Quick Overview – Victoria’s Best Camping Grounds in 2026
Map of Featured Campgrounds
The top-rated campgrounds span coastal regions, alpine high country, and inland rivers. Notable clusters include Wilsons Promontory (southeast), the Great Ocean Road (southwest), the Grampians (west), High Country (northeast), and key rivers/lakes (north/central Victoria).
Top 3 Picks for Unique Experiences (Eco, Family, Adventure)
- Eco: Johanna Beach Campground & Fraser Camping Area
- Family: Tidal River Campground & BIG4 Anglesea Holiday Park
- Adventure: Halls Gap Lakeside/Breeze Holiday Parks & Cooks Mill Campground
How We Selected the Best Camping Grounds in Victoria
Research Criteria and Trends for 2026
Our evaluation combined professional reviews, official datasets, and 2026 booking trends. Victoria’s Active Victoria 2022–2026 strategy, $106.6M in new facilities, and Parks Victoria’s 2022-23 data drive the research. With 15.2 million national trips and $14B spend in 2024, regional demand and family-friendly escapes define the landscape.[Research]
Factors We Considered: Facilities, Access, Safety, and More
- Facilities: Power, water, amenity blocks, cabins/glamping.
- Safety: Flood recovery records, enforcement, recent infrastructure upgrades.
- Accessibility: 4WD/trail access, walking/biking options, inclusive facilities.
- Sustainability: Third-party eco-certifications and green infrastructure.
- Family-Friendliness: Playgrounds, pools, dedicated kids’ activities.
- Adventure Options: Hiking, watersports, mountain biking, scenic location.
- Regulations: Booking systems, pet policies, up-to-date compliance.
- Value: Peak vs off-peak pricing, budget/free campsites, group deals.
All sites are rated using aggregated TripAdvisor scores, official Parks Victoria bookings, and presence in multiple expert 2026 lists.
Top 12 Camping Grounds in Victoria for 2026
1. Tidal River Campground – Best for Families
Location: Wilsons Promontory National Park
Rating: 4.5/5
- Massive 484-site capacity; powered & unpowered
- Hot showers, laundry, on-site store
- Norman Beach access and protected wilderness
- High summer demand – book months ahead
2. Johanna Beach Campground – Most Eco-Friendly Site
Location: Great Ocean Road
Rating: 4.5/5
- Eco-camping in pristine dunes, minimal facilities
- Toilets, tables, low fees/free; direct beach access
- Emphasis on sustainability and conservation
3. Halls Gap Lakeside / Breeze Holiday Parks – Best for Adventure Activities
Location: Grampians National Park
Rating: 3.9–4.5/5
- Base for hiking, climbing, and waterfalls
- Pools, glamping, firepits, play areas
- Pet-friendly and strong family appeal
4. Fraser Camping Area – Best for Scenic Views
Location: Lake Eildon (High Country)
Rating: 4.5/5
- Lakeside camping, popular for boating/watersports
- BYO water, hot showers, gas BBQs
5. Cooks Mill Campground – Best on a Budget
Location: Cathedral Ranges State Park
Rating: 4.5/5
- First-come, shaded, riverside location
- Non-flush toilets; BYO water; minimal costs
6. BIG4 Anglesea Holiday Park – Best for Glamping
Location: Anglesea, Great Ocean Road
Rating: 4.5/5
- Beach/river frontage, glamping cabins, luxury amenities
- Mini-golf, pools, playgrounds for all ages
7. Marengo Holiday/Caravan Park – Best Pet-Friendly Option
Location: Apollo Bay area
Rating: 4/5
- Dog-friendly; family and couples mix
- Scenic ocean views; powered/unpowered sites
8. Meringtons Campground – Hidden Gem (Underrated/New)
Location: Walhalla region
Rating: 4.5/5
- 4WD access only, drop toilets, bush kitchen
- Free to camp, post-upgrade natural charm
9–12. Other Notable Mentions for 2026
- River Bend Caravan Park (Lower Moira, Goulburn River): Bushland, pool/tennis, riverside fishing
- The Park Mount Beauty (High Country): Falls Creek proximity, powered/unpowered, dog-friendly
- Discovery Parks – Melbourne / BIG4 Phillip Island: Urban or island escapes, glamping/cabins, penguin viewing access
- Lokuttara (Myrtle Creek): Off-grid, stargazing, hidden rural spot
Eco-Friendly Camping Grounds: Top Sustainable Choices in Victoria
What Makes a Campground Eco-Friendly in 2026?
- Certification: Ecotourism Australia ECO Certification, Green Key, Sustainable Tourism Accreditation (10-year Parks Victoria licenses for certified operators)
- Practices: Renewable energy, waste minimization, support for conservation/community, environmental education, Environmental Management Plans
- Facilities: Low-impact infrastructure, eco-comfort camps, booking on eco platforms with sustainability badges (Booking.com reports 73% of travelers prefer sustainable properties)
- Benchmarks: Independent audits, documented minimal impact, ongoing compliance to retain status
Facilities, Certification, and Green Practices Spotlight
- Leading Sites: Wilsons Promontory NP (Tidal River, Johanna Beach); Camp Marysville (Sustainable Tourism Accreditation)
- Initiatives: Green infrastructure, extended licensing for certified camps, growth of EV charging access supporting low-carbon camping
Family-Friendly Camping Grounds: Best Choices in Victoria
Safety, Kid-Friendly Facilities, and Nature Activities
- All major family sites offer playgrounds, pools, family ablutions, and enclosed play zones
- Location security: Flood resilient sites (recovery efforts post-2022, 80%+ areas reopened), on-site staff, visible emergency info
- Nature activities: Guided walks at Tidal River, beach days at BIG4s, wildlife watching in Prom and Grampians
Tips for Family Camping Success
- Book early for school holidays (15–20% occupancy spikes at top sites)
- Consider holiday/touring parks for access to pools, activities, and social programs
- Check for included gear or hire options for less packing
- Choose locations close to towns for medical support and supplies
Adventure Activities at Victoria Camping Grounds
Hiking, Biking, and Water Sports Highlights
- Hiking: Grampians NP, Cathedral Ranges, Wilsons Prom (Pillar Point, Mt Oberon)
- Biking: Lake Eildon area, Great Ocean Road circuits
- Water Sports: Eildon, Barmah NP, Marengo – fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding
Campgrounds Near Adventure Hotspots (2026 Guide)
- Best base for hiking: Halls Gap/Breeze, Cooks Mill
- Best for water sports: Fraser Camping Area (Lake Eildon), Marengo
- Surf beaches & wild swimming: Johanna Beach, BIG4 Anglesea
Essential Booking Tips & Seasonal Advice for Camping in Victoria (2026)
How to Secure Your Site – Peak Seasons & Online Tools
- Book via Parks Victoria for government sites, or platforms like BIG4, Hipcamp, and direct park websites for private options
- Peak periods: Christmas, Easter, September school holidays (sites fill 3–6 months in advance)
Saving Money & Finding Last-Minute Availabilities
- Seek out first-come, no-booking campgrounds in state forests
- Monitor cancellation lists and off-peak deals (mid-week, winter offers up to 25% discounts)
- Group camping: Shared sites lower per-person price; free/low-fee state forest options in off-peak
What’s New for Camping Regulations in 2026?
- Parks Victoria expanded group and RV eligibility; online pre-booking required for many state camps
- Flood recovery: Most 2022-restricted parks now open (check latest alerts)
- Pets: More parks allow leashed dogs, but strict no-pet areas remain in national/protected parks
- Improved accessible amenities (e.g., flush toilets, showers)
Accessibility and Special Considerations: Inclusive Camping in Victoria
Wheelchair-Friendly & Accessible Facilities
- Key parks (Tidal River, Discovery Parks Melbourne) now feature accessible showers, toilets, and ramps
- Accessible trail upgrades ongoing in Grampians and Lakes regions
Pet Policies, Communications, and Special Needs Support
- Parks Victoria: Most national/protected parks ban pets; select private parks remain pet-friendly
- Special needs: Contact camps direct for support options (medical access, dietary, sensory spaces)
- Group camping: Book early if accessible group or family cabins are needed
FAQ: Choosing the Best Camping Ground in Victoria (2026 Edition)
- Q: Which campgrounds are best for first-timers?
A: BIG4 Anglesea and Tidal River offer robust amenities, safety, and staff support. - Q: Are eco-campgrounds expensive?
A: Many, like Johanna Beach and Cooks Mill, are low-cost or free; prices rise at high-service parks. - Q: Where can I camp with my pet?
A: Marengo, River Bend, and The Park Mount Beauty welcome well-behaved dogs; always confirm site rules. - Q: What if I need to cancel or book last minute?
A: Monitor cancellation boards, try first-come options, and check off-peak windows for best availability. - Q: Which parks offer the best adventure activities?
A: Halls Gap (Grampians), Lake Eildon, and Cathedral Ranges lead for bushwalking, climbing, and water sports.
Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Your Victorian Camping Adventure
Victoria’s campgrounds offer something for every traveler, with strong government investment ensuring improved access, safety, and sustainability in 2026. Book early for peak periods, prioritize certified eco-friendly or family parks for comfort, and explore lesser-known gems for solitude and savings. For booking and latest alerts, visit Parks Victoria or major providers like BIG4 Holiday Parks.
Ready for your next adventure? Secure your site today and discover why Victoria leads Australia’s camping boom.