Howqua, Victoria. Running Creek Camping Reserve
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There is abundant supply of freecamps in the huge area surrounding the entire Lake Eildon, and Howqua is located where the Howqua River enters Lake Eildon.
Running Creek Camping Reserve is off the Howqua River Road, on the Howqua River and has been a camp ground for many many years. The camp ground is well known, very popular for peak periods and long weekends. Other times should always have plenty of room. The turn off of the Howqua River Road is via the Mansfield Woods Point Road. The Howqua River is around 2/3 of the way from Mansfield to Jamieson and just after the Howqua River bridge. The dirt Howqua River Road leads the 10km or so to the Running Creek Camping Reserve which is also dog friendly.
The Howqua River Road is a very dusty track which narrows significantly in sections along its often tightly winding and steep length. The track itself is formed and relatively well maintained, but a number a blind corners combined with a very narrow track width could pose a interesting situation should two opposing towing vehicles meet.
The track is not 4×4 but the steepness of some of the sections and the main entry track into the camping area may pose an issue to non 4x4s with heavy rigs, or in the event of significant local rain.
The camping ground is divided into 4 distinct areas, with the main large 1st camp area entered at the end of the short access track off the Howqua River Road. The remaining 3 camp areas are divided by the requirement to cross the Howqua River to access each of the those 3 areas. All camp areas have no structured sites, and are the entire area is random and undefined camping. At busy times its likely that tents would almost using the same pegs. Booking isnt possible and its first in best dressed. Outside main holidays there should always be ample room. The river crossings to the other camp areas are subject to water levels in the river, and all crossings are a firm solid stoney, well used base. The usual slimy rocks which can cause some insignificant slipping in river crossings are all but non existent in these heavily used river crossings.
The entry and exit points to each of the river crossings are ample width for the largest of caravans, and there is ample turn around points should the decision be made to turn back. The river crossings are very low on the skill and difficulty levels, and are certainly a safe and fun addition to a camping adventure. There was a very small amount of wood about, but preference should be given to bringing your own.
The Howqua River runs along the boundaries of the length of the entire camp ground, so water is always available. (NOTE; All Australian River systems are know to carry bacteria, and you can never know whats in the water upstream. Whilst river water is fine for washing never drink it, only drink potable water from a known source)
The main and third camp areas are large areas and have newish, well maintained long drop toilets. The 2nd and last camp areas don’t have long drops. The toilets are large enough to set up a temporary camp shower at times where there isn’t too many people around
VR 360 Image of the 2nd river crossing into the 3 camp area
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VR 360 Image of the camp area immediately over the second river crossing
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VR 360 Image of a camp area river side, with the 3rd river crossing visible downtream
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Towing our 20ft Outback out of the 3rd camp area, through 2 of the river crossings though the main 1st camp area and up the access track to the Howqua River Road