Nyah State Forest Campground — Wood Wood Camping Area, Nyah-Vinifera Park, Victoria

A dispersed bush camping area on the Murray River at Nyah-Vinifera Park, near Nyah and Swan Hill in the Mallee. Campers can swim or fish in the river, or relax among the River Red Gums, with no facilities on site so self-sufficiency is essential. Access is via unsealed roads best suited to 2WD in dry weather, with a 4WD recommended if conditions turn wet. Camping is free with no bookings, and dogs are not permitted within the park. Free Murray River camping among magnificent River Red Gums. Wood Wood Camping Area is a peaceful bush camping area within Nyah-Vinifera Park and the River Murray Reserve in north-west Victoria. Set beside the Murray River, it is an excellent destination for self-sufficient campers who enjoy fishing, swimming, kayaking, birdwatching and traditional riverside camping. Camping is completely free and no bookings are required. However, this is genuine bush camping with no toilets, showers, drinking water, power or rubbish bins, so visitors need to be fully self-sufficient.

Wood Wood Camping Area at a Glance

Where is Wood Wood Camping Area?

Wood Wood Camping Area is located within Nyah-Vinifera Park on the Victorian side of the Murray River, near the small community of Wood Wood and north-west of Swan Hill. The campground forms part of an extensive River Red Gum floodplain environment containing billabongs, wetlands, creeks and Murray River frontage. Rather than a formal campground with numbered sites, Wood Wood provides dispersed bush camping, allowing campers to choose an appropriate established camping location.

How Much Does it Cost?

Camping at Wood Wood Camping Area is completely free. Parks Victoria confirms that there are no camping fees for this camping area.

Do You Need to Book?

No. Bookings are not possible. There is no formal campsite reservation system. Camping operates on a first-come basis within suitable established camping areas.

Facilities

There are no facilities at Wood Wood Camping Area.

This is genuine self-sufficient Murray River bush camping. Campers should not expect the amenities normally found at a developed campground.

• No toilets
• No showers
• No drinking water
• No powered sites
• No rubbish bins
• No formal campground amenities

Campers should bring sufficient drinking water, food, cooking equipment, toilet facilities and rubbish bags for their entire stay. Water from the Murray River is not suitable for drinking.

Camping with Caravans and Motorhomes

Parks Victoria confirms that Wood Wood Camping Area can accommodate tents, caravans and motorhomes. Access is via unsealed roads. These can generally be suitable for two-wheel-drive vehicles in dry weather only, while a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended. Anyone towing a caravan should be particularly cautious following rain or periods of high river levels, as floodplain tracks can quickly become muddy, slippery or impassable.

Camping Beside the Murray River

The Murray River is the major attraction at Wood Wood, providing a beautiful backdrop for a relaxed bush camping trip.

Activities include:

• Fishing
• Swimming
• Kayaking
• Canoeing
• Birdwatching
• Wildlife spotting
• Photography
• Relaxing beside the river

Campsites must be established at least 20 metres from the riverbank to help protect the fragile river environment.

Swimming

Swimming in the Murray River can be enjoyable during warmer weather, but visitors need to take considerable care. Potential hazards include strong currents, deep holes, submerged logs, low visibility, unstable banks and sudden drop-offs. Never dive or jump into unfamiliar sections of the river and always supervise children closely around the water.

Fishing

Fishing is one of the most popular activities at Wood Wood. Because the Murray River itself falls under New South Wales jurisdiction, NSW fishing and boating regulations apply to activities on the Murray River. Victorian regulations apply to other  waterways within the park. Check current licence, size, bag and seasonal fishing regulations before fishing.

Campfires

Campfires are permitted when conditions allow, but strict rules apply.

Campfires must not be lit on a Total Fire Ban day. When fires are permitted:

• Clear a three-metre area around the fire of flammable material
• Have at least 10 litres of water immediately available
• Have an adult attending the fire at all times
• Keep the fire no larger than one metre across
• Contain the fire in a pit at least 30 centimetres deep
• Completely extinguish the fire with water before leaving

Do not use soil to extinguish your fire. A fire is only safe to leave when it is completely cool to touch.

Can You Collect Firewood?

Firewood can be collected for on-site use only, subject to current Parks Victoria restrictions.

Only dead wood lying on the ground should be collected. Firewood cannot be removed from the park and should not be dragged through vegetation.

River Red Gum Safety

Wood Wood is surrounded by magnificent River Red Gums, but these trees can also present a serious hazard. Large branches and even entire trees can fall without warning, including during calm weather. Do not camp, park or rest underneath or close to large River Red Gums. Inspect the area carefully before setting up your campsite.

Directions to Wood Wood Camping Area

From Swan Hill

Travel north-west from Swan Hill along the Murray Valley Highway towards Nyah and Wood Wood. Wood Wood is approximately 35 kilometres north-west of Swan Hill. Access to the riverside camping areas is via local unsealed roads and tracks leading from the highway towards the Murray River.

From Wood Wood

One approach to the river camping area is from near the Wood Wood rest area on the Murray Valley Highway. Continue approximately 200 metres south-east towards Swan Hill and look for the access towards Burns Lane. Burns Lane leads towards the Murray River and continues through the riverside camping area. Because tracks can change following floods, rain and environmental works, use current mapping and follow local Parks Victoria signage when entering the park.

What Should You Bring?

Wood Wood has no facilities, so campers need to be completely self-sufficient.

• Plenty of drinking water
• Food and cooking equipment
• Portable camping toilet
• Rubbish bags
• First-aid kit
• Insect repellent
• Sun protection
• Fishing equipment if required
• Recovery equipment if exploring remote tracks
• Offline maps or downloaded directions

There are no rubbish bins, so everything brought into the camping area should leave with you.

Is Wood Wood Camping Area Worth Visiting?

Wood Wood is a great option for campers looking for free and undeveloped Murray River camping near Swan Hill. The combination of free camping, no bookings, Murray River frontage and access for tents, caravans and motorhomes makes it particularly appealing to experienced self-sufficient campers. The trade-off is the complete lack of facilities. There are no toilets, showers, bins, power or drinking water, while unsealed access tracks can become difficult after rain or flooding. For campers who enjoy traditional riverside bush camping, fishing, birdwatching and relaxing beneath the River Red Gums, Wood Wood is well worth considering.

Important 2026 Access Information

Environmental works are taking place within Nyah-Vinifera Park from June to December 2026. The Victorian Murray Floodplain Restoration Project is carrying out works in the park, and visitors may encounter temporary track closures, restricted areas and increased heavy-vehicle movements. Anyone planning to camp at Wood Wood during this period should check current Parks Victoria access information immediately before travelling.