Dreaming of a campervan adventure through scenic Victoria and hoping to explore some of the best free camping spots? We have you covered with this guide to the best free camping spots in Victoria. Whether you are planning a coastal retreat or a bushland adventure, freedom camping in a campervan is the perfect addition to any Victoria road trip itinerary. Let’s dive in.
Image: Visit Victoria
Why freedom camping should be on your travel bucket list
We are firm believers that freedom camping should be on everyone’s travel bucket list. Travelling in a camper is a great way to save on accommodation by taking advantage of low-cost and free camping options. However, whether you’re a budget traveller looking to save a little money, or a nature lover wanting to experience the beauty of local areas, there are plenty of reasons to experience freedom camping during a campervan adventure, including:
The freedom camp areas are often off the beaten track, which means fantastic views and nature spots
You can save money for your travels
You often end up in areas that are quieter, with fewer people
You can connect with nature
Guidelines for freedom camping in Victoria, Australia
When staying overnight at freedom camping spots in Victoria (as throughout Australia), it’s important to keep a few things in mind in order to keep these spaces free and in the best condition for future travellers.
Leave no trace
First and foremost, it’s important not to leave no trace - aka. Don’t leave any rubbish behind. This is in part to protect wildlife (who may try to consume leftovers) and in part to keep it clean for future users. The best part about travelling in a campervan is you always have a bin on board so you can conveniently store any rubbish you may have until you can dispose of it properly.
Be respectful
Be respectful to wildlife and other campers while utilizing these free, shared spaces. Things like keeping the noise down, being careful around nesting areas, and so on are just a few ways you can respect the local inhabitants as well as others staying the night.
Only park in areas that are permitted
Unfortunately, you can’t always just park anywhere when freedom camping. Some areas will have designated spots, as outlined on the government website or local signage. Parking outside permitted areas can result in fines, so be sure to abide by any restrictions. It is also important to keep an eye on your stay length. Sometimes there are limits at each campground. This is typically listed at the entry, but if not, you can easily check this on the government website or through apps like thl Roadtrip app.
Keep it clean
Another top way to keep these spaces clean is to ensure that you always use your camper toilet or the campground toilet. This is to protect both wildlife and the environment. In addition to storing your garbage waste, it’s important to dispose of this campervan waste (both black and grey tanks) at proper dump points. The thl Roadtrip app is a great way to find local dump points near you, wherever the road may take you!
Freedom camping in a campervan can be a little different to camping in a typical tent or 4WD rooftop tent set-up. If you are planning to integrate free camping into your upcoming campervan holiday, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Plan where you are going to charge your campervan
While you may occasionally get lucky with a free hook-up, generally speaking, freedom camp spots are unpowered. So in order to run items in the camper, such as your microwave, air conditioner etc, you will need to be plugged into power. If you are choosing to go a little more off-grid, you can do this for a few days at a time. However, you will need to integrate a few planned low-cost paid holiday parks where you can grab a powered campsite and charge up your campervan every few days.
Stock up your campervan supplies
Unlike parking at holiday parks where you are in close proximity to shops and restaurants, free camps typically are a little further from town and have fewer amenities close by. As such, ensure that you have everything you may need before making your way to a campsite. A few essentials to consider when stocking up on supplies include:
Water - freedom campgrounds may not have running water, so it’s worthwhile to bring bottled water as a backup for drinking (and washing dishes in a pinch!)
Food - you may be in a more remote area away from shops, so be sure you have enough food to last your stay
Rubbish bags – these are handy if there are no bins on site
Battery-powered items - torches and/or fairy lights are a great way to enjoy freedom camps without exhausting your campervan batteries
Maps - whether you choose to have a paper map or downloaded maps, it’s important to have a map of where to go in case you do not have any signal on your phone
Plan ahead
Having a bit of a plan is handy when you are staying somewhere with fewer facilities – especially when travelling in a campervan. Planning ahead means you can find dump points, nearest shops, weather, campground locations and other necessities ahead of time. That way, you don’t find yourself in a sticky situation or spending unnecessary money on fuel trying to backtrack or on other essentials.
Image: Visit Victoria
Free campervan campgrounds in Victoria
Travelling in a campervan not only allows you the freedom to experience the best attractions and the best things to do in Victoria but also gives you the chance to experience everything in between, with stunning campsites along the way. Whether you are cruising along the coast or planning a hinterland retreat, there are plenty of stunning free camps in Victoria to check out. Here is our list of the best free camping spots in Victoria to check out when travelling in a camper.
Grampians National Park
The Grampians National Park has gained its fame from its world-famous hiking trails and unparalleled beauty. This park is overflowing with classic Australian wildlife, Aboriginal heritage and awe-inspiring mountain panoramas.
Plantation campground
If you are planning a trip to explore the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, then be sure to check out the Plantation Campground. This free camp is located within an old Radiata pine forest and is spacious with excellent facilities on-site.
Facilities of the campground:
Toilets
Picnic area
BBQ
Fire pit
Bush shower
Things to see and do nearby:
Halls Gap
Heatherlie Quarry
Beehive Falls
Aboriginal rock art in the northern Grampians
If you are planning on exploring this area more, be sure to check out the visitor guide for more information on free camping and exploring in this area.
Great Ocean Road
This slice of coastal paradise is one of Australia’s most popular landmarks and a bucket list destination for travellers visiting Australia. From plunging seaside cliffs to the epic formations of the 12 Apostles – this is easily one of the best road trips in Victoria.
Image: Destination Victoria
Dando’s campground
Dando’s campground is a great budget-friendly camping choice when exploring the Great Ocean Road. This remote, former tree nursery offers simply flat, grassy sites to park your camper.
Stevensons Falls campground is set amongst the giant Californian redwoods of the Otways. Here you can fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the Gellibrand River and use this as a base to explore the surrounding Ottway National Park and the Great Ocean Road.
Facilities of the campground:
Wood-fired BBQ’s
Picnic tables
Toilets
Things to see and do nearby:
Explore Otway National Park
Walk to see Stevensons Falls
Go wildlife watching in the surrounding forest
Lake Colac
Lake Colac is Victoria’s largest natural freshwater lake and a popular hotspot for fishing, water activities and recreation along the foreshore. The lake is also in close proximity to the Colac Botanic Gardens and has a host of amenities, making it an idyllic stop on a Victoria road trip.
Meredith Park Campground
Meredith Park Campgroundis set on the shoreline of Lake Colac and features 6 hectares of shoreline accessible for free camping in a camper. This is also a short distance from the Otways and is a perfect addition to a Great Ocean Road road trip adventure.
Facilities of the campground:
BBQ
Toilets
Shady areas
Fire hearth
Things to see and do nearby:
Walking trails around Lake Colac
Fishing
Explore Colac
Enjoy a scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road
Macedon Ranges
Macedon Ranges is a collection of nine historic villages and hinterland vistas just an hour from the heart of Melbourne, Victoria. The ranges are home to dramatic landscapes, breathtaking heritage, as well as heavenly local produce and wine cultivated in the rich soils of the ranges.
Kyneton Mineral Springs Reserve
When exploring the Macedon Ranges, Kyneton Mineral Springs Reserve is the go-to free camp for campervan overnight stays. This simple free camp offers a perfect base to explore the surrounding villages and top Victoria attractions like Hanging Rock.
If you are curious to learn more about the legacy of Victoria’s gold rush, theGoldfieldsis the place to go. The rich history is everywhere in this town, from the botanic gardens to the architecture. However, this town is more than just gold rush history. It has a thriving scene of award-winning regional restaurants and galleries, as well as stunning nature reserves to explore.
Butts Reserve
Campervans can stay at Butts Bushland Reserve when exploring the beauty of the Goldfields. Located beneath Mt Tarrengower, this is an idyllic bushland setting to rest and unwind after a long day exploring Victoria in your campervan.
Facilities of the campground:
Toilets
Picnic tables
BBQ
Fire pit
Things to see and do nearby:
Visit the Gold dragon museum
Take a heritage steam train ride
Wander through the local markets and stores
Discover the gold rush history at the local mine sites
Mount Disappointment State Forest
Mt Disappointment State Forest’s name comes from the disappointment that the explorers couldn’t see Port Phillip Bay due to the dense tree growth. However, as it turns out, their disappointment is now what makes this forest so beautiful. Mt Disappointment is a wildlife haven perfect for bushwalking, hiking, and bike riding.
Anderson campground
Campervans can stay at Anderson campground when passing through this lush bushland area. This is a very popular spot during summer, so be sure to come early and grab a spot.
Take off on your freedom camping adventure with Mighty
Victoria is a campervan traveller’s dream. Here you can experience everything from the expansive beauty of the Great Ocean Road to the buzzing cultural hub of Melbourne and all the hinterland beauty in between – all while taking advantage of free camping spots along the way.
