Needing an escape? Enjoy Australia’s natural beauty at the best campgrounds in Victoria!

Nothing beats solitude in the midst of luscious nature. And, with some of the best campsite locations, now has never been a better time to plan a camping trip.

Below you’ll find a list of the best camping spots in Victoria, Australia. They are all a necessary oasis from the humdrum of the city – the kinds of places you can spend a whole weekend exploring.

Please note: many of these campsites require a permit or pass to camp in. You can find out more about it at Parks Victoria.

When is the best time to go camping in Victoria?

If you’re looking for a warmer climate to explore the outdoors, we’d recommend camping in Victoria between the months of October and April each year.

Wilson’s Promontory National Park

Welcome to the southernmost point of mainland Australia also known as Wilson’s Promontory National Park. There are quite a few camping grounds to choose from, but the best spot is Sealers Cove, which can only be attained on foot. If you’re not keen on the walk, there is a camping ground adjacent Norman Beach, but it can get crowded during the summer season. And, if you’re seeking something a little daring, head to Roaring Meg at the tip of the peninsula.

Grampians National Park

The Grampians National Park offers over a dozen spots to pitch your tent, making it one of the more popular sites to camp overnight. Plantation Campground in the northern end is a popular spot, sitting near the edge of Wartook Reservoir which shares a decent circuit track. If you want true peace and quiet, consider Strachans Campground beside Glenelg Creek in the south – with nothing around for miles. And in the east is Kalymna Falls Campground, another remote campsite which offers close by hiking opportunities on Mount William. Promising breathtaking views at every corner of the Grampians National Park, it’s no surprise why it’s considered as one of the best campgrounds in Victoria.

Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is one of Melbourne’s most amazing scenic drives, but did you know you can camp along the way too? Yep! You can bask in the Twelve Apostles, traverse the beautiful waterfalls from Mount Cowley, visit the Bay of Islands and stay overnight in one of the many campgrounds along the way. The best camping can be found at Great Otway National Park that features rainforest walks, a luscious Great Ocean Walk and even a light station at the head of the cape. There’s also Allenvale Mill Bush Campground near Mount Cowley, offering a backyard of waterfalls and hiking.

Murray River

While the Murray River boasts a suite of camping spots along its trajectory, from Bottle Bend in the far northwest to Tom Groggin Campground in the far northeast, we argue that the best ones are straight north from Melbourne’s CBD. There are several popular maintained camping sights in the vicinity – from the easy access to the trekker’s delight. One of our favourites is Barmah Lakes Camping Ground, where two lakes squeeze in on either side of the Murray River.

Mount Buffalo National Park

It’s not one of those well-known camping locations in Victoria, and that’s what makes Mount Buffalo National Park so amazing! The best camping is alongside Lake Catani, with toilets and (hot) shower facilities to make your stay comfortable. And if you haven’t noticed in the picture above, Mount Buffalo is a hiker’s paradise with plenty of picturesque moments. This includes Crystal Brook Falls and stunning rock formations like Mahomets Tomb and The Sentinel. Regardless of your choice, Mount Buffalo National Park has some of the top camping sites in Victoria for you to enjoy – just be sure to book ahead.

Cathedral Range State Park

About 80-kilometres northeast of Melbourne sits a mountain range that dares to be explored. Cathedral Range State Park hosts a few campgrounds in its vicinity including Cooks Mill and Neds Gully. But if you want an off-the-grid experience, consider sprawling out at The Farmyard Campground which sits on the range itself. While here be sure to check out the wonderful lookouts that trace the range, from Little Cathedral Peak in the north to Sugarloaf Peak in the south.

Lower Glenelg National Park

Just before you hit the Victoria and South Australia border via the Great Ocean Road, you’ll hit the town of Nelson and the final stretch of the Glenelg River as it swirls into the sea. But, along the last leg of its journey, there are plenty of quaint campgrounds to nestle into – from Pritchards Landing to Hutchessons Camp Site. This is a popular canoeing spot thanks to the calm waters of Glenelg River, and you can hire canoes or kayaks from Nelson Canoe & Kayak Hire. Oh, and while you’re here, be sure to trundle through Princess Margaret Rose Cave, the far east’s most kept secret!

Feature image: Photographed by Emily Godfrey. Sourced via Visit Victoria.

This article was first published on November 03 2020. It was updated and edited by Hunter and Bligh on September 05 2023.