Deptford Campground: Riverside Camping
Deptford Campground: Historic Riverside Camping in East Gippsland
The Deptford Camping area is located in the Nicholson State Forest in Victoria, about 35km north of Bairnsdale on the Nicholson River. The area is the site of a former gold mining town settlement. There are still a few ruins around to explore.
The present-day campground is a secluded area nestled on the banks of the Nicholson River in East Gippsland. The sites are dispersed in various clearings in the surrounding forest near the river crossing.
Access is via one of the many AWD or 4WD tracks that litter the forest. The campground is a great spot for jumping into any trip onwards that you have planned. In fact, we used the campground as a stopping point on return from a short overland trip to the Snowy River National Park.
Key Features
- Location: Deptford Road, Deptford Vic 3875
- Cost: Free
- Facilities: Non-flush toilets, picnic tables, fire pits
- Campfires: Allowed (check restrictions)
- Pets: Allowed
Our Experience
Deptford Campground offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty. We did not stop for long but enjoyed the scenic drive into the camp area, some of the tracks coming from the south are pretty washed out and probably not suitable for an AWD, so be careful which way your GPS takes you. Also, watch out for the water crossing if coming from the South as in the winter the water level could be higher, should not be a problem for a 4×4, but could be a problem for a smaller car.
The campground was pretty quiet, there were a few people but it was not crowded, the dispersed nature means that any noise from adjacent neighbours is minimised, with plenty of shade provided by the surrounding trees. The Nicholson River is perfect for swimming, fishing, and kayaking.
If you have more time available, we would recommend checking out the various tourist drives in the forests that are on the information boards and also the “More to Explore App”.
Deptford Campground – Gallery
Things to Do in the Area
- Deptford Historic Walk: Take a walk through the remains of the old town and discover its fascinating history.
- Nicholson River: Go swimming, fishing, or kayaking in the clear waters of the Nicholson River.
- 4WD Tracks: Explore the surrounding state forest on the network of 4WD tracks.
- Birdwatching: The area around Deptford is home to a variety of bird species, making it a great spot for birdwatching.
- Bairnsdale: Visit the nearby town of Bairnsdale for supplies, shops, and other amenities.
On our way out in the morning we saw a lot of wallabies, loved this campground.
Please feel free to join the discussion and leave a comment below.
Dan’s a windsurfing, adventure-seeking nomad with a passion for exploring the globe overland and an Engineer. Having grown up in the Middle East, he brings a unique perspective to Getting Lost Again, sharing his love for discovering hidden gems and embracing the unexpected. When he’s not on the road, he finds inspiration in windsurfing and other creative pursuits – and is equally at home under a vehicle solving problems as he is exploring a new place.
