| At a Glance | |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free (permit required for stays over 3 days) |
| Location | 8 km north east of Elmore, Victoria |
| Pet Friendly | Yes |
| Campfires | Yes (with restrictions – 30cm deep trench, max 1m², 3m from vegetation, wind under 10kph) |
| Facilities | Accessible toilets, dump point, boat ramp nearby |
| Vehicle Access | Big Rig friendly – large grassy area |
| In Camps App | Yes – CAMPS tick of approval |
CAMPS Ambassadors, Dale and Tracey recently visited freedom camp, Aysons Reserve on the Campaspe River, and said it was a “great free camp” with “plenty of room for camping, especially for a group.”
Plus:
- large grassy area riverside – room for Big Rigs and groups
- accessible toilets and dump point
- pet friendly
- swimming, fishing, boating – boat ramp nearby
- shade and views
You need a permit if you want to stay longer than 3 days and 2 nights, there is no charge. You can only park one caravan at the reserve and you can’t spend more than 28 days a year camping at the reserve.
This location is so good it has the CAMPS tick of approval!
Please note:
If you want to light a campfire on Council-owned or managed land you must make sure that the fire is:
- set in a 30cm deep trench
- no bigger than 1m2
- at least 3 metres away from any vegetation
- always monitored by an adult
- fully extinguished when it’s not being watched by an adult
- not within 7.5 metres of a log or stump.
Also:
- You can only use dry solid fuel.
- You must have water handy to extinguish the fire.
- You can only light the fire if the wind speed is below 10kph.
The general rules about campsite tidiness, toilets and waste disposal also apply.
Find it 8 km north east of Elmore, where you can take a walking tour here, start at the Museum for a map.
Check it out in the CAMPS AUSTRALIA WIDE App and Guides, and here’s a video:
Download the Camps App for iPhone/iPad or Android
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aysons Reserve really free to camp at?
Yes, Aysons Reserve is a free camp on the Campaspe River. If you want to stay longer than 3 days and 2 nights, you need a permit but there’s no charge for it.
Can I bring my caravan and pets?
Yes, the site is pet friendly and suitable for caravans including Big Rigs. However, you can only park one caravan at the reserve and can’t spend more than 28 days a year camping there.
What facilities are available at Aysons Reserve?
The reserve has accessible toilets and a dump point. There’s also a boat ramp nearby for those wanting to launch their boat on the Campaspe River.
Can I have a campfire at Aysons Reserve?
Yes, but campfires must follow strict rules: set in a 30cm deep trench, no bigger than 1m², at least 3 metres from vegetation, always monitored by an adult, wind speed below 10kph, and you must have water handy to extinguish it.
Is Aysons Reserve suitable for large groups or Big Rigs?
Absolutely. There’s a large grassy riverside area with plenty of room for Big Rigs and groups, along with shade and river views.
What activities can I do at Aysons Reserve?
You can enjoy swimming, fishing and boating on the Campaspe River. There’s also a boat ramp nearby for easy water access.
How far is Aysons Reserve from Elmore?
The reserve is located 8 km north east of Elmore. You can take a walking tour in Elmore starting at the Museum where you can get a map.
How long can I stay at Aysons Reserve?
You can stay up to 3 days and 2 nights without a permit. For longer stays you need a free permit, but you can’t exceed 28 days total per year at the reserve.
