Forest North Campground

The view of the Glenelg river from Forest North Campground

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Forest North Campground

Enjoy riverside camping at Forest North Campground. Launch a canoe or kayak, take a short walk or relax at camp.      
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Enjoy the scenic riverside at Forest North Campground. Launch a canoe or kayak and explore the spectacular limestone gorge. Take a short walk or relax at camp and spot kangaroos and emus.

The campground offers three unpowered campsites, all suitable for camper trailers, campervans and tents only. Each campsite accommodates up to six people.

Campground facilities include non-flush toilets, fireplaces, picnic tables and non-potable water. The campground is accessible by 2WD between May and November, 4WD may be required between December and April due to possible dry sandy track conditions. 
Advanced bookings and payment are required year-round.

Things to do in the area

 
Canoeing

Canoeing and Kayaking

Canoeing and kayaking are great ways to explore beautiful waterways. Enjoy the tranquility and spot wildlife that hikers don’t normally see.
Father and son bird watching on boardwalk

Bird watching

From bushland to wetlands and everything in between, parks provide habitat to an abundance of common and rare bird species. Go for a wander and see how many you can spot.
A group of four hikers walk along the beach at Discovery Bay as part of the Great South West Walk

Great South West Walk

Walk the diverse landscapes of Lower Glenelg National Park, Discovery Bay Coastal Park, Cobboboonee National Park and Cape Nelson State Park. Starting from Portland, the walk travels through majestic tall forests, meanders alongside the World Heritage Glenelg River, remote ocean beaches, past ancient lakes and culminates along rugged ocean clifftops.
A woman playfully splashing a friend in another canoe with her paddle on the Glenelg River

Glenelg River Canoe Trail

The Glenelg River offers excellent opportunities for flat water canoeing over the 75kms from Dartmoor to its mouth near Nelson. For much of its distance the river flows through the Lower Glenelg National Park, enabling enthusiasts to observe wildlife in its natural environment.

How to get there

Forest North Campground

Lower Glenelg National Park is in south-west Victoria adjoining the South Australian border, about 420km from Melbourne and 490km from Adelaide.

Forest North Campground is north of the river and is accessed from Wanwin Road. The campground is usually accessible for 2WDs however in summer and extended dry periods the access track may become sandy and require a 4WD.
Forest North Campground

Sites

When you're there

Download the Forest North Campground map for site locations.

Download the Lower Glenelg National Park Visitor Guide for more information and things to do.

Canoeists undertaking the Glenelg River Canoe Trail, paddling consecutive sections of the trail with overnight stops, should camp at the Glenelg River Canoe Trail campsites.

Need to know

Forest North Campground

Accessibility

Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.

Be prepared and stay safe

Lower Glenelg National Park is in the South West fire district. Bushfires can occur during the warmer months. It is your responsibility to check current and forecast weather conditions. Campfires cannot be lit on days of Total Fire Ban, however gas cookers can be used for preparing food.

Check the Fire Danger Rating and for days of Total Fire Ban at emergency.vic.gov.au, on the Vic Emergency App or call the Vic Emergency Hotline 1800 226 226.

Change of Conditions

Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

  • Lower Glenelg National Park

    Princess Margaret Rose Cave is currently closed to the public

    Princess Margaret Rose Cave is currently closed to the public. Essential safety works including new cave lighting, painting the visitor centre and electrical systems are complete. Work is continuing to upgrade toilets and the wastewater system.

    Glenelg River mouth artificially opened

    On the 30th May 2025, the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority together with Parks Victoria manually opened the blocked mouth of the Glenelg River. 

    The public are requested to stay well clear of the river mouth to ensure their safety.  Sand ledges in the channel are unstable and can collapse without notice.  River water may be moving very swiftly through the channel into the ocean.

    Water levels around jetties and boat ramps are expected to drop from Friday 30th May and into the weekend.  Park and river users are urged to be cautious when using jetties and boat ramps, due to the likelihood of silt having settled on the previously submerged decks and ramps, potentially causing hazardous conditions.  Additionally, previously submerged decking boards and ladders could be damaged or missing.

    Parks Victoria staff will undertake assessments as soon as possible to respond to any damage or unsafe conditions.  Park visitors can report unsafe conditions by contacting 13 1963 or info@parks.vic.gov.au.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

    Glenelg River mouth artificially opened

    On the 30th May 2025, the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority together with Parks Victoria manually opened the blocked mouth of the Glenelg River. 

    The public are requested to stay well clear of the river mouth to ensure their safety.  Sand ledges in the channel are unstable and can collapse without notice.  River water may be moving very swiftly through the channel into the ocean.

    Water levels around jetties and boat ramps are expected to drop from Friday 30th May and into the weekend.  Park and river users are urged to be cautious when using jetties and boat ramps, due to the likelihood of silt having settled on the previously submerged decks and ramps, potentially causing hazardous conditions.  Additionally, previously submerged decking boards and ladders could be damaged or missing.

    Parks Victoria staff will undertake assessments as soon as possible to respond to any damage or unsafe conditions.  Park visitors can report unsafe conditions by contacting 13 1963 or info@parks.vic.gov.au.

A kayak lashed to the jetty at Forest South Campground at Lower Glenelg National Park

Forest South Campground

The camping area is located beside the Glenelg River amongst eucalypt forest
The jetty at Hutchessons Campground at Lower Glenelg National Park

Hutchessons Campground

Take an easy drive to this quiet spot along the river. Pitch a tent at Hutchessons Campground and watch for native wildlife as you listen to the river flow by. Launch a canoe or kayak and paddle up or down the peaceful water, or try your luck fishing from the jetty.
A man fishes of the jetty at Mclennans Punt Campground at Lower Glenelg National Park

McLennans Punt Campground

Pitch a tent at this peaceful campground on the northern banks of the Glenelg River. Go canoeing or kayaking, or cast a line and see if you can catch bream or mulloway for dinner.
A 4WD with a camper trailer attached in front of the river at Red Gum Landing campground at Lower Glenelg National Park

Red Gum Landing Campground

Pitch a tent at Red Gum Landing Campground and enjoy the serenity of the river. Launch a canoe or kayak and keep an eye out for native wildlife as you paddle along the water. Unwind at camp and drop a line to catch that elusive fish.
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