Quick Picks – Best Camping in Victoria for Every Adventurer
Best Family-Friendly Campground
Tidal River Campground, Wilsons Promontory National Park leads all categories as Victoria’s most booked and reviewed site in 2026. Offering over 480 sites (powered and unpowered), it features hot showers, modern toilets, a visitor centre, and direct access to Norman Beach. Surveys show 92% family satisfaction for facilities, safety, and activities including bushwalking, wildlife spotting, and kayaking. Book at Parks Victoria.
- Supervised shuttles to hiking and beach spots (peak times)
- BBQs, visitor hub, and sand dunes for children
- Average cost post-discount: $25–35/night (half-price until Aug 31, 2026)
Best Beachfront Camping Experience
Johanna Beach Campground on the Great Ocean Road offers 25 unpowered sites directly on the sand. This dog-friendly, free campground scores 4.8/5 on independent platforms for its wild surf, unspoiled coast, and epic sunsets. Facilities are basic (pit toilets, no showers) but the setting is unrivaled for true oceanfront camping.
- Year-round free entry
- Popular with surfers and pet owners
- Bring your own water and portable shower
Best Remote & Backcountry Spot
Refuge Cove, Wilsons Promontory is a boat/hike-in-only retreat acclaimed for pristine forests and secluded swimming. Basic facilities but unbeatable immersion. Grampians bush camps and Sealers Cove (only accessible by a 10km hike) are other standouts for seasoned adventurers.
- No vehicle access; must hike or boat-in
- Free, no bookings; pit toilets only
- Rated 9/10 for remoteness by WeAreExplorers
Editor’s Favourite for 2026
Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park combines new tech amenities (WiFi, online bookings) with classic comforts: heated pool, mountain views, and campfires. Excellent for families, couples, and group adventurers in Grampians National Park. Over 3500 positive reviews highlight value after half-price fee introduction in 2026.
- Powered/unpowered, cabins, glamping tents
- From $40 (unpowered), $46 (powered) per night
- Check availability
What’s New for Camping in Victoria in 2026?
Recent Park Openings, Closures & Upgrades
No major new park openings or permanent closures reported for 2026. Most popular sites (Wilsons Prom, Grampians, Great Ocean Road) have seen targeted upgrades:
- Shuttle frequency increased at Tidal River (peak season)
- Visitor centre renovations, expanded camp kitchens at Grampians
- Real-time site availability across Parks Victoria platform
Peer-to-peer platforms like Hipcamp continue to expand options on private land, reporting a 40% rise in unique Victoria listings since the end of statewide free camping in 2025.
2026 Regulations: Bookings, Fees & Fire Bans
- Half-price fees at 131 Parks Victoria campgrounds until August 31, 2026. Applies to both powered/unpowered—average savings: $15 per night per site.
- Bookings required for all Parks Victoria campgrounds. Max 3 sites per transaction, reduced to 2 in peak periods.
- Minimum stay rules: 4 nights over Easter and Melbourne Cup weekend.
- Free camping remains in state forests and some remote parks (confirm at Vic Forests).
- Fire bans apply as per regional safety. Use official apps (CFA) for updates.
Technology & Amenities: The Modern Campground
- Parks Victoria online booking provides live slot availability, group features
- Most premium sites now offer WiFi (Halls Gap, Lake Eildon), and EV charging (pilot at select Great Ocean Road parks)
- Visitor apps for safety alerts, site maps, and amenity bookings
- Peer-to-peer platforms facilitate pet-friendly, off-grid, or unique stays
Best Camping Sites in Victoria [2026 Edition]
Wilsons Promontory National Park (Tidal River & Beyond)
Tidal River remains Victoria’s camping benchmark—family focus, 484 designated spaces, hot showers, BBQs, proximity to iconic Norman Beach. Over 90% approval on major platforms. Refuge Cove and Sealers Cove (free, hike-in only) provide wild backcountry for advanced adventurers. Upgrades in 2026 include improved booking and expanded shuttle service during peak weeks.
Grampians (Halls Gap & Surrounding Gems)
- Halls Gap Lakeside: Pool, BBQs, mountain trail access, tech-friendly
- Bush camps: Basic, closer to Grampians hikes; no power or showers
- Dunkeld and Borough Huts: Eco-focused, limited amenities
Phillip Island & Coastal Retreats
- BIG4 Phillip Island: Accessible family park, powered sites, top coastal reviews
- Marengo Holiday Park: Great Ocean Road base, praised for clean facilities & beach access
- Penguin Parade camping options nearby for animal-lovers
High Country Escapes: Mount Buffalo & Lake Catani
- Lake Catani Campground: Scenic alpine lake, 49 sites; hot showers, fireplaces, fishing
- Mount Buffalo: Backcountry spots for hikers and climbers
Underrated North & Central Victoria Spots
- Harrietville Caravan Park: Pet-friendly, powered/unpowered from $40, close to alpine hiking/cycling
- The Park Mount Beauty: Riverfront, camp kitchens, WiFi, 2–3-night minimum
- Lake Eildon Fraser Camping Area: Group sites for water sports & bushwalking, upgraded amenities
Wild Bush & Riverbank Camping
- Murray River Beaches: Free, dog-friendly, shaded options; strong community reviews for paddling, fishing
- Barmah National Park: Australia’s largest river red gum forest; immersion in nature, no services
Unique Camping Experiences in Victoria
Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Campgrounds
- Wilsons Promontory: Strict fire and waste controls, habitat preservation
- Otways and Cape Conran: Biodiverse landscapes, low-impact camping
- Most state forest areas use passive patrols, promote “pack it in, pack it out” ethics
Glamping: Luxury Under the Stars
- Hipcamp listings along Great Ocean Road/Gippsland: Lux safari tents, ensuite bathrooms, breakfast delivery—average cost: $120–$200/night
- Grampians Bell Tents (Halls Gap): Queen beds, hot showers, 4.9/5 guest reviews
Free & Off-the-Grid Sites
- Johanna Beach, Refuge Cove, Sealers Cove: All free, though basic (pit toilets/max 3-night stays in some areas)
- Barmah State Forest: Wild-camp anywhere within guidelines
Pet-Friendly Camping Options
- Johanna Beach: Unleashed fun, rare for national park setting
- Murray River: Dozens of riverside options with strong water safety
- Private Hipcamp listings excel for fenced, off-leash stays
User Stories: Memorable Camping Adventures in Victoria
Best Moments Shared by Real Campers
- “Watching the sunrise at Refuge Cove after a two-day hike—unmatched peace and beauty.”
- “Family campfire cookups by Norman Beach; evenings alive with distant penguins and stargazing.”
- “Surfing at Johanna Beach in the morning, ending with a wild dog walk at sunset.”
Tips from Seasoned Outdoor Adventurers
- Book premium or high-demand sites 6+ months in advance—especially Tidal River, Grampians, and coastal retreats
- BYO water and firewood for remote or free sites
- Leverage state forest and peer-to-peer platforms for budget flexibility and pet access
How to Choose the Best Camping Spot in Victoria
Key Factors: Location, Facilities, Activities
- Location: Proximity to coast, bushland, or town facilities
- Facilities: Hot showers, toilets, kitchens (premium); pit toilets/wild for remote
- Activities: Hiking, wildlife, water sports, child-friendly programming
Budgeting for Your Camping Trip in 2026
| Site Type | Cost (per night, avg.) | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Parks Vic powered | $25–40 (half-price through Aug 2026) | Electricity, showers, bookings required |
| Premium Glamping | $120–200 | Luxury tent/cabin, linen, breakfast, ensuite |
| State Forest/Free | Free–$10 | Pit toilet or bush, BYO gear, first-come basis |
| Pet-Friendly | $40–45 | Riverfront, camp kitchens, WiFi (select) |
Accessibility & Family Considerations
- Drive-in access for families (e.g., Tidal River, Halls Gap)
- Wheelchair-friendly facilities improving at top parks
- Minimum age and group restrictions apply at some remote or hike-in spots
Planning Your 2026 Victoria Camping Adventure
Essential Gear Checklist (With Local Retailers)
- Four-season tent (Buy at Anaconda | BCF)
- Sleeping bag (0°C rated for Alpine districts)
- Self-inflating mattress or camp stretcher
- Cooking stove & gas (fire bans may limit campfires)
- Water filter & refillable bottles
- Safety beacon (for remote/location-tracked trips)
Safety, Wildlife & Leave No Trace in Victoria
- Store all food securely; possum and wombat encounters are frequent at Grampians, the Prom, and along rivers
- Fire restrictions are common from Nov–April; always check CFA updates
- Adhere to “Leave No Trace” principles—pack out all rubbish, avoid feeding wildlife, use only designated fire pits
Interactive Map of Top Camping Spots [2026]
For a real-time interactive planning map, visit Parks Victoria Where to Stay or Victoria Hipcamp.
FAQ: Victoria Camping in 2026
- Is camping still free in Victoria? Most state forests, some coastal, and remote sites remain free; national park sites are half price through August 31, 2026.
- How early do I need to book? High-demand parks (Wilsons Prom, Grampians) recommend 4–6 months in advance, especially for school holidays and long weekends.
- Are fires and BBQs allowed? Subject to seasonal fire bans and designated areas; portable stoves are widely permitted.
- What about pets? Many state forests, private campgrounds, and some beaches (like Johanna) allow pets; most national parks do not.
- Are amenities modernized? Most leading sites now offer online booking, reliable toilets, and in select cases, WiFi—though remote bush camps may have only pit toilets or none at all.
- Are there safety/wildlife issues? Follow park guidance; wildlife is abundant but rarely hazardous if left undisturbed and campsites are kept clean.
Plan your 2026 camping adventure now! For updated site map, bookings, and gear, visit Parks Victoria and leading retailers.