Forest camping near Lara
A large country town between Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road.
98% (465 reviews)
98% (465 reviews)
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12 top forest campgrounds near Lara
95%
(32)
Forest Valley Hideaway
4 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Anakie, VIC
Welcome to our quiet, peaceful bush retreat in Anakie - home to kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, and many possum species. Whether you're here for bushwalking, gold-panning, bike riding, wineries or just to escape, you'll find it at all.
We're 6km from Del Rios Winery - MAGNIFICENT- and about the same from Fairy Park. Anakie Gorge isn't much further, and the You Yangs are about 15 minutes drive away.
The historic township of Steiglitz is only 5 minutes drive away the opposite direction down De Motts Road. You'll find nice bushwalks here too. Austin's winery is also only 15mins away. The Great Ocean Road is 45mins drive away.
We have a number of campsites, offering two separate drop toilets. Use the watering can to wash your hands, and fill it up at the dam if it's empty for the next guests. Please take all rubbish with you.
Campfires can be lit during non-fire-ban periods (winter), using our abundance of firewood. Please don't burn the stump-stools around the campfire area. You'll need to find and cut your own firewood.
When you arrive, there is a 2wd site to your right. Further up, the driveway splits, and you can go left to follow the steep 4x4 / AWD road down to the dam. There are parks on the left for 2wd cars. At the bottom, turn left up the valley to camp anywhere you like. Just don't block the road because we use it too. You can walk all the way up the valley, back up to the driveway.
Oreo (Red Kelpie, 10) and Stitch (Whippet x Kelpie, 5) will probably find you at some stage when you're setting up or visiting the Chooks up near the house. The two Italian Greyhounds are Daphne & Zeppy - 7 & 6.
Our Alpacas don't like dogs, and are wary of little kids on their own if you try to pat them, so please be mindful. You're better off staying out of their paddock. They're also fairly fussy eaters, but you're welcome to feed them!
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from
AU$55
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(29)
Anakie Gorge Getaway
5 sites · RVs, Tents24 acres · Staughton Vale, VIC
Anakie Gorge Getaway is situated on 25-acres of serene bushland that merges with the Brisbane Ranges National Park and is directly adjacent to the entrance of Anakie Gorge Walk. This private camp is located on beautiful open grassland just 25 minutes from Geelong, 35 minutes to the Spirit of Tasmania dock in Corio Quay, and 40 minutes from Melbourne.
With no camping permitted at Anakie Gorge, our property gives you a tranquil overnight stay in direct proximity for an early start to the Anakie Gorge Walk without having to drive home at the end of the day. Choose from 3 carefully selected camp sites and set up base camp to enjoy day trips exploring the local wineries, such as del Rios, walking and cycling trails of the You Yangs State Park, and Serendip Wildlife Sanctuary, or as a convenient overnight stop on your way to explore the Great Ocean Road or before/after your trip on the Spirit of Tasmania.
The camping area is easily accessed from maintained roads, where guests can drive in and park on the spacious lower paddock (no reversing or 3-point-turns necessary).
As this beautiful, secluded location is off-grid, guests will need to be Self Contained (BYO toilet/shower) and Leave No Trace.
If you would like to enjoy our property all to yourself, simply book two of the campsites, and send us a message and we will happily reserve the 3rd campsite for your group free of charge. We are happy to consider additional guests and up to 1 extra vehicle per campsite (camping with your friends, their kids and yours is more fun!) however, ensure to contact the Host to request and arrange this at the time of booking.
We expect our guests to be quiet and respectful to neighbouring farming families/properties. Parties and large groups are strictly not permitted. Please take everything with you and leave the site as you found it. Extra charges will apply for any rubbish, food scraps etc left on site.
Amenities: ‘Long Drop’ toilets, BBQs and picnic tables are available a short walk away at the Anakie Gorge Picnic grounds. When visiting the Anakie Gorge Walk/Picnic Grounds (Brisbane Ranges National Park) please observe and abide by the rules of Parks Victoria.
Due to our immediate proximity to farms and the Brisbane Ranges National Park the following are strictly NOT permitted: dogs, cats, pets, drones. Strictly NO fires, NO firearms, NO hunting permitted.
Fire Danger Period – CURRENT to 1st of May 2024.
We are currently in the Fire Danger Period, which means there are restrictions on what people legally can and can’t do with regard to outdoor fires (campfires, camp cooking, fires, BBQs, stoves) or anything that may produce a spark; campers may want to bring food/drink that doesn't require cooking or heating, or use the BBQs at the Anakie Gorge Picnic area IF conditions allow this. For specifics of what people are legally allowed to do or not do with regard to open air fires/cooking etc please read the information on the CFA Victoria website for fire warnings, fire bans ratings and restrictions and the "Can I? Can't I?" section for the Central region.
Total Fire Ban Days: On total fire ban days strictly NO flames or sparks, no exceptions.
For the safety of our guests, bookings falling on Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating days will be cancelled and campers will be reimbursed.
Severe Weather and Bushfire: Please make yourself aware of bushfire or other severe weather warnings (e.g. ABC Emergency or Emergency Victoria) for UP-TO-DATE information, especially during the fire danger period.
Safety and Hazards: You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care. Hazards to be aware of: snakes, uneven ground, trees or loose/falling limbs (it is your responsibility to set up your camp in an area you deem free of hazards).
Flash flooding of Stony Creek (this is rare, however, please observe weather warnings at the time of camping). Please make yourself aware of bushfire or other severe weather warnings (e.g. ABC Emergency or Emergency Victoria) for UP-TO-DATE information, especially during the fire danger period. On Total Fire Ban days strictly NO flames or sparks, no exceptions.
Other things to be aware of: No mobile phone reception. You might achieve some mobile phone reception if you head back up Gorge Road to Staughton Vale Road, though this is dependent on your mobile phone provider and cannot be guaranteed.
Please check, temporary closures to the Anakie Gorge and/or the Brisbane Ranges and trail access requirements. Before commencing on bush walks, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
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from
AU$27
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(23)
Hidden Valley House, Anakie
7 sites · Lodging18 acres · Anakie, VIC
Hidden Valley House is nestled in Anakie, VIC, set within the scenic Brisbane National Ranges and only a 1-hour drive from Melbourne CBD.
Taking into consideration our ethos around sustainability, the cabin is “off-grid” so solar powered with a composting toilet but with all the amenities you need. The cabin has spectacular views overlooking the valley with an abundance of wildlife and has a small creek and several caves which have formed over millions of years.
As well as the cabin, we offer a camping area to larger groups that need overflow accommodation if the cabin is not big enough. This makes Hidden Valley House a fantastic option for large groups wanting to have all the comfort and amenities of the cabin, but experience the back-to-basic joy of camping in nature.
Set on an 18-acre property at the start of the Brisbane National Ranges, it is home to koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, sugar gliders and an abundance of birds including eagles and kookaburras. Furthermore, the land is protected by Trust for Nature and Land for Wildlife offering long-term protection for many ecosystems, species and native wildlife.
The property is surrounded by national parks and is only a short drive from charming, historical towns such as Meredith and Steiglitz and only 25mins to Geelong. A number of family-owned wineries are located nearby and within Victoria’s Moorabool Valley winery.
AWD/4WD recommended
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from
AU$330
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
Shedquarters Bush Escape
2 sites · Lodging10 acres · Mount Doran, VIC
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 Winter school holidays 2024 (June 22 - July 11) and weekly Friday - Sunday stays.**
Camp Oven, jaffle cooking can be arranged in advance.
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.
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from
AU$185
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(375)
Dromkeen Macdeon Ranges
8 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Riddells Creek, VIC
Heritage listed homestead featuring children’s art and literature. Currently featuring a beautiful exhibition by award winning Australian authors/illustrators Mark Wilson, Leigh Hobbs, Ann James & Gabrielle Wang. Nestled in the Macedon ranges in the tiny hamlet of Riddell’s Creek, Dromkeen is 30 minutes drive from Melbourne Airport. This stately National Trust home has beautiful gardens with a range of Australian native and European plants, a gazebo and two resident alpacas.
We have space in the large carpark for vans, motorhomes, or alternatively the horse paddock for tents and campers. Ample toilets available. Dogs permitted by advance request.
Guests are welcome to visit the Tea Room, open 10am – 5pm Wednesday through Sunday. Our daily menu contains a selection of delicious cakes, devonshire tea, toasted sandwiches, specialty pies and weekly specials and of course, tea and coffee. Breakfast is served all day.
Browse in the galleries or wander around the beautiful gardens which have trees more than 100 years old, some listed on the National Trust register. Meet our 2 Dromkeen alpacas Hannah and Lilly.
***Please note, we are a rubbish free campsite, so campers are asked to take their rubbish with them. Dromkeen has very clean toilets, but a reminder there are NO showers. Also all sites are unpowered, but upon request prior to arrival a powered spot may be available at an extra $10 a day. Please ring to verify this. During summer months because of fire restrictions we also remind campers there should be NO outside campfires.
****Also please note, each van or tent is considered a separate booking site and each site is considered a space for 2 adults and up to 4 children. Where there are 2 couples, they are required to make 2 separate bookings.
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from
AU$45
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(92)
Secluded Otways Forest Camp
1 site · RV, Tent8 acres · Deans Marsh, VIC
Our property is surrounded by the Otways forest and native Australian bush. Under 2 hours from Melbourne, and only 10-15minutes drive from the Otway Harvest Trail. Find a spot to park your van, tent, camper trailer or caravan on our beautiful natural piece of secluded bush, and you won't see or hear another soul. You may spot lots of birds and wildlife, or enjoy the beautiful view from the road. Please note: this is a spot for people such as hikers who appreciate nature and understand the concept of ‘leave no trace’. It’s not for parties or big groups. There are limited facilities (there is a basic composting toilet to use on site, but it’s not suitable as a caravan dump point) so you need to be totally self-sufficient and take all your waste and rubbish with you. BYO water.We are happy to accommodate up to 8 ppl, but please take everything with you, and leave our beautiful wilderness spot exactly as you left it, don't destroy the native vegetation and don't feed the wildlife. Fires only in the fire-pit please and must be totally extinguished (with water, so bring extra) before you leave, and not on fire ban days. You must BYO firewood and take all your rubbish away with you. Extra charges will apply for any rubbish, food scraps etc left on site.Enjoy!
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from
AU$50
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(2)
Foxes Den
6 sites · RVs, Tents52 acres · Wallington, VIC
Quiet and secluded old farm property located on the acclaimed Bellarine Peninsula.
Experience the best of both worlds, a rural setting that is centrally located should you wish to explore what the local area has to offer.
Only 5km from Ocean Grove Main Beach and a gateway to numerous wineries.
This is an Off-the-grid site intended for couples only who are looking for a peaceful stay without the hassle of children.
All camp sites are visible to one another with adequate space in between to ensure privacy.
Pet friendly with campfire wood provided.
Pets
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from
AU$60
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(15)
Korweinguboora Rec Reserve & Hall
1 site · RV, Tent10 acres · Spargo Creek, VIC
The Korweingy Recreation Reserve is a wonderful country hall and oval. It is 12 minutes from Daylesford and in the heart of the Wombat State Forest. It has a huge hall, kitchen, toilets and showers, and a huge oval. It even has a little lounge area.
The oval is the same dimensions AS THE MCG! The site can accommodate up to 30 campers, and you'll have full use of the hall and all facilities. An amazing place for large groups to hold events, and gatherings and only an hour from Melbourne.
Enjoy all the area has to offer, and come back to your own paradise in the bush. Wake up to roos on the oval and enjoy a barbie with your group.
Please note the hall has power but the camping area has no power. If you live in the Korweinguboora area please email korweinguboorarecreserve@gmail.com to obtain a discount code.
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from
AU$350
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(15)
A Wooded Sanctuary
2 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Woodend, VIC
Quiet sanctuary amongst the trees. Birds a-plenty and other wildlife. A dam adds beauty and a haven for the native ducks. Plenty of quiet spaces on the property. There is water available.
Couples or families only.
1.5 kms from the railway station and V line service to Melbourne CBD (1 hour).
2 kms from Woodend township.
2 sites are available, 1 site with power and one without. Max of 4 people, 2 adults, 2 children, per site.
Locally there are plenty of walking racks, wineries, and villages to explore.
No dumping of toilet refuse.
Pets
Potable water
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Trash
from
AU$40
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(5)
Salt Wood Glamping
7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents36 acres · Rosebud, VIC
Salt Wood Glamping at The Farm is 36 acres of forest dense land situated on the top of the hill next to Arthur’s Seat National forest.
Easily explore all of the Mornington Peninsulas coastline, wineries, hot springs and nature walks.
The Vibe and Location : Surrounded by indigenous grass trees and native bushland, private and situated high up on the hill to capture filtered sunrises and sunsets. Easily accessed making it a perfect base to relax and also explore the Mornington Peninsula Region.
10 minute walk to Kings Falls, 10 minutes drive to McCrae beach, Arthur’s Seat and Red Hill and 25 minutes drive to the world famous Peninsula Hot Springs.
Very close to lots of amazing cafes and restaurants. Check out my guide book for some local gems!
Depending on your site you will have forest, bush or sea views.
We offer the following camping and glamping situations -
Bring your own tent or RV or Caravan sitch :
Bring your own set up and do your own thing!
We allow access to the toilet in our main house. We will be here to show you around the property.
Glamping Life :
We provide a glamper for you complete with a double bed, fresh linen, table and lounging chairs.
Extra single bed available on request.
A hamper on arrival with snacks and continental breakfast sourced locally and bottles of fresh rainwater for drinking.
When booking the glamping tent package you can also make use of the luxurious shower and toilet in the main house.
Potable water
Toilets
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from
AU$100
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
90%
(41)
Tall Trees Otways Camp
1 site · RV, Tent98 acres · Lorne, VIC
A quiet campsite to yourself amongst the tranquil Otway rainforest just a short drive from Lorne. Plenty of bird and animal life to see.
Parking is on solid ground with the option of a grassy camp spot among the trees 20 metres away.
There is a bus parked and container on the Southside of the camp with bush views to the East, North and West.
Pets
Campfires
from
AU$70
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(1)
Cedarwood
1 site · Lodging12 acres · Deans Marsh, VIC
Cedarwood Cottage is a gorgeous private retreat, perfect for couples or families. Our cottage is located in spacious and natural acreage set in a park to give privacy and seclusion. Located in the Lorne / Otway Hinterland only 15 minutes or so from the beaches, restaurants and main street activities of Lorne and the Great Ocean Road.
The cottage sleeps four comfortably, with a light-filled kitchen/living/dining space to use at your leisure.
Pets
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from
AU$250
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
Available this weekend
Under $50
Forest camping near Lara guide
Overview
Looking to experience the great outdoors near Lara, Victoria in Australia? Hipcamp has you covered with over 850 camping options in the area. Whether you're a hiker, swimmer, or whitewater paddler, there's something for everyone. From serene lakeside spots to rugged mountain retreats, you'll find the perfect accommodation to suit your style. And with prices starting as low as $10 per night, camping has never been more affordable. Check out some top campsites like Rodborough Vale (514 reviews), Shacks at Kardella Park (328 reviews), and Iron Brook Donkey Farm (381 reviews) to see what others have loved about these spots. Plus, with amenities like cooking equipment, toilets, and rubbish facilities, your camping experience will be both comfortable and convenient.
Top cities near Lara
Safety at Hipcamp
Hipcamp acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.