The best camping near Dandenong Ranges National Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Dandenong Ranges National Park adventure.

Forest trails, waterfalls, and historic villages lie in Melbourne’s eastern hills—reachable by public transport.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Dandenong Ranges National Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Dandenong Ranges National Park

99%

(148)

Strath Creek Station

9 sites · RVs, Tents90 acres · Strath Creek , VIC

Nestled in the valley of a thousand hills, Strath Creek Station is your ideal quick getaway, being only a 1 1/2-hour drive from Melbourne CBD. Situated on 90 acres with direct access to the King Parrot Creek, we are dog-friendly and have a large secure dog park for your pooch to exercise and play, but dogs must be on lead in camping areas. There is a large flat camping area that can accommodate any size self contained caravan, including fifth wheelers or horse goosenecks. A large rustic rotunda with BBQs is available for those lazy afternoons spent relaxing by the creek. For cooler nights, there is a huge firebox.

* Before taxes and fees

100%

(4)

Park Lane Phillip Island

61 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Cowes, VIC

Escape to Phillip island, the natural playground of picturesque beaches, beautiful coastlines, and native Australian wildlife. From cabins to caravanning and camping. There’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for adventure at a maze of things or on the high ropes course, or the serenity of nature walks, penguin parades, and wildlife parks, or to hit the beach for a surf or swim. The island has you covered. We look forward to welcoming you at Park Lane Phillip Island Holiday Park. Whether you’re a big or small family, a couple on a romantic getaway, or a just group of friends and looking for adventure, Phillip Island is stacked full of activities, eateries, and breath-taking scenery to keep you busy for the duration of your stay. With our incredible onsite theme park, A Maze’N Things, you might not even need to leave the holiday park at all! We offer mini golf, a high ropes course, a maze, and rooms full of curiosities. There’s also an onsite brewery and restaurant! Park Lane Phillip Island Holiday Park really does have it all.

* Before taxes and fees

99%

(615)

Shacks at Kardella Park

20 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents47 acres · Indented Head, VIC

Shacks at Kardella is a 47-acre lifestyle farm close to the beach at Indented Head on the Bellarine Peninsula. Our property has cows, goats, miniature horses and plenty of native birdlife. Walking distance to the beach and general store/post office which sells coffee, beer, wine and other essentials. The campsite is 500 metres from the Indented Head boat ramp. Come and enjoy our peaceful slice of the thriving Bellarine Peninsula! Campsites have no amenities so campers need to BYO everything (including drinking water and camping toilet) and leave no trace. Dog friendly.We offer general camping a garden glamping bell tent.

* Before taxes and fees

98%

(939)

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.

* Before taxes and fees

99%

(452)

The Fern Glade

3 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Murrindindi, VIC

Nestled right beside the Murrundini River, all 3 campsites are beside the river, and well spaced apart for privacy and peace. Campsite 2 (site two) is shady, surrounded by tall swamp gums, black wood wattles and tree ferns. This spot is at its best from late spring through to autumn . Site One is a large flat area beside the river that is good all year round. It has fencing and gates, perfect to let dogs run free without going too far. Site 3 (Craig's flat), is a large open campsite, able to take more camper-vans/ tents with plenty of space. All sites have fire places. And there are plenty of fish for those that want to try their luck. The original home stead (built in 1876) burnt down in the 2009 black Saturday fires. There still remains many 150+ year old elms and other European trees near the toilet block, which are delightful in autumn. We have some fantastic views from the hill up and down the Murundindi Valley, especially at sunset. We're located only a few short km's from Wilhelmina Falls and Murundindi Scenic Reserve, you get the best part of the river, without the crowds. We are a short drive from Melbourne, and easy access to the townships of Yea and Yarra Glen for supplies if you need them. Amazing, abundant & rare bird life to enjoy and photograph. (see guests photos)

* Before taxes and fees

99%

(67)

Yarra Valley Vineyard Views

6 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Melbourne, VIC

**Summer Season 2024/2025** Due to an over demand we require weekend stays during the Summer months November to March to be a minimum two night stay. Guests are required to check in on Fridays, with Friday and Saturday nights as the two night minimum. Weekends during this period need to be booked by contacting hosts who will open the sites on the calendar on request to allow the booking to be done online. Those guests requiring a longer stay that overlap a weekend can also be accommodated. Just give us a call and we will find a spot for you. *_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_* Looking for a peaceful and secluded spot to park up whilst exploring the Yarra Valley winery region, the Dandenong Ranges, or some of Melbourne's close regional towns like Healesville, Yarra Glen and Warburton? We have opened up a beautiful flat expanse at the rear of our five acre property and made it available to self contained campers and caravaners. We are travelers ourselves and often find it difficult to find peaceful yet secure spots that allow us to explore capital cities and the lovely areas around them. Most cities tend to have caravan parks in the outer suburbs and these can often resemble concrete jungles and be very busy leaving you feel like you have to pay a top premium to be cramped into a space. But what options do you have if you want to explore a vibrant city like Melbourne. See a show, do some shopping, eat out at some of the World's greatest restaurants. Yes, we all should splurge every now and then even when on the road. Our property lies at the very start of the Yarra Valley. It is surrounded on three sides by the magnificent Helens Hill vineyard. In the Summer months you can watch the fruit come onto the vines and in the Winter the views open up to see the kangaroos bouncing though the rows and often silhouetted against the skyline sunsets. We are less than 5 minutes to Lilydale town center. Supermarkets, restaurants, service centers, parts stores, hardware are all on the doorstep, yet looking out over the vines you wouldn't know. Lilydale is 38 kms from Melbourne CBD and there is a train station with ample day parking making it super easy to explore the heart of Melbourne and return 'home' to your country retreat for the night. Myki cards available on site FOC. There is a dump point only 3kms away at a local caravan park for those that need it and at our property water can be available to fill your tanks if needed for a small donation. There is no water or power connection on the sites but you can release your grey water to nourish the grass. Lilydale has a large laundromat available to you. We have a beautiful covered eating area with BBQ available so if the weather turns inclement you can still eat out yet under cover. All campers must be 100% self contained. These are remote sites with no connections and there are no toilet facilities available. We have restricted our area to a maximum of 6 sites to ensure that everyone has their space. Sites are not marked and locations will be on a first booked basis. Owners will direct you to your areas. The area is beautifully flat and does absorb water well but care must be taken to not tear it up after heavy rains. Please seek assistance from owners rather than tearing up the grass as a tractor is available. We can cater for large sized vans and even large motorhomes. Tents are welcome. The property is pet friendly but not fully fenced so your furry friends would need to be on lead. We have our own dogs on the property. Hipcamp being USA based describes the sites and vehicles in USA terms and lengths. There is no way to alter this but please be aware. We cater for Aussie sized caravans and 4wd vehicles. 14 or 15m long all up, no problem. Just in a 4x4 with roof top tent and awning, we have you covered. Cruising the country in a Commodore with a pop top, all good here. Please be aware that we do share a boundary with a working vineyard and they do occasionally have a tractor or crew out in the vines doing some work. There can be a bit of farm machinery work every now and then but this is beyond our control and generally very minimal as vines dont take much looking after unless its harvest night.

* Before taxes and fees

99%

(176)

Angel Peace

5 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Noojee, VIC

Leave the noise of the city behind and travel to Noojee, a town named after the Aboriginal word for contentment or place to rest. Surrounded by lush native bush and towering tree ferns, this picturesque town on the Latrobe River sits on the main access route to the ski fields of Mt Baw Baw and is home to a wide range of heritage and natural attractions. The property consists of 5 acres with a river, so you can set up a tent right next to the river and fish for dinner. The house is about 100 meters away from the camping area, but there are about 1000 Oregon trees that are 50 years old, so you can't see each other well, so you can enjoy nature freely. 4WD is recommended for easy access. We recommend tents/swags. 4WD with Heavy trailer is still very hard to enter when it is wet. Guests will have access to a toilet throughout their stay. There is a communal fire pit available, so guests can enjoy a campfire on the cool evenings. Please abide by any local fire restrictions during your stay. You can walk from my house to Noojee Heritage Centre, Trestle Bridge, Alpine Trout Farm, and Noojee Hotel for a delicious pizza, Cool beer from tool sheed and coffee from red duck cafe. You can drive to Toorongo Falls, Ada Tree in 10 minutes and Baw Baw Ski Resort in 40 minutes.

* Before taxes and fees

86%

(7)

FORREST 1

9 sites · Lodging, Tents11 acres · Olinda, VIC

Over 120 years ago, loggers roamed the 11-acre property at Forrest, forging trails still visible today. The historic Loggers Cabin, built from towering trees of yesteryear, now boasts modern comforts. Upgraded with a flushing toilet, shower, and hot water, it retains its rustic charm, featuring an old fireplace, stocked wood, and a dedicated work desk. The well-appointed kitchen, outdoor BBQ, and woodfire pizza oven complement indoor amenities like a fridge, toaster, microwave, and stove kettle. Embrace the natural landscape, seeking shelter under ancient ferns or 80-meter-high Eucalypt trees. Enjoy outdoor spaces on rainy days, dotted around the property, or opt for cabin comforts with board games and movies. Nature's bounty surrounds without a snake sighting in over 40 years, this place promises a serene and safe escape. Discover the allure of the past in this updated, historic cabin at FORREST, set amidst nature's boundless beauty. Campspots are a plenty. You can come by and preplan an area of your choosing which we can clear of debris before your arrival. Please note it is a property with steep driveway so caravans longer than ten metres and greater than 1.5 tonnes will have difficulty getting all the way to the top. You have the option of camping down by the spring which is at the entrance. The toilets and showers are at the top of the hill up a 600 metre driveway. There is starlink available from the toilet block area. Depending on the day you book there may be the option of having a generator placed at your camp-site. However the priority for these are given to Riparide guests of the tiny house, campervan and cabin The glamping tent is only available in November

* Before taxes and fees

91%

(108)

Kinglake East End

7 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Kinglake, VIC

91 Gordons Bridge Road was once part of a pine plantation that had been planted in the late 60's and harvested just prior to the Black Saturday fires. Across the road from the Kinglake National Park, it is surrounded by protected flora and fauna. Victoria's Pink heath, wattles and tea tree provide a pleasant backdrop in season. It is not an uncommon site to see an echidna or two on the property, with black wallabies, kangaroos and wombats often seen grazing on pasture in the evening. The mud turrets are the home of endangered land yabbies and Lyrebirds have been seen in the area. Feral deer have come to inhabit nearby properties and sometimes wonder down the track. Birds watchers will enjoy a variety of bird life that inhabit the area including eagle hawks, fairy wrens, kookaburras, rosellas, parrots and yellow tailed black cockatoos when in season. The area is a popular spot for hikers with the start of the Mountain Creek trail only a few kms down Gordons Bridge Road and serious cyclists train regularly, on Mount Slide, especially on the weekend. For the serious wine lover the property is within 15km of the Yarra Valley Wine Growing area with many wineries offering tastings.

* Before taxes and fees

97%

(390)

Dromkeen Macdeon Ranges

8 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Riddells Creek, VIC

Heritage listed homestead featuring children’s art and literature. Currently featuring a beautiful exhibition by award winning Australian authors/illustrators Mark Wilson, Leigh Hobbs, Ann James & Gabrielle Wang. Nestled in the Macedon ranges in the tiny hamlet of Riddell’s Creek, Dromkeen is 30 minutes drive from Melbourne Airport. This stately National Trust home has beautiful gardens with a range of Australian native and European plants, a gazebo and two resident alpacas. We have space in the large carpark for vans, motorhomes, or alternatively the horse paddock for tents and campers. Ample toilets available. Dogs permitted by advance request. Guests are welcome to visit the Tea Room, open 10am – 5pm Wednesday through Sunday. Our daily menu contains a selection of delicious cakes, devonshire tea, toasted sandwiches, specialty pies and weekly specials and of course, tea and coffee. Breakfast is served all day. Browse in the galleries or wander around the beautiful gardens which have trees more than 100 years old, some listed on the National Trust register. Meet our 2 Dromkeen alpacas Hannah and Lilly. ***Please note, we are a rubbish free campsite, so campers are asked to take their rubbish with them. Dromkeen has very clean toilets, but a reminder there are NO showers. Also all sites are unpowered, but upon request prior to arrival a powered spot may be available at an extra $10 a day. Please ring to verify this. During summer months because of fire restrictions we also remind campers there should be NO outside campfires. ****Also please note, each van or tent is considered a separate booking site and each site is considered a space for 2 adults and up to 4 children. Where there are 2 couples, they are required to make 2 separate bookings.

* Before taxes and fees

87%

(217)

Krystal Waters

3 sites · RVs, Tents26 acres · San Remo, VIC

Located on Phillip Island Road just before the town of San Remo and the bridge to Phillip Island. The property is 26 acres with beach frontage to Western Port Bay and views of French Island. The land has been used for pasture, mostly for cattle, with a large dam wall which at one time had a small gauge train track on top running to the old port of San Remo. These days the property is used as a hobby farm with a few cattle, a vegetable garden, some fruit trees, and replanting of native trees. We offer three RV/tent sites on the property, with our caretaker also residing onsite. While the sites ensure privacy, guests may encounter others during their stay since restroom facilities are shared among all campers. There is 1 shower with hot water and 1 flushing toilet. Site 1 stands apart from the other two sites, equipped with both power and water. Sites 2 and 3 are situated 20 meters apart, however, guests can spread out more if they do not need power. We're currently in the process of expanding our property, constructing several new sheds. As a result, you might notice building materials on-site. We've made every effort to separate these materials from the campsites and keep them out of the way. Our site is on a very busy main road and is easy to miss if you’re driving fast. I have a big sign on our gate but you may need to slow down in order to see it! The GPS should guide you right to the property. Please note, because of our elevated location the winds can be strong at times - but the views make it worth it in our opinion!

* Before taxes and fees

98%

(50)

Fowkes Family Flower Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Kinglake, VIC

🚙4WD ARE A MUST DURING WET WEATHER. Our farm is only a minutes' drive from the township of Kinglake. Or a 20-minute easy walk to shops and cafes. We are close to all the Yarra Valley and Kinglake Ranges have to offer from wineries to the National Parks for hiking, biking and 4WD driving. Fowkes family farm is a small, hobby, flower farm. Made up of 15 acres of working land and 35 acres of bush land. We have a 2-acre orchard with seasonal fruit available to be picked. ( Dec - April) The farm has over 100 king protea bushes and many other varieties of protea. Seasonal pick your own flowers too. ( Aug - March) Backing onto the national park and walking tracks. Jehoshaphat Gully, Shelley Harris Track, Mt Jerusalem Track. Walking distance to Kinglake historic walk, Cookson Hill Track, Mt Everard Track, Bollygum Park. Visit Mason Falls Waterfall, 12-minute drive to Kinglake West. We have 2 dogs, 5 pet sheep and 4 lambs, 1 blue tongue lizard The farming area is completely fenced in, this is to keep the deer out, but you can venture out onto the property bush land with the correct map and navigation equipment. Eagles, cockatoos, black cockatoos, kookaburras, magpies, rosellas, king parrots, Gang-gang cockatoo, honey eaters can be spotted most days and lyrebirds if you’re keen to go looking. Small playground with swings, slide, monkey bars and sandpit. Taxi service - The Graceful-Goat to get you around to the local eats and wineries. The Kinglake market is on the 4th Sunday of each month 10-2pm except December which is the Sunday before Christmas - twilight 2-7pm No market in January. The St. Andrews market is every Saturday, 9am to 1pm just 12 minutes down the mountain. Whittlesea market is on every Monday 9am - 1pm

* Before taxes and fees

The best camping near Dandenong Ranges National Park guide

Overview

About

Bridging the gap between Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and the Yarra Valley wine region, the rolling hills of the Dandenong Ranges are a natural playground for adventurers. Historic villages pepper the hillsides, from where miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails lead the way through the mountain ash forests and fern valleys. Admire the views from Mount Dandenong, take a ride on the historic Puffing Billy Steam Train, climb the 1,000 steps trail up One Tree Hill, then picnic by Olinda Falls. There are no campgrounds in the park, but campers will find plenty of options in the surrounding villages.

When to go

Summer is the most popular time to visit the national park, and the forested hills provide cooler temperatures to the city. It can still reach 30℃, though, so plan outdoor activities for early or late in the day. For the most stunning views, visit in autumn (March-May) to admire the fall foliage or spring (Sept-November) to visit the region’s flower gardens—the month-long Tesselaar Tulip Festival in Silvan is a local favourite.

Know before you go

The Dandenong Ranges National Park is about a 45-minute drive from Melbourne and is split into five main sections: Doongalla Forest, Ferntree Gully, Sherbrooke Forest, Olinda Forest, and Mt Evelyn Forest. You can reach the southern sections of the park via the villages of Upper Ferntree Valley and Belgrave, both on the Melbourne metro, or the northern sections of the park via Olinda and Mount Dandenong, connected by bus to Melbourne. Free parking is also available throughout the park.
There is no admission fee to enter Dandenong Ranges National Park, and facilities include toilets, picnic areas, and BBQs. Visitor centres are located in Belgrave, Olinda, Kallista, and Sassafras villages, where you’ll also find gas stations, cafés, and shops.
There are accessible toilets, picnic areas, and trails at the national park, and a TrailRider all-terrain wheelchair is also available (advance booking required).

Top parks near Dandenong Ranges National Park

Wilsons Promontory National Park

Great Otway National Park

Mornington Peninsula National Park

Lake Eildon National Park

Grampians National Park

Cradle Mountain - Lake Saint Clair National Park

Kosciuszko National Park

Bay of Fires Conservation Area

Top cities near Dandenong Ranges National Park

Best camping near me

Best tent camping near me

Hipcamp campgrounds near me

Best caravan camping near me

Hipcamps ready for caravans near me

Best glamping near me

Cabins, yurts, treehouses and more

Australia
—
Victoria
—
National Park
—
Dandenong Ranges National Park

Safety at Hipcamp

Learn More

Learn More

Learn More

Safety partners

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.

The best camping near Dandenong Ranges National Park

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Dandenong Ranges National Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Front Acre of Farmhouse & Land!

Berry's Beach Farm, Phillip Island

Eagle Ridge

By the Cathedral

Old Dairy at The Grange, Buln Buln

Magic Mountain

Red Hill Orchard Farm Stay

Toolangi Springwater Forest Camp

Top-rated campgrounds near Dandenong Ranges National Park

Strath Creek Station

Park Lane Phillip Island

Shacks at Kardella Park

Iron Brook Donkey Farm

The Fern Glade

Yarra Valley Vineyard Views

Angel Peace

FORREST 1

Kinglake East End

Dromkeen Macdeon Ranges

Krystal Waters

Fowkes Family Flower Farm

The best camping near Dandenong Ranges National Park guide

Overview

About

When to go

Know before you go

Top parks near Dandenong Ranges National Park

Top cities near Dandenong Ranges National Park

Best camping near me

Safety at Hipcamp

Safety partners