Summer is on the horizon, and last week, the Victorian Government announced that camping will be free in every national park and state forest, from December 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. And with 131 Parks Victoria campgrounds to choose from, there’s so many options if you’re thinking about going camping. Journey into forests, stay by the beach, explore an island and more. Leave your troubles at home and take the time to immerse yourself in nature. Go for a stroll, look out for wildlife, gaze at the stars and wake up to the sounds of singing birds. Just remember to plan ahead, keep an eye out for emergencies and take your rubbish home with you. Here are some excellent spots for camping around Victoria.
1. Tidal River Campground
The popular Tidal River Campground in Wilsons Promontory National Park has 484 camping and caravan sites for you to choose from. Relax by the river itself, or opt for a site that’s a short walk away from Norman Beach. When you’re not chilling out at your campsite, get out in nature for a walk or a swim. There’s also a Visitor Centre in case you need any guidance, and a General Store in case you forget anything. More info here.
📍Main Rd, Tidal River VIC 3960
2. Point Nepean Discovery Tents
Want to give camping a go? Why don’t you start with the pre-pitched Discovery Tents at Point Nepean National Park? Located in the Quarantine Station precinct, these tents fixed to timber platforms and include basic camp furniture. Find tents for two and four people, and enjoy access to a camp kitchen, hot showers and toilets. You’ll need to bring your own pillows and linen, or a sleeping bag if you prefer, as well as other important things like toiletries. These tents are available for booking every year from September to April. More info here.
Please note: Fees will still apply for this experience.
📍Point Nepean National Park, Portsea VIC 3944
3. The Gums Campground
Not too far from the city, in Kinglake National Park, you’ll find The Gums Campground. Located next to a tranquil mountain stream, and surrounded by towering trees, this forest location has 18 campsites. Five of them are suitable for camper vans and caravans. There are toilets available, as well as shared picnic tables, wood fireplaces and a communal gas barbecue. You will need to bring your own water. This location is closed in winter, during the third school term. Find out more.
📍Kinglake-Glenburn Rd, Kinglake West VIC 3763
4. Johanna Beach Campground
Travelling along the Great Ocean Road? Why don’t you stay and rest at the Johanna Beach Campground? This spot is an easy drive away from some other incredible stops, like the Twelve Apostles and Melba Gully. There’s 25 non-powered sites available, and is tucked in between sand dunes and an unpatrolled surf beach. Dogs are welcome, as long as they’re kept on a lead at all times. More info here.
📍Johanna VIC 3238
5. Lake Elizabeth Campground
Immerse yourself in nature at the Lake Elizabeth Campground. Nestled within Great Otway National Park, this location is surrounded by towering eucalypt trees. There’s 20 campsites available, and they’re all unpowered and suitable for tents only. Facilities include picnic tables, shared fireplaces and non-flush toilets. Dogs are welcome to join you, as long as they’re on a lead. While you’re there, walk 1km away to Lake Elizabeth, and keep an eye out for platypus in the early morning and at dusk. Learn more here.
📍Great Otway National Park, Forrest VIC 3236
6. Budj Bim Campground
Tucked within Budj Bim National Park, you’ll find a campground that’s suitable for both tents and caravans. The Budj Bim Campground is set among rocky hollows and ridges formed by ancient lava flows. Facilities include flushing toilets, hot showers, shared fireplaces and picnic tables. Take a stroll to the nearby Lake Surprise, and keep a look out four koalas and kangaroos. See more here.
📍Park N Track, Macarthur VIC 3286
7. Buchan Caves Campground
After seeing the spectacular Buchan Caves, stay a little longer and rest at the Buchan Caves Campground. There’s 41 powered and 20 unpowered sites to choose from at this family-friendly spot. Shared facilities include hot showers, toilets, a laundry, a camper’s kitchen and electric and wood fired barbecues. You will need to book in advance to secure a spot. More info here.
📍Caves Rd, Buchan VIC 3885
8. Lake Catani Campground
Camp among the snow gums at Lake Catani Campground. Located on a plateau beside Lake Catani in Mount Buffalo National Park, this particular campground is open on a seasonal basis for summer and winter. There’s 47 sites available, and some of them are suitable for small caravans and campervans, while others are better for tents or car camping. There are also campsites that are available for those with limited mobility. Facilities include flushing toilets, hot showers, dishwashing and laundry sinks and a picnic shelter with accessible toilets and free gas barbecues. There’s also a historic stone hut with benches, tables and fireplaces. It’s best to book online for the summer period. In winter, camping at this particular spot is free, and the area is only accessible by skiing, snowshoeing or walking. Campground amenities are also closed during winter. Learn more here.
📍Mount Buffalo VIC 3740
9. Fraser Camping Area
You’ll find a variety of camping options at Lake Eildon National Park, including the Fraser camping area, which is made up of the Devil Cove, Candlebark and Lakeside Campgrounds. Set around Coller Bay, these areas can accommodate tents and some caravans and campervans. All of the sites are unpowered. Lakeside Campground has a ramp for motorised boats if you’re keen to get out on the water, Candlebark is a good spot for non-motorised boat activities like kayaking, while Devil Cove is great for walkers and nature lovers.
📍Fraser Park Rd, Devils River VIC 3714
10. Fairhaven Campground
Hop on a ferry to French Island, and walk along the beaches and through natural bushland in search of wildlife. Stay the night by camping for free at Fairhaven Campground. This area is a 5km walk or bike ride away from Tankerton Jetty. There’s 10 campsites available, fitting up to 40 people, and you’ll need to book in advance to ensure a spot. There’s shared picnic tables, gas barbecues, a cooking shelter and toilets on site. There is tank water available, which will need to be treated before drinking. No open fires are allowed. Learn more here.
📍Coast Rd, French Island VIC 3921