The best mountainous campgrounds near Lakes Entrance, Victoria

Set near Australia's largest inland network of waterways, Lakes Entrance has long been popular among families and boaters from East Gippsland and beyond. Lakes Entrance is on the doorstep of one of Victoria’s best beaches: the Ninety Mile Beach, a spectacular and unspoiled 90-mile long stretch of sand that separates the Southern Ocean from the Gippsland Lakes. Given this location, boat cruises, fishing, and whale watching are a big focus. But there’s also excellent biking and great seafood cuisine. Lakes Entrance has a wide range of camping grounds, including campsites nestled within lake inlets and along the foreshore of Ninety Mile Beach.

One of Gippsland’s neatest and prettiest towns, Metung attracts a stylish, artistic crowd. Given its location on an inlet, this is the place to go boating and waterskiing. There’s boat and fishing equipment for hire and great places to dine. Legend Rock, an important indigenous site, is accessible along the town boardwalk. A Big4 Caravan Park is the in-town option, but the coastal and wilderness areas have oodles of excellent camping options.Situated on the Snowy River, one of Australia's most important landmarks, sits the pretty Alpine town of Orbost. This is the place to grab a craft beer or a treat (or three) from the many cafes and bakeries before heading off into neighboring national parks, forests and beaches. Campers can stay at Orbost’s own caravan park whose lovely setting is on the banks of the Snowy River. Orbost is a good jumping off point to the nearby township of Marlo, and inland to national parks, such as the Snowy River National Park which offers bush camping and some beautiful hikes.Lakes Entrance and the Gippsland Lakes are enveloped by an array of national parks. Most have wilderness camping options on the coast, in temperate rainforests, and by lakes or river gorges. These include The Snowy River National Park and Mitchell River. The closest is The Lakes National Park, which has bush camping at Emu Bight Camping Area. The World Biosphere Reserve Croajingolong National Park offers basic but lovely campgrounds that are dotted along the many inlets. (These are great for Australian wildlife: Long-nosed Bandicoots, Brush-tailed Possums, and the Yellow-Bellied Glider). Bush and coastal walks, indigenous sites, and boating and fishing are on the adventure menus here.

99% (293)

Top-rated campgrounds near Lakes Entrance

Set near Australia's largest inland network of waterways, Lakes Entrance has long been popular among families and boaters from East Gippsland and beyond. Lakes Entrance is on the doorstep of one of Victoria’s best beaches: the Ninety Mile Beach, a spectacular and unspoiled 90-mile long stretch of sand that separates the Southern Ocean from the Gippsland Lakes. Given this location, boat cruises, fishing, and whale watching are a big focus. But there’s also excellent biking and great seafood cuisine. Lakes Entrance has a wide range of camping grounds, including campsites nestled within lake inlets and along the foreshore of Ninety Mile Beach.

One of Gippsland’s neatest and prettiest towns, Metung attracts a stylish, artistic crowd. Given its location on an inlet, this is the place to go boating and waterskiing. There’s boat and fishing equipment for hire and great places to dine. Legend Rock, an important indigenous site, is accessible along the town boardwalk. A Big4 Caravan Park is the in-town option, but the coastal and wilderness areas have oodles of excellent camping options.Situated on the Snowy River, one of Australia's most important landmarks, sits the pretty Alpine town of Orbost. This is the place to grab a craft beer or a treat (or three) from the many cafes and bakeries before heading off into neighboring national parks, forests and beaches. Campers can stay at Orbost’s own caravan park whose lovely setting is on the banks of the Snowy River. Orbost is a good jumping off point to the nearby township of Marlo, and inland to national parks, such as the Snowy River National Park which offers bush camping and some beautiful hikes.Lakes Entrance and the Gippsland Lakes are enveloped by an array of national parks. Most have wilderness camping options on the coast, in temperate rainforests, and by lakes or river gorges. These include The Snowy River National Park and Mitchell River. The closest is The Lakes National Park, which has bush camping at Emu Bight Camping Area. The World Biosphere Reserve Croajingolong National Park offers basic but lovely campgrounds that are dotted along the many inlets. (These are great for Australian wildlife: Long-nosed Bandicoots, Brush-tailed Possums, and the Yellow-Bellied Glider). Bush and coastal walks, indigenous sites, and boating and fishing are on the adventure menus here.

99% (293)

Top-rated campgrounds near Lakes Entrance

1. Forge Creek Farm Stay

97%

(147)

34km from Lakes Entrance · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Come and Enjoy country life with beautiful views of Macleod Morass Wetlands. Lots of animals to enjoy, including cows, sheep, chickens and kangaroos and bird life. 7 Sites available for tents, caravans and camper trailers on a flat grassy area with great views. Campers are required to be self sufficient with their own toilet/shower facilities and must remove all rubbish. FIRES MUST BE IN FIRE PITS ONLY. ****Must abide by the current fire restrictions**** Fire pits and firewood available on request at extra Cost Please advise prior to arrival if required. Farm Fresh Chicken Eggs available. Can provide a IBC water tank to your site with Tap outlet to connect to your van. Pets welcome, dogs must be kept on a lead. Only 5 minutes from town Centre, 15 min to Paynesville and 30 min to Lakes Entrance. Lakes Entrance is located on the edge of Ninety Mile Beach where the Gippsland Lakes meets the Southern Ocean. Camping Rules 1. Please abide by current fire restrictions. 2. Please do not leave fire untendered. 3. Please be Courteous to other Campers and keep noise to a minimum after 10pm.

2. SIBA Retreat Centre

99%

(71)

63km from Lakes Entrance · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

SIBA Retreat Centre is a beautiful and friendly Buddhist retreat centre in the Snowy River country of East Gippsland, Victoria. Formerly ONTOS, it was founded by Lama Choedak Rinpoche and formally opened and consecrated by His Eminence Chogye Trichen Rinpoche in 2006. During this time His Eminence gave the centre the dharma name 'Tsarchen Choeling'. SIBA has all the conditions for the perfect retreat. Simply being at SIBA calms the senses and heals the mind. SIBA is a welcoming and peaceful refuge and its unique atmosphere is well known to visitors.

3. Grassvale Farm Retreat EST. 1900

100%

(27)

51km from Lakes Entrance · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

We border the Mitchell river with the farm so there are about 1 km of secluded banks to sit or swim from if you want to just stay put. For those wanting pure relaxation, meditation, and soul grounding. We can personally show you some tremendous places on the farm to go within. Pure solace is something that many take for granted. Use our pyramid to draw in Quantum/etheric energy, go to the top of our crystal hill and feel the energies. There is so much to be thankful for when you can release in these spaces. Alternatively sit amongst the cows and feel their energy surround you as their curious nature brings them in closer and closer until they relax around you. Alternatively if you want to chill with a beer on the river bank and try for some bass, or watch the eastern water dragons play in the sun and water, then that’s a great way to unwind, or soak up the sun rays as it drops below the horizon on the crystal hill or rolling flood plains. A personal favourite of a campfire and a few drinks with the stars is a great way to unwind when you have so much space and privacy. The sites are located next to our rental lodge where we sometimes do retreats, or holiday let it as well. The privacy is wonderful if that's what you are looking for. A walk each morning from one end of the farm where you will stay to the other and back is a leisurely 2kms so maybe that is your morning start, but walk the lanes and check the fences and cows while you're at it please 🙂, ticks a job for us while your relaxing. Want to learn about the history of the area? Well a session with us will teach you everything didn't know about the Dargo High Plains, the mountain cattlemen of the high country and much more. Take advantage of your time to enjoy the history of the area and the wonderful past times enjoyed. What is available off farm? Number one, the pub with great counter meals is across the river, 5kms away. Lindenow Farmers Hotel is iconic in its design and history, the reputed Lindenow Long Paddock Cafe is also a few hundred metres from the pub, and the Post Office and Store have all your essentials. Need a few more things? Bairnsdale is 24kms away from the farm and offers all you need. Lakes Entrance is about 40 mins for a day out on the beach. Paynesville around 30 mins. If you want to venture up into the mountains then why not go through Dargo just 45 mins and up onto Mt Hotham (Summer only) via the Dargo High Plains. It’s a great track and on occasions I take people up for a guided tour and secret camp spots on my yearly run up there for my own relax time. East Gippsland in general is a wonderful region to stop and relax during all seasons but especially summer with the water activities available, the camping in the high country, and the markets that abound the area. How do I get to be on this great farm? Well I am glad you asked! Just contact us through this website! Looking forward to meeting you and welcoming you onto our family farm of 124 years.

4. Cassilis Ridge

79km from Lakes Entrance · 1 site · RV

Nestled in a picturesque valley, Cassilis is a historic gold-mining town, where remnants of the past and old mine shafts and relics can still be found scattered across the landscape. If history isn’t your passion, there’s plenty more to enjoy: explore the many dirt bike tracks weaving through the area, or hike straight from the property into the vast acres of state forest that border the rear boundary. Also wine lovers are in for a treat too, with several local wineries nearby — and Butchers Gully cider is a must-try. For hunting enthusiasts, this is an ideal base to access the region’s designated hunting areas (please note, hunting is not permitted on the property itself). Convenience is close at hand, with Swifts Creek just 10 minutes away in one direction and Omeo 10 minutes in the other. If you’re keen on a scenic adventure, Dinner Plain is only 50 minutes’ drive, or continue a little further to reach the alpine wonderland of Mt Hotham in just over an hour. With so much to see and do, Cassilis is the perfect base for exploring the beauty, history, and adventure of Victoria’s High Country.

5. Grandview Sanctuary

99%

(161)

42km from Lakes Entrance · 51 sites · RVs

Grandview is located on 8 acres in the township of Buchan. The campsites have beautiful mountain views and the property is close to the Buchan River. The property is a great place to base yourself, within walking distance to the Buchan Caves Hotel, Roadhouse, General Store and the world acclaimed Buchan Caves. Take a 1/2 day or full day trip into the mountains and see the mighty Snowy River and Little River Gorge. Buchan is also a 45 minute drive to the ocean and the 90 mile beach. Grandview is one of the original homesteads of Buchan, which we are in the process of lovingly restoring. We have the belief that this place is to be shared. We love where we live and this is our way of sharing the beauty of the Buchan and surrounding valleys.

6. Lake Corringle Camp Park

100%

(4)

43km from Lakes Entrance · 7 sites · Tents, RVs

Secluded acreage surrounded by natural bush land. Large camping sites are situated on flat grass land nestled amongst the trees with ample room for vans and boats Property contains several dams. 5kms to boat ramp on the Snowy River. 5km to pristine Beaches. Great quiet and relaxing location situated nearby to towns, waterways, beaches and mountains.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

P

Peter

November 2025

7 m travel trailer

3 nights at Forge Creek Farm Stay

Awesome views almost 360 degrees over surrounding sweeping hills and lovely tree lines of neighbouring properties. Nigel was welcoming and offered us to fill our caravan water tanks. How cool is that? Pure rain water too. Towards the east end of camp 8 I saw a long neck turtle furrowing. What a massive task for it to climb up the hill from the beautiful Forge Creek. We met his lovely partner, Meekatharra who was also very helpful while filling up h2O before we left. Will recommend this stay to other travellers. Best regards Nigel and Meeka. (Pete and Dee from WA)

M

Margaret

November 2025

6 m Class B

With pets

2 nights at Grandview Sanctuary

This promised peace and few sites and it delivered. Only 3 camping groups in a large paddock surrounded by rolling hills. Walk across the road to the pub and General Store, 10 minute drive to Bluffs Reserve with a good swimming hole and had the good fortune to be there for Buchan Makers Market.

T

Tim

November 2025

9 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Grassvale Farm Retreat EST. 1900

Great location and well laid out with power and water connections. The property was very easy to access towing my 25ft van. Close to Bairnsdale and the lakes around East Gippsland. Peter was a great communicator and everything was as described. Highly recommend.

Tom

November 2025

7 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Grandview Sanctuary

Had a great time with our family and friends! We parked up near the fire pit overlooking the horses and cows in the paddock. Was the perfect place for the kids to run around and the grass was very well kept. Will be returning for sure!

P

Philip

October 2025

5 m Class B

1 night at Grassvale Farm Retreat EST. 1900

Well laid out site. Neat, tidy, simple, rural, tranalquil camping bliss.

D

Damian

October 2025

5 m pop-up camper

1 night at Grandview Sanctuary

Wide expansive well kept grassed area for tents or in my case a camper trailer. I just parked on small concreted area near the Old Dairy/Cabin. I didn't use power but is available. Be aware there is now amnesties or water available on site. Easy walk to village and Pub. Food was great at the pub, and generous. Would use again, was made very easy by Paul and Kristie and thier info leading up to visit was spot on Thanks D

T

October 2025

4 m pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Grandview Sanctuary

Beautiful views, peaceful. Cows and horses in neighbouring paddocks roaming the hills. Beautiful sunsets and start sky's. Short walk to town, caves and many hiking/walking trails/rivers. The pub food was delicious.

M

Mish

October 2025

2 nights at SIBA Retreat Centre

For anyone who loves peace and tranquillity, come to SIBA. The caretakers are lovely, the cabins are homely, and the meditation space is peaceful.

C

Claire

September 2025

9 m pop-up camper

With kids

5 nights at Grandview Sanctuary

Grandview Sanctuary is nestled between rolling hills and is tranquil yet conveniently right in town. We loved camping here; our highlight was sitting by the fire with a wine and dark-sky stargazing. The pub meals are great and the Road house has good coffee. Thanks Paul and Kirstie. We will be back :)

I

Ian

September 2025

6 m Class B

1 night at Forge Creek Farm Stay

We enjoyed a peaceful night by the fire and overlooking a beautiful wetlands. We had the choice of numerous sites all with plenty of space, distant farmland views and the company of nearby cattle. Nigel and Mieka were caring hosts and made our stay a very enjoyable one.

T

Tim

September 2025

4 m Class B

With pets

1 night at Grandview Sanctuary

We loved Grandview Sanctuary. Lovely view of the hills. Nice and peaceful. The cows and the birds kept our fur child Ruby amused. We would definitely stay again.

T

Tim

September 2025

4 m pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Grandview Sanctuary

Grandview Sanctuary was a lovely place to stay. We camp trailered for two nights with our puppy Ruby. Beautiful view of the Hills. Ruby found the cows and bird life interesting. Very peaceful place to stay. Lovely sunrise at 5am, thanks Ruby for waking us up to see that.😁 Recommended for a peaceful stay. We'll be back..

V

Vaughan

September 2025

6 m travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Grandview Sanctuary

Grass was very well maintained. Stunning view from our site of the hills and field. Town is a nice little place.

E

Evie

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to SIBA Retreat Centre

I loved my stay in Cabin 3 as did my dog It was warm and very welcoming There’s everything you need as well as the option to use the main kitchen It’s such a peaceful oasis of nature with many non humans around George and the other volunteers were gracious and very helpful The quiet nights were balm for the soul and the bed and bedding really comfortable I will definitely return A true find

Andrew

July 2025

9 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Forge Creek Farm Stay

Great place to stay for an over nighter, close to town, quiet at night, well kept property. We will be back!

Rebecca

July 2025

5 m car

1 night at Grandview Sanctuary

Paul and Kirstie’s communications were exceptional, great level area to camp, beautiful super central property within walking distance to the town. Would absolutely recommend!

j

josh

July 2025

13 m travel trailer

With kids

1 night at Forge Creek Farm Stay

We stayed on site 10 with our van , we absolutely loved this spot !!! Kids had a ball visiting the cows and sheep and kangaroos nearby!! We had a campfire and the hosts were super friendly and accommodating, highly recommended

G

Geoffrey

June 2025

Weekend Trip to SIBA Retreat Centre

Cabin 4 was a great experience. My wife and I had a fantastic time in the seclusion and serenity. The cabin itself had all of the necessary inclusions, and the wood stove provided excellent warmth throughout the night.. The toilet block is a close stroll The highlight would have to be seeing the stars from the back porch and waking up to the views of mountains and frost on the pastures. George was fantastic and nothing was too hard. We had a great stay and will definitely be back when we are down there next.

N

Nicky

June 2025

10 m travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Grandview Sanctuary

Hosts were friendly and full of local insight. Site was luscious and green with a beautiful outlook over the rolling hills. We had a great weekend and would definitely recommend and will return on our next visit.

E

Elisabeth

April 2025

6 m Class B

With pets

1 night at Grandview Sanctuary

We were the only campers there. Unfortunately it rained all day. Beautiful views, quiet and relaxing. We had our two dogs. They had to be kept restrained but they loved it

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best mountainous camping near Lakes Entrance guide

When to go

Summer months bring excellent fishing, but it also brings bushfires. Summer holidays (end of December and January) are busy so be sure to reserve ahead.

Know before you go

It’s best to have your own transport to explore this region. Although East Gippsland appears as a small area on the Victorian map, be aware that distances are still large.
Bairnsdale, the region’s main hub, is a good place to stock up on supplies for camping.
Wildlife is prolific: bring binoculars, insect repellant and covered shoes, even if you’re sticking to the coast.
Heed all bushfire warnings; only one main arterial road serves this area and it’s surrounded by bush.