Haythorpe Reserve

Haythorpe Reserve is a low-cost, council-run riverfront campground on Hunter Road at Cowirra, directly across the Murray River from the Mannum township. Sites sit right on the grassy and dirt riverbank, largely unpowered, and the reserve is one of the few budget options in the area that lets you bring the dog.

Dogs at Haythorpe Reserve

Dogs are permitted, provided they stay under effective control, and the practical expectation is a lead at all times. That protects wildlife along the riverbank, other campers and your own dog, given the working river runs along the edge of the sites. Standard Mid Murray Council animal management rules apply: pick up after your dog and manage barking around neighbouring camps.

Camping fees are modest, in the order of $10 per vehicle per night under the council's current fees and charges register, but confirm the current rate and any conditions before you arrive, since reserve camping arrangements can change.

Max: keep the lead on after dark. This is a bush camp with wildlife moving through and the river right at the edge of your site.

Worth knowing

This is a nature-based site, not a serviced holiday park. Expect basic facilities: a dump point, fire pits at some spots, and toilets reported on site, but arrive self-contained with your own drinking water and power. The water frontage is the drawcard, with room for caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers and tents, and dogs can paddle at the bank on a hot day.

Getting there

From Mannum, take the ferry across the Murray and follow the signs towards Cowirra and Hunter Road, a drive of only a few minutes. Most vehicles manage the access track easily, though larger rigs should take the tighter spots carefully. The ferry itself carries dogs on lead, which makes the crossing into town an easy outing.

While you're out there

Across the river, Mannum has riverfront paths and dog-friendly outdoor tables at places like the Mannum Cafe. If you would rather have powered sites and park facilities, BIG4 Mannum Holiday Park offers dog-friendly sites and cabins with prior approval, and Cowirra Caravan Park is another riverside option on the same side of the river.

More options are on the South Australia pet friendly stays guide and the Mannum destination page.