Forest camping in Victoria with swimming
From skiing to surfing and scenic drives to fine food—Victoria has you covered.
97% (5110 reviews)
- Victoria
97% (5110 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Victoria
Dog-friendly getaways
Available this weekend
12 top forest campgrounds in Victoria with swimming
97%
(1370)
Riverside King Valley
13 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · King Valley, VIC
Riverside king valley is set on a 16 acres on the banks of the king river featuring 10 spacious campsite spread along the property. Just a half an hour drive from Wangaratta, 45 minutes from Benalla and an hour from Mansfield. Each site offers something a little different whether it is a spacious site for a large group or party or a smaller site for a family weekend away.
Our site is accessible for all vehicle types and is dog-friendly as long as pets are well-controlled. Campfires are allowed when restrictions aren’t in place, and firewood and kindling is available for purchase (see Extras).
Please keep in mind that the property is a working farm and there will be cars and machinery onsite nearby to some of the sites. Each powered site has only 1 power supply. Generators can be used but must be used with others in mind.
For more details, photos, or to get in touch, visit our social media pages: Riverside King Valley.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from
AU$15
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(928)
Iron Brook Donkey Farm
22 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · East Warburton, VIC
Rolling hills of mountain pasture, backing on to the Yarra State Forest.
Bushwalk along the little creek among tall trees and majestic tree ferns, or just sit in a deck chair and take in the exquisite views at the top of the hill.
Multiple tracks head through the Yarra State Forest where you can wind your way along dirt roads through to Noojee, Powelltown, or Reefton, each of which have a cosy pub at the end of the drive.
There are different campsite
locations on the property, depending on if you would like isolation or convenience.
We also
offer excellent toilet and bathroom facilities which are now included with all bookings.
Iron Brook Donkey Farm is located on rolling hills of mountain pasture, backing on to the Yarra State Forest.
Bushwalk along the little creek among tall trees and majestic tree ferns, or just sit in a deck chair and take in the exquisite views at the top of the hill.
Multiple tracks head through the Yarra State Forest where you can wind your way along dirt roads through to Noojee, Powelltown, or Reefton, each of which have a cosy pub at the end of the drive.
The donkey farm is situated conveniently, halfway between the popular redwood forest, and the giant Ada tree walk.
Just chill in your own time, or book an activity or a donkey ride.
Donkeys can take riders up to 70kg
We do allow pets, but this MUST be discussed with us prior to booking as we have strict rules around this. We also allow campfires only when fire restrictions aren't in place - which is often all summer.
Children under 3 are free, but for insurance purposes, please mention them in the comments. Day visitors are $20 per person, which incudes a donkey patting session.
This property has an overall capacity to ensure that our number of visitors remain low. This not only ensures that campers recieve the space and peace they look for in a campsite like this, but also so that we can ensure the bathrooms can be kept clean and not overloaded. This is also a part of our COVID safe plan.
Due to this overall capacity it is important that you book for the number of people that you intend to have stay, as while we try to accomodate increases to booking numbers, they are not guaranteed unless booked. If we have met overall capacity then we may not be able to approve increases to booking numbers. This is for the comfort and safety of all our visitors. Thank you
If you intend to purchase firewood or power or donkey rides or anything from the Donkey Shop during your stay, please bring cash to pay, and payments must be made up front, unfortunately, too often guests have been leaving without having paid for their rides or firewood.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
AU$30
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
93%
(111)
Wilsons Prom Holiday Park
98 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents50 acres · Yanakie, VIC
Wilsons Prom Holiday Park is located in the town of Yanakie, which is the gateway to the spectacular Wilsons Promontory National Park
Wilsons Prom Holiday Park offers spectacular views over Corner Inlet and Wilsons Promontory National Park. With Beautiful surroundings, a bush setting, and complete beach frontage this holiday destination is perfectly situated to offer a great relaxing stay for all ages. Situated at the gateway to Wilsons Prom, it is an easy drive for day trips to the “Prom” and other local attractions. After a day of exploration, come back to a relaxing atmosphere, with all the facilities you require.
We offer all types of accommodation from beachfront self-contained cabins & powered sites to private bush sites making Wilsons Prom Holiday Park ideal for families, couples, friends & travelers looking for a place to truly unwind in comfort.
Only 2.5 hours from Melbourne CBD, 25 mins from Foster, and just 30 mins to Tidal River we are in the perfect location to see it all.
- Breathtaking scenery
- Absolute Beachfront
- Kids Playground
- Quiet & relaxing location
- Security Boom gate
- Large Grass Powered sites
- Wide selection of accommodation
- Basketball court
- Workers welcome
- Outdoor BBQ
- Clean Amenities
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
AU$42
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(406)
Frank's Farm
46 sites · RVs, Tents61 acres · Trafalgar East, VIC
We are conveniently located just off the M1, only a 90 minute drive from Melbourne CDB.
We offer the perfect place to escape from the rat-race to recharge your batteries.
Choose any spot to set up camp but our favourite is next to the beautiful lake-like dam.
Guests are required to be self sufficient with their own toilet/shower facilities and must take all waste and rubbish with them on departure.
It's only 2km to Trafalgar town centre and 5 KM to Moe. We are pet friendly but please ensure your pet does not bother other campers or local wildlife.
Contained campfires are permitted when there are no restrictions in place.
Can't beat the view, isn't that all campers needed? Ultra friendly home, happy to provide a welcome coffee (professional barista quality) to each camper.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
AU$46
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(36)
Tranquil Waters Campground
6 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Hoddles Creek, VIC
The 80-acre semi-rural property is a nature lover's paradise, boasting vast bushland teeming with native vegetation and wildlife. The property offers a tranquil retreat with the highlight being a spectacular spring-fed dam, providing a serene oasis for relaxation and recreation. The diverse ecosystem supports a variety of flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The property is located close to a myriad of wineries and is not far from the Yarra Valley towns of Gembrook, Yarra Junction and Warburton. Each with their own unique qualities.
When travelling to the Tranquil Waters Campground it can be a little tricky. Please pay attention to the photos and map provided for directions - the address is 600 Thonemans Road, Hoddles Creek.
The area is known for its beautiful walking tracks located in the Kurth Kiln national park which is only a few Km's drive.
If fruit picking is something you would like to try, then Rayner Orchard located at 60 Schoolhouse Road, Woori Yallock would be a great place to visit.
Its hard to go past the Gladysdale Bakehouse or Carrige Cafe in Seville for brunch/lunch if that's your thing.
Alternatively you can simply relax and enjoy the peace an quite!
For the fishing enthusiasts, we added 100 Golden Perch to the spring-fed dam in November 2022 - they should be about big enough to catch and have some fun with.
Note: Don't camp near or directly under trees, please camp within the open areas for safety reasons.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$24
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(531)
Hazelnut Valley Farm Stay
48 sites · RVs, Tents38 acres · Caringal, VIC
Hazelnut Valley is a working Hazelnut Farm located along the Tyres River. We are an easy 2 hour drive from CBD Melbourne so we are a great location for either short or long stays.
- Pet friendly, dogs must be on a leash or contained at all times.
- Campfires permitted in designated areas when restrictions aren't in place
- Campers to be self-contained and bring their own camping toilet. (No holes in the ground, must be a chemical toilet where you take your waste with you) Dump Point available in Rawson.
Fire pit will be provided free for the duration of your stay to each camp group. BYO Firewood
For Toilet Hire Requirements, please contact Moe Hire (03 5127 7114)
For Firewood Delivery to site please contact Moe Garden Supplies (03 5127 2394)
Available on request - Hazelnut Farm Tour including product sampling
January is when we are cleaning the Hazelnut Groves ready for Harvest in March/April.
Weather permitting January/February is Hay Season, large tractors will be on site cutting and rolling bales of Hay.
March/April is Harvest Time for our Hazelnut Groves.
If you book a stay during these times, there will be a lot of activities and sounds between 10am & 6pm each day.
READ THROUGH THE DIRECTIONS THAT BECOME AVAILABLE ONCE BOOKINGS ARE COMPLETED
Pets
Campfires
from
AU$10
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(255)
Milleara Gardens
14 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Mirboo North, VIC
You will be surrounded by 5 acre of well-kept and loved gardens, with an abundance of bird life and colour.
The sites are located on four areas and different level areas for self contained caravans or tenting. This is a private area that is sheltered from strong winds and you are able to have a small camp fire barbeque.
Your site is well secure to be able t
o leave if you wish to travel around the beautiful South Gippsland area.
We are only 3.9 kms from the beautiful charming town of Mirboo North with all facilities available in the picturesque Strzelecki Ranges. Discover country hospitality,
A dip in the newly built swimming pool is a must for families on the warmer days
The Lyrebird Forest Walk is a pretty half hour bushwalk or a longer walk and a river walk that is on the north entry to the town with lots of seating available which are all named after volunteers that have created these walks
There is also the rail trail which follows the old railway line all the way to Boolarra and the Morwell River Falls a short drive from Boolarra
The Naracan falls is on the way to Thorpedale
Head for the hills to Walhalla old mining town and steam train rides
Willow grove and the Blue Rock Dam makes for a pretty drive to north in the hills
You are only 45 min drive to the coast of Inverloch and Tarwin Lower Waratah Wineries....
and follow the South Gippsland highway all the way to the very pretty towns of the Meeniyan, Foster, Toora, Agnus Water Falls, Port Welshpool,
historic Port Albert, Yarram, Woodside and the ninety mile beach,
Tarra Bulga National Park,
enjoying lovely views of the coast on the way.
It is desirable for you to be self contained .. for those that don,t understand what self contained means.... You will need
Your own porta potti and tent. The nearest dump point is the local BP station Mirboo North
If you require showers .....
You can bring your own shower tent facility .
If you require more drinking water it is available on request.
If you need more info please... ( Re fire pit and cooking facilities.
You can use a fire pit when there is a fire ban .... but not when there's
a "TOTAL FIRE BAN"
For more information ..
Contact Phone..... 0417682547
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from
AU$20
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(215)
Bimbimbi River Camp
10 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · VIC
All sites at Bimbimbi River Camp, except The Old Pump Hole, are now closed for the winter months. We re-open on September 1. The Old Pump Hole is set well above the river flats, overlooking them, so is drier and more accessible during the winter months.
Bimbimbi has 3km of access to the Murray River at its clear, free-flowing beginning, with views of Snowy Mountains. This is our piece of paradise that we love and we are happy to share it with others.
We have 5 camping locations, all with access to the river, but set back from the crown land that borders the river banks.
Each of them is for a single group only. Some of them are big enough to accommodate a lot of people. The number of cars is usually not an issue.
The Big Bend is the most open camping site suitable for larger groups. Access to the river for swimming is good. This site is accessible to 2-wheel drive vehicles.
The Fishing Hole is our most remote location, accessible during the summer by high clearance 2-wheel drive vehicles but 4-wheel drive is highly recommended. There is good access to the river here for swimming. This site is clothing optional. You are basically on your own in a remote place. Wear whatever you like, including nothing at all.
River Red Gums is a single campsite, also remote and primitive, accessible by high clearance 2-wheel drive vehicles during dry weather. Again, 4 wheel drive is recommended. Access to the river is easy and the bank slopes gently down making it a great place for swimming. This site is also clothing optional.
The Old Pump Hole is upstream of all the other camp sites. It is the easiest to access. Most vehicles will get to this site.
The bank here is steeper so swimming is not as easy. However, always improvising, campers at this location jump in here with their li-los, inner tubes and other flotation devices and float down to The Big Bend, get out and then come back and do it again. This is an area set on a small hill overlooking the river, as shown in the photos.
The Willows, our newest site, is between The Big Bed and River Red Gums, set under the shade of some willows a few metres from the river bank. The bank here is also steep, but again, campers can hop into the river here and float down to River Red Gums, or walk either to River Red Gums or The Big Bend for swimming. The Willows is also clothing optional.
The campsites are well spaced out, with a minimum of 200 metres between the nearest two locations. In fact, it either impossible or very difficult to see anyone else at the other camp sites from your own camp site.
Each camp site is accessible via its own track, so you won't have other vehicles driving past your camp site. We have a Leave No Trace policy, please take all rubbish with you. (This also means not throwing bottles, cans, bottle tops, aluminium foil and other non-biodegradable items into the camp fire.) Dogs are allowed, but please keep them under control, particularly if near cattle. Campfires are allowed only in braziers provided, when fire bans are not in place. You can gather your own firewood or purchase firewood from us (see "Extras"). Please arrive before dark if you haven't been here before. It is difficult to understand a new camp site in the dark. We provide a toilet at each location, for your convenience and the cleanliness of the camp site in general. Nothing but your human deposit and toilet paper in the toilet please. No disposable wipes, nappies etc. Please put these in your trash. Also, bring your drone but use it only over locations that are not occupied.
We have canoes for rental and seasonal produce is available from the garden. And, again, wood for purchase if you don't want to gather your own. Please see "Extras"
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
AU$17
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(8)
Happy Wanderer Holiday Resort
83 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Wartook, VIC
Your “home away from home” the Happy Wanderer Holiday Resort is a small family owned and operated tourist resort centrally located between Horsham and Halls Gap on a sprawling 40 acres of attractive bushland in Wartook Valley adjacent to the Grampians National Park.
An abundance of native trees and shrubs are planted throughout the grounds, attracting a great variety of wildlife including birds and a large population of kangaroos and visiting emus.
A place to truly disconnect and be at one with nature and the natural elements of air, mountains, sun and breeze, to focus on your basic needs of physical and emotional peace and relaxation.
The Happy Wanderer Holiday Resort features an in-ground solar-heated swimming pool, a full-size tennis court and two half-courts. We have an outside children’s playground, a camp kitchen, and a recreation room. Grab some supplies and head to our undercover BBQ marquee area or inside and outside fireplaces and wood barbeques. A large amenities shower and toilet block and laundries are easily accessible. We also boast a well-equipped general store, petrol station and bottle shop on site for your convenience.
Its easy access to enjoy and explore the natural attractions of the Grampians such as McKenzie Falls, Beehive Falls, Zumsteins, Lake Wartook, Boroka Lookout and Troopers Creek Lookout, the Happy Wanderer Holiday Resort is the perfect memorable place to stay.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
AU$32
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(322)
Seven Hills Tallarook
22 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents600 acres · Tallarook, VIC
Our property, "Seven Hills Tallarook", sits high above Tallarook with deep valleys and high peaks, just over one hour North of Melbourne's CBD. The property is 600 acres of thick Victorian bush and farmed paddocks.
We have a wide range of hobby farm animals - pigs, sheep, cattle, alpacas, chickens, ponies, a donkey, along with commercial heard of South African Boer Goats. As night falls, the wildlife come out to play - kangaroos, rabbits, deer and wallabies
Internally, we have in excess of 10 kilometers of roads within the property, the majority being 2WD accessible (weather conditions apply). There are parts of the property which are only 4WD accessible.
Our campsites are placed to allow you to be as isolated as possible - away from other campers (you may see others as you drive past, or they drive past you).
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
AU$40
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(113)
Kanukadale Forest River Retreat
9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Goongerah, VIC
We have 20 acres of lush river flats adjoining the pristine Brodribb River in the Goongerah Valley. Due to the pristine, clean water straight off the surrounding mountains and the rich fertile river flats, early settlers used this place as a market garden to supply fruit and vegetables to the local townsfolk. After our purchase in 2000, we turned it into a self-sufficient paradise, always welcoming visitors to come and enjoy the land with us.
Our BYO campsites are near the river where you can reconnect with nature amongst the tall trees. Kanukadale is a working Nature Retreat Sanctuary, so additional to BYO campsites, we also offer our Bell Tents when the retreats are not running.
Here at Kanukadale, you will share the space with very friendly horses, ponies, miniature goats and our donkey. The property is child friendly as the boundary, river and paddocks are well fenced.
You can do as much or as little as you want during your stay. Be sure to check out our awesome animal focussed activities that we offer here. You can find them under Experiences.
You are welcome to bring your own horses and dogs. Dogs must stay on a lead whilst on the property and responsible pet ownership is essential here, as is a respectful attitude towards all the other sentient beings on the property. We do not allow generators here.
There is lots to do in the area with heaps of nature immersion. East Gippsland is one of the most bio-diverse areas on mainland Australia. You can explore rare, Old Growth forest, historic gold mines, climb to the peak of Mt Ellery and walk through the Errinundra Plateau. Mountain bike riding, horseriding, 4wd touring and bushwalking is awesome in this area.
There is a camp kitchen with a communal fridge, microwave, stove and electricity. There is also a composting toilet and hot shower facilities. There is free wifi.
THERE ARE NO SHOPS OR FUEL OR MOBILE RECEPTION. WIFI CALLING WORKS IF YOU HAVE THAT OPTION. THE CLOSEST TOWN IS 50 KM TO DELEGATE OR 70KM TO ORBOST. YOU NEED TO COME COMPLETELY PREPARED OR IT’S A LONG DRIVE TO TOWN. THERE IS A PUBLIC PHONE BOX UP THE ROAD.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
AU$25
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(120)
Whip Stick Forest
6 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Eaglehawk, VIC
The Whip Stick Forest campsite is located on the outskirts of Bendigo. This is an ideal place to take a break away from it all. Peace and tranquility surrounded by nature. We are just far enough away from the town to offer the outdoors feel and close enough to town to enjoy sightseeing, and many outdoor activities and access to shops, fuel and most of the usual shopping needs.
Here you will find a nice open space amongst the gum trees with drinking water, toilet, and outdoor shower.
rubbish/recycling bins
and access to wifi if needed.
Relax under the stars with a warm fire in a secluded spot in the middle of open space and the fresh air.
The property is fenced off, so you can feel safe and secure. You can relax and let the kids can run around knowing they are safe inside the camp ground.
Only minutes from town where you will find supplies, close to the local swimming pool and 10 minutes from a popular watering hole.
Enjoy all that
Bendigo and surrounding areas have to offer, check out
the historic gold mining attractions and come home to rest in a tranquil setting amongst the trees, the birds and the stars.
Bendigo itself features some fantastic heritage architecture and a creative community. Be sure to check out coffee houses down little laneways and the many culinary options of the restaurants in town.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
AU$40
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
Star Hosts in Victoria
Under $50
Forest camping in Victoria with swimming guide
Overview
There are so many ways to go wild in Victoria. Fall asleep to the boom of the surf from your beachfront campsite, drive one of the world's most scenic coastal roads, glamp it up in the middle of a vineyard, or touch the sky in the snow-capped high country. If it's animal encounters you like, you'll love the penguin parade on Phillip Island and dolphin swims in Port Phillip Bay, as well as the chance to see koala colonies, mobs of kangaroos, and platypus-filled streams. Plus, the bonus to Victoria is that nowhere is more than a day's drive from Melbourne—many of the best campsites are only a few hours drive from the city—so you can cram a lot of fun into a relatively short amount of time.
Where to go
Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road west of Melbourne is one of the world's great scenic road trips, but there’s much more to see and do than snapping a selfie at the Twelve Apostles rock stacks. Zipline above the rainforest in Great Otway National Park, climb lighthouses, watch whales, surf iconic Bells Beach, and pitch a tent on any one of several beachside camping areas. Road tripping doesn't get much better than this.
Gippsland and the Bays
Gippsland stretches east of Melbourne to the sea and north to the border with NSW. Most of the coastline is protected by a string of national parks with fantastic seaside camping spots and holiday parks—and camping at Wilsons Promontory (locals just call it the Prom) on the mainland’s southernmost tip is a must-do at least once. This is also where you’ll find Phillip Island, home to the famous nightly penguin parade.
The Victorian Alps
The High Country is the place to go for winter snow sports and summer mountain bike trails, plus bushwalking. If that sounds too energetic, it’s also home to the Great Alpine Road, one of Australia's best food and wine touring routes (and yes, the scenery is pretty good too).
The Grampians
In the state's west, the Grampians are another mountain playground with a network of bushwalking trails, from quick 2-hour walking tracks to 3-day hikes in the Grampians National Park. This is also where campers can find the highest concentration of Indigenous art in the state. Opt for bush camping sites in the national park or more luxurious campsites at Halls Gap or Dunkeld caravan parks.
Murray Riverlands
Australia's longest river, the mighty Murray forms most of the border with NSW to the north, and all along its length are great beachfront campsites from where you can go for a swim or paddle a kayak, catch a fish, or sit back and watch the world glide by. Elsewhere in the riverlands, ride a restored paddle steamer at Echuca, take a cruise through the largest river red gum forest in the world at Barmah, and dine out in the foodie hot spot of Mildura.
Safety at Hipcamp
Hipcamp acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.