Tucked away on the shores of the vast Delatite Arm, Ewarts Camp Grounds offers a genuine escape for the self-sufficient camper seeking solitude and a direct connection with the waters of Lake Eildon. This is a primitive, informal camping area, favoured by those who arrive by boat or navigate the challenging 4WD tracks of the surrounding state forest. It represents a return to basic bush camping, where the luxury is not in the facilities, but in the pristine natural environment, the peaceful atmosphere, and the freedom to truly disconnect.
The campground is a series of small, secluded clearings nestled in the bush, providing campers with their own private slice of the Eildon shoreline. The raw, undeveloped nature of the site is its greatest appeal. There are no manicured lawns or designated sites, just natural clearings where you can pitch a tent or roll out a swag. The water’s edge is just a short stroll away, providing a refreshing spot for a swim on a hot day or a convenient place to launch a kayak to explore the quiet inlets. For anglers, this area is a prime location to chase Murray cod, golden perch, and trout, away from the more heavily trafficked parts of the lake.
Camping at Ewarts is an exercise in self-reliance. There are no toilets, no drinking water, and no rubbish bins. Every visitor must come fully equipped with everything they need for their stay and adhere to a strict ‘leave no trace’ policy, ensuring the area remains wild and unspoiled. Access via Delatite Plantation Road is for experienced 4WD users only, as the track can be rough and unpredictable. For this reason, many prefer to arrive by boat from nearby ramps at Jamieson or Goughs Bay. For the prepared adventurer, Ewarts Camp Grounds is a fantastic destination for an authentic, off-grid camping experience.
Ewarts Camp Grounds – VIC Location Map
Ewarts Camp Grounds
- Address: Delatite Plantation Rd, Lake Eildon, VIC 3713
- GPS Coordinates: -37.1490, 146.2080
Campsite Information
- Location: Remote eastern shore of the Delatite Arm, Lake Eildon.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, swags, small off-road camper trailers.
- Road Access: Difficult. High-clearance 4WD required via Delatite Plantation Rd. Tracks can be rough and impassable after rain. Boat access is a popular alternative.
- Site Surface: Dirt and natural bush floor.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free, dispersed camping is generally permitted in state forests.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit.
- Facilities: None. This is a completely primitive campsite.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: None. An emergency communication device (PLB/Satellite Phone) is essential for this area.
- TV Reception: None.
- Onsite Public Toilets: No. A portable toilet and waste disposal system are mandatory.
- Rubbish Bins: No. You must carry out absolutely everything you bring in.
- Open Fires: Permitted subject to local fire restrictions and Total Fire Bans. Use extreme caution and ensure fires are fully extinguished.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but not in keeping with the quiet nature of the site.
- Number of Sites Available: Various informal clearings suitable for small groups.
- Essentials to Bring: All water and food, portable toilet, rubbish bags, emergency communication device, firewood, first-aid kit.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted on-leash in Victorian State Forests.
Local Area & Amenities (Distances from Jamieson)
- Fishing: Excellent remote fishing for Murray cod, golden perch, and trout. A Victorian Fishing Licence is required.
- Short Walks: Explore the rugged shoreline and surrounding forest tracks.
- Nearest Town for Supplies: Jamieson (~25-30 km) or Mansfield (~45 km).
- Local Pubs:
- The Courthouse Hotel (Jamieson): ~25 km
- Jamieson Brewery and Grill (Jamieson): ~25 km
- The Delatite Hotel (Mansfield): ~45 km
- Places to Eat:
- Jamieson offers a pub, cafe, and general store.
- Mansfield has a wide range of dining options.
- Local Attractions:
- The historic gold town of Jamieson.
- The remote arms and inlets of Lake Eildon.
- The extensive network of 4WD tracks in the state forest.
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Jamieson Caravan Park.
- Goughs Bay Holiday Park.
- Next Free Camps: Numerous other informal sites throughout the state forest and along the lake shore.
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Jamieson (check for public access).
- Mansfield Showgrounds (public dump point).
- Nearest Petrol Station: Jamieson or Mansfield.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Fill all containers in Jamieson or Mansfield before heading into the forest.
- Public Toilets: Available in the townships of Jamieson and Goughs Bay.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and dry. High fire danger. Ideal for water-based activities. Average temperatures: 15°C to 32°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, clear days and cool nights. Best time for 4WDing and camping. Average temperatures: 8°C to 24°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and wet. Tracks are likely to be slippery and potentially closed. Average temperatures: 2°C to 13°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool with variable weather. Tracks can be very boggy from rain and snowmelt. Average temperatures: 6°C to 20°C.
