Hutchesons Campground

A fireplace in front of a large tent next to the river at Hutchessons Campground at Lower Glenelg National Park.

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Hutchesons Campground

Take an easy drive to this quiet campground along the Glenelg River. Pitch a tent and watch for native wildlife as you listen to the river flow by.
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Set amongst eucalypt forest with access to the Glenelg River, Hutchessons Campground is the ideal location to enjoy canoeing, kayaking and fishing.     

This small campground contains two unpowered campsites, both suitable for camper trailers and tents only.

Launch a canoe or kayak and paddle up or down the peaceful water, or try your luck fishing from the jetty.

Each campsite accommodates up to six people. Campground facilities include non-flush toilets, fireplaces, picnic tables and non-potable water.

Bring your own drinking water and firewood. Advanced bookings and payment are required year-round. 

Things to do in the area

A woman playfully splashing a friend in another canoe with her paddle on the Glenelg River

Glenelg River Canoe Trail

The Glenelg River offers excellent opportunities for flat water canoeing over the 75kms from Dartmoor to its mouth near Nelson. For much of its distance the river flows through the Lower Glenelg National Park, enabling enthusiasts to observe wildlife in its natural environment.
A 4WD and caravan setup next to a picnic table at Pritchards Campground at Lower Glenelg National Park

Pritchards Campground

Pritchards Campground has all the modern conveniences you need for a relaxing riverside getaway. Park the caravan at camp and launch your boat, canoe or kayak to explore the serene river.
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.
Canoeing

Canoeing and Kayaking

Canoeing and kayaking are great ways to explore beautiful waterways. Enjoy the tranquility and spot wildlife that hikers don’t normally see.

How to get there

Hutchesons Campground

Lower Glenelg National Park is in south-west Victoria adjoining the South Australian border, about 420km from Melbourne and 490km from Adelaide.

Hutchessons Campground is on the northern shore of the Glenelg River. The campground is 2WD accessible from River Fire line.
Hutchessons Campground

When you're there

Download the Hutchessons Campground map for site locations.

Download the Lower Glenelg National Park Visitor Guide for more information and things to do.

Canoeists undertaking the Glenelg River Canoe Trail, paddling consecutive sections of the trail with overnight stops, should camp at the Glenelg River Canoe Trail campsites.

Need to know

Hutchesons Campground

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

Lower Glenelg National Park is in the South West 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.

  • Lower Glenelg National Park

    Princess Margaret Rose Cave is currently closed to the public

    Princess Margaret Rose Cave is currently closed to the public. Essential safety works including new cave lighting, painting the visitor centre and electrical systems are complete. Work is continuing to upgrade toilets and the wastewater system.

    Glenelg River mouth artificially opened

    On the 30th May 2025, the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority together with Parks Victoria manually opened the blocked mouth of the Glenelg River. 

    The public are requested to stay well clear of the river mouth to ensure their safety.  Sand ledges in the channel are unstable and can collapse without notice.  River water may be moving very swiftly through the channel into the ocean.

    Water levels around jetties and boat ramps are expected to drop from Friday 30th May and into the weekend.  Park and river users are urged to be cautious when using jetties and boat ramps, due to the likelihood of silt having settled on the previously submerged decks and ramps, potentially causing hazardous conditions.  Additionally, previously submerged decking boards and ladders could be damaged or missing.

    Parks Victoria staff will undertake assessments as soon as possible to respond to any damage or unsafe conditions.  Park visitors can report unsafe conditions by contacting 13 1963 or info@parks.vic.gov.au.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

    Temporary track closures in Lower Glenelg and Cobboboonee National Park due to invasive animal control operation

    An invasive animal control operation will be conducted in Lower Glenelg National Park and Cobboboonee National Park during the hours of 6pm to 5am from Sunday 15th June - Friday 20th June, inclusive. Some areas of the park will be closed during this period to ensure a safe operation, with signage marking track closures. Campgrounds and visitor sites, including the Great South West Walk, will remain open.

    Glenelg River mouth artificially opened

    On the 30th May 2025, the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority together with Parks Victoria manually opened the blocked mouth of the Glenelg River. 

    The public are requested to stay well clear of the river mouth to ensure their safety.  Sand ledges in the channel are unstable and can collapse without notice.  River water may be moving very swiftly through the channel into the ocean.

    Water levels around jetties and boat ramps are expected to drop from Friday 30th May and into the weekend.  Park and river users are urged to be cautious when using jetties and boat ramps, due to the likelihood of silt having settled on the previously submerged decks and ramps, potentially causing hazardous conditions.  Additionally, previously submerged decking boards and ladders could be damaged or missing.

    Parks Victoria staff will undertake assessments as soon as possible to respond to any damage or unsafe conditions.  Park visitors can report unsafe conditions by contacting 13 1963 or info@parks.vic.gov.au.

Similar experiences

A man fishes of the jetty at Mclennans Punt Campground at Lower Glenelg National Park

McLennans Punt Campground

Pitch a tent at this peaceful campground on the northern banks of the Glenelg River. Go canoeing or kayaking, or cast a line and see if you can catch bream or mulloway for dinner.
A camper trailer at Wilson Hall Campground at Lower Glenelg National Park

Wilson Hall Campground

Wilson Hall Campground is nestled among stringybark and banksia forest overlooking the river. Set up camp on the flat plain and make use of the convenient boat ramp.
A 4WD with a camper trailer attached in front of the river at Red Gum Landing campground at Lower Glenelg National Park

Red Gum Landing Campground

Pitch a tent at Red Gum Landing Campground and enjoy the serenity of the river. Launch a canoe or kayak and keep an eye out for native wildlife as you paddle along the water. Unwind at camp and drop a line to catch that elusive fish.
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