Good to know

  • Walk-in only (200 m)
  • Heavily treed river bank and some open areas
  • No facilities available
  • Portable toilet required
  • Campfires permitted - bring your own firewood
  • No dogs allowed
  • Sheep and cattle graze this area
  • Mobile phone coverage is available

Activities

  • Dispersed camping
  • Fishing
  • Walking

Camping area description

The Serpentine Camping area 1 provides walk-in camping and fishing on the banks of the Loddon River, approximately 4.3 km south of Serpentine, with pedestrian access along Crown land adjacent to the Loddon River off the Bridgewater Serpentine Road (refer to the map below).This camping area is on a licensed Crown water frontage that has been designated for camping. Before visiting this site, find out about camping on licensed Crown water frontages.

The camping area is mostly flat with access to the river. There are trees in the camping area.

It is important that campers take care to use the map and instructions below to safely access the area and avoid trespassing on private property.

Camping is only permitted in the designated area on this frontage (see map below). Visitors may use other areas of Crown water frontage for recreational activities other than camping such as fishing, walking, and picnicking.

Safety

Crown water frontages are rough and rugged bush camp areas. Before you go, it is important to consider all potential risks and hazards when accessing and camping at this location. Campers are responsible for their own safety and the safety of those in their care.

Tree hazard

  • Trees and limbs may fall unexpectedly. Avoid camping under trees.
  • Stormy and windy weather increases the risk that trees and limbs may fall.

Livestock

  • This site may be part of a working farm
  • Cattle may be present on this water frontage and access the river.
  • If cattle approach you, avoid sudden movements and loud noises.
  • Farm animals  are not pets. They can be large and unpredictable and should not be approached.
  • Store your food in a secure container to avoid attracting livestock and other animals.
  • Leave all gates as you find them.

Water and flood safety

  • Play it safe by the water.
  • Hidden dangers may include submerged objects and debris and strong currents. A storm well upstream from you could cause flash flooding.
  • Check the Bureau of Meteorology for weather forecasts and flood warnings, or visit Play it Safe by the Water for more information.

Bushfires

  • Be aware of dangerous weather and bushfire conditions.
  • Check VicEmergency for information about current fires, Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Bans.

Other risks that may be present include dangerous terrain, animals and adjoining farming operations.

How to get there

  1. From Serpentine, travel for 4.3 km south on Bridgewater-Serpentine Road to the Loddon River bridge
  2. Parking is east of the road on the northern side of the Loddon River, space may be limited
  3. Enter the Crown land adjacent to the bridge
  4. Walk along the river bank, approximately 150 m to the camping area

Get directions to the camping area access point

Map - camping area

Loddon River Serpentine camping area 1 map

Map - Loddon River - Serpentine camping area 1 (PDF, 1.8 MB)

Resources

Further information

Page last updated: 28/02/23