaginnie) (approx. 10-12 km)
  • Casey’s Weir (Goorambat) (approx. 25-30 km)
  • Other dispersed sites within the state forest.
• Nearest Dump Points (Sullage):
  • Benalla Showgrounds (Public Dump Point) (approx. 16 km)
  • Benalla Tourist Park (for patrons or fee) (approx. 15 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Benalla (Multiple 24/7 stations – Shell, BP, Caltex) (approx. 15 km)
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Benalla Visitor Information Centre (confirm tap location) (approx. 15 km)
  • Benalla Showgrounds (often available at dump point) (approx. 16 km)
• Nearest Public Toilets (off-site):
  • Benalla (Lake Benalla, Botanic Gardens, Town Centre) (approx. 15 km)

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Weather is for the nearby town of Benalla. Conditions in the forest can be slightly cooler and wetter.

• Summer (Dec – Feb): Warm to hot and generally dry (average max 30-32°C). High fire danger. Tracks are dry and dusty.
• Autumn (Mar – May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights. Ideal camping weather.
• Winter (Jun – Aug): Cold and damp (average max 13-15°C). Nights can be near freezing with frosts. **Tracks will be very wet, muddy, and potentially impassable.**
• Spring (Sep – Nov): Mild temperatures, becoming warmer. Weather can be variable with showers. Tracks may remain wet and boggy into late spring.

Note: Always check forest track conditions and CFA fire restrictions before entry. This is a self-sufficient 4WD location.