Soapworks River Bend Boat Ramp – Free Murrumbidgee Camping Hay

For self-sufficient travellers seeking a quieter, more rustic riverside experience near Hay, the Soapworks River Bend Boat Ramp offers a fantastic free camping alternative. Located on a gentle bend of the Murrumbidgee River, just a short distance from the bustling Sandy Point, this spot provides a greater sense of seclusion and a classic bush camping atmosphere. The area is essentially a large, open, and mostly level clearing that follows the riverbank, offering numerous spots where you can pull up your caravan or camper and claim your own slice of waterfront tranquility. It’s a place to truly unwind, listen to the river flow, and enjoy the peace of the Riverina landscape.

This is a primitive campground in the truest sense, with no facilities whatsoever—no toilets, no water, and no bins. As such, it is strictly for fully self-contained campers who are equipped to be completely self-reliant and are committed to leaving no trace. The direct access to the river via the dirt boat ramp makes it a popular spot for local anglers and boaties, and campers can easily launch a kayak or a small tinnie to explore the Murrumbidgee or try their luck fishing for its famous Murray cod. The campground is very pet-friendly, with ample space for dogs to roam. Despite its secluded feel, it’s only a five-minute drive from the heart of Hay, so all the town’s services are still conveniently within reach. For those who don’t need amenities and prioritise peace and river access, the Soapworks Bend is an ideal choice.

• GPS Coordinates: -34.50754, 144.82091

Site Information

• Location: On the Murrumbidgee River, west of the Hay town centre.
• Site suitable for: Fully self-contained vehicles such as caravans, motorhomes, and camper trailers.
• Road access: Unsealed track, generally 2WD accessible in dry weather.
• Site surface: Dirt and grass.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge. Strictly for self-contained campers.
• Maximum overnight stays: Generally 72 hours.
• Facilities: None.
• Picnic tables: No.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Good for Telstra, may be patchy for others.
• TV reception: Good.
• Onsite public toilets: No. You must have your own onboard toilet.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
• Open fires: Permitted in your own fire pit, subject to local fire bans.
• Generator use: Permitted, with consideration for others.
• Number of sites available: Many unmarked sites along the river.

Essentials to Bring

• Your own toilet and shower facilities.
• All drinking and washing water.
• Rubbish bags to carry out all waste.
• A fire pit and your own firewood.
• Fishing gear and a NSW Recreational Fishing Licence.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes.
• Fishing: Excellent fishing in the Murrumbidgee River, with easy boat access.
• Short walks: Pleasant walks along the riverbank.

Local Amenities (in Hay)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Crown Hotel, Hay (~4 km)
  • Riverina Hotel, Hay (~4 km)
  • New Crown Hotel, Hay (~4 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A wide selection of pubs, cafes, clubs and bakeries in Hay (~4 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Shear Outback, The Australian Shearers Hall of Fame (~4 km)
  • Dunera Museum (~4 km)
  • Sandy Point Beach Reserve (~2 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Hay Plains Holiday Park, Hay (~4 km)
  • Discovery Parks – Hay (~4 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Sandy Point Beach Reserve (~2 km)
  • Wooloondool Campground (~10 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Hay Showgrounds (~5 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Hay (~4 km)
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Hay Visitor Information Centre (~4 km)
• Public Toilets:
  • The nearest are at Sandy Point (~2 km) or in Hay town centre (~4 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Riverina Region

• Summer (December – February): Very hot and dry. Average temperatures from 20°C to 36°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm to mild sunny days and cool nights. Ideal for camping. Temperatures range from 10°C to 29°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cold, especially overnight with heavy frosts. Days are typically cool but sunny. Temperatures range from 3°C to 16°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm days with cool nights. A beautiful time to visit as the landscape greens. Temperatures range from 9°C to 26°C.