The best camping near The Lakes National Park

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

Discover the serene beauty of The Lakes National Park and its abundant wildlife.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near The Lakes National Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near The Lakes National Park

90%
(176)

Snowy River Station

50 sites · RVs, Tents500 acres · Corringle, VIC
Enjoy open spaces and deserted beach, using our farm as base camp to explore the amazing Snowy River Region on the Wilderness Coast. We offer sites for self-contained campers only and there is no services, pets are welcome. Please note - All the area that has been slashed in the front paddocks you can camp in and spread out.Beach access is straight over the road from the front gate. You can lite fires and firewood is for sale at the farm gate store honesty box further down the road from the gate you enter if you don't bring your own.Escape the modern tourist world and in a pristine, undeveloped old country farming area right on the coast near the mouth of the famous Snowy River. Amazing fishing in both the River and Corringle Beach, with many different species caught at different times of the year. Enjoy the 40-kilometre deserted beach, sun baking (even nude if that's your thing), and swimming, but care must be taken (unpatrolled surf beach). Romantic sunsets with no one but the odd seal and sounds of the waves to disturb you. Beach fire at night is something special to do. The beach track is across from the front gate, there is no beach sign from the road because the public will then use the track which is only for Hipcampers and you wont enjoy the deserted beach. Call me if you cant find the track, but most people have not had a problem. This walking access is steep, easier tracks can be driven to down the road.Or take a dip in the river further down the road, and explore the waterways, with many birds; black swans in the lakes next to camp, plus kangaroos, wombats, emu and deer. There is a boat ramp just down the road to explore the river system. Perfect for water sports, and with fish cleaning tables at the wharf.  Go by boat to the Marlo Hotel from the wharf straight over the river.Orbost is 15 minutes drive and has a supermarket, hotel, bottle shop and other conveniences. We are open to accepting larger group bookings, but please discuss this with us first. Other things you can do in the area: - Driving trips to High Country Scenic Route and exploring the High Country (4-5 hour round trip).- Visit the Buchan Caves about an hour into the High Country - they are amazing.- Explore Cape Conran & you can even Dive for Abalone and Crayfish.- Visit Lakes Entrance and buy Seafood from the Trawlers.- Drive to Mt Hotham ski resort and explore the Omeo High Country (3 hours)- Visit Gordon at the Opal & Gemstone House in Orbost and find out about the gold, geology and gemstones of the area, hearing first-hand stories about how the area was many years ago from a great local old-timer who loves to share his knowledge and the old ways things were done.
Pets
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from 
AU$44
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(253)

Wattle Point Farm

7 sites · RVs, Tents126 acres · Forge Creek, VIC
Located close to Paynesville, Bairnsdale & Sale, Wattle Point Farm is a secluded, spacious and tranquil property with Lake frontage, wildlife & lush green natives, many walking tracks surround the property, a great fit for anyone who enjoys the outdoors, peace & quiet, relaxing by the water. Close to Blond Bay Wildlife Reserve (2000 ha) with many tracks for walking, cycling or driving. Give yourself some time away from the crowded popular destinations and discover our gem of a campsite. There are designated fire pits and shady green areas to relax and unwind, just a few steps to the water's edge. No facilities, so please only book if you are self-contained, and you must take all waste with you. Dogs welcome to join in the fun too! Markets- Bairnsdale farmers market 1st Saturday Paynesville Community market 2nd Sunday Paynesville farmers market 4th Saturday Bairnsdale Howitt Park market 4th Sunday
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
AU$50
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(106)

Forge Creek Farm Stay

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents15 acres · Bairnsdale, VIC
Come and Enjoy country life with beautiful views of Macleod Morass Wetlands. Lots of animals to enjoy, including cows, sheep, chickens and kangaroos and bird life. 7 Sites available for tents, caravans and camper trailers on a flat grassy area with great views. Campers are required to be self sufficient with their own toilet/shower facilities and must remove all rubbish. FIRES MUST BE IN FIRE PITS ONLY. ****Must abide by the current fire restrictions**** Fire pits and firewood available on request at extra Cost Please advise prior to arrival if required. Farm Fresh Chicken Eggs available. Can provide a IBC water tank to your site with Tap outlet to connect to your van. Pets welcome, dogs must be kept on a lead. Only 5 minutes from town Centre, 15 min to Paynesville and 30 min to Lakes Entrance. Lakes Entrance is located on the edge of Ninety Mile Beach where the Gippsland Lakes meets the Southern Ocean. Camping Rules 1. Please abide by current fire restrictions. 2. Please do not leave fire untendered. 3. Please be Courteous to other Campers and keep noise to a minimum after 10pm.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
AU$45
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(171)

Nowa Nowa Lakeside Farmlet.

3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Nowa Nowa, VIC
Located on the picturesque Nowa Nowa arm of Lake Tyers. Our hobby farm offers 3 beautiful large campsites (1 van per site) only 20 metres from the waters edge. OUR CAMPSITES DO NOT HAVE TOILET OR SHOWER FACILITIES. ALL WASTE AND RUBBISH MUST BE TAKEN WITH YOU ON DEPARTURE. Pets are welcome. We have chickens and alpacas on the property so please ensure your pets are restrained and don't upset the other animals. We have a fire pits for campers to relax around in the evenings. We can provide firewood for first night ($15) and additional firewood can be purchased from the general store (fundraiser for local CFA). Generators are allowed but only for limited time to charge essential equipment. No generators are allowed to run non stop and not between 9pm and 9am. if you are going to use a generator please inform other campers. Only a 5 minute walk to the NOWA NOWA GENERAL STORE/Post Office. You can get local fishing information from the friendly staff, stock up on fuel, groceries, wine/beer, fishing tackle, bait, fire wood and more without having to drive! MINGLING WATERS CARAVAN PARK/Cafe is the place to go for top quality coffee, brekky, and their famous carrot cake and burgers, only a 5 minute walk (currently temporarily closed) Opposite Mingling Waters is another 'must visit' while in Nowa Nowa. THE DEPOT, HOME OF TEXTILES. Local honey and home made jams and biscuits. Espresso coffee and turmeric latte. Handcrafted textiles, jewellery and more (check Facebook for opening hours) We are within easy reach of the EAST GIPPSLAND RAIL TRAIL which is popular for both bike riders and walkers. There are plenty of other great bushwalking tracks nearby as well. The location is ideal for people who enjoy the outdoors, lake fishing, boating, bird watching, walking and cycling. It's just a short drive to the beautiful seaside town of LAKES ENTRANCE where they have shops, cafes, restaurants, great fresh seafood and lovely beaches. BRUTHEN is only a 20 minute drive. BRUTHEN HOTEL, Cafes, Antique shops, Galleries andthe BULL-ANT BREWERY are musts to check out! The BUCHAN CAVES RESERVE is another short drive. Picnic spots, camping ground, walking tracks and a variety of flora and fauna, including koalas, over forty species of birds, kangaroos and currawongs. While in Buchan check out the famous BUCHAN PUB for a meal and a beer. 25 minute drive East and you are in ORBOST, a small East Gippsland town surrounded by national parks, forests and beaches. Recharge at the town's cafes and bakeries, then visit galleries and see the historical Slab Hut, an original 1872 pioneer hut relocated from the upper Snowy River and now home to the tourist information centre. Renowned local brewers SAILORS GRAVE can be found in an old butter factory, where they produce an exciting range of craft beer.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
AU$30
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
Booked 12 times

Tambo Trailside Paddock

4 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Tambo Upper, VIC
We are offering our paddock for easy, convenient camping. We are located half way ( 20mins drive ) between Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance. Our local pub and general store are only a 6 minute drive away. Our place offers an access gate onto the famous 'East GippslandRail Trail'. The paddock itself is roughly 4 acres. We are happy to have horses stay as well as dogs so long as temporary fencing is provided by equine owners. Check out the famous 90mile beach, and even the locally owned buisness 'venture out' that hires stand up paddle boards/bikes and more for your convenience located in lakes entrance. Although we do not offer toilets and showers, there are toilets and showers only 6minutes drive down the road at the local Johnsonville boat ramp, and also a dumping point at Nicholson boat ramp (10minutes drive). We have lots of amazing fishing spots on offer in our area, some are as little as (5mins) away. Boat ramp located only (6mins drive) at Johnsonville. We welcome boats to stay also but do recommend flushing your boats at one of the local car washes, due to us not offering the facilities to complete your boat care. We are also only 15minutes from the Metung hot springs. Or head the other way to Paynesville and Raymond Island to see the Koalas and kangaroos and have a dining experience with a water view (only 35mins drive). We have our beautiful local swim spot at Tambo Bay (14-minute drive) from our camping paddock, that's perfect for a wind down on a summer's day. Or if you just want to relax and wind down, you might just enjoy admiring the birds around you and the frogs singing from dusk till dawn in the dam located within the camping paddock. Pets are welcome, we ask that you take all rubbish with you on departure.
Pets
Campfires
from 
AU$19
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
Booked 9 times

Blackwood Arm

5 sites · RVs80 acres · Lakes Entrance, VIC
Blackwood Arm is now offering camping within the property to fully self contained campers. With camping locations situated within 100m of the naturally beautiful North Arm and access to the water for your kayaking, fishing and swimming activities, these locations will suit all who enjoy camping in the natural surrounds of Lakes Entrance whilst having easy access to the town center and surrounding amenities. The property is the perfect getaway for campers wanting to feel like they are far enough away from the busy town and yet can easily access all that Lakes Entrance has to offer. Please note camping is only offered to fully self contained campers as there is no power, water or waste disposal available onsite. Unfortunately sites are not available for tents and camping is only offered to RVs, caravans, camper trailers and roof top tents. When booking please provide confirmation that you are fully self contained and what type of camper you have, ie RV, caravan, etc.
Campfires
from 
AU$50
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
63%
(15)

Paradise Beach Camping

2 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Paradise Beach, VIC
Come and set up camp for a few days on this private site at Paradise Beach.Campers will love the short walk to the beach, an established fire pit and access to (a small amount of) water from the provided tank. Please be economical with the water so there is enough left for everyone else.There is also a shelter shed which you are welcome to use to escape with wind, rain or sun. There is a cabin on the property which is not accessible.There are no facilities here, campers will need to be self sufficient and leave no trace. A short drive down the road you'll find a general store, a takeaway shop and great picnic areas.The property is located 3.5 hours east of Melbourne.Entry to the site is from a small driveway on the lower side of the property. Please keep all tents and vans within close proximity to the cabin to ensure you are within my properties boundary and there are no overlaps.The terrain is sandy, however it's very compact and suitable for most sedans, vans and average vehicles.
Potable water
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from 
AU$24
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(4)

Parsons Flat River Barn & Glamping

5 sites · Lodging, Tents60 acres · Dargo, VIC
Parsons Flat River Bar Glamping offers a River Barn and 2 Glamping tents. Experience the charm of our riverside glamping tent, a hidden oasis nestled along the Dargo River. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of this secluded retreat, seamlessly blending the beauty of the great outdoors with comfort. Or relax in the luxury of our river barn, a fully self contained holiday retreat. Surrounded by a thriving wildlife sanctuary, which includes kangaroos, wallabies, deer, and a vibrant array of birds, this picturesque setting captures nature's embrace at its peak. Witness the enchantment of platypus and trout in the river, adding a magical touch to your stay. Strategically positioned near the Dargo River Inn and Dargo Pub, your evenings promise delightful dining experiences. The adjacent Dargo Store ensures your day commences with a hearty breakfast and offers tempting lunchtime delights. For the convenience and comfort of the glampers, essential amenities such as a toilet and shower are in close proximity. Furthermore, a communal camp kitchen awaits, complete with a 6-Burner BBQ, a cast-iron camp oven (fire-heated), a fridge, toaster, and kettle—bringing the joy of outdoor cooking to your fingertips. Escape to this riverside retreat, where the soothing sounds of the flowing river and the gentle breeze create the perfect backdrop for your glamping adventure. Kindly note that there is another private accommodation on-site, and our attentive owners are also present to ensure your stay is both enjoyable and personalised.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
AU$50
 / night
* Before taxes and fees

The best camping near The Lakes National Park guide

Overview

About

Embark on an adventure at The Lakes National Park, a serene haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Here, you can immerse yourself in activities like birdwatching, kayaking, and scenic walks along the shores of Lake Victoria. For those seeking an overnight stay, the park offers peaceful campgrounds nestled amid the bushland, providing a perfect escape into nature.

Notable campgrounds

  • Emu Bight Campground: A family-friendly retreat offering unpowered sites amid native vegetation by Lake Victoria.
  • Rotamah Island Homestead Picnic Area: Accessible only by boat, this secluded spot is ideal for a tranquil picnic and wildlife spotting.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred campsite.
  • Consider staying mid-week for better availability and a quieter experience.
  • Keep an eye on cancellations for last-minute opportunities.
  • Explore nearby camping options if your desired campground is fully booked.

When to go

The best time to visit The Lakes National Park is during the milder seasons of spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities. Summer can be quite warm, making it less ideal for strenuous activities. Winter brings cooler temperatures, which may affect some park facilities and activities.

Know before you go

  • Check for any park closures or safety advisories before your visit.
  • Be aware that some tracks and facilities may be closed due to maintenance or safety reasons.
  • Accessible accommodation options are available; inquire ahead for specific needs.
  • Remember to bring your own firewood if you plan to use the BBQ spots or fireplaces.
  • Always follow water safety advice when swimming or boating in the lakes.

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