The best campgrounds near Lara, Victoria with horseback riding

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.

98% (222) • 11 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Lara

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.

98% (222) • 11 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Lara

1. Boulder Brook Valley

96%

(99)

54km from Lara · 1 site · Tent, RV

This 100 acre farm provides a dip into the outback with less time spent travelling for hours around victoria We live here as a family on the front half of the property and are currently using it to farm cattle and chickens, grow hay and keep bees Enjoy a campsite with complete serenity, and take a breather from the noise of the world Were located only 45 minutes from the CBD 10 minute drive to diggers rest and sunbury if you need supplies and only 5 minute drive to the nearest servo "I like that boulder, that is a nice boulder" - Donkey

2. Bush horizon

97%

(34)

62km from Lara · 1 site · RV

Relax on 13 acres beside a large water hole amongst the oak trees. Our site is charged per van not per people so please only book as 2 people then book the additional vans in the extras section . The small town ship offers a local store, bmx track, playground, tennis court, oval and a skate park. The coastal town of Lorne is only a 20 min drive and you’re on the beach for fishing, surfing, swimming or dinning out at one of the many places to eat and drink. The site welcomes groups to book up to a maximum of 4 caravans or campers that must be fully self sufficient. Each van will be charged at $60 per night

3. Lakeside or Orchard Paddock Camping

99%

(66)

72km from Lara · 3 sites · Tents

The historic property ‘Lisieux’ dates back to 1849. Once a drovers house where cattle from Melbourne were held for summer grazing. The beautifully restored house and stunning lake gardens are surrounded by paddocks next to a native creek line that make for the perfect camping spots. Choose to camp next to one of the two lakes or in a more secluded spot in the old orchard paddock. Toilet facilities available.

4. Shedquarters Bush Escape

100%

(1)

46km from Lara · 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. Weemalah Cabin & Camping

94%

(62)

77km from Lara · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

This beautiful property is located on 600 acres in the Macedon Ranges area. You will be surrounded by extraordinary views and plenty of horses, cattle and chickens. The property has access to stunning walking trails where you can see an abundance of wildlife and provides views to Melbourne and Mount Macedon. All located only 50 minutes from Melbourne CBD.The property is pet friendly (see rules) and offers a fire pit with firewood provided. Children under 12 can stay for free. Please notify host if you are brining children under 12.Please note- some sites require 4WD access if you don't have a 4WD the host can drive you to campsite as well (please speak to host to arrange this beforehand) & sites are dispersed and not always by the water this depends on availability.

6. Sunny Lake Farm

95%

(10)

43km from Lara · 1 site · Tent, RV

Lakeside Escape with Space for Caravans, Campers & Tents Located on the edge of the lake, our gorgeous lake house can accommodate a caravan or motorhome on a designated parking pad. There’s also plenty of room to pitch a tent or swag on flat, grassy areas. A huge deck provides the perfect spot to relax and soak up the sun. The lake house includes a small kitchenette and a separate toilet and shower. Bring a fishing rod to try your luck catching silver perch, or nets for yabbies — there are plenty! There’s an abundance of birdlife, including cockatoos, rosellas, king parrots, kookaburras, and tawny frogmouths. Kangaroos and echidnas often pay us a visit, too. A grassed area with a fire pit is situated a few metres from the lake house, and firewood is available for purchase. Well-behaved dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead. A grassy dog enclosure is available for guests who wish to explore the area while leaving their pet in a safe space. If you would like to bring your pet, please add the pet fee which is listed as an Extra during the booking process. A wood-fired pizza oven, located in a separate undercover area, is available for use. Lovely bushwalks, motorbike, and horse tracks are located close to the property. World-class surf breaks are within a half-hour drive, with Bells Beach being the most iconic. Torquay is home to surf shops and eateries — Rip Curl, Billabong, Roxy, and Rojo are all within walking distance of each other. You’ll also find great local breweries such as Four Pines and Bells Beach Brewery. Torquay and Anglesea both have vibrant arts scenes — the Ashmore Arts hub is located in Torquay, and Anglesea is home to the Arts Shed. The Eagles Nest Gallery in Aireys Inlet also hosts exhibitions by local artists. Markets are held regularly on the foreshore in Torquay and Anglesea, and there’s a weekly Farmers Market in Torquay.

7. Iluka Retreat

70km from Lara · 3 sites · Lodging

Our 36 acre property offers group lodge accommodation, and glamping bell tents on manicured lawns. The property is stunning with a swimming lake, wetlands, bird hides, and rolling hills. Located between the coastal town of Shoreham & Red Hill. Iluka offers a “Back to Nature” style getaway which allows guests to switch off and enjoy the great outdoors.

8. The Stables On Knox

100%

(17)

79km from Lara · 1 site · Lodging

Welcome to our family and friends of our first listing - Book A Paddock, and to our new gang with The Stables on Knox. The Stables was a functioning stable, dairy and horse and cart garaging area in the properties heyday many decades ago. The cattle would be walked up a lane, be held in the cobblestone yards you have exclusive use of, be walked into the stalls, where your pizza oven now stands, manually milked, and then turned out to what is now your BBQ area. Its now your next luxe rural getaway. Leave the tent and van behind for this little slice of the good life. Bring your bestie - even your neighbours and your fur baby for a sit back and relax experience. The paddocks to the back of the property are yours to walk to take in the peace and the wildlife. They are abundant with kangaroos and their joeys in the spring so we ask you go quietly and slowly so they can move away slowly. The birdsong is a great way to relax with your book, listening to the sounds of nature.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

T

Taylor

1 week ago

6 m travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Sunny Lake Farm

Amazing view with native bird sound features 24/7. Friendly host and animals galore, featuring Moose, adorable Lab. Can 100% recommend.

t

tyler

1 week ago

Tent

2 nights at Sunny Lake Farm

Victoria was a lovely welcoming host who went out of her way to explain everything about her property and what to expect! It was great fun camping here, and we enjoyed every moment thoroughly. Great bit of land, amazing views and very cozy and warm. Will definitely be back!

K

Karim

2 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Sunny Lake Farm

Great host and a fantastic campground. Kids loved baking pizza in the woodfire oven, fishing in the lake and playing with the dogs!

n

nicholas

3 weeks ago

6 m pop-up camper

With kids

3 nights at Sunny Lake Farm

A lovely retreat with great facilities. Calm and clean with lots of wildlife.

Andy

3 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Boulder Brook Valley

This was our second 🦊 Camp for our end of year celebrations at this spot. Great choicec once again. Secluded, quiet, well set out campsite to be able support a group of young guys have a great time to blow off a little steam at the end of a very busy year. BBQ'ing, swimming in the fantastic billabong, camp fires, beer, whiskey, music, impromptu cricket match and lots of laughs were had by all. Thanks once again to our host Michael for allowing us to utilise his property once again. Andy & The 🦊 Cubs at Fox Mowing & Gardening The Hills

A

Alan

December 2025

7 m pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Bush horizon

Fantastic private and sheltered spot in Deans Marsh. Highly recommend!

R

Ross

December 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Boulder Brook Valley

We loved camping at the Boulder Brook Valley. Beautiful nature so close to the city. Nice setup, with flowing water, and the pergola was very handy. The planes didn't really bother us.

N

Naomie

December 2025

7 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Sunny Lake Farm

Victoria’s property is just absolutely beautiful. Myself and my partner enjoyed our stay and Victoria was a fabulous host. She was friendly and ensured our one night stay had everything we needed. We brought our caravan, enjoyed a fire and relaxed. Great place to switch of from the everyday hustle of city life. Bonus was her two friendly dogs that just love being around people. Will definitely be back! Next time with the kids!

Paris

December 2025

Tent

1 night at Sunny Lake Farm

Absolutely loved my stay here the host was super welcoming and even helped with putting on the pizza oven! Definitely recommend this stay to anyone - the location is super beautiful.

L

Luke

November 2025

6 m travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bush horizon

Nice little camping spot with a good flat area and a well thought out fire pit, perfect entry level “off grid” spot as in less than 5 mins you can walk to The Store and get some creature comforts. It isnt the kind of spot where you are in the middle of no where, which is sometimes what we are after, but for what it is, it is well setup.

A

Arnie

November 2025

7 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Sunny Lake Farm

Such a relaxing and peaceful location, with great facilities, welcoming hosts…and the entertaining Moose! Perfect place to sit around the campfire and watch the stars.

D

Damien

November 2025

6 m pop-up camper

With pets

2 nights at Boulder Brook Valley

Very nice secluded site. Close to Melbourne Airport and the city

Jason

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Sunny Lake Farm

We absolutely loved our stay here! The property is beautiful and peaceful. No other campers in sight and there was plenty of space for the kids to run around. Our host was very hospitable and keen to make our stay comfortable. The kids got to feed the horses and we saw/heard all sorts of bird wildlife. The facilities are also excellent and have everything you need. Torquay was only 30 minutes drive, so convenient and we booked a table at the Blackmans brew pub for dinner one night.

S

Suk-yi

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Lakeside or Orchard Paddock Camping

We had such a great time at Nik's land two years ago, that we are back again and brought friends along. Magical place as usual, the tranquility and beautiful scenery within an hour's drive of Melbourne. Having a campfire is the icing on the cake for the kids. We will be back again, thanks Nik!

Ben

October 2025

8 m travel trailer

With kids

1 night at Sunny Lake Farm

Beautiful location and lovely host who was most prepared to share not only the site with us, but to show us around the property and meet the various animals. The two dogs were gorgeous!

R

Rohan

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Boulder Brook Valley

A lovely, private camping oasis, so close to the city. Excellent for hounds. Highly recommended.

T

Tara

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Boulder Brook Valley

We loved camping at the Secret Garden (16 mates plus a dog!, all tent camping). So close to the city but with a secluded kind of vibe. Flat ground for tents was limited but we all made do just fine. The area and grounds are lovely and well maintained. BBQ and tables worked a treat. We didn't end up using any power on site so cannot comment but there was solar and a battery on site. The owner was extremely helpful in the lead up and very accomodating. Sunsets and plane spotting were fantastic. It was still a little chilly for us to get in the water but the spot itself was stunning. We'll be back!

T

Tom

September 2025

5 m travel trailer

2 nights at Boulder Brook Valley

A unique remote location but you are still close to Melbourne. Plenty of space for a large group to camp and still have private space if they choose. It's a really cool place but will only stay that way if we look after it. A good camping motto is: "Always leave the campsite better than you found it".

J

Jolene

August 2025

6 m Class B

With pets

1 night at Boulder Brook Valley

This site really is spectacular. For nature lovers like us this was a hidden oasis. A lovely hut overlooked the river and lots of billabongs and creeks to explore. It was unfortunate that the previous campers who were there when we arrived and were reluctant to leave despite us coming a hour after our check in time had also drained the battery and gas bottle as well as learning human waste and toilet paper around. The owner was lovely and responsive but we were without power or gas for the night so I would recommend bringing backup. We still had a great evening the fire pits are well placed near the hut and lots of fallen branches around for kindling. We will definitely be back ❤️

Alaskelle

July 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Boulder Brook Valley

Returning for my 2nd stay. The proximity to Melbournes suburbs is amazing. I love that authentic bush camping vibes can be achieved so close to home allowing for more time to unwind rather then time spent on the road getting to/from camp. I will be returning again 😁