13 New Campgrounds in Victoria You Can Book Right Now
Camping is a wonderful way to spend time with the family in the great outdoors, whether it’s for a long weekend or a school holiday break.
Plus if your family love camping, the news couldn't be better. Over the next two years, there will be 119 new and upgraded campsites around Victoria, thanks to a $105.6 million investment by the State Government as part of Victoria’s Great Outdoors project.
Right now there are even more places you can explore now thanks to 43 new and upgraded campgrounds all around Victoria.
There are 13 new campgrounds that are now open, spanning from the Grampians to the Great Ocean Road.
There are also 28 upgraded campgrounds, including reopened spots that had been destroyed or damaged by bushfires and storms. Find more information about the upgraded campgrounds here.
The remaining 23 new and 55 upgraded campgrounds are set to be finished by mid-2023.
Booking a Campsite in Victoria
For popular times like long weekends and school holidays, it’s best to make reservations for campsites in advance – you can book accommodation through the Parks Victoria website. Some state forest campgrounds do not require bookings.
Newest Campgrounds in Victoria
1. Flat Spur Campground, Mansfield State Forest
Horse riders visiting Flat Spur are now able to enjoy improved camping facilities at Flat Spur Camping Ground near Bindaree in the Mansfield State Forest.
The first stage of the four-year project included the construction of a shelter, horse yards and fire pits at the site so trail riders can camp more comfortably.
Over the next three years, shared-use trails will be developed to improve access between iconic attractions in the State Forest near Mt Stirling and may link to some of Victoria’s historic huts.
No bookings are required for the campground.
2. Thomson Bridge Campground, Gippsland
Come and camp on the banks of the Thomson River, set in the heart of Gippsland, nestled peacefully in idyllic country surroundings at the base of the Southern Victorian Alps.
The campground is a small clearing atop a steep mountain slope above the Thompson River surrounded and well shaded by lush forest.
Thompson Bridge Campground is situated near to the Thomson River Canoe Trail and close to the Thomson railway station on the historic Walhalla narrow gauge line.
This is a free camping area and no bookings are required.
The site has a large fire pit for cooking and longdrop or composting toilets are available.
3. Stockman's Reward Campground, Big River State Forest
Situated about two and a half hours drive north east of Melbourne via Marysville or Warburton, Big River State forest is a popular area with many kilometres of forest roads and tracks. The heritage classified Big River is at the scenic heart of the forested valley.
This is one of the larger campgrounds in the Upper Big River State Forest, suitable for group camping and small caravans with plenty of flat, well shaded, unpowered sites, as well as toilet facilities and fireplaces. You can also access the river for fishing and you’ll see plenty of wildlife. Camping is free and works on a first-come first-serve basis.
This campground is one of the main (read popular) campgrounds in this area and can get quite busy during holidays.
There are no facilities for rubbish collection so you must take rubbish with you when you leave and ensure the area is clean for future campers.
Great Ocean Road Camping
The Great Otway National Park stretches from Torquay, along the world-famous Great Ocean Road and up through the Otways hinterland.
Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park offer excellent camping opportunities whether you are looking for a family-friendly place to park your caravan or a solitary night under the stars.
Find all bookable accommodation in Great Otway National Park.
4. Allenvale Campground, Great Otway National Park
Just beyond the outskirts of Lorne, on the banks of St George River you’ll find Allenvale Campground. Here you can enjoy exploring the best of both worlds…the coast and the bush. You might even see a local platypus if you keep an eye out near the river at dawn and dusk.
This is a walk-in camping area, with no direct vehicle access but it's only a short 230 metre walk to the campground. There are 20 campsites, all unpowered and only suitable for tents and up to six people. Campground facilities include non-flush toilets and low tables/seats.
Relax at camp or explore one of the many walking trails in the area.
There are no fireplaces provided, and fires are not allowed. Please bring your own fuel stove or gas barbeque for cooking.
Advanced bookings and payment are required year-round.
5. Big Hill Campground, Great Otway National Park
Another idyllic place to enjoy nature is Big Hill Campground. After a day of mountain biking or four-wheel driving you can settle back into camp and relax while you enjoy the company of native wildlife including brightly coloured King Parrots, Crimson Rosellas and koalas.
Set in an open, easily accessible grassy area surrounded by tall forest, Big Hill Campground offers 13 campsites, each accommodating up to six people. Sites 1-7 are suitable for tents only, while sites 8-13 cater for camper trailers and caravans. All campsites are unpowered.
Campground facilities include non-flush toilets, shared fireplaces and shared low tables/seats. Remember to bring your own firewood to protect the surrounding wildlife habitat.
Advanced bookings and payment are required year-round.
6. Hammonds Campground, Great Otway National Park
Located 12km inland from Aireys Inlet, you’ll find Hammonds Campground. Relax at camp and enjoy the beautiful bush setting. Keep an eye out for kangaroos, koalas and other native wildlife while you explore one of the many walking and bike riding trails surrounding the camp. Nearby is the Distillery Creek Day Visitor Area where you can enjoy a range of walks and shared trails.
There are 16 unpowered campsites, each accommodating up to six people. Sites 1-4 provide direct vehicle access and are suitable for camper trailers and caravans. Sites 5-16 are suitable for tents only with a parking area situated close by.
Campground facilities include non-flush toilets, shared fireplaces and shared low tables/seats. Remember to bring your own firewood to protect the surrounding wildlife habitat.
Advanced bookings and payment are required year-round.
Grampians Camping
The spectacular Grampians Peaks Trail (160km) is a challenging 13-day/12-night hiking experience through a variety of terrain in the Grampians National Park (Gariwerd).
There are 11 unique hike-in campgrounds along the full trail, with 7 new and improved sites.
7. Barigar, Grampians Peaks Trail
North of Roses Gap, Barigar is usually the first overnight stay of the Grampian Peaks Trail.
It has 3.5m x 3.5m standard timber tent platforms, suitable for most 2 person tents. Tent platforms have steel chains that can be used to secure your tent but additional guy rope may be needed for some tents.
Campground facilities include enclosed communal shelter with tables and seats, non-flush toilets (toilet paper is not provided), rainwater tanks and solar powered USB charging station.
8. Barri Yalug (Barbican Rocks), Grampians Peaks Trail
Barri Yalug is the overnight hike-in campsite for Day 6 of the trail.
You can choose from a 3.5m x 3.5m standard timber tent platform or granite sand pad, each suitable for a 2 person tent. Timber tent platforms have steel chains that can be used to secure your tent but additional guy rope may be needed for some tents. Make sure you bring rope to connect tent peg holes to outside of the granite sand pads. 4 lengths of 1.5m is recommended.
Campground facilities include an open communal area with picnic tables, non-flush toilets (toilet paper is not provided), rainwater tank and solar powered USB charging station.
9. Duwul, Grampians Peaks Trail
Duwul, near the Mt William summit, is typically day 7’s overnight stay. Choose from a 3.5m x 3.5m standard timber tent platform or granite sand pad, each suitable for a 2 person tent.Timber tent platforms have steel chains that can be used to secure your tent but additional guy rope may be needed for some tents. Make sure you bring rope to connect tent peg holes to outside of the granite sand pads. 4 lengths of 1.5m is recommended.
Campground facilities include an open communal area with picnic tables, non-flush toilets (toilet paper is not provided), rainwater tank and solar powered USB charging station.
Important safety information: Water tank not installed yet at Mt William Carpark. Fill with extra water at either: Redman Bluff Road crossing/Mt William Road; or Duwul Hike-in Campground to get you through to Durd Durd Hike-in Campground (14km).
10. Durd Durd, Grampians Peaks Trail
Durd Durd, south of the Major Mitchell Plateau, is the overnight stop on day 8 of the trail.
Choose from a 3.5m x 3.5m standard timber tent platform or granite sand pad, each suitable for a 2 person tent. Timber tent platforms have steel chains that can be used to secure your tent. Additional guy rope may be needed for tent vestibules or tunnel style tents. Make sure you bring rope to connect tent peg holes to outside of the granite sand pads. 4 lengths of 1.5m is recommended. Please note, some tunnel tents with flies are too big for the standard tent pads.
Campground facilities: Open communal area with picnic tables, non-flush toilets (toilet paper is not provided), rainwater tank and solar powered USB charging station.
11. Yarram, Grampians Peaks Trail
Yarram Hike-in Campground is north of Yarram Gap and is Day 9 of the trail.
It has campsites with 3.5m x 3.5m standard timber tent platforms, suitable for a 2 person tent. Tent platforms have steel chains that can be used to secure your tent. Additional guy rope may be needed for some tents. Please note, some tunnel tents with flies are too big for the standard tent pads.
Campground facilities include communal shelter with tables and seats, non-flush toilets (toilet paper is not provided), rainwater tanks and solar powered USB charging station.
12. Wannon, Grampians Peaks Trail
Wannon at Mt Cristobel is a hike-in campground where you’ll settle in for the evening of day 10 of the trail.
Campsites feature 3.5m x 3.5m standard granite sand pads, suitable for a 2 person tent. Make sure you bring rope to connect tent peg holes to outside of the tent pad. 4 lengths of 1.5m is recommended.
Campground facilities: Open communal area with picnic tables, non-flush toilets (toilet paper is not provided), rainwater tank and solar powered USB charging station.
13. Stony Creek Campground, Grampians National Park
Stony Creek Campground is a newly formalised campground that’s perfect for schools and groups undertaking the Grampians Peaks Trail and other overnight walks in the Wonderland and Mt Rosea areas.
The designated group hike-in area offers eight timber tent platforms, each accommodating up to two people.
Bookings are for exclusive use of the site, and available for groups no larger than 16 people.
Campground facilities include non-flush toilet, communal gathering area, day use shelter and untreated water tanks. Whilst there are untreated rainwater tanks at this campground, there is no guarantee there will be water so come prepared.
Vehicle access and parking is available off Stony Creek Road for high clearance 4WD vehicles. Gate keys are provided by Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre upon confirmation of a booking.
Additional bush camps may be available along Stony Creek road and are allocated on a first in first served basis. Groups are required to register their overnight walks by completing an Education Group Activity Statement prior to arrival.
More Campgrounds in Victoria
For more information on these sites and other camping areas in Victoria, download the free More to Explore forest map app available from the app store for iPhones or the Google Play store for Android.
You can also use this app to create and download offline maps for use when visiting locations without phone coverage.
Go Glamping in Victoria With Kids At These Luxe Family Tents
Best Kid-Friendly Holiday Parks
Best Horse Riding Tours In Melbourne & Victoria
