Horseshoe Bend Camping Area

A winding river in a rugged bushland landscape.

This area has additional visitor advice This area has reported issues This area is closed

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Horseshoe Bend Camping Area

Unwind on the banks of the Wimmera River and enjoy fishing, swimming and canoeing, or explore some of the easy walks nearby.

Set amongst ancient River Red Gums and surrounded by a variety of colourful birds, Horseshoe Bend Camping Area offers 30 unpowered campsites suitable for tents, camper trailers, campervans and caravans.

Campground facilities include flushing toilets, communal fireplaces and picnic tables. There is no drinking water available and you need to bring your own firewood.

Individual campsites cannot be reserved, select your campsite(s) within the campground on arrival.

Advanced bookings and payment are required year-round. Each campsite holds a maximum of six people. Please book multiple sites for bookings of more than six people.

Things to do in the area

 
The path to the lookout at Pomponderoo Hill in warmth of the early evening sunshine

Pomponderoo Hill Nature Walk

Enjoy 360-degree views of the Little Desert from the Pomponderoo Hill lookout. This short, easy self-guided loop-track is sandy underfoot and takes you through an area of typical Little Desert country.
Little Desert National Park - Discovery Walk track

Walks in Little Desert National Park

The park has a number of marked, signposted walks, ranging from 30 minutes to three days duration.
Trail head for the Discovery Walk at Little Desert National Park

Little Desert Discovery Walk

This four-day walk has been designed to showcase the different ecosystems of the Little Desert National Park. With two overnight camps along the way, long-distance walkers can tackle all or part of the 74 km Little Desert Discovery Walk.
Father and son bird watching on boardwalk

Bird watching

From bushland to wetlands and everything in between, parks provide habitat to an abundance of common and rare bird species. Go for a wander and see how many you can spot.
Stargazing in the Murray Sunset National Park.

Stargazing

Escape the city lights to remote nature locations to see the spectacular starry southern night sky.

How to get there

Horseshoe Bend Camping Area

Horsehoe Bend Camping area is seven kilometres south of Dimboola. Little Desert National Park is 350km west of Melbourne, between the Wimmera River and the South Australian border. From Dimboola, cross the river and follow Horsehoe Bend Road to the camping area. The unsealed road is maintained in good condition and is suitable for two wheel drives, caravans and camper trailers.
Horseshoe Bend Camping Area

When you're there

Download the Little Desert National Park visitor guide for more information about the park and the plethora of experiences to be had within its borders. 

Need to know

Horseshoe Bend Camping Area

Accessibility

Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.

Be prepared and stay safe

Little Desert National Park is in the Wimmera fire district. Bushfires can occur during the warmer months. It is your responsibility to check current and forecast weather conditions. Campfires cannot be lit on days of Total Fire Ban, however gas cookers can be used for preparing food.

Check the Fire Danger Rating and for days of Total Fire Ban at emergency.vic.gov.au, on the Vic Emergency App or call the Vic Emergency Hotline 1800 226 226.

Change of Conditions

Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Little Desert National Park Fire Recovery - Partial reopening for school holidays

    In January 2025, a large bushfire swept through the park and burnt a large area of the Little Desert National Park. The eastern (near Dimboola) and central areas were impacted, including significant damage to campgrounds, roads and walking tracks.
    The remote western area known as the Western Block was not affected and is open for visitors.
     
    Recovery works have commenced and the following visitor areas are reopening in time for the September School Holidays:
    • Horseshoe Bend Picnic ground and camping area
    • Ackle Bend Picnic ground and camping area
    • Kiata Sanctuary Picnic ground
     
    Please see the attached information for more detailed information on what is opened and closed in the park.

    Attachments: 2025 SEPT Little Desert NP Re-opening Park Update (800KB)

Similar experiences

A tent, fireplace and picnic table at Wonga Camground at Wyperfeld National Park

Wonga Camping Area

Pitch a tent or park your caravan or campervan at your own private bush oasis. There are 60 unpowered campsites spread across the spacious campground.
A campfire and picnic table near the river's edge at Ackle Bend Campground in Little Desert National Park

Ackle Bend Camping Area

Relax at camp where the desert meets the river and watch colourful birds dart in and out of tree hollows, or come prepared to take a walk and discover the secrets of this river oasis and unique desert country.
A couple in their twenties camp at the Mt Stapylton Campground in the Grampians National Park.

Stapylton Campground

Stapylton Campground is one of the best places to stay when exploring the Northern Grampians. It is close to a great selection of day walks, Aboriginal rock shelters, picnic areas and day visitor sites.
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