Jerusalem Creek Campground

Jerusalem Creek is a cluster of eight separate camping areas spread along Jerusalem Creek Road on the southern shore of Lake Eildon National Park — and crucially, it's one of the few national-park campgrounds in Victoria that allows dogs on lead. The campground sits about 2 hours north-east of Melbourne, with a boat ramp on the lake just nearby and basic, dog-friendly bush camping that suits everyone from solo paddlers to families bringing the kelpie.

Getting there#

Location: 10 km east of the township of Eildon, along Jerusalem Creek Road.

• From Eildon: about 10 km east, 15 minutes. Sealed road most of the way.
• From Melbourne CBD: about 160 km north-east, 2 hours via the Goulburn Valley Highway and Melba Highway.
• From Mansfield: about 50 km, 50 minutes.

The access road to the various Jerusalem Creek camping areas is partly unsealed, but 2WD-friendly in dry conditions. Caravans, camper trailers, and motorhomes can use most of the camping areas (some are tighter than others — check the Parks Victoria booking page for site dimensions).

Mobile reception is variable around Lake Eildon — better near Eildon township, weaker as you head along Jerusalem Creek Road.

Sites and facilities#

The eight camping areas (numbered Jerusalem Creek 1 through 8) collectively offer basic, dog-friendly bush camping. Each area has its own character:

• Some sit closer to the lake foreshore (better for paddlers)
• Others are tucked in the bush behind the foreshore (more shaded)

Check-in is 2pm, check-out is 11am.

Across the camping areas, expect:

• Wood-fire barbecues
• Non-flushing toilets (drop toilets)
• Designated fireplaces (subject to current Victorian fire restrictions)
• Picnic tables

Bring with you:

• Drinking water and cooking water — none provided on site
• Firewood (collecting is prohibited; bring your own)
• Fuel stove for fire-restriction days
• Boat or kayak if you want lake access (the public ramp nearby works fine for putting in)
• Anything specifically for the dog: water, bowl, lead, poo bags, blanket

Nearest town and supplies#

Eildon (~10 km, ~15 minutes) is the closest service point:

• Small supermarket
• Bakery and a pub
• Fuel
• Boat hire and tackle shop
• Visitor information

For a bigger shop, Mansfield (~50 km, ~50 minutes) has a larger supermarket and the full set of small-country-town services.

The pragmatic plan: shop in Eildon on arrival — it's only 15 minutes back, so a forgotten-item run is easy. Mansfield is the right call only if you're already passing through.

What to do at Jerusalem Creek#

• Lake Eildon itself — Australia's biggest inland reservoir for water-based recreation. Boating, water skiing, fishing (Murray cod, golden perch, redfin), kayaking. The boat ramp near the campground gives easy access.
• Boat hire is available nearby in Eildon township and around Lake Eildon — half-day, day, or houseboat options.
• Fishing — recreational licence required. Murray cod season opens 1 December. The lake is one of Victoria's premier inland fisheries.
• Short walks — multiple short walks under an hour leave from the camping areas, with views over the lake.
• Wildlife — kangaroos, wallabies, kookaburras, abundant birdlife around the foreshore.

Best time to visit#

• Summer (December–February) is peak — water sports season, fish biting, busy. Christmas and January school holidays book out months ahead.
• Autumn (March–May) is excellent — mild weather, lower crowds, fishing still good.
• Winter (June–August) is cold (below zero overnight on clear nights) but very quiet. The lake levels are typically higher in winter.
• Spring (September–November) is mild and rising in popularity; book ahead for school holiday weeks.

Camping fees#

Jerusalem Creek is included in the Victorian Government's half-price camping subsidy. Per-site rates vary by which of the eight camping areas you book, peak/off-peak status, and site type. Expect roughly $24–$38 per site per night plus the $7 Parks Victoria booking fee.

Confirm pricing on the Parks Victoria booking page when you book.

Pets and dogs#

Jerusalem Creek is one of the few national-park campgrounds in Victoria that allows dogs on lead. Standard rules apply:

• Dogs must be on lead at all times
• Pick up after them
• Don't leave them unattended in camp
• Don't take dogs onto walking tracks designated as dog-prohibited

This makes Jerusalem Creek a popular choice for paddlers, anglers, and families travelling with a dog.

Can't get a booking?#

Lake Eildon's combination of water access, fishing, and dog-friendly status keeps Jerusalem Creek busy through the warmer months. Summer school holidays and long weekends book out months ahead. Cancellations show up in the booking system within minutes of being made.

Set up a free CampWatch alert and we'll text you the moment a Jerusalem Creek site opens up. No app, no account — just your phone number.