| Cost | Free camping examples discussed |
|---|---|
| Location | Examples: Graeme Caxton Reserve, Cadell, SA & Ferny Flat, Alpine National Park, Omeo Valley, VIC |
| Topic | Campsite parking etiquette and space sharing |
| Key Message | Keep access open and don’t hog more space than needed |
| In Camps App | Yes – Both sites mentioned are in the Camps App |
We love a campsite all to ourselves! However, we make sure that our campsite parking does not prevent other travellers enjoying the campground, too.
CAMPS fan, Michael Lennon sent us an update on free camp, Graeme Caxton Reserve near Cadell in the Mid Murray Region of South Australia. With it he explained a camping “no no”:
Graeme Claxton Reserve, Cadell, South Australia
Over many years and trips this has been one of our most favourite camping spots after crossing the Nullarbor on our way to visit Maureen’s parents when they were alive in Mildura.
Unfortunately, last year when we arrived there, two women in separate motorhomes had parked in such a way and set up a campfire, that it was impossible to reverse a large caravan into the camping area.
On past occasions there had always been a number of other campers there, but everyone parked in a sensible manner, as can be seen in here:
There were no other campers there on this day and we suspect that others, like us, moved on.
Hogwash Bend, where we have also camped, is not far away and so we drove there for the night as the women showed that they were in no mood to be considerate and shift one of their vehicles. Fortunately, ignorant and unpleasant people like them are an extreme rarity.
This only happened to us recently, too!
Ferny Flat, Alpine National Park, Omeo Valley, Victoria
It was a campground along the beautiful Mitta Mitta River at Ferny Flat, north of Omeo in Victorian High Country. You’ll find it in the CAMPS App – about 7km north of the Hinnomunjie Bridge free camp.
Admittedly, space was tight to begin with in this national park site. We list it as suitable for tents and camper trailers.
It is a narrow camp with a larger, lovely clearing at the end – where vehicles could have turned around. We always love a campfire with a river view!
There was only one road in – near the tent pictured.
You can see how the rest of the camp area was blocked off by one campervan.
Luckily, we were auditing camps, and had left the van behind.
Now, we had checked out over 200 sites on our three week High Country trip… Thankfully, this was the only time that we had seen this greedy, inconsiderate behaviour.
(Also note, you can access the camp at Taylors Crossing from here – but it is a bumpy – jump up filled 4WD high clearance track only – and don’t even think about it if it has been raining. There is much better access from Benambra. However, it does include a river crossing.)
Tips
We love freedom camping. Often there is little need to reverse or even unhitch, there’s no check out time, and you can arrive when you like. Best of all, you can choose your site and mostly, the surroundings are nature at its best!
Remember to keep access open, don’t hog more space than you need and the golden rule (number 14) plus more tips. So, with your campsite parking, please be considerate of other RV travellers. See you on the road!
And if you want to access more free camps like this – check out our camps+ App and travel guides.
Download the Camps App for iPhone/iPad or Android
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main rule for campsite parking etiquette?
Always keep access open for other campers and don’t take up more space than you need. Park in a sensible manner that allows other travellers to reverse caravans and larger vehicles into the camping area.
Where is Graeme Caxton Reserve located?
Graeme Caxton Reserve is a free camp near Cadell in the Mid Murray Region of South Australia. It’s a popular stop for travellers crossing the Nullarbor heading to or from Victoria.
What type of vehicles can access Ferny Flat campground?
Ferny Flat in Alpine National Park near Omeo is listed as suitable for tents and camper trailers. Space is tight, with a larger clearing at the end for turning around vehicles.
What should I do if someone has blocked campsite access?
While most campers are considerate, if someone has blocked access, you can politely ask them to move. If they refuse, it’s best to move on to an alternative campsite nearby rather than cause conflict.
Can I access Taylors Crossing from Ferny Flat?
Yes, but it’s a bumpy, jump-up filled 4WD high clearance track only. Don’t attempt it if it has been raining. There is much better access to Taylors Crossing from Benambra, though it does include a river crossing.
What is the golden rule for freedom camping?
The post refers to the golden rule as number 14, which relates to being considerate of other RV travellers. Check the Camps App for current details on all camping guidelines and etiquette tips.
How can I find more free camps like these?
Download the Camps Australia Wide App (Camps+ App) available for iPhone/iPad or Android, or check out their travel guides to access thousands of verified free camping sites across Australia.
Are inconsiderate campers common at free camps?
No, ignorant and unpleasant campers who block access are an extreme rarity. Out of over 200 sites audited on a three-week High Country trip, this behaviour was only seen once.
