Camping close to water damages riverbanks, and may put you at greater risk if there is flooding.
Victoria’s state forests and parks are for everyone to enjoy. We all play a part in protecting them to make sure they thrive for generations to come.
Camping is one of the best ways to get closer to nature but it’s important to take care to minimise your environmental impact during your stay.
Before you go, check the weather conditions and VicEmergency for any current warnings and fire danger ratings to make sure it's safe to camp.
If you plan to light a campfire, make sure you know the rules and if there is a Total Fire Ban restricting campfires where you plan to stay.
How to protect the forest
Here are some simple ways you can help protect the environment, and yourself, when camping. You can also download this information as a brochure, postcard or poster below.
This short video shows some simple ways you can help protect the environment, and yourself, when camping. You can also download this information as a brochure, postcard or poster below.
Collecting firewood illegally can damage wildlife habitat and ecosystems.
Soap and wastewater in rivers pollutes waterways. If there are no toilets, bury your faeces 20cm deep and at least 100m away from waterways and other campers.
Unsafe and/or unattended campfires can cause bushfires.
Know the rules about campfires in state forests. It is not safe to leave your campsite before your campfire is out and the ashes are cool to touch.
Broken glass and cans can injure people and animals.
There are no rubbish collection services in state forests. Leaving rubbish can make animals sick.
Rules and penalties when camping
Make sure you know the rules when visiting state forests to avoid fines. Visit the Conservation Regulator to learn more.
Page last updated: 28/11/24