Easter camping ideas

With over 300 free state forest campgrounds located across Victoria, you'll find plenty of spots to set up the swag, roll out the tent or park the caravan this Easter.

Choose from popular spots like Beauchamp Falls Campground, a short walk away from one of the Otways’ most spectacular waterfalls. Or camp among the red gums at Fort O'Hare nestled on the banks of the Glenelg River close to the South Australian border.

Alternatively, pick one of our quieter sites like Avondale Gardens west of Corryong, surrounded by handcrafted stonewalls, lush gardens and exotic trees — remnants of the Avondale Homestead.

Or, Moscow Villa, just east of Swifts Creek where you can camp by the iconic hand crafted log and stone hut, a centrepiece of the Bentley Plain Scenic Reserve.

Here are 6 great sites to add to your Easter camping shortlist:

1. James Reserve, Strathbogie State Forest on Taungurung Country

James Reserve, a beautiful forest site, is located on the Moonee Moonee Creek, 30 minutes south of Benalla.

It’s a great base to explore the Strathbogie State Forest including walks along the Moonee Creek Walking Track which runs from James Reserve, south to the Lima East picnic area. See more on the More to Explore app.

Or drive 10 minutes west to join the 1.8 km Rocky Ned Falls Walk and explore the granite boulder formations and beautiful views looking north across the Lima East Valley.

It’s also close to Lake Nillahcootie, a popular spot for fishing, boating and water skiing.

Campsite options nearby

Rocky Ned Campground is located 10 minutes to the west.

2. Katie Peters Reserve and Jack Swasbrick

Perch yourself on the beautiful Mitta Mitta River at Katie Peters Reserve or 3 minutes upstream at Jack Swasbrick. Located a stone’s throw from Eskdale and Mitta Mitta in northeast Victoria.

Head out fishing and kayaking along the Mitta Mitta River, or travel to the iconic Dartmouth Dam — the largest capacity dam in Victoria and the highest construction of its kind in Australia.

Campsite options nearby

The Mill is located 13 minutes downstream right near the Mitta Mitta township.

3. Turkey Neck, Rocklands State Forest in Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk Country

If you’re a self-sufficient camper and looking for a quiet and more secluded spot, Turkey Neck just west of Grampians National Park on the banks of Rocklands Reservoir is the go.

As Victoria's second largest reservoir, it is perfect for boating, waterskiing and fishing with easy access via the boat ramp.

Head north to Black Range State Park, a 30-minute drive from the campground, to enjoy the ancient and rich landscape. Explore the park by foot on any of the 3 walking tracks.

For basic supplies, drive 14 minutes to Balmoral or 45 minutes to Coleraine.

Campsite options nearby

There are 5 other sites on the Rocklands Reservoir, including:

• Brodies
• Glendinning
• Henrys
• Fergusons
• Mountain Dam.

4. Waanyarra Recreation Site, Tarnagulla State Forest on on Dja Dja Wurrung Country

Waanyarra Recreation Site is just down the road from the historic mining township of Waanyarra, 11 minutes from Dunolly and is surrounded by ironbark forest.

Enjoy a bushwalk or mountain bike along the Waanyarra Walk through old gold workings and relicts of the old township. Or jump in the car and drive through the Dunolly State Forest on the Waanyarra Forest Drive.

If you’re keen to escape the campsite for an afternoon, Bendigo is a 45-minute drive west.

Campsite options nearby

Butchers Campground in Kingower State Forest, 30 minutes north near Inglewood.

5. Starlings Gap, Yarra State Forest on Wurundjeri Country

If you’re keen to camp closer to Melbourne, Starlings Gap, less than 2 hours east of the city is a great base to explore the Yarra State Forest and the Yarra Ranges National Park further north.

Camp among towering mountain ash forest and a stone’s throw away from cool temperate rainforest.

If you’re in the mood for an active Easter, this site sits along the Walk into History route that follows historic timber tramways. Tackle the 33 km multiday walk, or wander through part of the trail.

You could also drive or hike to the popular Ada Tree, or enjoy other forest attractions, including Seven Acre Rock or the Hey Hey My My Mountain Bike track, about a 35 minute drive away.

Camping options nearby

• Big Pats Recreation Area, 20 minutes north.
• Latrobe River Campground, about 50 minutes away.

6. Jimmy Iversons, Wentworth State Forest on Gunaikurnai Country

Sitting in the Upper Dargo Camping Precinct, Jimmy Iversons is worth adding to your Easter camping shortlist.

It’s an open site with plenty of room for multiple groups with vehicles and has fire pits, picnic tables and a toilet.

Set in natural surrounds right on the Dargo River 15 minutes out of Dargo, it boasts scenic river views, making it a great place to stay for several days while exploring the surrounding area.

Campsite options nearby

There are plenty of other options close by along the Dargo River including:

• Collins Flat
• Italian Flat
• Two Mile Creek
• Ollies Jump Up.

More information

There’s no need to book ahead, so it's not too late to plan an Easter camping getaway. Visit camping in Victoria for inspiration.

For the full list of camping options download More to Explore which features over 800 forest sites and activities.

Planned burns this autumn

Stay informed about autumn planned burns before you go and always check VicEmergency for Fire Danger Ratings, Total Fire Bans, advice and warnings.

Campground visitor facilities

Most recreation sites in state forests offer only basic facilities so it’s important to know what these are and what you need to bring with you.

Visitors will need to pack essentials like drinking water, sun protection, first aid kits and a reliable map or GPS to navigate where there is no phone coverage.

For more information visit prepare for your visit.

Page last updated: 02/04/25