Free camp on the river

Free camp on the river covers the informal, free riverside camping spots along the Murray at Nichols Point, just out of Mildura. No fees, no marked sites and no facilities, simply unregulated bush camping on the riverbank, with dogs generally welcome on lead. If you want a holiday park with amenities, this is not it.

Dogs at the river camp

Dogs are allowed to stay overnight at no cost, on a lead in the shared, unfenced areas near the riverbank. That leash rule is not just etiquette: this is a wildlife-rich stretch of river where pelicans, swans and other waterbirds feed along the edge, and native animals move through at all hours. There are no bins or taps, so bring all your dog's food and water plus waste bags, and carry everything out.

The camp

The sites suit tents, campers and self-contained vans: there are no toilets, showers, water or rubbish collection, and strict leave-no-trace applies. What you get instead is a spot right on the water, with sunrise over the river, houseboats sliding past, and enough birdlife to keep a camera busy. It is peaceful midweek, but weekends draw local day-trippers and BBQ traffic, and jetskis work the river on warm days. Note the wider river rules: overnight camping is prohibited in some sections of the Murray reserve closer into urban Mildura, so camp in the Nichols Point stretch rather than drifting toward town.

Getting there and parking

Access is off local roads at Nichols Point on the southern bank across from Mildura, with unmarked parking on natural ground along the riverbank. Tracks are dirt and can be narrow, so check your clearance before committing, particularly after rain.

Max: Keep your dog leashed and close here. Unfenced riverbank, constant birdlife, and no fence between camp and the water means off-lead is not worth the risk, even with good recall.

Nearby with the dogs

For a proper off-lead run, Mildura Fenced Dog Park (Rio Vista Park) is a short drive into Mildura with secure zones by the riverfront. Bobby + Me works for coffee in town, and if you want powered sites and showers instead, NRMA Mildura Riverside Holiday Park is the full-facility option.

More options are on the VIC dog-friendly stays list, with local notes in the Nichols Point destination guide.