Discover the best forest campgrounds near Ballarat, Victoria

Australia
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Victoria
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Ballarat

98% (770 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Ballarat

Under $50

12 top forest campgrounds near Ballarat

86%

(7)

The Gums Bush Block

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Ballarat, VIC

2 Acre bush block, where you can enjoy the sounds of various birds plenty for those who enjoy bird watching. If you like getting close to wildlife, Kangaroos frequent the property providing an opportunity to observe and take photos. You will need to be self-contained, property is suitable for Tent Camping, or Camper Trailer. No amenities on site, please ensure you bring your own toilet, nearest Dump Point is located at the Smythesdale Gardens (4.8km). Camp Fires are allowed in designated areas and in line with Fire Restrictions. Located 3kms from the Smythesdale Town Centre, where you have access to cafes, supermarkets and various local shops. The property is across the road from the DSE State Forest and Ross Creek State Forest, where you have access to 4WD tracks which are also dirt bike friendly. Please note: Whilst you can bring your dirtbikes, they cannot be ridden on the property but can be ridden to leave the property for the State Forest across the road. Other nearby attractions include Devil's Kitchen (7km), Nimmons Bridge (4km), Enfield State Forest (10km), Jubilee Historic Mine (4km), Ballarat Skipton Rail Trail has various entrance points nearby. If you're into Geocaching there are plenty of caches about around the nearby town and rail trail.

* 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.

* Before taxes and fees

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!

* Before taxes and fees

100%

(18)

Symphony Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents35 acres · Raglan, VIC

Symphony Farm is located in an elevated valley, where we have extensive views of mountains, plentiful bushland and rolling pastures. Located just outside of Beaufort at the gateway to the Pyrenees and The Grampians. The property is 35 acres with 8 acres of bushland to explore and only a short drive from more bush walks, horse trails and the quaint town of Beaufort. We are a permaculture farm in the beginning stages of regeneration with new projects and animals continuously becoming integrated all the time. No two visits will be the same! Park your caravan at the top of the hill or pitch a secluded tent in the grassy glades between the trees. One of our goals here at the property is to provide a place for weary souls to feel rejuvenated in the presence of nature. During your stay we will be working on the farm. We are happy to share the process of what we are doing but we also respect your space and need for seclusion. Feel free to be as hidden or as friendly as you need to be!

* 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.

* 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.

* Before taxes and fees

96%

(39)

Lovely Bush Property

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Lillicur, VIC

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. 2 hours from Melbourne, 1 hours from Ballarat.

* Before taxes and fees

100%

(7)

Mollongghip Menagerie - Daylesf

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Mollongghip, VIC

Come and enjoy Mollongghip Menagerie, where you'll enjoy the clean, fresh air and the peace and quiet. There are native animals including kangaroos and birdlife. There is also a variety of farm animal around, including chickens, sheep, cats and a Labrador.The property is located in Mollongghip. Mollongghip is a rural village immediately west of the Wombat State Forest. It is 18 km south-west of Daylesford and slightly less south-east of Creswick.Campfires are permitted, pending local restrictions. A metal fire pit is provided, campers will need to byo firewood - wood can be bought locally.Suitable for self contained campers.

* 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.

* Before taxes and fees

100%

(119)

Mount Sugarloaf Retreat

4 sites · RVs, Tents500 acres · Avoca, VIC

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!

* Before taxes and fees

100%

(27)

Lakeside or Orchard Paddock Camping

3 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · 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 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. Basic toilet and shower facilities available.

* Before taxes and fees

97%

(15)

Brenda's Place

2 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Ballarat, VIC

My property is just under 4 acres, with a dam and a small orchard area. It's a small piece of paradise just 7km out of Beaufort, and conveniently situated between the Western Highway and the Sunraysia Highway. The campsite is located at the far end of the property, and borders the Waterloo Bushland Reserve and Reservoir, with plenty of options for bushwalking. Waterloo was formerly an old gold mining town and now attracts gold detectors. The property is on a slight rise and the views over the farmland and beyond are beautiful. It is an ideal spot for people passing through to pull up for the night, or spend a day or two relaxing in peaceful country. Campers need to be fully self-contained. I do however have drinking water available. You are welcome to have a campfire weather permitting. Kangaroos come down in the evening to feed, and I also have several sheep on the property, so whilst I allow pets, they must be kept under control. Beaufort is a short drive away, where you'll find essentials including a supermarket, chemist, cafes, op shops and hotels. The house is only minutes from the campsite but your privacy is assured and I am certainly available to assist you if needed.

* Before taxes and fees

Forest camping near Ballarat guide

Overview

Looking to camp near Ballarat, Victoria and explore the forest? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 440 options near Ballarat, Victoria that offer forest terrain, you'll have plenty of choices to find the perfect campsite. Whether you prefer a primitive campsite or a more luxurious stay, Hipcamp has got you covered. Check out top-rated campsites like Granite Springs (133 reviews), Pebbleridge Camp (117 reviews), and Kookaburra Estate Hobby Farm (112 reviews) to ensure a great camping experience. And don't forget to take advantage of popular facilities like showers, potable water, and pet-friendly options. Get ready for autumn fun, hiking, and fishing at your forest campsite near Ballarat, Victoria!