Discover the best forest campgrounds in Great Ocean Road

Australia
—
Victoria
—
Great Ocean Road

96% (443 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Great Ocean Road

Under $50

12 top forest campgrounds in Great Ocean Road

98%

(56)

Clear Springs

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Lorne, VIC

Clear Springs is a very special spot, offering sweeping views over rolling hills, and across to the ocean. King Island lighthouse is visible on clear nights, and there are koalas and wallabies in abundance. Whilst we require you to BYO toilet, we do have hot shower, woodfired hot-tub, power, water and phone reception. The site is all-weather access, and is just a 7-minutes drive to the Apollo Bay township. Once you catch your breath after initially taking in the sweeping, majestic ocean views, you can find a spot to pitch your tent or park your van. You drive in through a locked farm gate into the fenced camp area. There is not an abundance of flat area, so may not suit if you need large level space. We don't accept multiple bookings, so the space is all yours. You can choose from a few different spots with near-level ground (choose grass or gravel). The site is open to the amazing ocean views to the south yet the area is nestled among mature trees to give privacy and shelter. There are very few houses dotted around the area and not a single busy road within earshot. There is 240v mains power (BYO lead and plug into switchboard). And a tank with spring water (natural and untreated, we've been drinking it for years) and a pressure pump (BYO hoses as needed). There is an outdoor gas-heated shower. We also have a woodfired hot tub available for guests, along with plenty of firewood supplied. Our listing is intended for people looking for a private, tranquil and well-serviced camping area with several bonuses such as firewood, power, water, telstra reception, and a hot tub. And no other guests to worry about. It's much more than a patch of grass! But please BYO toilet - this is mandatory - and leave no trace to allow other people to enjoy the beauty of our property. Sorry pets are not allowed.

* Before taxes and fees

86%

(66)

Ridgetop Campsite at St Anselms

3 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Beech Forest, VIC

Our campsite is located in the magical Otways on top of a ridge with wonderful views. We run a studio/art gallery cafe, called Art Reach Studio Gallery, that is located walking distance from the campsite. This campsite located near many beautiful natural wonders including the Redwoods Forest, and many waterfalls including the Triplet Falls, the Hopetoun Falls, and Beauchamp Falls. This campsite offers drinking water, a toilet and access to wifi. Furry family members on leashes are welcome. At this time fires are not permitted. Our region is known for rich, fertile soil and its beech, blackwood and ash trees. For walking and cycling enthusiasts the Old Beechy Rail Trail is a must, where you can experience picturesque forests, farmland and abundant wildlife. If you're after some adrenaline inducing activities then head over to the The Otway Fly where you can enjoy tree-top walks and the zipline. For those wishing to relax, you don't have to venture far with the cafe,snacks and cakes next door and the Beechy Pub nearby.

* Before taxes and fees

96%

(127)

Goldane Bush Retreat

11 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Naringal East, VIC

Located within a short drive from the start of the Great Ocean Road, Goldane Bush Retreat has 3 generous size campsites, nestled amongst the trees and bordered by natural vegetation as well as grassed areas. 1 x powered 2 x unpowered. 2WD access to campsites, with an open area for parking caravans or mobile homes. Dog welcome on a leash at all times and within their campsite area. Onsite toilets are available. BYO toilet paper. Please take your own rubbish. Only minutes away from the Ralph Illidge Sanctuary and Laang Speedway, close to the Great Ocean Road 10 Acre Produce is only a 20-minute drive to Warrnambool, 14 mins to Premier Speedway, a 40-minute drive to the 12 Apostles and under 20 minutes to the Timboon Distillery. The location is an easy drive to both Port Campbell and Port Fairy.

* Before taxes and fees

99%

(122)

Dairy Countryside Camp

3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Kawarren, VIC

PLEASE NOTE: With the early burst of hot weather, snakes are out and about. Green grassy campsites on an Old Victorian Dairy Country Farm House site. The property is located in the Otways, the rail trail is close by for bush walks, wildlife watching or mountain biking. Two micro breweries are within 20 minutes drive (Prickly Moses, Forest Brewery). Otway Fly Treetop Adventures and waterfalls just 30 minutes away. There are many waterfalls within easy driving distance. Apollo Bay is just an hours drive. Campfire and sitting area available for guests use, public toilets that are serviced three times a week and kept hygienically clean, located just 1000mtrs down the road. If you like a hit of tennis, there are two courts near the toilets and a community centre next to the CFA. This is all about being off the grid, soaking up nature and what this region has to offer. You'll spot an abundance of native wildlife on the property - we have koalas in the trees, platypus in the dam, echidnas burrowing in the garden beds, with kangaroos and wallabies passing through the property. There is plenty of room to spread out and enjoy complete privacy, if required a 6 man tent can be supplied and erected for you.

* Before taxes and fees

98%

(45)

Otways Farm Hideaway

2 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · Kawarren, VIC

Green, tranquil and picturesque. Kangaroos and wallabies often emerge at dawn and dusk from beneath the 150-foot tall eucalypts of the Great Otway National Park along our farm's eastern boundary. Occasionally koalas nestle in trees around the camping area. You can swim in the unfenced dam, which is fed by a mountain spring on our 200-acre property. But please be aware that the unfenced dam is a drowning hazard for children, so we don't accept bookings that include children under 10 for public liability reasons. We've limited the number of campsites to 2 in an area that could host 200 (see both listings on Hipcamp of our 2 campsites at slightly different prices). If you would like even more seclusion, then you are welcome to book both sites so you can talk, drink and play music as late as you like, without having to consider another group of campers. This is a totally different holiday experience to a crowded beach resort, caravan park or camping ground. It's like a hideaway in the hills. Our livestock is the reason why we cannot allow pets on the farm, except for guide dogs and legally accredited assistance dogs. Even small dogs who haven't previously seen a cow can cause stampedes. Please also be aware that from mid-December to mid-April, the CFA enforces district-wide bans on campfires. Fortunately, gas stoves and gas barbecues are allowable, unless specific days are declared as total fire ban days due to extreme heat. Please note that wood-fired barbecues or burners, even if enclosed and fitted with a chimney, still present a spark/ember hazard across summer, so are not permitted. The owner is a member of the local CFA, so there are no exceptions to these fire restrictions. Also, no parties please. A portable flushable plastic toilet in a privacy tent is provided on the campsite. This toilet can be emptied and cleaned every second day by the host. Camping trailers and campervans work better on the sites than heavy caravans or motorhomes. Rain at any time of year can make heavy vehicles difficult to manoeuvre into position or tow out without getting bogged and causing major damage to the grass covering the campsites. The sites are on slight inclines, so levellers can be useful. It's also worth noting there is nowhere to empty caravan/motorhome toilets on or near our campsites (the nearest free toilet waste disposal facility is at Winchelsea, although there is a facility in Colac that requires a small payment). When camp-fires are permitted, guests can bring their own axe, saw or chainsaw to cut up deadwood near the campsites on the important and non-negotiable condition that using their tools is entirely at their own risk. Alternatively, bags of split firewood can be bought from local suppliers in the district or your hosts.

* Before taxes and fees

91%

(55)

Door to the Otways

2 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Barongarook, VIC

Our property is suited for families and couples. We accept a maximum of 2 adults per booking. We are located on the edge of the Otways this location provides a great base to access everything on offer including waterfalls, forests, rivers, farms and more. This property offers great views, and the sounds of nature. This campsite suits self-contained campers who bring their own camping toilet/shower, and drinking water supply. To the north you will find Lake Colac, the largest natural freshwater lake in Victoria. Lake Colac is a popular location for fishing, water activities and other recreation along its shoreline. Each site can accommodate one vehicle and towable vehicle. If you have more than one vehicle, please book a second site.

from

AU$45

/ night

* Before taxes and fees

100%

(10)

Sanctum Otway

8 sites · RVs, Tents202 acres · Hordern Vale, VIC

Where the rolling hills meet the forest. Set on 82 hectares, 3 quarters of which is part of the Otway National Park. Beautiful views of the forest and farm paddock, you will have acres of space and the whole forest to explore. It is conveniently located minutes off the Great Ocean Road. Aire River campground is only a 3 minutes drive away. It's great for hiking, river activities and relaxing at a secluded beach. Maits Rest, a beautiful rainforest walk, is within 15mins drive. Wildlife Wonders is 20mins away. Apollo Bay town is 30mins away. Johanna surf beach is 40mins away.

* Before taxes and fees

100%

(2)

The Source, Otways

2 sites · Lodging100 acres · Tanybryn, VIC

Come explore the surrounding gardens, visit the cows grazing on the paddocks and take an unforgettable stroll through 100+ acres of our temperate rainforest. Go on brief or a day-long adventure, following kilometres of world class walking tracks, timber boardwalks, bridges and steps that meander through the rainforest, past 300 year old Mountain Ash, magnificent Myrtle Beech and ancient ferns. Visit 5 private Waterfalls situated on the property and The Grotto that comes alive with glow-worms at night. Pack a picnic and enjoy relaxing in the Rainforest Pavilion, suspended over the Creek after your rainforest walk, where you can lounge on the comfy couches or splash in the crystal clear waters. Enjoy this magnificent nature experience, away from tourist crowds, in absolute peace and privacy of The Source, Otways.

* Before taxes and fees

90%

(40)

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.

* Before taxes and fees

97%

(91)

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!

* Before taxes and fees

91%

(49)

The Warrnambool Block

6 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Warrnambool, VIC

A few acres on the edge of Warrnambool. Situated close to all attractions that our beautiful city has to offer, yet tucked out of sight. You wouldn't know the township is just a stone's throw away! Great for anyone who would like to enjoy the close proximity without sharing your space with a multitude of other campers. You must have toilet facilities on board. No facilities, just a great space to relax. Our site is suited to fully self-contained travelers in motorhomes, caravans, or camp trailers. Campfires are ok outside of fire restriction season in the designated fire pit - please check with us. It's a flat property with good tracks and accessible via gravel roads. Just off the Princess Highway, yet not able to be seen, and road noise is not an issue. Less than 5km to Premier Speedway. The Hopkins River and boat ramps are accessible to either walk to (35 min walk down the road) or a 5min drive (4WD in the wet season) - a great spot for fishing, canoeing & solitude. 10km to the Warrnambool Breakwater boat ramp to access the ocean.

* Before taxes and fees

Milnesia Bay Camping

2 sites · Lodging100 acres · Yuulong, VIC

This privately owned campsite is just 300 metres from the Great Ocean Walk and overlooks Milanesia Beach. It has stunning views of Milanesia Beach, Bowkers Point, Johanna Beach, Station Beach and Cape Otway. This remote surf beach is easily accessed via the Great Ocean Walk and a nearby secluded cove sheltered from the prevailing weather is often suitable for swimming, snorkelling, fishing and Kayaking. The 4 and 5 metre Bell tents are in private secluded locations tucked into the coastal forest with share ameneties such as picnic shelter, Camp Kitchen, toilet, shower and campfire. The carpeted tents feature single mattresses supplied with fitted sheets and pillows can be arranged to suit the application. Guests supply their own sleeping bags with doonas available for an additional fee. The tents are equipped with Solar powered lighting and USB ports for charging devices. Cooking facilities include portable gas stoves/oven, wood stove, camp ovens and all Pots, pans, crockery and cutelry supplied. Linger longer in this most spectacular section of the Otway coastline leaving only fresh footprints on the seclusion of Milanesia beach, take your time to explore the rockpools and coastal cliffs of this ever changing landscape, soak in the journey of the lowtide rockpool walk to Ryans Den and return via the Great Ocean Walk or walk the mountan trail over Bowkers Point taking in the spectacular views as you traverse this geologicaly amazing terrain. Rest up at your campsite and soak in the views of the mighty southern ocean and the heavenly nightsky away from the lights and pollution of civilisation. Ponder the infamous “Eye of the Needle” as you gaze out on the beacons of hope from the Cape Otway and King Island Lighthouses. Access is via the Ocean walk at Milanesia Gate on Hiders Access, via Ryans Den and a private access on the property from the Great Ocean Road.

* Before taxes and fees

Forest camping in Great Ocean Road guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for all things camping in Australia! If you're looking to immerse yourself in the beauty of the forest, specifically in the stunning Great Ocean Road region, we've got you covered. With over 27 options available, you'll have no shortage of campsites to choose from. Whether you're a seasoned hiker, a snow sports enthusiast, or someone who enjoys exploring historic sites, the Great Ocean Road has something for everyone. Some of our top campsites in the area include Secluded Otways Forest Camp (62 reviews), Goldane Bush Retreat (55 reviews), and Ridgetop Campsite at St Anselms (25 reviews). Plus, with popular facilities like showers, campfires, and toilets, you'll have all the comforts of home while enjoying the great outdoors. So pack your bags and get ready to experience the magic of camping in the forest along the Great Ocean Road!