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Melbourne camp sites

Looking to escape the city and get into nature, but don't want to drive too far out? The good news it, there is camping available within a stone's throw of Melbourne - less than two hours' drive away.

Campgrounds near Melbourne

A woman leads her partner across the Razorback track surrounded by stunning views of the Rubicon Valley.

Cathedral Range State Park

The Cathedral Range is a spectacular seven km ridge of sharply upturned sedimentary rock.
Two women walk through ferns along the Shelly Harris Track in Kinglake National Park.

Kinglake National Park

Only 65 km north of Melbourne, Kinglake National Park lies on the slopes of the Great Dividing Range, offering dramatic views of the Melbourne skyline, Port Phillip Bay, the Yarra Valley and across to the You Yangs.
A couple sit around a campsite and welcome their friends to their campsite as they walk in.

Lerderderg State Park

The Lerderderg River has carved a deep and picturesque gorge through this rugged park located within easy reach of Melbourne, Bacchus Marsh and Ballarat. Picnic at Shaws Lake or O'Briens Crossing, follow an old water race and hike part of the Great Dividing Trail, or simply stroll along the river from Mackenzies Flat.
A young couple paddle kayaks on a sunny afternoon across Lake Eildon.

Lake Eildon National Park

Lake Eildon National Park is in the northern foothills of Victoria's Central Highlands, 150 km north-east of Melbourne. Situated on the shores of Lake Eildon, the park protects 27,750 ha of rugged hills with open woodlands through to dense forest.

Camping essentials

New to camping, or need a refresher? With some simple equipment and a little planning, you’ll be on your way to getting into nature.

Friends relaxing in front of their campsite at Stapylton Campground, Grampians National Park

Guide to free camping in Victoria this summer

Here’s how to secure your free spot and make the most of your camping trip into nature.
Two couples car camping on grass.

Packing list

We’ve compiled an extensive list of what you might need for your first camping trip. The more you camp, the more you’ll be able to refine and tailor the packing checklist to suit your needs.
Two women setting up their camping space on sand.

Camping for beginners

If you’re new to camping, you might not know where to begin. Luckily, we’ve pulled together all you need to know to enjoy your first camping trip.
A couple sit around a campsite and welcome their friends to their campsite as they walk in.

Top tips for your first camping trip

If you’re new to camping, want to give it a go and ready to start planning here’s our top tips to help to get ready to book your trip.
Two campers chat with a ranger while sitting at a picnic table at the Gums Campground at King Lake National Park

Ranger tips

To help you, your friends and your family have a safe, stress-free, and well-planned stay in Victoria’s incredible parks and natural landscapes our rangers have shared their know-how in these handy tips. 

Related activities

 
A mother and daughter kicks a football in front of dad and two younger children in front of tents at Buchan Caves Reserve.

Camping

Victoria’s parks have some great places to camp and there is something to suit all tastes. Choose from fully serviced sites with luxury tents to remote locations with nothing but bush.
Two women follow the path through scrub up Mt Bogong with mountain views in the distance.

Walking

Whether you’re after a gentle stroll or something long-distance, there are walking trails to suit all levels of fitness and ability.
A couple in their thirties take in the view along Dead Timber Track.

Hiking and bushwalking

Witness breathtaking natural scenery at some of Victoria’s most iconic places when you lace up your boots and take to a hiking trail.
A couple looks on at a Wombat on Wilsons Promontory National Park,

Wildlife viewing

Get up close and personal with some of Australia's shy native wildlife or look up to spot tree-dwelling mammals and flocks of colourful birds,
Beauchamp Falls, Great Otway National Park.

Waterfalls

See spectacular waterfalls flowing in the alpine mountain peaks and lush tall forests best viewed in winter or after heavy rainfall.
Mum helps her young son as he jumps off a large piece of drift wood at West Cape Beach.

Beaches

Walk white sandy beaches, swim in cool coastal waters or surf the wild waves of the Southern Ocean.
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