Long weekend state forest camping

With over 330 free campgrounds across Victoria’s state forests, there’s no shortage of opportunities to roll out the swag, set up the tent or back in the caravan this long weekend.

Plan ahead

As our campsites cannot be booked in advance, they are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Arrive early and have a backup plan if there are no spots available at your preferred campground.

Head north-east

Knockwood Reserve, Upper Goulburn State Forest

Taungurung Country

Camp beside the Goulburn River at Knockwood Reserve, a large open grassy campground about 30 minutes south of Jamieson. It’s one of 6 sites located along the Mansfield-Woods Point Road, including:

• Snakes Reserve
• Blue Hole Reserve
• Twelve Mile
• Tunnel Bend
• Flour Bag Reserve.

Download More to Explore for these sites.

Delatite Arm, Delatite Arm Forest Reserve

Taungurung Country

Set up camp at Delatite Arm along the shores of Lake Eildon, adjacent to native bushland, pine plantation and revegetated forest.

Known for its water sports, scenic views and fishing, it’s about 3 hours north-east of Melbourne and has 120 sites spread across 28 separate campgrounds.

The extensive forests to the south and east also provide great opportunities to explore by 4WD and trail bike, like the Upper Goulburn 4WD Tour starting from Jamieson, just under an hour from Delatite Arm.

Number One Camp, Mt Disappointment State Forest

Taungurung Country

Number One Camp is located an hour and 20 minutes north of Melbourne just off the Hume Fwy. It has a unique history, having housed 75 prisoners of war in the 1940s and forest workers up until the 1970s.

You’ll find grassy campgrounds, a picnic shelter and table, toilets, wood fire pit, and BYO horse, with horse yards available. The Strath Falls horse riding track starts from the campground and is a 10km return ride with a walk to Strath Creek Falls.

Other camping options include Regular Camp and Andersons Garden both in the Mt Disappointment State Forest.

Italian Flat, Wentworth State Forest

Gunaikurnai Country

Or head to Italian Flat in the Upper Dargo Camping Precinct. This 4WD only accessible campground is the largest of 6 other campgrounds, including:

• Ollies Jump Up
• Black Flat
• Collins Flat
• Jimmy Iversons
• Two Mile Creek.

This campground has plenty of room for camper trailers, caravans and tents, it also has fire pits, picnic tables and a toilet.

Head east

Checking Station, Noojee State Forest

Base yourself at the Checking Station for easy access to popular state forest attractions Toorongo Falls, Noojee Trestle Bridge and the Ada Tree. Surrounded by native and pine forest 12km north of Noojee, this site is large enough to accommodate 5 to 6 small groups.

Alternative options are Poplars Reserve, Toorongo Falls Campground or Latrobe River Picnic and Camping Area.

The Holding Paddock, Ben Cruachan State Forest

Gunaikurnai Country

Located 20 minutes north of Glenmaggie, The Holding Paddock is flanked by rolling hills of state forest, this picturesque site sits on the banks of the Macalister River and is a great location to explore the High Country.

There are 10 sites that accommodate caravans and camper trailers, as well as vehicle-based and tent camping.

The site got its name from its role as an overnight stop for cattle during the 2-week route from Wonnangatta Station to the sale yards in Heyfield.

Other nearby options include Barkley Bridge or Rumpffs further north.

Rocky Ned Campground, Strathbogie State Forest

Taungurung Country

Set up camp at Rocky Ned Campground surrounded by native forest at this hidden gem about 40 minutes from Violet Town. Take the short 1.8 km Rocky Ned Falls Walk exploring the granite boulder formations and admiring the views looking north across the Lima East Valley.

Check out Goldworthys or Blue Range Creek Camping Area on More to Explore as an alternative.

Head west

Dandos Campground, Gellibrand River

Eastern Maar Country

Or another option is Dandos Campground, a more remote campground on the Gellibrand River, 50 minutes inland from Apollo Bay.

Take a dip in the river or check out the secluded water hole to the north-west of the site. It’s a great base for exploring the lush rainforests of the Otways and highlights including Stevensons Falls, Beauchamp Falls and the Forrest Mountain Bike Trails.

Berrook Campground, Big Desert Campground

For a more remote camping experience, head out to the far west of the state to Berrook Campground, 46km northwest of Murrayville which is 15 minutes from the South Australian border.

The campground features a picnic shelter with gas BBQ, toilets, and fire pits for heating or cooking.

This site is 4WD accessible only and suits self-sufficient campers.

Sawpit Campground, Mt Clay State Forest

Gunditjmara Country

Further to the west is Sawpit Campground, a 4-minute drive from Narrawong Beach, about 20 minutes from Portland. There are BBQs, picnic tables, firepits and a toilet block shared with day visitors.

This family-friendly campground is close to Whalers Lookout Walk and popular beginner-friendly Mt Clay Mountain Bike track circuit.

Another state forest option is Annya Camp about 30 minutes north, or you could try camping at Lower Glenelg National Park.

Waterfall Campground, St-Arnaud-Pyrenees State Forest

Dja Dja Wurrung Country

Waterfall Picnic Area is a beautiful forest campground and picnic area located 15 minutes out of Avoca, set in a scenic valley with panoramic views of the jagged Grampians Ranges. If you’re keen to cook up your lunch, there are fire pits with cooking plates available.

A short walk from the carpark will take you to the Avoca Falls which are at their best after a heavy downpour.

Campfires and BBQ safety

Campfires are allowed in state forests except on Total Fire Ban days. Consider whether you need a campfire and always follow our rules for campfire, stoves and BBQ safety. Don’t light a campfire on hot and windy days.

Learn more about how you can stay safe when visiting state forests.

Page last updated: 13/10/25