
There is no shortage of free camping in Victoria. Amazing beachside, riverside and forest campgrounds are available, some with all the fruit when it comes to facilities and others have none.
There are plenty close to Melbourne, making them perfect getaways for the weekend camper. You could spend every weekend of the year driving no more than a couple of hours to visit an exciting new location. The landscape varies from the rugged coastline along the Great Ocean Road, the densely forested ranges of The Dandenongs to the dusty goldfields inland.
If you are looking to save some money while touring around, try swapping out the odd night in a caravan park for a free campsite. Free sites are often closer to nature with walking trails at your doorstep and more social campers.
Free Campsites Victoria
Here are a few free campsites in Victoria - some are within a stone’s throw of Melbourne while others are dotted around the state.
Sawpit Campground
Location: Narrawong Forest, Mount Clay MTB Trail, off Boyers Rd, Narrawong
Access: Dirt roads are wide and well maintained but can be boggy after rain
Suitable for: Tents, caravans, camper trailers, big rigs
Facilities: Drop toilets, BBQ, firepits, table and chairs, shaded sites
Cost: Free, 7 day limit,
Tips: Pet friendly, BYO toilet paper, short drive to Portland to buy supplies
What to Do/See: Mockup of a sawpit similar to those used during the pioneering days when timber was cut with a crosscut saw, bushwalks, cycling tracks, discover wildlife including kangaroos, wallabies and birds, walk to Whalers Point Lookout for views over Portland Bay.
Willis Camping Area
Location: Snowy River Road, Suggan Buggan
Access: Very tight road in so passing another vehicle is difficult
Suitable for: Tents, camper trailers
Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, fire pits
Cost: Free, located in national park but no fees to pay in Barry Way section of Kosciuszko National Park.
Tips: Located on the Victorian and NSW border
What to Do/See: River, swimming, 4WD tracks, spot wildlife including wallabies, kangaroos, brumbies, emus, birds.
McKillop’s Bridge Snowy River Campground
Location: Snowy River National Park
Access: One of the few places a 2WD vehicle can get access to the river
Suitable for: Tents, caravans, camper trailers,
Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, fire places, on-site information
Cost: Free
Tips: Check river levels and weather conditions with BOM, if tackling an extended river trip consult a guide book or speak to the Canoeing Victoria. Sloping grounds, little rainfall here due to being in the shadow of a mountain, bring everything you will need as shops are a drive away, no potable water

What to Do/See: McKillop’s Bridge, canoe and white water rafting through rapids and flat water, rugged gorges to investigate, fish, sandy river beaches ideal for summer swims, hiking and self guided walks for views of beautiful scenery.
Andersons Beach Campground
Location: Mooroopna-Murchison Rd, Murchison
Access: By 4WD only, slippery when wet
Suitable for: Tents, caravans, camper trailers
Facilities: Toilets, fire pits, BBQ, picnic tables
Cost: Free
Tips: Rugged ground with pot holes and steep access, pet friendly
What to Do/See: Located on Goulburn River there’s swimming, water skiing, canoeing, fishing, plus hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, four-wheel driving. Enjoy the local produce including olives, trout, dairy, cheese and wines.
Beauchamp Falls Reserve
Location: Beauchamp Walking Track, Beech Forest
Access: Beauchamp Falls Road accessed via the Beech Forest - Mount Sabine Road, Aire Valley Road and Flannagans Road. About 4.5km of narrow, windy dirt road but suitable for most vehicles.
Suitable for: Tents, camper trailers
Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, BBQ, fire pits, shaded sites
Cost: Free, no limit on stay
Tips: Pet friendly, ground uneven and rocky in parts, heavy rainfall area.
What to Do/See: Check out the towering Canadian redwoods, walk trails beneath mountain ash tress, spot the forest birds, crayfish and even a platypus close to the banks, 3km hike to the spectacular Beauchamp Falls.
Blue Pool Campground
Location: Freestone Creek Road, Briagolong
Access: Close to road, plenty of room to turn around but road in is narrow so passing other cars with a large caravan may be difficult
Suitable for: Tents, caravans, camper trailers
Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, BBQ, fire pits
Cost: Free
Tips: No rubbish bins, pet friendly, arrive early during peak times, sloping site towards creek so may be difficult for large caravans

What to Do/See: Swimming hole is clear and refreshing on a summer’s day, rope swing into pool, walking trails, lookout, explore Briagolong State Forest.
Lerderderg Campground
Location: Upper Chadwick Track, Lerderderg State Park
Access: 4WD only, seasonal road closures
Suitable for: Tents
Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, fire pits, shaded sites
Cost: Free
Tips: Pet friendly

What to Do/See: Walks, swimming in river or Grahams Dam, overnight hikes, a 300 metre gorge through sandstone and slate, plenty of wildlife to spot, gold mining relics to discover.
Genoa Rest Area
Location: 4 Park Road, Genoa, first town after the NSW border
Access: Road
Suitable for: Tents, caravans, camper trailers, big rigs
Facilities: Toilets, BBQ, picnic tables, fire pits
Cost: Free, Donation appreciated, 72 hour limit
Tips: Large grassy site with plenty of room, beware camping under poplar trees as fruit bats can make a mess of your awning.
What to Do/See: Plenty of birdlife and some wildlife, walk over the historic timber truss/concrete bridge to Genoa, drive in to Mallacoota for surf beaches, lakes and rivers.
Sheepyard Flat
Location: Brocks Road, Howqua Hills
Access: Long gravel road drive in, slippery when wet
Suitable for: Tents, caravans, camper trailers
Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, fire pits, shaded sites
Cost: Free
Tips: Plenty of space, camp away from entrance if worried about traffic noise

What to Do/See: Swimming, fishing in river, walking, horse riding, birdlife, 4WD tracks
Kurth Kiln Heritage Fence
Location: Soldiers Road, Gembrook, 60km from Melbourne
Access: Soldiers Road off Gembrook-Launching Place Road, slippery when wet
Suitable for: Tents, camper trailers
Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, shaded sites
Cost: Free
Tips: Ideal weekend away close to Melbourne, plenty of space, pet friendly
What to Do/See: Swimming, fishing in river, walking, horse riding, bike riding, birdlife, 4WD tracks, travel on or view Puffing Billy steam train at Gembrook station, enjoy Bunyip State Park
Victorian Contacts
These phone number and websites may come in handy while planning your next visit or for information while you are camping:
Parks Victoria
T: 131 963
Department of Sustainability & Environment
T: 136 186
Vic Roads
T: 03 9854 2666
Bureau of Meteorology
T: 1900 926 102
W: bom.gov.au
Free and Low-Cost Camping Maps and Books
Most free camps are hidden away either in the bush or the back of town. There is no neon sign or even road sign in many cases so unless you do your research, you’re unlikely to come across free camp grounds.
The Camps 9 book has large scale maps for planning where you will spend the night and your day activities. The book lists more than 4,500+ free or low cost camp sites in caravan parks, national parks, state parks and stations. The GPS position for each site is handy as some sites can be a long way off the beaten track. If you are travelling with a pet it’s even more important you do your research. The book lists more than 3,200 sites that welcome your pet.
The Guide to Free Campsites 2018/19 features free and low cost campsites around Australia in magazine style with articles on individual campsites, vehicle setup, communications, fishing and bush cooking.
Investing in a book that lists free campsites can save you a small fortune. You only need to spend one or two nights at a free camp instead of a paid caravan park and you will be ahead.
If you need any assistance with maps or guides for travelling around Victoria, call The Chart & Map Shop staff on (08) 9335 8665 or contact us online.
Do any of them have electricity available ~ or shower facilities?