Graeme Claxton Reserve: Easy Murray River Camping at Cadell
Graeme Claxton Reserve: Easy Murray River Camping at Cadell
Tucked along a quiet stretch of the Murray River near Cadell in South Australia, Graeme Claxton Reserve is the kind of place campers almost hesitate to talk about. Simple, peaceful and incredibly scenic, it’s the sort of riverside camp where the days move slowly and the only real decision is whether to swim now… or after your morning coffee.
For Izaac and Meg from Come See With Us, it was exactly the type of spot they were searching for — somewhere quiet, right on the water, where they could relax and enjoy the natural rhythm of their surroundings.
Why This Spot?
Graeme Claxton Reserve sits just outside the small town of Morgan, about two and a half hours from Adelaide. It’s a low-key riverside campground that runs on a simple system: $10 per night, pay as you go, first in best dressed.
What makes it special is the setting. Large river gums shade the grassy campground, and the Murray River flows gently past with a sandy entry that makes swimming easy. Across the water, a striking cliff face catches the sunrise, turning a glowing orange as the morning light hits it.
“It was the quiet mornings and the amazing bird life that really stood out to us,” say Izaac and Meg.
Kookaburras regularly perch in the branches overhead, pelicans glide along the river, and the surrounding wetlands attract plenty more birdlife throughout the day.
Best Time to Visit
Izaac and Meg visited in early February, when the river was perfect for swimming and cooling off during the warmer days.
Summer is ideal if you’re planning to spend most of your time in the water. But the reserve works beautifully year-round. In winter, the cooler air and calm river setting make it the perfect place for a campfire under the river gums.
Just be aware that summer temperatures can climb quickly. When the sun is high, the river becomes the best place to be.
Trip Highlights
One of the biggest highlights of camping here is simply how easy it is to slow down.
The Murray moves gently past camp, making it perfect for swimming, paddle boarding or drifting along in a small boat.
“The quiet mornings, amazing bird life and being able to take a dip whenever you felt like it were the best parts,” they shared.
And then there’s the rope swing — always guaranteed to bring out a bit of fun.
Another great local find is the NWB Brewery and Café, located just 800 metres down the river. Although it was closed during their visit, it’s an easy stroll or paddle away and would make a great afternoon stop.
Tips for Future Travellers
If you’re planning a trip to Graeme Claxton Reserve, keep it simple.
The beauty of this spot is its relaxed pace, so leave the work behind and settle into camp life. Morning walks, afternoons in the water and evenings under the trees are the rhythm here.
There’s also a lovely wetlands loop walk just up the road, which makes a peaceful way to start the day.
The nearby towns of Morgan and Cadell are only a short drive away and have general stores and pubs that are perfect for stocking up and supporting local businesses.
What to Pack
A few essentials will make the most of your stay:
• muk mat – The river entry is sandy and grassy, so there’s plenty of “muk” around the campground. A muk mat stops it being tracked straight into the caravan.
• Mosquito spray for the evenings
• Paddle board or small boat to explore the river
• Camp chairs for relaxing under the river gums
Kid & Pet Friendly?
Yes — absolutely.
The reserve has a playground, open grassy areas and easy river access, making it ideal for families. Pets are welcome too, so it’s a great spot for the whole crew to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Graeme Claxton Reserve is a reminder that some of the best campsites aren’t the ones with the most facilities — they’re the ones with the best atmosphere.
Big river gums, calm water, incredible birdlife and a peaceful stretch of the Murray make this a place where it’s easy to unwind.
As Izaac and Meg put it best:
“It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind. Don’t bring work, don’t bring stress — just enjoy camping under the river gums and frolicking in the water.”
Get The Mats Come See with Us Have
