Lakes. Rivers. Beaches. Pitch your tent by any of these, and relax in nature.

Please note, these camping grounds often close due to weather and maintenance. Visit the Parks Victoria website for updates.

Sealers Cove Hike-in Campsite, Wilson’s Promontory National Park

Wilson’s Prom is packed with campers every summer, but the golden sand and turquoise water of Sealers Cove offers some welcome respite – it’s only accessible by boat or by foot. The 10-kilometre hike in – considered one of the finest bushwalks in Victoria – peaks with stunning views of the idyllic cove from Windy Saddle, before the descent into the campsite by the beach at the southern end of the inlet. The ground includes toilet facilities, but be sure to bring your own drinking water.

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Photo Credit: Fernando de Sousa

Sealers Cove Hike-In Campsite. Update: Sealers Cove Walking Track and Boardwalk is currently closed.

Blanket Bay, Great Otway National Park

Blanket Bay is one of the most popular coastal camping spots in the state, and it’s easy to see why. It’s right on the beach, with plenty of swimming and fishing, open firepits, a glut of hikes and walking tracks – keep your eyes peeled for koalas – and panoramic views of the Southern Ocean. Amenities are sparse; there’s no power or drinking water, and only non-flush toilets; packing appropriately is a must. The road into the site is camper-trailer-friendly. Pricing from $15.10 per night.

Photo Credits: Christina Hendricks and Kevin Rheese

Blanket Bay, Great Otway National Park. Update: Canyon Walking Track and Skinners Creek Track are currently closed.

Aire River, Great Otway National Park

There are campsites on both the east and west banks of the Aire River – the latter has a large open area that makes it great for larger groups. There are also more toilets, picnic tables, fireplaces and hot plates than a lot of campgrounds. Once there, there’s kayaking and fishing, and the beach is just a short walk from the campground. Pricing from $15.10 per night.

Photo Credits: Shaun Astbury and Bruce Melendy.

Aire River, Great Otway National Park

Parker Hill, Great Otway National Park

Sorry hatchback owners – the road into the Parker Hill campground is a difficult one. You better ask your friends who own four-wheel-drives if they like camping. The reward for that tricky drive is a small, rugged and beautiful campsite that’s completely secluded. The Parker Hill campsite overlooks the mouth of the Parker River, at the point where it flows into the ocean. Pricing from $15.10 per night.

Parker Hill, Great Otway National Park

Johanna Beach Hike-in Campsites, Great Ocean Road, Great Otway National Park
The regular campsites at Johanna Beach are a fine choice for camping, but for an added element of challenge and isolation, it’s worth considering the hike-in-only section. Purpose-built for walkers undertaking the iconic Great Ocean Walk, there are only eight tent sites at the hike-in campground. The site is situated atop a ridge, with sweeping views of the coastline. With just a single untreated rainwater tank, amenities are scarce, so preparation is important. Pricing from $15.10 per night.

Johanna Beach Hike-in Campsites, Great Otway National Park

Fraser Camping Area, Lake Eildon National Park

The Fraser Camping Area is a year-round favourite for families, with three campgrounds: Lakeside, Candlebark and Devil Cove. Although each site offers different views of Lake Eildon and its surrounding forests, they all have hot showers, flushing toilets and free gas barbeques. Lake Eildon is enormous – this is the place for people into watersports and fishing. Swimmers, of course, will do fine too. Pricing from $27.10 per night.

Fraser Camping Area, Lake Eildon National Park

Bear Gully Campground, Cape Liptrap Coastal Park

The Bear Gully Campground is so close to the water you’ll fall asleep to the sound of lapping waves. Pitch your tent near the tall banksias, and start exploring the rocky outcrops and beaches of Waratah Bay. Although swimming near the campground isn’t recommended, it’s just a 10-minute drive to the stunning nearby Walkerville South Beach. Pricing from $15.10 per night.

Photo Credit: Takver

Bear Gully Campground, Cape Liptrap Coastal Park

Barmah Lakes Camping Area, Barmah National Park

Barmah National Park, right on the border of New South Wales, forms part of the world’s largest river red gum forest. The free campground sits at the convergence of Broken Creek, the Murray River and Lake Barmah – with lots of opportunity for swimming and fishing. On dry land, there are ample walking and cycling tracks around the lake. The campground has good phone reception throughout, and well-kept toilets.

Barmah Lakes Campground has reopened after recent closures. However, some tracks are closed to motor vehicles within the Barmah National Park and the adjoining Proposed Murray River Park. See the Parks Victoria website for further details.

Barmah Lakes Camping Area, Barmah National Park

Sheepyard Flat, Howqua Hills

Sheepyard Flat is a pretty camping spot in open woodland by the Howqua River, just outside of Mansfield. The campsite is surrounded by forest and the scent of Peppermint and Manna Gum. It’s a hallowed ground for fly-fishing aficionados: trout, perch, redfin and Murray cod are all abundant. For non-anglers, there are nearby swimming holes, and the gentle Howqua Hills Historic Walk starts at the campground, with plenty of longer walks nearby. The site offers waterless toilets and non-drinking water; dogs are allowed on leashes. You can light a fire, but you’ll have to bring your own firewood. Camping is free and on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sheepyard Flat, Howqua Hills

Bookings are required at some of these campsites. For more information about camp site bookings, go to parks.vic.gov.au.

This article was originally published on 20 December 2017. It has been updated to reflect new information.