Dartmouth Roadside Camping Area

🏕️ Dartmouth Roadside Camping Area – Dartmouth, VIC 🏕️

📍 DESCRIPTION & LOCATIONLocated just south of Dartmouth township along Dartmouth Road, this small, informal roadside camping area sits near a bend in the Mitta Mitta River. Commonly used by anglers, paddlers, and travellers exploring the Dartmouth Dam and Upper Mitta region, this unmarked site offers grassy, flat space close to the river. It's a convenient free option for short stays or fishing weekends, with minimal facilities and easy highway access.

🕰️ HISTORYThe Dartmouth region was developed around the construction of Dartmouth Dam in the 1970s, now one of the largest water storages in Australia. This unofficial site has long been used as a roadside rest spot by locals and regulars travelling between Mitta Mitta and the lake. The nearby township was originally established to house dam workers and remains a close-knit rural community.

🚿 FACILITIES AND AMENITIES

• Unmarked grassy areas for tents and small setups

• No toilet

• No fire pits or tables – campfire use subject to local restrictions

• River access nearby (untreated water only)

• No drinking water

• No bins – pack in, pack out

• Pets allowed on leash 🐾

🚛 VEHICLE ACCESS

• Sealed access directly from Dartmouth Road

• Suitable for 2WD vehicles, camper trailers, small caravans, and rooftop setups

• No turning bay – tight for large rigs

• Flat ground, but can be damp or soft after rain

🛌 STAY INFORMATION (as at July 2025)

• Free stay

• No bookings required

• Informal roadside site – first come, first served

• Best for overnight or weekend stays

• No signage or marked boundaries

• Self-contained or basic setups only – no amenities provided

🍻 PUBS & CLUBS NEARBY

• Dartmouth Hotel (~2 min): Friendly pub with bar meals, pool tables, and local trout on the menu

• Mitta Mitta Brewing Co. (~45 min): Popular brewery and bistro with views and local beer

⛺ NEARBY CAMPGROUNDS

• Dartmouth Caravan Park – full-facility park in township (cabins, powered sites)

• Kennedy’s Reserve – grassy, informal riverside camp ~30 min northeast

• The Junction Campsite (Mitta Mitta) – free riverside camp near Mitta Mitta township

🌄 NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

• Dartmouth Dam Lookout: Panoramic views and picnic area

• Lake Dartmouth: Fishing, boating, kayaking

• Dart River & Mitta Mitta River: Popular for trout fishing

• Dartmouth township: Café, gallery, and local crafts

• Anglers Rest & Omeo Highway Drive: Scenic route through Upper Mitta Valley

🛒 NEAREST SUPPLIES

• Dartmouth (~2 min):

  • Small general store (fuel, bait, drinks, basic groceries)

  • Pub and café

• Mitta Mitta (~45 min):

  • General store, café, fuel

• Tallangatta (~1 hr 15 min):

  • IGA, pharmacy, full fuel and services

• Water refill: None on-site – bring your own

🗣️ REVIEWS SUMMARY

Loved for:

• Peaceful riverside spot close to town

• Free and easy access

• Handy for anglers and short stays

Watch-outs:

• No toilets or bins – bring everything

• Not suited to big caravans

• Can be boggy after heavy rain

🚨 BREAKDOWN & EMERGENCY INFO

• Emergency: 000

• Fuel and LPG: Dartmouth and Mitta Mitta

• Auto repair: Tallangatta Auto Repairs

• Medical: Mitta Mitta Bush Nursing Centre / Omeo District Health

• Mobile reception: Fair – Telstra only

• CB UHF: Channel 40 (road traffic) | Channel 5 (emergency only)

• Additional safety: This is an informal riverside stop with no supervision – take extra care during flood or fire conditions.

📝 FINAL NOTEThis is a no-frills roadside stop best suited to those passing through or looking to cast a line before sunset. It’s quiet, close to town, and perfect for low-key, self-contained stays near Dartmouth Dam—just be prepared with everything you need.