Lake Camping Near Lara, Victoria, AU: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2025

Pitch your tent by the water in Lara—this spot draws campers who want easy access to lakeside camping without the crowds. With over 100 lakefront options, you can camp steps from the shoreline, fish at dawn, or swim when the sun’s out. Prices average around $60 a night, but you can snag a site for as little as $30. Top picks like Olive Farm (198 reviews), Boulder Brook Valley (63 reviews), and Lakeside or Orchard Paddock Camping (52 reviews) put you right on the water with the bonus of hot showers, flushing toilets, and pet-friendly rules. Bring your fishing rod, swimming gear, or saddle up for a ride—locals make the most of every minute outdoors here.

94% (394)

Top-rated campgrounds

Pitch your tent by the water in Lara—this spot draws campers who want easy access to lakeside camping without the crowds. With over 100 lakefront options, you can camp steps from the shoreline, fish at dawn, or swim when the sun’s out. Prices average around $60 a night, but you can snag a site for as little as $30. Top picks like Olive Farm (198 reviews), Boulder Brook Valley (63 reviews), and Lakeside or Orchard Paddock Camping (52 reviews) put you right on the water with the bonus of hot showers, flushing toilets, and pet-friendly rules. Bring your fishing rod, swimming gear, or saddle up for a ride—locals make the most of every minute outdoors here.

94% (394)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Olive Farm

99%

(324)

67km from Lara · 56 sites · Tents, RVs · Murroon, VIC

Welcome to the Olive Farm! We are a working olive farm situated on the edge of the Otway Ranges, between Deans Marsh and Birregurra, 25 minutes to Lorne and the Great Ocean Road, and only a few kilometers from the famous Brae Restaurant. We are in a beautiful part of the world, so please remember and take all your rubbish with you when you leave. Dogs are welcome, but please be aware that we are full of kangaroos, sheep, and other wildlife, so they may need to be placed on a leash for the safety of fellow campers and wildlife. Fires are permitted in fire pits, and wood is available to purchase on-site. during the cooler months. We have a fragile ecosystem here, so we ask not to bring in wood and to purchase it off the farm. Olive oil is available, and table olives harvested this year are in brine, ready to jar up. The table olives we have are Kalamata, Spanish Queens, and Jumbo Kalamata.

2. Boulder Brook Valley

96%

(96)

54km from Lara · 1 site · Tent, RV · Bulla, VIC

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

3. Lakeside or Orchard Paddock Camping

99%

(64)

72km from Lara · 3 sites · Tents · Trentham, VIC

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. Bells Beach Cottages - Pet friendly

40km from Lara · 3 sites · Lodging · Bellbrae, VIC

Our pet friendly cottages are on 5 beautiful acres of natural bushland between the magnificent Great Ocean Road and renowned surfing location, Bells Beach. Each cottage has 2 bedrooms, 2 car spaces and is fully self-contained, complete with BBQ and outdoor entertaining area. Wake up to the peaceful sounds of native birds and views of our garden and nearby dam. With wood fires inside and Netflix provided this is the perfect year-round retreat for families, couples and lovers of the outdoors.

5. Lake Colac Holiday Park

100%

(11)

79km from Lara · 46 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Colac, VIC

Lake Colac Holiday Park is located on the Lake Colac foreshore beside the beautiful Colac Botanic Gardens and Barongarook Creek. Offering guests a choice of caravan and camping sites, including regular powered and unpowered sites, en-suite powered sites with drive-through. The holiday park is a short stroll from the Botanic Gardens, playground and Café, bird sanctuary and an easy walk to the Colac Township. A short drive to the Otways and Great Ocean Road makes this an ideal base to see the sights, and the perfect base alongside ferry crossings on the Spirit of Tasmania. Lake Colac Holiday Park provides a range of facilities and amenities to help make your stay more comfortable. Please find the list of amenities available to all guests: Dog friendly Powered and unpowered sites Reception Shower facilities Restroom facilities

6. Tea Tree Creek Bush Camp

100%

(25)

43km from Lara · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Elaine, VIC

Excellent Trout Fishing in large dams on property. Rainbow and Brown trout stocked in both dams. Good sized fish. Old , Rustic Bush Hut at main campsite which has verandah, wooden floor, and can be used for sleeping in or as general purpose area. Excellent yabby dams on property for the kids and adults who want to do some yabbying. Also eels in a another couple of dams on property, so it certainly has something for all anglers. 550 acre property which has 3 different seasonal creeks flowing through it. Six excellent hideaway Camping sites to choose from. Some close to the water. Large sites which can handle 40 campers per site. Good areas of bushland and also a working sheep farm. Very private areas for camping. Campfires available but only in months when fire restrictions are not in force. A wide range of birdlife and duck life, wildlife including kangaroos, possums, echidnas. In wet weather you may need a 4 wheel drive vechile to access some of the sites. You will need to bring all your camping gear as these are tent and vechile sites only. We dont have any huts at this stage. 30 minute drive to Ballarat, 45 Min Geelong, 2 minutes drive to the village of Elaine and The Farmgate Shop which is open 7 days a week with a full range of all groceries, bbq needs, drinks, snacks, etc. 5 minutes to dollys creek, 5 minutes to Mt Doran/Lal Lal, 10 minutes to Meredith. Its a hidden gem. We are happy to take your booking. Sorry strictly no dogs allowed.

7. Rowsley Farm

75%

(14)

36km from Lara · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · Glenmore, VIC

This 53 acre farm is an hour away from Melbourne CBD and 15 minutes away from Bacchus Marsh towards Geelong. The property is located at the Glenmore Rd in stunning Rowsley Valley surrounded by amazing sceneries. Great opportunity for kids to observe Ponies, cows, sheep and chickens locked away in different paddocks. It has a lake which is approximately 5 feet deep in the middle and can be used for recreational purpose.

Camper favorites near Lara

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Bells Beach Cottages - Pet friendly

40km from Lara · 3 sites · Lodging · Bellbrae, VIC

Our pet friendly cottages are on 5 beautiful acres of natural bushland between the magnificent Great Ocean Road and renowned surfing location, Bells Beach. Each cottage has 2 bedrooms, 2 car spaces and is fully self-contained, complete with BBQ and outdoor entertaining area. Wake up to the peaceful sounds of native birds and views of our garden and nearby dam. With wood fires inside and Netflix provided this is the perfect year-round retreat for families, couples and lovers of the outdoors.

Lake Colac Holiday Park

100%

(11)

79km from Lara · 46 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Colac, VIC

Lake Colac Holiday Park is located on the Lake Colac foreshore beside the beautiful Colac Botanic Gardens and Barongarook Creek. Offering guests a choice of caravan and camping sites, including regular powered and unpowered sites, en-suite powered sites with drive-through. The holiday park is a short stroll from the Botanic Gardens, playground and Café, bird sanctuary and an easy walk to the Colac Township. A short drive to the Otways and Great Ocean Road makes this an ideal base to see the sights, and the perfect base alongside ferry crossings on the Spirit of Tasmania. Lake Colac Holiday Park provides a range of facilities and amenities to help make your stay more comfortable. Please find the list of amenities available to all guests: Dog friendly Powered and unpowered sites Reception Shower facilities Restroom facilities

Tea Tree Creek Bush Camp

100%

(25)

43km from Lara · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Elaine, VIC

Excellent Trout Fishing in large dams on property. Rainbow and Brown trout stocked in both dams. Good sized fish. Old , Rustic Bush Hut at main campsite which has verandah, wooden floor, and can be used for sleeping in or as general purpose area. Excellent yabby dams on property for the kids and adults who want to do some yabbying. Also eels in a another couple of dams on property, so it certainly has something for all anglers. 550 acre property which has 3 different seasonal creeks flowing through it. Six excellent hideaway Camping sites to choose from. Some close to the water. Large sites which can handle 40 campers per site. Good areas of bushland and also a working sheep farm. Very private areas for camping. Campfires available but only in months when fire restrictions are not in force. A wide range of birdlife and duck life, wildlife including kangaroos, possums, echidnas. In wet weather you may need a 4 wheel drive vechile to access some of the sites. You will need to bring all your camping gear as these are tent and vechile sites only. We dont have any huts at this stage. 30 minute drive to Ballarat, 45 Min Geelong, 2 minutes drive to the village of Elaine and The Farmgate Shop which is open 7 days a week with a full range of all groceries, bbq needs, drinks, snacks, etc. 5 minutes to dollys creek, 5 minutes to Mt Doran/Lal Lal, 10 minutes to Meredith. Its a hidden gem. We are happy to take your booking. Sorry strictly no dogs allowed.

Rowsley Farm

75%

(14)

36km from Lara · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · Glenmore, VIC

This 53 acre farm is an hour away from Melbourne CBD and 15 minutes away from Bacchus Marsh towards Geelong. The property is located at the Glenmore Rd in stunning Rowsley Valley surrounded by amazing sceneries. Great opportunity for kids to observe Ponies, cows, sheep and chickens locked away in different paddocks. It has a lake which is approximately 5 feet deep in the middle and can be used for recreational purpose.

Stories from the community

Phoebe

2 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Olive Farm

We loved our stay, and will definitely be back. The Olive farm was a perfect weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of life - we could slow down, soak in the sun, bird song and beautiful landscapes. Our 12 year old loved the kayaks available to paddle around the dam and up the creek. A great spot if you’re a bird watcher as we sighted many species.

D

Damien

3 weeks ago

6 m pop-up camper

With pets

2 nights at Boulder Brook Valley

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

B

Brendan

November 2025

Tent

2 nights at Olive Farm

Great place to stay, Troy’s friendly and very helpful! Fun canoeing on the dam and lots of wildlife to see. Will stay again!

Ryan

November 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Olive Farm

Great spot. Plenty of space and well maintained. The boats were fun. Good for dogs. Plenty of kangaroo's around sunset

M

Melanie

November 2025

7 m travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Olive Farm

We loved our caravan stay at Olive Farm. Our kids loved getting out on the water, plenty of space between camps. We will definitely be back

A

Alex

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Olive Farm

We had a fantastic time. Plenty of things to do with kids.

J

Jarrod

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Olive Farm

Great family camping trip to Olive Farm. Beautiful setting around a pristine dam. Sites are well spread out. Kids had an amazing time exploring around and paddling the kayaks on the dam. Troy is a terrific and welcoming host. A great stay and hope to return soon.

C

Claire

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Olive Farm

Awesome location and Troy is fantastic! Would absolutely recommend.

T

Tashi

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Olive Farm

Beautiful site on the olive farm with a wonderful host! Troy was friendly and always available. We loved the kayaks on the lake and Jumbles running around with our dog. Highly recommend camping here!

A

Anna

November 2025

8 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Olive Farm

Great place. Loved the views on water, facilities and quietness. Will come back again.

L

Lence

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Olive Farm

Oh, what a beautiful space! 11/10 recommend We were 1/3 families and we loved it

Helen

November 2025

7 m pop-up camper

With kids

Weekend Trip to Tea Tree Creek Bush Camp

Gorgeous site right by the lake! Beautiful scenery on a clear sunny day, have some patience with the fishing, they are in there jumping around, we didn't catch any but was great for relaxing during the long Cup weekend. Mark was a great host showing us both sites and giving us the freedom to set up camp wherever we wanted. We had fantastic weather until it rained, then it was a bit treacherous driving and towing out of the muddy paddock (take it slow and steady), best to stay when the weather is forecasted or certain to be dry

L

Linh

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Olive Farm

This was our first camping trip as a family with two young kids and we absolutely had the best time! Thank you Troy for being a kind and amazing host. The kids loved the kayaks and we are thankful you have vests for them too. We will definitely be coming back!

F

Fernan

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Olive Farm

Olive Farm in Murroon is a beautiful and peaceful place to camp. The views are stunning, the area is clean, and the hosts are super friendly. Perfect for relaxing, enjoying nature, and watching the stars at night. Highly recommended!

H

Harold

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Olive Farm

We loved the spaces and accommodations, the host was very kind and respectful at all times, definitely recommended.

p

priyansh

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Olive Farm

Wow, this site is fantastic! And Troy is such a wonderful host. He was so kind as to greet us when we arrived, giving us a quick rundown of the amenities and what we could expect. The toilets are spotless, kayaking is a blast, and the beautiful spot near the olive trees makes it truly special. I’m definitely planning to come back again!

S

Shahryar

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Olive Farm

A lot of amazing sites to camp on. The lake with kayaks was a cherry on top. Troy is very helpful too.

S

Sophie

November 2025

5 m Class B