Lake Catani Campground and its adjoining day visitor area are in a central location on the Mt Buffalo plateau and within easy access to The Gorge and numerous walking tracks. Download the Mount Buffalo National Park Visitor Guide before you go, for information on walks and other activities.

Lake Catani Campground booking information

Camping at Lake Catani is seasonal. The campground is closed in the shoulder periods between the summer and winter seasons.

Summer and holiday periods 

Summer camping at Lake Catani is available from the beginning of November (Melbourne Cup weekend) until the end of April and campsites must be booked online in advance. Advance online bookings apply at Lake Catani Campground for selected holiday periods. Refer to the information on ballots and peak season bookings for release dates and minimum booking periods.

Winter

From the Friday prior to the Queen’s Birthday long weekend in June until the end of September, camping is available at Lake Catani for free. No booking is required. Lake Catani Campground is only accessible by skiing, snowshoeing or walking. The track into Lake Catani is a seasonal road and is closed from the Thursday before the June long weekend until the end of October. The road closure may remain in place longer if the track is impacted by snow. The campground amenities are closed during winter. However, a pit toilet located behind the Stone Hut is open for winter campers.

The Lake Catani camping area has several campsites that are well-suited for visitors in wheelchairs as they are located on reasonably level ground and are located within 50 metres of the visitor amenities building. The most accessible sites are sites 2, 3, 11 and 12.

Access to the toilets and showers from the campsites is from one of several compacted gravel paths that meander through the trees from the various campsites, with some paths wider than others.

There are no designated disabled parking bays in the camping area but campsites have sufficient space for vehicles to be parked close to the tents.

The unisex accessible toilet and shower has its own separate entrance in the visitor amenities building. 

Download the Lake Catani Campground Accessibility Guide for detailed information.

Restrictions 

• No generators
• No horses
• No dogs, cats, or other pets allowed
• No fires permitted outside of existing campfire structures
• No firearms allowed
• No drones or Remotely Piloted Aircraft
• Speed restrictions apply
• Fees apply

Safety in nature

Mount Buffalo National Park is in the North East 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.

To ensure that you and your companions stay safe, always remember that the natural environment can be unpredictable. At Lake Catani, be aware of difficult terrain, tree falls and both shallow and deep water. Keep to tracks and keep your eyes out for snakes and other wildlife which are more active in the warmer months. Before you go, look at our safety tips.