Quick Guide – Our 2026 Top Camping Picks Across Victoria
Best Overall Camping Site
Tidal River Campground (Wilsons Promontory): With over 480 sites and a steady 4.8/5 satisfaction score, this beachfront site is a favourite for all campers. High visitor satisfaction, top-tier facilities (hot showers, gas BBQs, laundry), direct access to Norman Beach, and popular nature walks make it a standout. Book early—sites fill up 6-12 months in advance.
Best Family-Friendly Site
BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Phillip Island: Ranked #2 for value on TripAdvisor with 552 reviews, this coastal park is perfect for families. Cabins and campsites are combined with a kids’ activity program, proximity to the Penguin Parade, and easy access to playgrounds and beaches.
Best Secluded/Hidden Gem
Johanna Beach Campground (Great Otway NP): A well-kept secret for surfers and bush campers. Shady, secluded spots with basic but clean facilities (non-flush toilets, fireplaces). Direct surf beach access and bush setting with eco-conscious management. BYO all supplies.
Best Luxury Glamping Spot
Latitude 37 South (Mornington Peninsula): 2026’s best for upscale camping—featured bell tents and eco-cabins, gourmet hampers, and on-site experiences. Booking recommended months ahead for summer and weekends.
Best Free Camping Area
Murray River Free Campsites: Access more than 100 bookable free-government campsites along the river as part of the $9M Victorian initiative. Expect basic toilet facilities, riverside spots, and a wild Australian bush atmosphere. High popularity in school holidays—book via Parks Victoria.
How We Chose the Best Camping Sites in Victoria
Expert Criteria & Local Insights
- Visitor satisfaction ratings (minimum 4/5 stars, user volumes & repeat visits)
- Physical site inspection and local expert review from Victorian camp organisations
- Facilities: showers, toilets, BBQs, accessibility, family- and pet-friendliness
- Environmental impact and proactive management practices
Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices
- Prioritisation of sites in or near national parks with strict waste, water and fire management (e.g., Tidal River, Johanna Beach)
- Glamping parks rated for solar/recycling/eco-habitat practices
- Leave No Trace and community rewilding programs awarded bonus points
Accessibility and Facilities Overview
- Proximity to Melbourne and sealed road access weighed for family parks
- Accessibility for tents, caravans and campervans tested; dog policies reviewed
- Booking processes evaluated (ease, transparency, and fairness)
15 Best Camping Sites in Victoria (2026 Edition)
Tidal River Campground – Wilsons Promontory
- Location: Wilsons Promontory National Park
- Unique Features: 480+ sites, beaches, bushwalks, pop-up cinema
- Facilities: Hot showers, dishwashing, laundry, powered/unpowered sites, no fires
- Tips: Wombat spotting at dawn; book 12 months ahead in summer
- Best Time: Dec–Mar for beaches, spring/autumn for hikes
- Booking: Via Parks Victoria
Johanna Beach – Great Ocean Road
- Location: Great Otway National Park
- Unique Features: Surf breaks, secluded bush camping, direct beach access
- Facilities: Non-flush toilets, fireplaces, no tap water
- Tips: BYO all supplies; filter local creek water
- Best Time: Dec–April for surf; late spring/autumn for solitude
- Booking: Parks Victoria
Halls Gap Lakeside – Grampians
- Location: Grampians National Park gateway, near Halls Gap
- Unique Features: Heater pool, wildlife, lakefront
- Facilities: Cabins, hot showers, BBQs, accessible sites, dog-friendly
- Tips: Early peak season hikes avoid the crowds
- Best Time: Mar–May, Sep–Nov (shoulder seasons)
- Booking: Halls Gap Lakeside
Lake Catani Campground – Mount Buffalo
- Location: Mount Buffalo National Park
- Unique Features: Alpine lake, canoeing, granite landscapes
- Facilities: Flush toilets, cold showers, picnic tables
- Tips: Lakeside book early; bring warm gear for nights
- Best Time: Late spring–early autumn
- Booking: Parks Victoria
Banksia Bluff – Cape Conran
- Location: Cape Conran Coastal Park
- Unique Features: Coastal bush, whale-watching, free in 2025
- Facilities: Basic toilets, cold showers, no power
- Tips: Free camping under free camping initiative (until at least 2025)
- Best Time: Late summer–early autumn
- Booking: Parks Victoria
Fraser Camping Area – Lake Eildon
- Location: Lake Eildon National Park
- Unique Features: Water sports, large group sites, fire pits
- Facilities: Flush toilets, fireplaces, picnic area
- Tips: Peak in holidays; fires permitted outside bans
- Best Time: Summer–autumn
- Booking: Parks Victoria
Mount Franklin Reserve – Daylesford
- Location: North of Daylesford, volcanic crater campground
- Unique Features: Free camp, crater setting, autumn foliage
- Facilities: Basic toilets, fireplaces, no power, dog-friendly
- Tips: Early for best sites; rare busy weekends
- Best Time: Autumn for colour, summer for mild nights
- Booking: No booking required
Murray River Free Campsites
- Location: Various state forests and national parks along the Murray River
- Unique Features: Riverside access, angling, 131 bookable government free sites
- Facilities: Drop toilets, picnic tables, basic amenities
- Tips: Book via Parks Victoria for guaranteed site; bring own water
- Best Time: Spring and autumn
- Booking: Parks Victoria
Cathedral Range State Park
- Location: Near Buxton, Cathedral Range State Park
- Unique Features: Rugged peaks, hiking, bush camp experience
- Facilities: Drop toilets, picnic tables, basic water
- Tips: Book Cooks Mill for better facilities; bring extra water
- Best Time: Late spring through autumn
- Booking: Parks Victoria
Walk-in Only: The Fortress, Grampians
- Location: Central Grampians, walk-in hike site
- Unique Features: Remote, spectacular views, best for experienced hikers
- Facilities: None—pack in, pack out policy
- Tips: Track weather, practice leave no trace
- Best Time: March–May, September–November
- Booking: Required via Parks Victoria for overnight
Beachfront: Paradise Beach Campground
- Location: Ninety Mile Beach, Paradise Beach
- Unique Features: Direct dune and surf beach access, long walks
- Facilities: Drop toilets, non-potable water, no power
- Tips: Bug spray essential; nearby for birdwatching
- Best Time: Late summer to early autumn
- Booking: Pitchup, free options exist
Luxury Glamping: Latitude 37 South, Mornington Peninsula
- Location: Red Hill/Mornington Peninsula
- Unique Features: Luxe bell tents, private decks, gourmet hampers
- Facilities: Ensuite bathrooms, power, private catering
- Tips: Best for romantic escapes; book early for summer weekends
- Best Time: Year-round, mild climate
- Booking: Official site
Back-to-Nature: Sheepyard Flat, Howqua River
- Location: Howqua Hills Historic Area
- Unique Features: Riverside setting, fishing, bushwalking, free
- Facilities: Toilets, fire pits, unpowered, no bookings
- Tips: Arrive off-peak for best riverside sites
- Best Time: Spring and autumn
- No booking—first-come, first-served
Family-Focused: BIG4 Bellarine Holiday Park
- Location: Bellarine Peninsula, near Queenscliff
- Unique Features: Waterslides, indoor pool, playgrounds, mini-golf
- Facilities: Cabins, powered sites, luxury amenities, kids’ activities
- Tips: Top user reviews (4.8/5) for family programs
- Best Time: Summer holidays (Dec–Jan)
- Booking: BIG4
Off-Grid Experience: Ada Tree Rainforest Camp
- Location: Yarra State Forest
- Unique Features: Ancient rainforest, minimal development, wildlife
- Facilities: None—true wilderness, bring all supplies
- Tips: No bookings; drive in with 4WD recommended; quietest mid-week
- Best Time: Spring and summer
Unique Camping Styles in Victoria for Every Adventurer
Traditional Tent & Caravan Camping Spots
- Best suited for Tidal River, Lake Eildon, Catani, Murray River free sites
- Well-equipped with powered/unpowered options and access to basic amenities
Best Glamping & Eco Retreats
- Latitude 37 South, Discovery Parks—offer ensuite bathrooms, gourmet food, eco-credentials
- Book at least three months in advance for weekends
Off-Grid and Wilderness Experiences
- Ada Tree, The Fortress (Grampians), Sheepyard Flat for unpowered, basic, high-solitude camping
- No facilities—pack in, pack out ethics
Pet-Friendly and Family Options
- Halls Gap Lakeside, BIG4 Bellarine, Mount Franklin Reserve (dogs allowed, family programs)
- Always check policies; national parks typically ban pets
Insider Tips for Camping Victoria in 2026
Best Time of Year for Each Region
- Coastal/Surf camps: Summer is peak, but late autumn has fewer crowds
- Inland bush/Highlands: Spring and autumn for mild weather
- Alpine/Grampians: Avoid peak winter—cold nights, some roads closed
Booking Smart: How to Nab the Best Sites
- Book via Parks Victoria or direct provider; summer holidays book out 6-12 months ahead
- Free government sites still need pre-booking for 2025/2026 (limit 2 sites per park per booking)
- Use Hipcamp or Pitchup for private bush sites last minute
Local Wildlife and Safety Essentials
- Store food in secure boxes—frequent possum/wombat raids at Prom and Grampians
- Check Parks Victoria fire bans and park alerts regularly
- Bring insect repellent for coastal sites; filter drinking water if untreated
Packing & Prep List (2026 Edition)
- Tent or camper (with flyscreens for summer bugs)
- All-weather sleeping bag, quick-dry clothes, rain gear
- Water storage, portable stove, lighting/headlamps
- Trash sacks for Leave No Trace
- Download Parks Vic or Bureau of Meteorology apps for real-time updates
Victoria Camping by Season: Where to Go and When
Camping in Spring 2026: Best Wildflowers and Freshwater Spots
- Grampians, Howqua River, Lake Catani—mild temperatures, wildflowers in bloom
Summer 2026: Cooling Off by the Coast
- Tidal River, Paradise Beach, Johanna Beach—swimming, surfing, book as early as possible
Autumn 2026: Bushwalks and Campfires
- Mount Franklin Reserve, Fraser (Lake Eildon)—cool evenings, permitted campfires, fall colours
Winter 2026: Cosy Cabins and Snow Camping
- Lake Catani (Mount Buffalo), Halls Gap—ensuite cabins, stargazing, snow at high altitude
Map of Victoria’s Best Campsites (Interactive Guide for 2026)
For an interactive map pinpointing all these locations and availability, visit the official Parks Victoria Camping Finder.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Camping in Victoria
- Q: Are there still free camping options in Victoria for 2026?
A: Yes, 131 government-run sites are free (until at least mid-2025). Some may require $10–$40/night after this, depending on funding renewal. - Q: Can I bring pets to Victorian campgrounds?
A: Yes at specific sites (e.g., Halls Gap Lakeside, Mount Franklin); pets are banned in most national parks. - Q: What are the most eco-friendly camping sites?
A: National park bush camps, Johanna Beach, Tidal River, off-grid hike-in sites; glamping parks are improving rapidly in this sector. - Q: What should I do in case of bushfire or park closures?
A: Always check Parks Vic updates, have backup sites, and keep emergency contacts. 2026 has seen major closures—be flexible. - Q: Where can I get more booking and prep info?
A: The Parks Victoria website is best for real-time information and bookings.