Taylors Creek Campground | Free High Country Camping on the Big River

For a fantastic free camping adventure deep in the Victorian High Country, Taylors Creek Campground is a popular and scenic choice for self-sufficient travellers. Located in the magnificent Big River State Forest, this classic bush camp offers a serene escape on the banks of the Big River, making it a hotspot for four-wheel drivers, trail bike riders, anglers, and families. The campground is a large, open, and relatively flat grassy area, surrounded by the towering eucalypts of the alpine forest. There is an abundance of space, providing plenty of excellent sites for all kinds of setups, from tents and swags to off-road caravans and camper trailers. The atmosphere is social and friendly, a place where campers gather to share stories of their day’s adventures exploring the rugged mountain terrain.

The campground’s prime location is its greatest asset. It’s one of the most accessible large campgrounds along the famed Big River Road, serving as a perfect basecamp for exploring the vast network of 4WD tracks that lead to historic huts, challenging climbs, and breathtaking lookouts. The Big River itself is a major drawcard, offering cool, clear waters for a refreshing swim on a hot day and providing excellent opportunities for trout fishing. The surrounding forest is alive with wildlife, with kangaroos, wallabies, and lyrebirds often spotted nearby. While it is a free, back-to-basics campground, it is equipped with non-flush toilets, which is a welcome convenience in such a remote area. Its proximity to Lake Eildon and the historic town of Jamieson means that other recreational pursuits and a good pub meal are never too far away. For a classic, budget-friendly High Country experience that’s rich in adventure and natural beauty, Taylors Creek is an outstanding destination.

Campground Information

• Name: Taylors Creek Camp Ground
• Address: Dingo Track, Eildon VIC 3713

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -37.29404779704957, 146.03677501169926

Website

• Website: This is a free campground in a State Forest. Information is available on the Explore Outdoors (VIC Gov) website.

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Riverside bush camp in the Big River State Forest.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, Caravans, and Motorhomes.
• Road Access: Unsealed gravel road (Big River Rd). Generally 2WD accessible with care in dry conditions, but can be corrugated and slippery. 4WD recommended.
• Site Surface: Mostly grass and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe FFM Vic guidelines for State Forests.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets, fire pits. No power or showers.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water or have a reliable purification system.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very patchy to non-existent. A satellite messenger is recommended.
• TV Reception: Unlikely.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush (pit) toilets.
• Rubbish Bins: No. This is a strict carry-in, carry-out site.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits only, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. BYO firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of the natural setting and other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Large, unmarked area with many sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, insect repellent, fishing gear.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead in State Forest areas.

Activities

• Fishing: Excellent trout fishing in the Big River and surrounding streams.
• Short Walks: Numerous bushwalking and 4WD tracks to explore in the surrounding forest.
• 4WD & Trail Bike Riding: This is a premier location with a vast network of tracks.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • The Kevington Hotel (Kevington) – Approx. 30 km (via 4WD tracks)
  • The Courthouse Hotel (Jamieson) – Approx. 35 km
  • The Jamieson Hotel – Approx. 35 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Jamieson Brewery & Grill – Approx. 35 km
  • The Jamieson Cafe – Approx. 35 km
  • Both Jamieson pubs offer bistro meals – Approx. 35 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Historic town of Jamieson – Approx. 35 km
  • Lake Eildon National Park – Accessible via local tracks
  • High Country 4WD Tracks – You are in them!
  • Mount Terrible Lookout – Accessible via 4WD tracks
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Jamieson Caravan Park – Approx. 35 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Numerous other campsites along Big River Road (e.g., Chaffe Creek, The Pines).
  • Grannys Flat Reserve (near Jamieson) – Approx. 30 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Mansfield Public Dump Point – Approx. 85 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Jamieson – Approx. 35 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available in Jamieson.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite (non-flush).

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days with cool mountain nights, perfect for swimming. Averaging 12-28°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights, the peak season for autumn foliage and 4WDing. Averaging 7-22°C.
• Winter (Jun-Nov): Cold, with frequent frosts and a high chance of snow. Roads are often seasonally closed.
• Spring (Nov-Dec): Cool to mild as tracks reopen, with rivers running high. Averaging 5-19°C.