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Top 10 Free Campgrounds in Victoria for Motorhomes and Caravans
- Wander * Explore * Discover
- Dec 10, 2025
- 11 min read
Updated: 15 hours ago
Top 10 Free Campgrounds in Victoria for Motorhomes and Caravans
Victoria is one of the best states in Australia for free camping, with lakeside reserves, river camps, bush settings and well-maintained council campgrounds. In this guide, we share our Top 10 Free Campgrounds in Victoria for motorhomes and caravans. We have stayed and enjoyed them all.
Top 10 Free Campgrounds in Victoria
Green Hill Lake – Free Camping Near Ararat
Aysons Reserve – Free Camping on the Campaspe River
Brown Brothers RV Park – Free Camping at a Winery in Milawa
Lake Lonsdale (Flat Rock) – Free Camping Near the Grampians
Plantation Campground – Free Camping Near Halls Gap
Taylors Lake – Free Camping in the Wimmera
Greens Lake – Free Camping in Central Victoria
Campground Snapshot
Location: Approximately 12 km from Daylesford and 120 km north-west of Melbourne
Suitable for: Motorhomes, caravans, camper trailers and tents
Cost: Free
Maximum stay: No posted limit
Dogs: Allowed (on leash)
Toilets: Four long-drop toilets
Water: Small rainwater tank near the entrance.
Phone coverage: Good Telstra coverage
Fires: Permitted in fire pits when there is no fire ban
Bins: No rubbish bins – take all rubbish with you
Mt Franklin Reserve is a peaceful free campground set inside the crater of an extinct volcano, making it one of the most unique camping spots in Victoria. The camping area features a large central lawn suitable for tents, surrounded by cleared camping sites with picnic tables and fire pits, making it ideal for both self-contained vehicles and tents.
The rim of the volcano is lined with tall conifer forest, while inside the crater you’ll find beautiful ornamental trees including silver birch, white poplar, sycamore and Californian redwoods. A scenic 1.7-kilometre walking track circles the rim of the volcano, offering a lovely walk through the forest and around the crater.
Facilities are basic but well maintained, with four long-drop toilets and a small rainwater tank located near the entrance. Mt Franklin Reserve is a relatively small campground and can become very busy during long weekends and holiday periods, so arriving early is recommended.
For photos, access details and our full experience,
Green Hill Lake – Free Camping Near Ararat
Campground Snapshot
Location: Approximately 4 km from Ararat and 200 km west of Melbourne
Suitable for: Motorhomes, caravans, camper trailers and tents
Cost: Free
Maximum stay: Up to 5 nights (permit required for longer stays)
Dogs: Allowed (on leash)
Toilets: Flushing toilets
Showers: Warm showers available for $2 (approximately 4 minutes)
Phone coverage: Good Telstra coverage
Fires: Permitted in fire pits when there is no fire ban
Water: Drinking water available
Bins: Rubbish bins and recycling bins available
Dump Point: At the far side of the lake
Green Hill Lake is a spacious and well-maintained free bush campground set around the edge of a large lake near Ararat. With plenty of lakeside camping spots and even more sites tucked into the surrounding bush, there is plenty of room to spread out, making it suitable for all camping setups.
The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with no bookings available. While camping is free, donation boxes are located at each amenities block, and contributions help local volunteers maintain and improve the campground. Stays longer than five nights require a free permit from the local council.
Green Hill Lake Reserve offers excellent facilities and activities, including a boat ramp, playground, picnic tables, walking tracks and BBQs. Firewood can also be purchased locally for use in the campground’s fire pits, making this a comfortable and convenient free camping option for longer stays.
Campground Snapshot
Location: Approximately 20 km from Beechworth and 260 km north-east of Melbourne
Suitable for: Motorhomes, caravans, camper trailers and tents
Cost: Free
Maximum stay: No posted limit
Dogs: Allowed (on leash)
Toilets: One long-drop toilet (bring your own toilet paper)
Phone coverage: Good Telstra coverage
Fires: Permitted when there is no fire ban
Water: Ovens River (not suitable for drinking without treatment)
Bins: Rubbish bins available
Pioneer Bridges is a peaceful bush campground set alongside the Ovens River in Victoria’s High Country. Maintained by Parks Victoria, this small and scenic campground offers a mix of hard-packed dirt and grassy camping areas suitable for a wide range of camping setups.
The Ovens River runs directly through the campground, with several campsites located along the riverbank. A sandy section of river provides easy access for swimming, fishing, or launching a kayak, making this a great spot for warm-weather stays. While riverfront campsites are limited, there are additional sites set back in the surrounding bush.
Facilities are basic but practical, with a single long-drop toilet located in the centre of the campground, along with picnic tables and fire pits scattered throughout the area. Pioneer Bridges is a quiet and relaxing free camping option, ideal for those looking to enjoy riverside camping in the High Country.
Aysons Reserve – Free Camping on the Campaspe River
Campground Snapshot
Location: Approximately 12 km from Rochester and 185 km north of Melbourne
Suitable for: Motorhomes, caravans, camper trailers and tents
Cost: Free
Maximum stay: Up to 3 days / 2 nights (permit required for longer stays)
Dogs: Allowed (on leash)
Toilets: Flushing toilets (bring your own toilet paper)
Phone coverage: Good Telstra coverage
Fires: Permitted when there is no fire ban
Water: Non-potable water available
Bins: Rubbish bins available
Dump point: Available near the toilets
Aysons Reserve is a spacious bush campground set along the Campaspe River near Rochester. The camping area runs beside the access road close to the river, with additional grassy camping areas set back behind. Camping is not permitted between the bollards and the river, but there are plenty of flat, open sites suitable for a wide range of camping setups.
The Campaspe River is a highlight of the reserve, offering easy access to swimming spots, a boat ramp, and excellent opportunities for fishing and birdwatching. The open layout and river setting make this campground particularly appealing for relaxed stays and longer stopovers.
Facilities at Aysons Reserve are well maintained, with flushing toilets, a dump point and non-potable water available. The campground is managed by the Campaspe Shire Council and is free to stay. If you plan to stay longer than three days and two nights, a free online permit is required and is easy to obtain.
Brown Brothers RV Park – Free Camping at a Winery in Milawa
Campground Snapshot
Location: Directly opposite Brown Brothers Winery in Milawa, approximately 255 km north-east of Melbourne
Suitable for: Self-contained motorhomes and caravans only
Cost: Free
Maximum stay: Up to 72 hours
Dogs: Allowed (on leash)
Toilets: None – must be fully self-contained
Phone coverage: Good Telstra coverage
Fires: Not permitted
Water: None
Bins: Skip bins available
Brown Brothers RV Park offers a unique free camping experience directly across the road from the iconic Brown Brothers Winery in the heart of Milawa’s gourmet region. Located near one of the winery’s car parks, this RV-only campground is ideal for self-contained travellers looking to enjoy great food and wine without moving the motorhome.
The camping area features a large, flat grassed section, with the option to park along the edge of the bitumen car park if conditions are wet and the grass is muddy. Stays are free for up to 72 hours, making it a great short stopover in the region.
The highlight of staying here is easy access to Milawa’s outstanding food and wine scene. Brown Brothers Winery is open daily from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm and offers tastings of more than 60 wines, along with a restaurant serving a daily grazing menu set among beautiful gardens. The Milawa Bread and Kitchen and the Milawa Cheese Factory are also just a short drive away, making it easy to stock up on local produce.
During our stay, we picked up a selection of regional treats and enjoyed a relaxed evening with a cheese platter and a bottle of Brown Brothers Merlot — a perfect way to experience one of Victoria’s best gourmet regions.
Lake Lonsdale (Flat Rock) – Free Camping Near the Grampians
Campground Snapshot
Location: Approximately 20 km from the Grampians and 250 km west of Melbourne
Suitable for: Motorhomes, caravans, big rigs, camper trailers and tents
Cost: Free
Maximum stay: No posted limit
Dogs: Allowed (on leash)
Toilets: Two long-drop toilets
Phone coverage: Good Telstra coverage
Fires: Permitted in fire pits when there is no fire ban
Water: Lake water only (not suitable for drinking without treatment)
Bins: Skip bin available
Lake Lonsdale has several bush campgrounds scattered around the lake, with Flat Rock being one of the most popular and scenic options. Set right on the edge of the lake, this large free campground offers stunning views across the water to the surrounding Grampians ranges, including Mount William and Mount Stapylton.
Access to Flat Rock Campground is straightforward, with a fully sealed road from Stawell and a short dirt road into the campground that is easily accessible for 2WD vehicles and motorhomes. There are numerous lakeside camping spots with great views, along with additional sites set back in the bush for those seeking a little more shelter or privacy.
Managed by GWM Water, camping is not permitted within 20 metres of the water’s edge. Lake Lonsdale is a popular destination for swimming, water skiing, boating and fishing, particularly during the warmer months, making this campground a great base for enjoying the outdoors near the Grampians.
Facilities are basic but practical, with two long-drop toilets, a skip bin for rubbish and several fire pits spread throughout the camping area. With plenty of space and a relaxed atmosphere, Flat Rock Campground is well suited to both short stays and longer stopovers.
Campground Snapshot
Location: Smoko, approximately 17 km south of Bright and 10 km north of Harrietville along the Great Alpine Road
Suitable for: Motorhomes, caravans, camper trailers and tents
Cost: Free
Maximum stay: No posted limit
Dogs: Allowed (on leash)
Toilets: One long-drop toilet (bring your own toilet paper)
Phone coverage: Good Telstra coverage
Fires: Permitted when there is no fire ban
Water: Ovens River (not suitable for drinking without treatment)
Bins: None
Smoko Campground is a spacious bush campground set along the Ovens River in Victoria’s High Country. Maintained by Parks Victoria, the campground features mainly hard-packed dirt sites with some grassy areas and is easily accessible for motorhomes and other camping setups.
The Ovens River is a standout feature of this campground, with access to swimming spots and excellent trout fishing. A day-use area provides picnic tables and easy river access for visitors, while camping areas extend back into the surrounding bush for those seeking a quieter spot away from the river. Riverfront campsites are limited, so arriving early is recommended if you want a site close to the water.
Facilities are basic, with one long-drop toilet located toward the back of the campground, along with fire pits scattered throughout the camping area. With plenty of space and a relaxed atmosphere, Smoko Campground is a popular free camping option for travellers exploring the Alpine region.
Just four kilometres from the campground is the Stony Creek Fish Farm, a great side trip with a café and the opportunity to catch your own salmon or trout. Fishing gear and bait are provided, and you pay per kilogram for your catch. We caught two brook trout, which were cleaned on site and cooked back at camp for a memorable meal.
Plantation Campground – Free Camping Near Halls Gap
Campground Snapshot
Location: Approximately 10 km from Halls Gap and 260 km west of Melbourne
Suitable for: Motorhomes, caravans, camper trailers and tents
Cost: Free (Donation box available and donations appreciated)
Maximum stay: No posted limit
Dogs: Allowed (on leash)
Toilets: Long-drop toilets
Showers: Bucket showers
Phone coverage: Very limited Telstra coverage
Fires: Permitted in fire pits when there is no fire ban
Water: Untreated creek water available (not suitable for drinking)
Bins: None
Plantation Campground is a scenic bush campground set within an old radiata pine plantation on the eastern edge of the Mount Difficult Range in the Grampians. Surrounded by tall pines and native bushland, it offers a peaceful setting and a great sense of space.
Access to the campground is via an unsealed gravel road from Halls Gap, which was easily manageable in our 2WD motorhome. The campground itself is large, with plenty of flat campsites spread throughout, making it suitable for a wide range of camping setups.
Facilities are basic but well spaced, with picnic tables, fire pits, long-drop toilets and bucket showers available. Several taps provide untreated creek water, which is not suitable for drinking without treatment. Plantation Campground is managed by Parks Victoria, and there is an information board and donation box at the entrance.
Wildlife is abundant in the area, particularly in the early mornings and late afternoons. Eastern grey kangaroos are regular visitors and can often be seen grazing quietly around the campsites. With its central location, Plantation Campground is an excellent base for exploring the many walks, lookouts and attractions of the Grampians National Park.
Taylors Lake – Free Camping in the Wimmera
Campground Snapshot
Location: Approximately 20 km from Horsham and 290 km west of Melbourne
Suitable for: Motorhomes, caravans, big rigs, camper trailers and tents
Cost: Free
Maximum stay: No posted limit
Dogs: Allowed (on leash)
Toilets: Long-drop toilets
Phone coverage: Good Telstra coverage
Fires: Permitted in fire pits when there is no fire ban
Water: Lake water only (not suitable for drinking without treatment)
Bins: Skip bin available
Taylors Lake is a popular camping and fishing destination in the Wimmera region of western Victoria. Easily accessed via a sealed road, the campground features hard-packed dirt sites with some grassy areas, making it suitable for a wide range of camping setups.
There are several camping options around the lake, including shaded bush sites surrounded by trees and a large, open flat area behind the toilet block with plenty of space to spread out. Camping is not permitted within 20 metres of the water’s edge, as the campground is managed by GWM Water.
The lake is a favourite spot for water skiing, boating, fishing and swimming during the warmer months, with a boat ramp located near the camping area. Picnic tables and fire pits are scattered throughout the campground and along the lake’s edge, creating plenty of relaxed places to enjoy the surroundings.
With its wide-open spaces and beautiful lake views, Taylors Lake is especially lovely at sunrise and is well suited to both short stays and longer stopovers.
Greens Lake – Free Camping in Central Victoria
Campground Snapshot
Location: Approximately 22 km from Rochester and 195 km north of Melbourne
Suitable for: Motorhomes, caravans, big rigs, camper trailers and tents
Cost: Free
Maximum stay: Up to 7 days
Dogs: Allowed (on leash)
Toilets: Toilets available
Showers: Hot showers available
Phone coverage: Good Telstra coverage
Fires: Permitted in fire pits when there is no fire ban
Water: Lake water only (not suitable for drinking without treatment)
Bins: None – take all rubbish with you
Dump point: Available near the toilets
Greens Lake is a spacious and well-equipped free campground with plenty of lakeside and bush camping options in central Victoria. Access is mostly via sealed roads, with only the final few kilometres on gravel, which was easily manageable in our 2WD motorhome.
There is a large area along the edge of the lake with excellent camping spots, along with many additional sites set back in the bush. The open lakeside setting can be windy at times, so it’s worth keeping an eye on your awning when camping close to the water.
Managed by GWM Water, Greens Lake has a maximum stay of seven days and is closed for 24 hours each year over the New Year period to ensure public safety. Facilities are excellent for a free campground, with toilets, hot showers, a dump point, a covered BBQ area and picnic tables located near the entrance.
Greens Lake is a popular destination in the warmer months for swimming, water skiing, fishing and boating, with an easy-to-access boat ramp nearby. With plenty of space and solid amenities, it’s an ideal option for both short stays and longer stopovers.
Which Free Campground in Victoria Is Right for You?
Victoria offers an incredible variety of free camping options, from peaceful riverside camps and scenic lakes to bush settings close to regional towns and national parks. Whether you’re travelling in a motorhome, caravan, camper trailer or tent, there are plenty of free campgrounds that make it easy to slow down and enjoy the outdoors without stretching your budget.
Each of these top 10 free campgrounds has its own unique appeal. Some are perfect for swimming, fishing and boating, while others offer quiet bush surrounds, wildlife encounters or easy access to great food and wine regions. Facilities, phone coverage and access can vary, so it’s worth choosing a campground that best suits your travel style and setup.
Free camping in Victoria relies on responsible travellers. Always follow local rules, respect maximum stay limits, keep dogs under control, and leave each campground as you found it. With a little planning and care, these wonderful free camping spots will continue to be available for everyone to enjoy.
If you’re planning a road trip around Victoria, these free campgrounds make excellent stopovers and longer stays, helping you experience some of the state’s most beautiful regions at a relaxed pace.
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