Free camping in Victoria
Where you can legally park up for the night, how long you can stay, and 6 free and low-cost places near Melbourne and along the classic routes.
- Places listed
- 6
- Free
- 3
- Checked
- 25 October 2026, against official sources
The sign wins. Councils change rules often. If a site is signed "No camping", don't camp there, whatever this page or an app says.
Where you can sleep in a campervan in Victoria
Rest areas
RACV says overnight camping in rest areas is prohibited in many states and others impose time limits; check local signage and the relevant authority. No Victorian official figure for a rest-area overnight limit was found.
Source: RACV: Plan your rest stopsNational parks
Bookable Parks Victoria campsites must be booked online (bookings.parks.vic.gov.au) or on 13 1963, and you may only camp at your designated site. Fees are half-price across the Parks Victoria estate until July 2027.
Source: Parks Victoria: CampingFree and bush camping
Free sites are first-come, first-served and need no booking. Dispersed bush camping is allowed in many parks but you must be self-sufficient; check each park page.
Source: Parks Victoria: Free camping in Victoria6 free and low-cost places in Victoria
Each one is confirmed on an official page, linked on its card. Prices and limits are as published on 25 October 2026; check the link before you go.
Near Melbourne
- 1
Upper Yarra Reservoir Park
Yarra Valley, about 1.5 hrs east of Melbourne
Low cost- Price
- fee: see source (half-price until July 2027)
- Facilities
- picnic, BBQ and toilet facilities
- Access
- 2WD sealed
- Booking
- Booking essential at bookings.parks.vic.gov.au or 13 1963
The closest Parks Victoria campground to Melbourne we could confirm. Nothing free and legal exists inside Melbourne.
Official info: RACV: Best free and budget camping in Victoria ↗ - 2
Doctors Creek Reserve
Jamieson, Goulburn River (about 2.5 hrs north-east of Melbourne)
Free- Price
- Free
- Facilities
- toilets, fire pits, picnic tables
- Access
- 2WD gravel
- Booking
- Not needed (first-come, first-served)
RACV lists it as 2WD accessible and suitable for caravans or trailers.
Official info: RACV: Best free and budget camping in Victoria ↗ - 3
Blanket Bay Campground (Great Otway National Park)
Cape Otway, Great Ocean Road
National park- Price
- fee: see source (half-price until July 2027)
- Facilities
- toilets, beach access, walking trails (bring water and firewood)
- Access
- 2WD gravel
- Booking
- Booking essential; from 1 July 2026 some Great Ocean Road sites are booked through the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority
22 unpowered sites. Access road type not confirmed; there is also a separate hike-in Great Ocean Walk site with the same name, so book the drive-in one.
Official info: RACV: Best free and budget camping in Victoria ↗ - 4
Plantation Campground (Grampians)
Mount Difficult Range, Grampians
Free- Price
- Free
- Facilities
- fire pits, barbecue plates, picnic tables, non-flush toilets
- Access
- 2WD gravel
- Booking
- Not needed (first-come, first-served)
Bring your own firewood; campfires in designated areas only. A good free night on the inland route to Adelaide.
Official info: RACV: Best free and budget camping in Victoria ↗ - 5
Lake Mournpall Camping Area (Hattah-Kulkyne National Park)
North-west Victoria near the NSW border (Mildura direction)
National park- Price
- fee: see source (half-price until July 2027)
- Facilities
- non-flush toilets, fireplaces, picnic tables
- Access
- 2WD gravel
- Booking
- Booking essential at bookings.parks.vic.gov.au or 13 1963
16 unpowered sites, listed by RACV as suiting all camping types. A good first night on the outback road north.
Official info: RACV: Best free and budget camping in Victoria ↗ - 6
Shoreline Drive Campgrounds, Ninety Mile Beach
Golden Beach to Seaspray, Gippsland
Free- Price
- Free
- Facilities
- basic toilets
- Access
- 2WD gravel
- Booking
- Not needed (first-come, first-served)
19 sites; arrive early at peak times. Bring insect repellent.
Official info: RACV: Best free and budget camping in Victoria ↗
Tips for camping in Victoria
- Free sites are first-come, first-served with no booking; paid Parks Victoria campsites must be booked online or on 13 1963, and you can only camp at your designated site. Source: Parks Victoria: Camping
- Parks Victoria camping fees are half-price until July 2027, but popular campsites still need booking in advance, especially in holiday periods. Source: Parks Victoria: Camping
- Keep at least 50 m from water sources when camping, washing or showering, and avoid parking under trees. Source: RACV: Best free and budget camping in Victoria
- Do not sleep in your van on Melbourne streets: council local laws ban camping in public places (Darebin lists a $200 fine). Source: Darebin Council: Illegal camping factsheet
More on apps, powered sites and keeping your fridge running: free camping vs powered sites.
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