A row of unattended caravans parked along a popular free riverside campsite has sparked renewed debate about fair access to public camping spots during peak holiday periods. 

The footage, shared online by traveller Ciaran Shields and his partner through their account No Place To Go But Everywhere, shows caravans lined up along the Murray River on the New South Wales-Victoria border, with no sign of people staying at the site. 

Mr Shields said the scene was unlike anything they had encountered during months of travelling around Australia in their converted bus. 

Two children, their mother and father pose for a selfie.

Ciaran Shields is travelling around Australia with his young family. (Supplied: Ciaran Shields)

“The first time we came to that beach, we met a family camping there who told us about people parking their vans there for Christmas,” he said.

“They said one of the guys had parked their van right in front of their tent, which we thought was a bit rude. 

“There was just a row of vans parked up on the waterfront without anybody there.”

The campsite, known as Davis Beach, on the Victorian side of the Murray River at Tocumwal, is a popular swimming and camping spot, particularly during school holidays. 

Mr Shields said his family was not planning to camp there but visited the area last month so their children and dogs could swim. 

A car and caravan parked on a river bend across a wide river, surrounded by tall lush green trees.

Under Parks Victoria rules camping is allowed for up to six weeks at a time. (ABC News: Sarah Buchecker)

The video, which shows nine unattended caravans parked in what he described as “prime spots” along the Murray River, quickly gained traction online, drawing hundreds of thousands of views and hundreds of comments. 

“We were absolutely blown away by the attention,” Mr Shields said.

The footage triggered a flood of debate, with many accusing caravan owners of effectively “reserving” public campsites by leaving vehicles unattended for days or weeks at a time — behaviour widely viewed as inconsiderate, even if not always illegal.

Others defended the practice, arguing people should be free to come and go during extended holiday stays.

A common problem

The stretch along the Murray River is managed by Parks Victoria, which said the practice was common at this time of year.

“The maximum time someone can camp at one of the Murray River Reserve sites, like Davis Beach, is six weeks,” the spokesperson said.

“If people encounter issues with behaviour or facilities at one of our campsites, they can report them.”

The issue is not just confined to camping.

Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW), which manages recreational water storages across northern Victoria, warns reserving sections of public foreshore for exclusive use was not permitted.

“Our storages are fantastic places to visit but it is important that everyone plays their part to ensure they remain this way,” GMW general manager of water storage services Jon McKeown said. 

“During busy times we do see people looking to reserve inlets or parts of the foreshore for exclusive use by installing gazebos, inflatable pontoons and other structures before their visit. 

“This is not permitted and isn’t fair on others who want to enjoy the area.”A tent pitched near a river.

Parks Victoria says campers reserving spots is a common problem. (ABC Mildura-Swan Hill: Sophie Malcolm)

Under the Water (Recreational Area) Regulations 2023, you can be fined for leaving temporary structures unattended on the foreshore.

Mr Shields said the behaviour was something his family had never encountered before. 

“We used to live in the South West of WA and have been travelling around in our converted school bus since March 2024,” he said. 

“We have never seen anything like this on our travels before or around our home town in WA for that matter. 

“But judging by the comments it happens here quite regularly for Christmas and Easter.”