The best free and budget-friendly camping sites in Victoria

Ditchfield Camp in Mount Cole State Forest has lots of space, making it popular with families and large groups, while still offering more secluded options for smaller groups. Nearby activities include Beeripmo Walk and a walking trail to Raglan Falls. It's a tranquil place for bird watching and spotting kangaroos, wallabies, echidna, koalas and possums. It is also a popular area for 4WD club activities but seasonal road closures apply in some areas from mid-June to early November. 

The campground is a short drive away from Victoria Mill Scenic Reserve and Ben Nevis. Longer visits can include the best things to do and see in Ballarat.

Set within the old Radiata Pine Plantation on the eastern edge of the Mount Difficult Range, Plantation Campground is a great base for exploring the spectacular northern Grampians. This campground offers amenities such as fire pits equipped with barbecue plates, picnic tables, and non-flush toilets. Please note that campfires are permitted only in designated fireplaces, and you must bring your own firewood.

You'll find Victoria's iconic MacKenzie Falls in this region. The 1.9km return walk from the carpark to the Bluff Lookout is wheelchair friendly and meanders through stringybark forest. If you're fit and adventurous, head downstream to the Lower Waterfalls of Gar (traditional name for Mt Difficult). Part of the Grampians Peaks Trail, there's a moderately challenging 4.2km return hike that's accessible from Troopers Creek Campground (which is a fee-based campground where all sites must be booked online in advance). Be prepared for steep stretches, slippery rocks, creek crossings and exposed cliff edges.

More: 10 things to do in the Grampians

Doctors Creek Reserve, on the banks of the Goulburn River, is a beloved spot for campers, anglers, and visitors looking to relax and unwind. Serving as the gateway to the Upper Goulburn River and nearby historical sites, this reserve offers a small, sloping grassed area just a short drive south of Jamieson. The site is equipped with toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables, making it easy to access and suitable for caravan, trailer, van, and tent-based camping. Best of all, the site is free and pet-friendly. The town of Jamieson is a gateway to the Alpine National Park. 

In the state’s north-west, accessible by 4WD only, this bush camp is a stargazer’s paradise. Perfect as a base for 4WD expeditions, the terrain in this area of Victoria is rugged and wild. There's also no phone coverage. Don’t miss the wildflowers in late winter, and early spring. As weather conditions can affect the tracks, check the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) website for any warnings before you go.

More: 8 essential things you need for a safe off-road adventure

The campground has five sites set amongst the tea trees. Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis. Wander over sand dunes to get to the beach and try your hand at surf fishing (make sure you get a fishing licence first) at this spectacular east coast location. This location offers a true escape from the world; the nearest toilets and shops are 7km away at Bemm River, so you’ll need to be self-sufficient. As this is a small remote campground, 4WD is recommended.  

Consider a camping stop here on a Melbourne to Sydney coastal road trip.

Between Golden Beach and Seaspray, you'll find 19 maintained free camping spots. Beloved for the easy access to fishing and swimming, these camping areas offer a truly rustic camping experience. There are basic toilets, but few other facilities. Stock up on supplies before you arrive then bliss out at the water’s edge. The early bird gets the worm here, so keep this in mind when planning your journey, especially in the peak holiday times. The only complaint is the mosquitoes, so don't forget your insect repellent.

More: Best things to do and places to see in Gippsland

You don't have to go far from Melbourne to get off the beaten track. Discover this hike-in only camping site near the Bunyip River. It's a 6km walk from the car park off Bunyip River Road. There's a shared picnic table but no toilet, so take a trowel.

There are three other free camping areas in Bunyip State Park, a place defined by its heathland swamps and towering mountain ash forests. If you're fit, hike to Four Brothers Rocks for a scenic view. This park is also great for trail bike riding, four-wheel driving and horse riding. Families can visit Gumbuya World Theme Park on the way home.

More: The rules for dirt and trail bike riders in Victoria

With easy access to town, bush camping in the Murray River Reserve offers the best of both worlds. There are no facilities, but the river is the life source for campers who love swimming, kayaking and boating. Find a shady, grassy spot and bring your dog.

More: Best road trips in Victoria

With toilets, picnic tables, shared fireplaces (BYO wood) and a shelter, this is ideal for those who love watersports. The sites are unpowered but there is a boat ramp and boat parking close by. Bookings are essential, especially over summer weekends.

More: Victoria's best boating locations and nearby boat ramps

Set among mahogany and banksia woodland, the campground backs onto the wild Southern Ocean. The Estuary view trail takes you along the Yeerung River, while the Cape Conran Nature Trail skirts beaches and rock pools, and woodlands.

West Cape offers anglers the chance to catch salmon, flathead, and gummy sharks, while the Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary attracts experienced divers.

Banksia Bluff Campground has unpowered dog-friendly and non-dog-friendly campsites. If you book a dog-friendly site, your dog must be on a lead at all times. Flushing toilets and outdoor cold showers are available. BYO water. Campfires are permitted in designated rings.

More: Best fishing spots in Victoria

The most popular Southern Prom overnight hike, this three-day circuit through rainforest, swamp, woodland and heaths starts and finishes at Telegraph Saddle Carpark. It includes overnight camps at Sealers Cove and Little Waterloo Bay.

Water is available at both camp sites, but needs to be treated prior to consumption. There are also non-flush toilets. During winter months, flooding may reduce the number of camping sites available. Advance booking required. Note: The Sealer’s Cove boardwalk is currently closed for repairs, so you must take the longer Southern Circuit Route. 

More: Guide to Wilsons Promontory: Camping, tracks and beaches

In the northwest of the state near the NSW border, this lakeside campground offers tranquil water views in a bush setting. Take one of the short walks around the area, go fishing, canoeing, or paddling, and hunt for wildlife in the scrub. There are 16 unpowered campsites, suitable for tents, camper trailers, campervans and caravans. Facilities include non-flush toilets, fireplaces and picnic tables. 

More: The 7 best stops on a Calder Highway road trip

Accessible only by foot, or bicycle, 5km from the Tankerton Jetty on the west coast foreshore, the campsites here offer ocean views. Toilet facilities are basic but there is potable water (please purify or boil first). There’s a communal gas BBQ but open fires are prohibited. Twitchers will spot Purple Moorhen, Swamp Harriers and Cape Barren Geese, among others.

More: Victoria's hidden or forgotten islands

This bushy site at the upper most point of the Yarra River offers a natural, restful base, ideal for wildlife spotting and short walks that will appeal to families. Fur babies are welcomed too (on-lead). Picnic, BBQ and toilet facilities are available.

More: Best free things to do in Victoria’s Yarra Valley

Marvel at the stars and the snowgums in this lakeside campground. The alpine landscape is a perfect backdrop for those who love swimming, fishing and canoeing. There are flushable toilets and shower facilities, picnic tables and BBQs.

The lake and local streams contain drinking water, but you should use filtering equipment. This family friendly camping area has 47 bookable campsites available from November to April inclusive. When the campground is open, there is a seven-night minimum.

Lower Glenelg National Park is a Victorian gem. One of the best ways to immerse yourself in its tranquil beauty is to canoe or kayak on the Glenelg River and camp overnight. Pritchards Campground has 20 unpowered campsites, non-flush toilets, fireplaces, picnic tables and non-potable water. You can hire a canoe for a day trip, or spend four days following the full Glenelg River Trail. There are seven campsites reserved exclusively for the use of canoeists and kayakers and for fishing.

Alternatively, you can hike along the Great South West Walk, with five hiker-only camping areas, or explore it as part of a Melbourne to Adelaide road trip, with nine drive-in riverside camping areas.