Explore
Lake Catani Campground
Discover magnificent waterfalls and remote alpine landscapes while camping within beautiful Snow Gum woodlands beside Lake Catani in Mount Buffalo National Park.
Camping at Lake Catani is an adventure and nature lover's paradise.
Located on the Mount Buffalo plateau, 28km from Porepunkah, the surrounding Mount Buffalo National Park offers a variety of landscapes from tall eucalypt forest to alpine heathlands and snow-grass plains.
Set amongst picturesque Snow Gum woodland, this idyllic and family friendly camping spot high in the Alps offers 49 campsites. Some are suitable for small caravans and campervans while others are for car camping and tents only. Walk-in campsites provide campers with even quieter surroundings.
There is also a special area set aside for schools and social groups, and several campsites are available for visitors with limited mobility, along with a separate accessible toilet and hot shower.
Though campers are required to be self-sufficient with drinking water, the scenic campground contains everything else you need for a comfortable stay - from toilets and hot showers to dishwashing and even a basic laundry.
A cosy mess hall features tables and fireplaces for shared use, great for rainy days.
Nearby, a newly refurbished picnic shelter overlooks the lake at the popular Lakeside Day Visitor Area. With accessible toilets, free gas barbecues and tables, it's the perfect setting for picnicking on the shores, enjoying a cool swim or paddling a canoe.
Set out for the day with spectacular waterfalls, beautiful wildflowers, abundant wildlife, and plenty of easy and challenging walks waiting to be discovered. Alternatively pull up a chair, relax lakeside and watch the world go by in the company of wombats.
As rivers, lakes and reservoirs are natural environments, you may encounter hazards. Follow our water safety advice to make sure your day out at Lake Catani is a safe and enjoyable one.
Things to do
The Horn
The Gorge and Mount Buffalo Chalet
Ladies Bath and Eurobin Falls
Mount Buffalo National Park
Remote hike-in camping
How to get there
Lake Catani Campground
When you're there
There is so much to do at Mount Buffalo. Refer to the Mount Buffalo National Park Visitor Guide for details of walks and other activities. Visit the campground information shelter for notice of summer and Easter ranger lead interpretive programs or visit the park office for more information.
Lake Catani Campground booking information
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 in advance.
Peak season bookings apply during summer school holidays.
Five hike/ski-in sites are available for free winter camping during the declared snow season. Situated around the stone hut, fires may be lit only in the fireplaces within the picnic shelter and campground amenities are closed during winter though a toilet is available nearby.
Need to know
Lake Catani Campground
Accessibility
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.
Be prepared and stay safe
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.
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.
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Lake Catani Campground (Mount Buffalo National Park)
Lake Catani Campground CLOSED
Lake Catani Campground is currently CLOSED.Winter camping at Lake Catani is from Queens Birthday long weekend in June through to 31st August each year. The toilet, showering and laundry facilities are closed during this period. A pit toilet behind the Stone Hut is open for winter camping use. No booking is required.Summer camping is from the Friday before Melbourne Cup long weekend at the beginning of November and the campground is closed at the end of April. All facilities are open for this duration. Campsites must be booked online and in advance.Remote camping at Mt McLeod and Rocky Creek campsites are open year round and require an online booking. These sites are NOT accessible by car and require lightweight overnight hiking equipment and reasonable fitness to walk to. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Mt Buffalo Seasonal Road Closures
Extension of Mt Buffalo National Park Seasonal Road ClosuresAffected roads:- Reservoir Road
- Lake Catani Campground circuit road (closed)
Now OpenLake Catani Road to Lakeside Picnic AreaMt Buffalo Road from Cresta Valley to The Horn Picnic Area (The Horn Road)These roads will remain closed until the weather and road conditions improve. Each road will be assessed on an individual basis.Carparking for overnight hiking into the remote campsites at Mt McLeod and Rocky Creek is at the junction of Reservoir Road and Mt Buffalo Road (near the Vic Roads depot). -
Mount Buffalo National Park
Mount Buffalo Road - requirement to carry vehicle snow chains
The Mt Buffalo Road is a declared hazardous road from 1st June through to 7th October. Vehicle snow chains may be required to be carried throughout this period. An assessment is made prior to each day as to whether snow chains are required. This decision is based on forecasted snow below 1600 metres or the current road conditions are considered hazardous from snow and/or ice.A Mount Buffalo Snow Report is posted daily on the Mt Buffalo National Park web page. This report provides information on current snow conditions and whether chains are required to be carried and also if they are currently being fitted.Mt Buffalo - vehicle snow chain carrying requirement
The requirement to carry vehicle snow chains on the Mount Buffalo Road has been lifted.
If this requirement changes due to forecasted snow this report will be updated.
