The best campgrounds near Ballarat, Victoria with horseback riding

Looking for the perfect camping experience near Ballarat, Victoria in Australia? Look no further than Hipcamp. With over 900 camping options available, you're sure to find the perfect spot that fits your accommodation and activity preferences. Whether you prefer a tent, caravan, or camper, Hipcamp has options for every camping style. And with popular amenities like showers, toilets, and cooking equipment, you'll have all the comforts of home while enjoying the great outdoors. If you're into snow sports, wind sports, or off-roading, you'll love the activities available at these top campsites: Rodborough Vale (514 reviews), Shacks at Kardella Park (328 reviews), and Hampton Park (180 reviews). So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience in beautiful Ballarat, Victoria.

98% (332)

Top-rated campgrounds near Ballarat

Looking for the perfect camping experience near Ballarat, Victoria in Australia? Look no further than Hipcamp. With over 900 camping options available, you're sure to find the perfect spot that fits your accommodation and activity preferences. Whether you prefer a tent, caravan, or camper, Hipcamp has options for every camping style. And with popular amenities like showers, toilets, and cooking equipment, you'll have all the comforts of home while enjoying the great outdoors. If you're into snow sports, wind sports, or off-roading, you'll love the activities available at these top campsites: Rodborough Vale (514 reviews), Shacks at Kardella Park (328 reviews), and Hampton Park (180 reviews). So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience in beautiful Ballarat, Victoria.

98% (332)

Top-rated campgrounds near Ballarat

1. Mount Sugarloaf Retreat

100%

(221)

63km from Ballarat · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

Our property, called 'Number 1', has been family owned for 5 generations and operates as a working cattle breeding farm. It backs onto the beautiful Pyrennes Ranges, and is surrounded by state forest on all sides. On the northern boundary we border the pristine Mt Sugarloaf Reservoir stocked with Redfin and home to some beautiful wildlife. We are in close proximity to some well known wineries of the region such Summerfields, Mt Avoca and The Pyrenees. Enjoy a quick day out to any of these wineries and it will be a day filled with delightful food and superb wine. If you'd rather enjoy the great outdoors, Number 1 will provide endless amounts of entertainment and fun outdoor activities. Make sure to say hello to all the resident cattle, goats, and horses during your stay!

2. Kyneton Quiet Camp Out

99%

(162)

67km from Ballarat · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

We welcome everyone who would like to relax whilst respecting the environment and all fellow hipcampers. We are family and dog friendly, with the space for multiple families to camp together on our spacious sites. THIS PROPERTY IS NOT SUITABLE FOR DRUNKEN AND/OR NOISY PARTYING!!! Pitch your completely self-sufficient sleeping quarters on our peaceful, flat, 7 acre property which backs onto the Bald Hill Nature Reserve and is less than five minutes drive from Kyneton’s historic Piper Street which is full of delightful restaurants and cafes. Take under an hour to drive up and explore beautiful Bendigo, experience delightful Daylesford nearby and meander around the wonderful wineries of the Macedon Ranges. Campfires are allowed subject to local fire restrictions and must be fully extinguished before you turn in for the night. Please search for the CFA website 'Fire Danger Period: Can I or Can't I?' which has all of the appropriate information. Each site has a fire pit which you can use providing it is not a total fire ban. Firewood is available at a cost to you of $50 per wheelbarrow load which will easily cover two nights. We have four separate camping locations on the property; you can easily have up to four RVs on sites 1, 2 and 4 and two on site 3. We have tried to ensure privacy for each location but you may be able to see other guests and/or the house through the many trees. Please be aware that there are two dams on the property so children should supervised at all times. My own children swim in the dam and there is a kayak available but lifejackets must be worn by children in, around and on the water to minimise risk. Pets are welcome. The kangaroos may prove quite enticing for some pets and as such we recommend dogs be kept on their leash. Site 4 has ringlock fencing and farm gates which can be helpful to contain your pets. Please be aware that the Kyneton Gun Club has their monthly clay target shoot on the 3rd Sunday of each month (2nd Sunday in December) from 11am until 5pm during which time you will hear them clay pigeon shooting. We are NOT a commercial campsite and, as such, you must be fully self-contained for power, water, showers, sewage, refuse disposal, etc. Guests under the age of 25 must be accompanied by their parents.

3. Lovely Bush Property

95%

(60)

48km from Ballarat · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Surrounded by Lillicur State Forest, opportunities for walks, horse riding and bike riding abound Four mountain bikes are ready to roll and a solar panel will keep phones charged A holding yard will keep your horses happy and shaded. A nine hole mini golf course is ready to challenge you!! Only one booking is taken for any night. As soon as you book, the property becomes yours and is unavailable to anybody else 10 minutes down the road you'll find the quaint village of Talbot. The town retains a number of historic buildings from its prosperous gold mining days. Some of the old shops which line this street are now home to speciality businesses, including a clothing boutique, bookshop and homewares store. The restored London House building in Scandinavian Crescent operates as a cafe and visitor information centre and is surrounded by an attractive community garden. At the corner of Scandinavian Crescent and Fyfe Street is the Talbot Pioneers Memorial Playground with BBQ and picnic shelters. A farmers market operates in the town streets every 3rd Sunday of the month. The pool is great in summer months and the general store is well managed by Prue and open 8am to 7pm every day 2 hours from Melbourne, 1 hours from Ballarat.

4. Shedquarters Bush Escape

100%

(1)

24km from Ballarat · 22 sites · Tents, Lodging

Reconnect with nature at this unforgettable escape. With the edge of the Lal Lal State Forest just outside the gate, your nature experience awaits. Bushwalking, mountain bike riding, horse riding are all available throughout the kilometers of bushland tracks. Make memories and bring your horses for some amazing trail rides, walk the peaceful trails immersing in nature with the many birds and animals or maybe just relax by the fires and enjoy the local wildlife and surroundings. Just 1.5 hours from West Melbourne or 50 minutes from Geelong. **Available weekly Friday - Sunday stays.** Things to Do. Bushwalking. Horse Riding - Doran Park Trail Rides is 1 km away and provides arranged horse trail rides, must book in advance. Or bring your own horses to the Shedquarters, there's heaps of room for them to safely and comfortably stay (we are a horse property). Paddocks and a large yard, places to park the float and hay deliveries on request. A homemade grassed arena with jumps available. On the wet days an indoor arena is available to book 5kms away, advanced bookings required. Walk or Ride to - The Shepards Daughters Grave located in the Lal Lal Forest. www.goldfieldsguide.com.au/explore-location/539/grave-of-the-shepherds-daughter/ Lal Lal Falls is 10 kilometers away with BBQ picnic facilities. Hunts Bridge is a free camp area providing fire camp stations for a lovely picnic. The Village of Buninyong is 15kms away. The Farm Gate Shop in Elaine is 7 kms away providing all local produce, and a great place to stock up on the local Meredith Dairy Goats Cheese - in buckets! Local Wineries within driving distance, Clyde Park Winery, Buninyong Winery. Great area for Gold Prospecting. Great place for wood collection, bring the trailer for some hard work (check to see if the forest wood collection is available) Bungal Dam picnic area. Ballan market is held on the second Saturday of the month 9-1pm Ballarat is a 30 minute drive.

5. 388 Racecourse road Trawella 3306

100%

(2)

41km from Ballarat · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

The property comprises for 60 acres on bush land has two dams and a lot of shady trees. Located mid-way between Ballarat and Ararat, Beaufort is situated in a rich pastoral district, noted for its merino wool production. Gold was first discovered around Beaufort in 1852 which saw the town's population rise dramatically, however it was short-lived with most of the alluvial gold gone around 10 years later. Things To Do In Beaufort, VIC Antique Shopping. Beaufort is home to several antique shops, including the Beaufort Memorial Garden. ... Art Trax. ... Lake Goldsmith. ... Bicentennial Park. ... Beeripmo Walk. ... The Tangled Vine. ... Mount Buangor State Park. ... Cocoa Beach.

6. YELLOW FLATS

100%

(7)

43km from Ballarat · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

15 acres with seasonal creek thru middle of property bordering state forest with close access to great divide walking track mines and old working in the state forest old water race dug in the 1800 hundreds to bring water to the miner through out the state forest mainly follow by the walking track all the way to Vaughan springs

7. Kickback Corral

89%

(9)

64km from Ballarat · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

You can expect to see plenty of kangaroos and native birdlife when you visit us at Kickback Corrimal Camping. With great views and a tranquil setting where you can enjoy the serenity of nature. Enjoy a bush walk on the property or take a longer walk to the goldfields town of Castlemaine, where you can stroll around & enjoy this diverse town. The Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park has many scenic walks that reveal mines and other interesting artifacts from our gold mining past. For those looking for more adventure there are plenty cycling and walking tracks to explore within the National park. If you are into Mountain biking there is a trail 15 min away (by car) that leads all the way to Harcourt. We are also within easy reach of the Castlemaine to Maldon Trail which runs parallel to the Victorian Goldfields Tourist Train railway. Campers must have their own camping toilet and take all waste and rubbish with them on departure. Campfires are allowed outside of restrictions. Pets are welcome.

8. Warrak Sandpit

100%

(4)

74km from Ballarat · 1 site · Tent, RV

Large property that backs on to the Mt Langhi Ghiran National Park. Open the back gate and you have access to thousands of acres of bush tracks, mountain bike tracks, hiking and fishing. Beautiful outlook towards the Grampians with an abundance of kangaroos, wallabies and wake to the sounds of our family of resident kookaburras. We have a 40 ft container and a 20 ft site shed with camp fire and ample firewood on the property along with this the site shed is generator ready. Wonderful rural setting.Unfortunately motorbike riding is not permitted on the property but there are tracks in the nearby area that you can drive to and use at your own risk.We don't have a toilet or running water or power. Generators are permitted. This is the ultimate getaway to relax, read a book around the camp fire or ride your mountain bike exploring the area or hike through the endless tracks of the adjoining national park. Pack a lunch and go climbing the slopes of Langhi Ghiran this property is literally the gateway to the Grampians. Only about a 12 minute drive into Ararat for all your groceries and supplies with Ararat having all the mod cons you may need for a week or month long stay.Pricing is $69 per night per family or couple with an extra $10 per night per person. 

9. Lexton Crystal Hills

46km from Ballarat · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

Welcome Lexton Crystal Hills, 250 acres of hilly green pasture bordering state forest, where self-contained 4wd equipped campers can pick a spot to camp. The property is located a short 5 minute drive from the quaint town of Lexton, and 20 minutes from the regional hub of Beaufort - where campers can fill their petrol tanks and eskies before arriving at camp. There is plenty of activities in the area to choose from including bush walking, hiking, bird watching, bike riding or visiting wineries and restaurants. Controlled pets are welcome.

Camper favorites near Ballarat

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Shedquarters Bush Escape

100%

(1)

24km from Ballarat · 22 sites · Tents, Lodging

Reconnect with nature at this unforgettable escape. With the edge of the Lal Lal State Forest just outside the gate, your nature experience awaits. Bushwalking, mountain bike riding, horse riding are all available throughout the kilometers of bushland tracks. Make memories and bring your horses for some amazing trail rides, walk the peaceful trails immersing in nature with the many birds and animals or maybe just relax by the fires and enjoy the local wildlife and surroundings. Just 1.5 hours from West Melbourne or 50 minutes from Geelong. **Available weekly Friday - Sunday stays.** Things to Do. Bushwalking. Horse Riding - Doran Park Trail Rides is 1 km away and provides arranged horse trail rides, must book in advance. Or bring your own horses to the Shedquarters, there's heaps of room for them to safely and comfortably stay (we are a horse property). Paddocks and a large yard, places to park the float and hay deliveries on request. A homemade grassed arena with jumps available. On the wet days an indoor arena is available to book 5kms away, advanced bookings required. Walk or Ride to - The Shepards Daughters Grave located in the Lal Lal Forest. www.goldfieldsguide.com.au/explore-location/539/grave-of-the-shepherds-daughter/ Lal Lal Falls is 10 kilometers away with BBQ picnic facilities. Hunts Bridge is a free camp area providing fire camp stations for a lovely picnic. The Village of Buninyong is 15kms away. The Farm Gate Shop in Elaine is 7 kms away providing all local produce, and a great place to stock up on the local Meredith Dairy Goats Cheese - in buckets! Local Wineries within driving distance, Clyde Park Winery, Buninyong Winery. Great area for Gold Prospecting. Great place for wood collection, bring the trailer for some hard work (check to see if the forest wood collection is available) Bungal Dam picnic area. Ballan market is held on the second Saturday of the month 9-1pm Ballarat is a 30 minute drive.

388 Racecourse road Trawella 3306

100%

(2)

41km from Ballarat · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

The property comprises for 60 acres on bush land has two dams and a lot of shady trees. Located mid-way between Ballarat and Ararat, Beaufort is situated in a rich pastoral district, noted for its merino wool production. Gold was first discovered around Beaufort in 1852 which saw the town's population rise dramatically, however it was short-lived with most of the alluvial gold gone around 10 years later. Things To Do In Beaufort, VIC Antique Shopping. Beaufort is home to several antique shops, including the Beaufort Memorial Garden. ... Art Trax. ... Lake Goldsmith. ... Bicentennial Park. ... Beeripmo Walk. ... The Tangled Vine. ... Mount Buangor State Park. ... Cocoa Beach.

YELLOW FLATS

100%

(7)

43km from Ballarat · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

15 acres with seasonal creek thru middle of property bordering state forest with close access to great divide walking track mines and old working in the state forest old water race dug in the 1800 hundreds to bring water to the miner through out the state forest mainly follow by the walking track all the way to Vaughan springs

Kickback Corral

89%

(9)

64km from Ballarat · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

You can expect to see plenty of kangaroos and native birdlife when you visit us at Kickback Corrimal Camping. With great views and a tranquil setting where you can enjoy the serenity of nature. Enjoy a bush walk on the property or take a longer walk to the goldfields town of Castlemaine, where you can stroll around & enjoy this diverse town. The Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park has many scenic walks that reveal mines and other interesting artifacts from our gold mining past. For those looking for more adventure there are plenty cycling and walking tracks to explore within the National park. If you are into Mountain biking there is a trail 15 min away (by car) that leads all the way to Harcourt. We are also within easy reach of the Castlemaine to Maldon Trail which runs parallel to the Victorian Goldfields Tourist Train railway. Campers must have their own camping toilet and take all waste and rubbish with them on departure. Campfires are allowed outside of restrictions. Pets are welcome.

Warrak Sandpit

100%

(4)

74km from Ballarat · 1 site · Tent, RV

Large property that backs on to the Mt Langhi Ghiran National Park. Open the back gate and you have access to thousands of acres of bush tracks, mountain bike tracks, hiking and fishing. Beautiful outlook towards the Grampians with an abundance of kangaroos, wallabies and wake to the sounds of our family of resident kookaburras. We have a 40 ft container and a 20 ft site shed with camp fire and ample firewood on the property along with this the site shed is generator ready. Wonderful rural setting.Unfortunately motorbike riding is not permitted on the property but there are tracks in the nearby area that you can drive to and use at your own risk.We don't have a toilet or running water or power. Generators are permitted. This is the ultimate getaway to relax, read a book around the camp fire or ride your mountain bike exploring the area or hike through the endless tracks of the adjoining national park. Pack a lunch and go climbing the slopes of Langhi Ghiran this property is literally the gateway to the Grampians. Only about a 12 minute drive into Ararat for all your groceries and supplies with Ararat having all the mod cons you may need for a week or month long stay.Pricing is $69 per night per family or couple with an extra $10 per night per person. 

Lexton Crystal Hills

46km from Ballarat · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

Welcome Lexton Crystal Hills, 250 acres of hilly green pasture bordering state forest, where self-contained 4wd equipped campers can pick a spot to camp. The property is located a short 5 minute drive from the quaint town of Lexton, and 20 minutes from the regional hub of Beaufort - where campers can fill their petrol tanks and eskies before arriving at camp. There is plenty of activities in the area to choose from including bush walking, hiking, bird watching, bike riding or visiting wineries and restaurants. Controlled pets are welcome.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Chloe

November 2025

5 m car

Weekend Trip to Mount Sugarloaf Retreat

We absolutely loved this campsite and will definitely be back.

Z

Zee

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Kyneton Quiet Camp Out

The paddock was open and tidy, easy for big or small setup. Catherine provided easy instructions to access the site. Fencing around the paddock keep the dog in which gave us a peace of mind as my dog has bad recall.

L

Leigh

November 2025

9 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Kyneton Quiet Camp Out

Perfect quiet spot to recharge, firewood available for a cost, donate your cans if you can, saw a good amount of kangaroos and birds who also call this place home. Communication with Catherine was great, we felt comfortable before, during and after our stay! Would recommend if you’re looking for somewhere to base or recharge after a visit to the city.

C

Caroline

November 2025

4 m pop-up camper

With kids

3 nights at Mount Sugarloaf Retreat

Beautiful spot with friendly and helpful hosts. Kids loved the reservoir, flying kites and the animals.

M

Marcus

November 2025

8 m travel trailer

With kids

4 nights at Kyneton Quiet Camp Out

Amazing place for a quick getaway only 1 hr from Melbourne. Brilliant host and a lovely property. Backs onto a nature reserve which is great for walks and the kids loved the little dam to have a splash in!

K

Kris

November 2025

7 m travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Mount Sugarloaf Retreat

Amazing spot, great for a big group. The kids loved the tree.

T

Tony

November 2025

12 m travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Mount Sugarloaf Retreat

We absolutely loved staying on the Woodlands site on Rick and Julie’s property and both hosts were very friendly and helpful. The site is flat, well maintained and perfectly located on this picturesque property. We are definitely coming back!

D

David

November 2025

Tent

With pets

4 nights at Mount Sugarloaf Retreat

Really enjoyed the peace and quiet Far enough from other campers at different sites which made it fantastic for our dog to be able to roam around and not disturb anyone else Rick was very helpfull from start to finish Communication was outstanding Plenty of firewood delivered to site and even cut the grass for us before arrival 10/10 Rick👍

Carolina

November 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Lovely Bush Property

Brilliant campsite for a group get-together of people and dogs. Lovely host, lovely spot and overall very well equipped too! Highly recommend and will definitely return. Thanks for everything.

P

Pier

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to YELLOW FLATS

This is a beautiful spot to camp - highly recommend. John is an excellent host and went out of his way for us, even taking me and the kids on a little mission to feed his sheep. A weekend to remember - thanks John!

Kate

November 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Kyneton Quiet Camp Out

Sites are well spread out giving you a sense of bush camping. Lovely area to walk around with my pup and quiet. Catherine was very welcoming talking me through the site, options and ensuring I had what I needed to set up

S

Sallyann

November 2025

1 m pop-up camper

With kids

3 nights at Kyneton Quiet Camp Out

Large private paddock. Great spot to visit hanging rock. Kyneton is a lovely little town.

P

Peter

November 2025

8 m pop-up camper

With pets

2 nights at Kyneton Quiet Camp Out

Catherine’s property is an ideal short drive out of Melbourne for a relaxed short bush camp. We stayed two nights in Site 1, which was spacious and very quiet. There are some houses around so it’s not totally out bush, but the houses are well concealed by trees. We did look out over the bush and did have kangaroos bouncing around. We enjoyed sitting by our open fire, and whilst we did take our own fire wood Catherine does provide it, for a price. The town of Kyneton is only 10 mins drive away for coffee etc and the other small towns are also close. Overall we enjoyed our two nights out bush.

Susan

October 2025

4 m pop-up camper

9 nights at Lovely Bush Property

Awesome place to stay and host is just great. Love the wild flowers and the wild life.

A

Allan

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Mount Sugarloaf Retreat

Our 2nd stay at Rick's property and this one was better than the first. A little peaceful spot away from the other campsites. We loved our stay here and would easily recommend this one! Rick was great, always welcoming and easy to communicate with. We can't wait to get back here!

S

Sharon

October 2025

9 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Mount Sugarloaf Retreat

Perfect spot for a quiet weekend away, yabbie dam site was private and our dogs loved it. Rick & Julie were helpful and friendly. We spent saturday morning 4wding on sugarloaf track and checking out waterfalls and governor rock lookout tower. Spot of fishing on sugarloaf reservoir in the arvo with no luck. Great spot

j

johnny

October 2025

Tent

8 nights at Mount Sugarloaf Retreat

Great location fantastic views, plenty of room for everyone to spread out, Rick and Julie were very friendly and accommodating, will be back fore sure Thank you Rick and Julie

A

Ashley

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to YELLOW FLATS

A lovely property with abundant wildlife, surrounded by lots of great walking tracks. Highly recommended.

M

Monica

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Mount Sugarloaf Retreat

We loved our stay on Rick and Julie's lovely property - the dam, the frog chorus, the blue hills, the birds and the beautiful sunrises. A wonderful camping escape!

T

Tanya

September 2025

7 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Kyneton Quiet Camp Out

Fantastic place to spend the AFL grand final weekend. Very quiet and out in nature which suits us perfectly. A little tricky to get in if you have a long van and tow car, but with a bit of manoeuvring we all got into our spot.