“Running creek” or “plenty water”, as some might say, makes Keppel Creek Camping Area a great place to relax. It is located a short drive from Marysville town centre. The camping area offers a secluded spot near a little creek.
Keppel Creek Camping Area is part of the Marysville State Forest. This forest attracts many tourists. They explore mountain vistas, fern walks, and beautiful waterfalls. Marysville is about a 90-minute drive northeast from Melbourne. The area has lush eucalypt forests, clear streams, and spectacular waterfalls. The forest offers bushwalking, camping, picnicking, and scenic driving. Mountain biking, bird watching, and fishing are also popular.
The Marysville State Forest was greatly affected during the Black Saturday fires in 2009. Since then, the forest regeneration has been strong. Repair work has improved picnic areas and campsites. Walking tracks have also been repaired.
One person wrote about their camping weekend in Marysville. They walked the Keppel Lookout trail. This trail includes Steavenson Falls. It also has views of the Cathedral Ranges. They camped at Keppel Creek. They found a secluded spot down a narrow track. It overlooked a little creek and there was only room for one car and two tents. The river made the hike recovery easier. They advised others to get to Keppel Creek Camping Area quickly to secure the spot. A 4WD had to turn around because their tent was already set up.
If you visit Keppel Creek, be self-sufficient. Bring your own drinking water and firewood. The camping area is small and near Keppel Hut. The area can only be accessed by 4WD for parts of the year. This is especially true in winter or after heavy rain. Access to Keppel Hut campground is off Lady Talbot Drive.
To protect the environment, tread lightly in the bush. Minimize your impact on the natural environment. Be careful when camping under trees. Trees can drop their limbs at any time. This is particularly true during high winds. Do not dig trenches around tents. Modern tents don’t need them. Choose a well-drained site. Protect water quality by washing up at least 50 metres away from the river. Avoid using soap. Leave campsites tidy. Take all rubbish home with you.
Keppel Hut has a history tied to the area’s fires. After the 1939 fires, John and Jerry Keppel had a grazing lease. The hut burned down accidentally in 1983. Local community groups and the government rebuilt it. The Black Saturday fires of 2009 destroyed Keppel Hut again. It was subsequently rebuilt. Keppel Hut has a toilet, picnic table, horse yards, and fireplaces.
Visiting Keppel Creek Camping Area offers a chance to connect with nature. It’s a place to appreciate the resilience of the forest. Remember the importance of responsible camping as you enjoy this unique spot.