Ray Fitzpatrick of Big Mumma's Kitchen said residents were “angry” over the Red River Gum Draft Management plan and “disgusted” by the way Parks Victoria ran a public meeting.

“Everyone was arguing about things and there was no control, it left a bitter taste in your mouth,” he said.

In the draft Parks Victoria said they would investigate providing a booking system and implementing fees when needed at areas including Cobram’s Big Toms Beach.

Mr Fitzpatrick believes a booking system would hurt families and tourism while simply pushing overcrowding issues elsewhere.

“It’s not going to make any difference if they can’t go there they’ll go elsewhere and that spot will become too crowded,” he said.

“It takes one problem area and puts it somewhere else.

“There’s three proposed (paid) spots this year but if people move to the next site will that become the next (paid) spot?

“I don’t want my children or grandchildren not being able to go down and be as a group and have to camp isolated from one another.”

Parks Victoria said the plan aims to ease congestion at campsites and protect the environment. 

Regional Director Craig Stubbings said free, dispersed camping will continue as the main form of camping in the River Red Gumparks.

He said the plan proposes that crowded campsites at Wills Bend, Stantons Bend and Farley Bend could have facilities upgraded, and a booking and fee system.

“Camping has been a key point of interest, with concern about the impact of overcrowding and what that means for being able to secure a spot,” he said

“With more and more people visiting our outdoors spaces it’s critical people only camp where it’s appropriate and without damaging the environment or important cultural sites.”

It comes as National’s Murray candidate Austin Evans promised to lodge a bill in parliament to reclassify Red River Gums national parks  as state forests.

“This will resurrect the local timber industry and rejuvenate proud local communities,” Mr Evans said.

“I have done so because I truly believe River Red Gum logging is sustainable for the environment and an economic crankshaft for communities.”