The best camping near French Island National Park

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

Discover the natural splendour of French Island National Park.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near French Island National Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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.

* Before taxes and fees

Booked 16 times

Carrum Downs Motel & Campground

44 sites · Lodging, RVs5 acres · Melbourne, VIC

Ingenia Carrum Downs is the perfect place to call home. With a warm and friendly community, our Carrum Downs accommodation is like no other. We have a number of different accomodation options available to suit your needs! Whether you’re here to explore Carrum Downs momentarily or you’re looking for a long-term rental that’s the perfect balance of stability and flexibility; come and join the community!

* Before taxes and fees

Ingenia Holidays Phillip Island

106 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Newhaven, VIC

Visit one of Victoria’s most iconic destinations and enjoy a relaxed stay at Ingenia Holidays Phillip Island in a beachside location within a natural bush setting! Located on Victoria’s Southern Coastline, only a drive from Melbourne CBD and a ferry trip, the park offers a diverse range of caravan sites, and camping grounds, at walking distance to San Remo and Newhaven. Experience the best of Phillip Island, including the world-famous penguin parade, and the Koala Conversation Centre, and even visit Nobbies to see the local fur seals in their natural habitat. Plus, enjoy local shops, cafes, and restaurants only 500 meters away… but there’s plenty of fun to be had at the park, too! Keep the kids entertained with a jumping pad, an adventure playground, a basketball hoop, and a games room – whether you are seeking relaxation, wildlife encounters, or family fun, Ingenia Holidays Phillip Island has something for everyone.

* Before taxes and fees

Lyntors@520

1 site · Tent20 acres · Badger Creek, VIC

The property has a mix of paddocks on 7 acres and a fern gully with a small creek in a 13 acre forest. Towering manna gums and messmate dominate the property along with huge fern trees in the forest. There is a prepared flat site at the front of the property where water could be provided and room in paddocks for tents.

* Before taxes and fees

Tarwin Lower Eco Studio

1 site · Lodging17 acres · Tarwin Lower, VIC

17 acres, with 2 cleared, only 3 kms as the crow flies, from the coast. You can hear the surf in the evening. The property is the bush refuge corner of a larger grazing property. Whilst sheep and cattle graze on one side of the fence, the wildlife grazing on "our" side includes echidnas, wombats, wallabies, possums, koalas, and is home to more than 30 species of birds identified so far. Tarwin Lower EcoStudio is not far out of town and the Tarwin River (4 kms), for boating, paddling and fishing. Slightly further afield is Andersen Inlet (great fishing, paddling, paddle boarding, boating, and shallow waters for very young children), Venus Bay Surf beaches, and Walkerville South bay beach (with boat ramp). Waratah Bay and Wilsons Promontory less than an hour's drive away. And that's just the water sports. The Great Southern Rail Trail is just up the road, at Koonwarra or Leongatha, and has a range of rides with varying degrees of challenge. The Eco Studio itself is completely off grid, built from reclaimed and recycled materials, as part of our commitment to living lightly. There is an outdoor kitchen, and composting toilet, and our home garden (we live on the property too) is often abundant and the fresh organic produce is for sale for our visitors. PLEASE CHECK the description for further details about what is provided and to indicate if you are bringing your pet(s).

* Before taxes and fees

Field Phillip Island

8 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Ventnor, VIC

Field Phillip Island is a 7 acre working farm within walking distance to one of the Island's best beaches and Phillip Island Winery. We are located 6 minutes from the Penguin Parade and 15 minutes from Cowes. We are trialling one campsite. We farm Trees and Bees and share a passion for all things connected with nature on Phillip Island. This winter we planted over 1, 200 trees and have plans to plant another 4,500 trees next winter. Our 5 acre field is flat and filled with wildlife. We offer one Campsite on our field to ensure your privacy and to provide you with a place to rest. The ocean can often be heard from the property. Watch the sunrise or sunset from your own piece of paradise! Access to the field is easy and you can come and go as you please but we do prefer that, for the safety of guests and our wildlife, you are at your campsite before last light. We have resident populations of Wallabies, Cape Barron Geese, Eastern Bard Bandicoots, Brush Tailed Possums, Pobblebonk Frogs, Crickets and a pair of beautiful Wedge Tailed Eagles. Berry's Beach is an easy walk from your campsite and it offers an amazing beach and ocean environment. Berry's beach clifftop walks provide an ideal location for a sunset stroll and perhaps, to spot Mutton Birds or even a Whale or two. If entering the ocean is your thing fishing, snorkelling, shipwrecks, kayaking, rock pooling, surfing, sailing and sun baking are all there, or at beaches nearby. If food and wine is more your thing then Phillip Island Winery is only 800 paces away! We look forward to sharing this wonderful piece of paradise with you. Kind regards, Gaz and Kaz.

* Before taxes and fees

Wonthaggi Park Lane Holiday Park

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Wonthaggi, VIC

Head to the Bass Coast, where Wonthaggi offers a quiet and peaceful sanctuary for those who want to explore the beautiful cliffs and beaches the region offers. Choose your style of stay from cabins and glamping pods to caravanning and camping. The choice is yours. The local area is teaming with swimming and surf beaches, and impressive restaurants and wineries. Combined with our glamping pods, Wonthaggi is perfect for a romantic weekend away. We look forward to welcoming you at Park Lane Wonthaggi Holiday Park. Put your feet up and take in the serenity, take a dip in the heated pool, or explore the beautiful surroundings that Wonthaggi has to offer. Discover stunning coastline trails with sensational scenic views, get up close and personal with fascinating creatures, or just cruise around and revel in the diverse range of attractions, shops, and events on offer.

* Before taxes and fees

Inverloch - Bunurong Country

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Inverloch, VIC

We started off spending weekends camping on our peaceful pocket of bush paradise when we built our home. We have since kept the campsite maintained and a place for family and friends to stay and escape their busy lives. Most recently, we have opened it up to Hipcamp in late 2020 where we have loved sharing our property and getting to know fellow campers.

* Before taxes and fees

Top-rated campgrounds near French Island National Park

Berry's Beach Farm, Phillip Island

4 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Ventnor, VIC

Set on an 80-acre working farm, close to the Phillip Island Nature Park, pristine surf beaches, and wineries. The four spacious campsites are set on a sheltered rise overlooking Phillip Island and the Peninsula. Share a private spot with the local wildlife, birds, and wallabies. Phillip Island Winery is less than a 500m walk and the Phillip Island Nature Park Penguin Parade is a short drive We only cater for self-sufficient motorhomes, campers, and caravans. You must have your own toilet facilities, and take all waste with you. Dogs are welcome, must be on-leash.

* Before taxes and fees

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. If you are checking dates and a weekend is open, then luck is with you and I have opened the calendar as I'm working on site. If this is the case, single night stays can be booked. *_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_* 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

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

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

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

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

Larkins Lane

6 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Geelong, VIC

Located only 4ks from the Geelong cbd (5min drive) 20 minutes to all the attractions of the bellarine peninsula close to shops & cafes everything at an arms reach. we have 3 acres with access to power and water we are pet & family friendly your are welcome to Enjoy a fire. Located perfectly for Spirt of Tassie travellers with only a short 10 minute drive to the ship.

* Before taxes and fees

The Back Paddocks

5 sites · RVs, Tents110 acres · Ventnor, VIC

Your choice of your very own 10 acres of pasture, although you will have to share it with wallabies, bandicoots, a variety of birds and the occasional echidna. Views of Bass Strait and Western Port and walking distance to PHILLIP ISLAND Winery. Only 5 minutes drive to great surf and swimming beaches and 7 minutes to the Penguin Parade. Now for the best part. We are located in the "Dark Sky" of PHILLIP ISLAND, with amazing opportunities for astrophotography or simply stargazing in peace and quiet under the Milky Way, only the sound of distant surf crashing and wind through the trees.

* Before taxes and fees

The Farm @ JU Buffalo (S Gippsland)

3 sites · RVs6 acres · Buffalo, VIC

Welcome to The Farm at Journey Unknown Buffalo! Our property is a 6.5 acre hobby farm consisting of chickens, sheep, lambs, koalas, various birds and our resident dogs. There are 3 self-contained sites available to choose from that are all located around our beautiful dam and there's even a doggy paddock for your fur babies to run around in. Site 1: PREMIUM - Private and Peaceful Site 2: POWERED - Easy Access, Electrified and Extra Large Site 3: DRIVE-THRU - Drive-Thru and De-Stress All sites include a fire pit, picnic table with seats and are dog friendly! We also have firewood for sale at $10 a bag and a carton of eggs for $5. You can pay cash for these through our honesty box where the collection station is. Come down to the country and explore what South Gippsland has to offer. We’ll tell you all our favourite places to visit. For more information about your hosts Troy and Laura, check out their social media pages: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063535874684 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/journeyunknown_oz/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@JourneyUnknown

* Before taxes and fees

Ingenia Holidays Inverloch Foreshore

179 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Inverloch, VIC

Nestled into the sand dunes of Anderson Inlet and as close to the water as you can get is Ingenia Holidays Inverloch Foreshore! This playground for both anglers and water sport lovers offers the perfect spot for your tent, camper trailer caravan or motorhome, with direct access to the beach and the picturesque Screw Creek nature walk. If you’re up for exploration, walk or ride a bike to the shops and cafes in town, otherwise stay on site and soak up the beautiful natural setting of Inverloch Foreshore.

* Before taxes and fees

Rancho Nirvana

6 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Wallington, VIC

Rancho Nirvana is located in the middle of The Bellarine Peninsula. Within walking distance of Adventure Park, Flying Brick Cider House and McGlasions Winery (Farm Dog Brewery). 5 minutes Drive to Ocean Grove/Barwon Heads. 10 mins drive to Queenscliff, Pt. Lonsdale, Portalington, Geelong. Our little piece of Nirvana is suitable for tents, caravans, RVs, or we can supply or our Unique Silver Bullet 27ft 1972 Airstream. We have a fully functioning toilet, can run power to your camp (no shower facility). We have an inground trampoline, half court basketball/netball court. Our small inground pool, camp kitchen (with hotwater, kitchen sink, fridge, pool table, lounge and tv), BBQ, Fire pit are avaliable by agreement at extra costs. Our acerage can cater for small groups of up to 15 people, your van/tent/RV or ours. Pets allowed by agreement and must be on lead at all times. We have free range geese, chooks and a friendly staffy. There is no need for an alarm clock our Roosters have that covered.

* Before taxes and fees

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.

* Before taxes and fees

The best camping near French Island National Park guide

Overview

About

Embark on an adventure at French Island National Park, a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Traverse the rugged bushlands, cycle through the open woodlands, and keep an eye out for the diverse birdlife that calls this park home. While vehicle-based camping is not permitted, the park offers a unique camping experience at Fairhaven Campground, accessible only by foot or bike.

Notable campgrounds

Fairhaven Campground: Nestled by the Western Port shores, this serene spot is perfect for tent camping amid nature's tranquility.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book online in advance to secure your spot at the limited Fairhaven Campground.
Plan your visit outside of peak seasons for a better chance at availability.
Keep an eye on the Parks Victoria website for any cancellations or newly available spots.
Explore nearby camping options for alternative stays close to the park.

When to go

The best time to visit French Island National Park is during spring when wildflowers bloom and migratory birds abound. Winter offers a chance to spot whales and penguins. Be mindful of the summer heat and prepare for cooler temperatures and potential closures during the fire season.

Know before you go

Ross River virus is present on the island; carry insect repellent to protect yourself.
Be prepared for encounters with local wildlife, including snakes and lizards.
Access to the park is by ferry; check the timetable and weather conditions before your trip.
There are no open fires allowed; bring a portable gas stove for cooking.
First aid facilities are limited; ensure you have a well-equipped first aid kit.

Top parks near French Island 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

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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.