Now is the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors, especially local areas – and camping is a great way to do it.
Here are some of the best free camping spots in Gippsland, categorised by area:
West and Central Gippsland
(Forests and Rivers)
1. Aberfeldy River (Baw Baw National Park)
Location: North of Walhalla.
Vibe: Rugged, river-side camping with a history of gold mining. Great for 4WD enthusiasts.
Facilities: Drop toilets, fire pits (check restrictions).
Best for: Fishing, swimming, and exploring the historic town of Walhalla nearby.
2. Coopers Creek (near Walhalla)
Location: On the Thomson River.
Vibe: Two main campgrounds (Bruntons Bridge and Coopers Creek). Open, grassy areas right on the river.
Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables.
Best for: Kayaking, swimming, and 4WDing.
3. Kurth Kiln Regional Park (near Gembrook)
Location: Technically on the edge of Gippsland near the Dandenongs.
Vibe: Historic charcoal kiln site surrounded by forest.
Facilities: Drop toilets, picnic tables.
Best for: A quick getaway from Melbourne, history buffs, and bushwalking.
South Gippsland (Hills and Coast)
4. Franklin River Reserve (Toora)
Location: Just off the South Gippsland Highway.
Vibe: A grassy area next to the river with plenty of shade. It’s a great base for exploring Wilsons Prom (about 45 mins away) without the cost.
Facilities: Toilets, swings, barbecue area.
Best for: Caravans and RVs (easy access).
5. Turtons Creek (near Foster)
Location: In the strzelecki Ranges.
Vibe: Scenic and secluded, set in a valley with a waterfall nearby. It is smaller and tighter, so better for tents or small campervans.
Facilities: Drop toilets, fire pits.
Best for: Getting away from the crowds and enjoying a rainforest setting.
East Gippsland
(Lakes and wilderness)
6. Victoria Falls (near Omeo)
Location: Historic area near the Cobungra River.
Vibe: High Country camping near the historic hydroelectric power station site. It will be cooler here than on the coast during January.
Facilities: Drop toilets, picnic tables.
Best for: History, cooler weather, and river fishing.
7. Glasshouse (Lake Tyers)
Location: Near Lakes Entrance (accessed via unsealed roads).
Vibe: Bush camping right on the edge of the lake. It’s a favorite for kayak fishermen.
Facilities: Very limited (often no toilets), self-contained vehicles recommended.
Best for: Fishing for flathead and bream, escaping the Lakes Entrance holiday crowds.
8. Genoa (near Mallacoota)
Location: Just off the Princes Highway near the NSW border.
Vibe: A great stopover spot before heading into Mallacoota or crossing the border. It is right by the river.
Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables.
Best for: A rest stop on a long journey, swimming in the river.
Summer camping tips
– Fire safety: Always check the VicEmergency App for fire danger ratings before heading into state forests or national parks.
Total Fire Bans are also common.
If a Total Fire Ban is declared, no campfires are allowed (this includes solid fuel barbecues).
– Rubbish: Most free sites do not have bins. You must take all your rubbish with you.
– Water: Most of these sites do not have potable water. Bring your own drinking water.
– Stay limit: Regulations on free camping in Victoria have changed recently to prevent long-term squatting.
Most places on Crown land have a maximum stay of 28 days, but some specific reserves (like Franklin River) may have shorter limits (e.g., 24-48 hours). Check the signage upon arrival.
* Updated on 4/2/2026. Correction: The Brodribb River Boat ramp and carpark area is not a free camping area, as previously indicated. The boat ramp and carpark are council owned/managed land and camping is not allowed under the General Local Law 2017. There are “no camping signs” at this location.
