Forest camping near Melbourne
Some of Victoria's best camping experiences are right on Melbourne’s doorstep.
98% (1989 reviews)
98% (1989 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Melbourne
Under $50
Star Hosts in Melbourne
12 top forest campgrounds near Melbourne
94%
(107)
Magic Mountain
2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Humevale, VIC
Nestled amongst the mountains just outside of the township of Whittlesea our 40-acre property sits above the clouds. This experience comes with sweeping views, a hidden waterfall, a clear campground, and plenty of wildlife.
The camping area is accessible by 4WD only, otherwise, strap on a backpack and earn it! (800m walk/hike from where a non-4WD can park). The waterfall is reached by a single trail track from the campsite, and you do need to be an experienced hiker to get to the waterfall. Which is part of the appeal!
We welcome self-contained campers, who bring their own toilet and take all waste with them. We have a strict Leave No Trace policy.
Or choose to stay in our beautiful A-frame cabin, with plush bedding, cozy fire, and outdoor lounge. More than anything else this is a place to relax and be away from normal, live outside yourself, and rediscover what weekends are for.
Dogs are welcome, so long as they don't bother the wildlife.
Campfires are allowed, BYO firewood or campers can collect fallen timber from the property.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$50
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
91%
(86)
Kinglake East End
8 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Kinglake, VIC
91 Gordons Bridge Road was once part of a pine plantation that had been planted in the late 60's and harvested just prior to the Black Saturday fires. Across the road from the Kinglake National Park it is surrounded by protected flora and fauna. Victoria's Pink heath provides a pleasant backdrop in season and wattles abound.
It is not an uncommon site to see an echidna or two and Lyrebirds have been seen in the area. Feral deer have come to inhabit nearby properties and sometimes wonder down the track. Kangaroos and black wallabies often seen in the evening grazing on pasture.
Pets
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Toilets
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from
AU$12
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(886)
Iron Brook Donkey Farm
22 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · East Warburton, VIC
Rolling hills of mountain pasture, backing on to the Yarra State Forest.
Bushwalk along the little creek among tall trees and majestic tree ferns, or just sit in a deck chair and take in the exquisite views at the top of the hill.
Multiple tracks head through the Yarra State Forest where you can wind your way along dirt roads through to Noojee, Powelltown, or Reefton, each of which have a cosy pub at the end of the drive.
There are different campsite
locations on the property, depending on if you would like isolation or convenience.
We also
offer excellent toilet and bathroom facilities which are now included with all bookings.
Iron Brook Donkey Farm is located on rolling hills of mountain pasture, backing on to the Yarra State Forest.
Bushwalk along the little creek among tall trees and majestic tree ferns, or just sit in a deck chair and take in the exquisite views at the top of the hill.
Multiple tracks head through the Yarra State Forest where you can wind your way along dirt roads through to Noojee, Powelltown, or Reefton, each of which have a cosy pub at the end of the drive.
The donkey farm is situated conveniently, halfway between the popular redwood forest, and the giant Ada tree walk.
Just chill in your own time, or book an activity or a donkey ride.
Donkeys can take riders up to 70kg
We do allow pets, but this MUST be discussed with us prior to booking as we have strict rules around this. We also allow campfires only when fire restrictions aren't in place - which is often all summer.
Children under 3 are free, but for insurance purposes, please mention them in the comments.
This property has an overall capacity to ensure that our number of visitors remain low. This not only ensures that campers recieve the space and peace they look for in a campsite like this, but also so that we can ensure the bathrooms can be kept clean and not overloaded. This is also a part of our COVID safe plan.
Due to this overall capacity it is important that you book for the number of people that you intend to have stay, as while we try to accomodate increases to booking numbers, they are not guaranteed unless booked. If we have met overall capacity then we may not be able to approve increases to booking numbers. This is for the comfort and safety of all our visitors. Thank you
If you intend to purchase firewood or power or donkey rides or anything from the Donkey Shop during your stay, please bring cash to pay, and payments must be made up front, unfortunately, too often guests have been leaving without having paid for their rides or firewood.
Pets
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Toilets
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Showers
from
AU$20
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(7)
Tranquil Waters Campground
6 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Hoddles Creek, VIC
The 80-acre semi-rural property is a nature lover's paradise, boasting vast bushland teeming with native vegetation and wildlife. The property offers a tranquil retreat with the highlight being a spectacular spring-fed dam, providing a serene oasis for relaxation and recreation. The diverse ecosystem supports a variety of flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The property is located close to a myriad of wineries and is not far from the Yarra Valley towns of Gembrook, Yarra Junction and Warburton. Each with their own unique qualities.
When travelling to the Tranquil Waters Campground it can be a little tricky. Please pay attention to the photos and map provided for directions - the address is 600 Thonemans Road, Hoddles Creek.
The area is known for its beautiful walking tracks located in the Kurth Kiln national park which is only a few Km's drive.
If fruit picking is something you would like to try, then Rayner Orchard located at 60 Schoolhouse Road, Woori Yallock would be a great place to visit.
Its hard to go past the Gladysdale Bakehouse or Carrige Cafe in Seville for brunch/lunch if that's your thing.
Alternatively you can simply relax and enjoy the peace an quite!
For the fishing enthusiasts, we added 100 Golden Perch to the spring-fed dam in November 2022 - they should be about big enough to catch and have some fun with.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$30
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(369)
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.
Pets
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Toilets
Trash
from
AU$45
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(140)
Eagle Ridge
5 sites · RVs, Tents61 acres · Doreen, VIC
Do you love bush camping? Ridgetop camping looking out over the Yarra Valley and Kinglake National Park. Access to the Kinglake National Park and 10 minutes to the Toolangi State Forest.
Guests will have plenty of space and privacy at their sites.
**4X4 RECOMMENDED FOR ACCESS**
**CHEMICAL OR OTHER TOILETS REQUIRED, NO WASTE TO BE BURIED**
All guests must be fully self sufficient with their own toilet/shower facilities and must take all waste and rubbish with them on departure.
Campfires are welcome in the fire pit provided, please keep them under control at all times and respect any fire restrictions in place during your stay.
Wineries nearby. 50 minutes to Melbourne, Tullamarine airport. Short term van storage available.
Well behaved leashed pets are welcome.
Driveway is steep in to camping area, 4x4 recommended when towing caravans. Lowered vehicles or sports cars may not be able to access the camping area.
Welcome, follow us on instagram @Camping_Eagleridge
Pets
Campfires
from
AU$35
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(9)
Fowkes Family Flower Farm
2 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Kinglake, VIC
Our farm is only a minutes' drive from the township of Kinglake.
Or a 20-minute easy walk to shops and cafes.
We are close to all the Yarra Valley and Kinglake Ranges have to offer from wineries to the National Parks for hiking, biking and 4WD driving.
Fowkes family farm is a small, hobby, flower farm. Made up of 15 acres of working land and 35 acres of bush land.
We have a 2-acre orchard with seasonal fruit available to be picked.
( Dec - April)
The farm has over 100 king protea bushes and many other varieties of protea. Seasonal pick your own flowers too.
( Aug - March)
Backing onto the national park and walking tracks. Jehosaphat Gully, shelley Harris Track, Mt Jerusalem Track. Walking distance to Kinglake historic walk, cookson Hill Track, Mt Everard Track, Bollygum Park
We have 2 dogs, 7 pet sheep, 1 blue tongue lizard & chickens on the way.
The farming area is completely fenced in, this is to keep the deer out, but you can venture out onto the property bush land with a guide or the correct map and navigation equipment.
Eagles, cockatoos, black cockatoos, kookaburras, magpies, rosellas, king parrots, Gang-gang cockatoo, honey eaters can be spotted most days and lyrebirds if you’re keen to go looking.
Small playground with swings, slide, monkey bars and sandpit.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$30
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
96%
(292)
Seven Hills Tallarook
22 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents600 acres · Tallarook, VIC
Our property, "Seven Hills Tallarook", sits high above Tallarook with deep valleys and high peaks, just over one hour North of Melbourne's CBD. The property is 600 acres of thick Victorian bush and farmed paddocks.
We have a wide range of hobby farm animals - pigs, sheep, cattle, alpacas, chickens, ponies, a donkey, along with commercial heard of South African Boer Goats. As night falls, the wildlife come out to play - kangaroos, rabbits, deer and wallabies
Internally, we have in excess of 10 kilometers of roads within the property, the majority being 2WD accessible (weather conditions apply). There are parts of the property which are only 4WD accessible.
Our campsites are placed to allow you to be as isolated as possible - away from other campers (you may see others as you drive past, or they drive past you).
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
AU$40
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
Booked 2 times
Tonimbuk Farm
3 sites · RVs, Tents45 acres · Tonimbuk, VIC
Hobby farm with cattle, chickens and horses. Situated in the middle of the Bunyip State Park completely surrounded by tranquil native bush and wild life.
Close to Gembrook and Puffing Billy just a 15 minute drive as is Gumbuya World, Cannibal Creek Winery. Also for the adventurists we have some great bush walking tracks through the State Park with tracks leading to the Four Brothers rock formation and Mount Cannibal.
We are on the fringe of West Gippsland with plenty to see and do!
We have several types of stay from powered caravan sites to bush camping, un powered site for vans or RVs overlooking the Dam. We have an out door shower for the van sites but no toilet facilities. This is for self contained campers.
Campfires
Showers
from
AU$30
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(40)
Springview Farm
3 sites · Lodging37 acres · Narre Warren East, VIC
37 acre farm nestled between Cardinia Reservoir and Lysterfield Lake Park.
Beautiful isolated property with giant tree ferns, bushland and grassy paddocks. The campsite is next to our spring fed dam and backs onto 10acres of bushland. The dam is great for kayaking, swimming, fishing. There is plenty of room for footy, cricket, volleyball or just relaxing. Our farm is home to our 5 pet cows, 12 sheep, 3 Goats, 6 horses and chooks. Kangaroo, deer, echidna and wombats are seen roaming daily. We grow our own fruit and veggies, make preserves and also have bee hives. We are opening our farm up to share our country lifestyle.
Only 45 minutes from Melbourne CBD making it a perfect location for corporate functions, brand launches,
small private functions,
photo shoots, film productions.
Please note we are
NOT a party venue for loud music and drunkeness.
Totally private, secluded and surrounded by native bushland, paddocks and our spring fed dam.
There are 2 locations to choose from.
PLEASE NOTE,
OUR FARM IS A GLASS FREE AND SMOKING FREE
SITE.
livestock, grass, bare feet do not mix with broken glass. We live in a delicate beautiful area filled with native flora and fauna.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from
AU$500
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(27)
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.
Pets
from
AU$27
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(104)
Silver Creek Escape
1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Hazeldene, VIC
If you’re looking for a place to set up camp while enjoying a hike through Kinglake National Park then our little space is just made for you. There are plenty of day walks starting right next to your camp or you can go for a swim in the nearby King Parrot Creek.
With just 40min drive to Yarra Valley Wineries you are in a perfect location to set up camp and explore the region.
Our pet friendly property is located in a quiet neighbourhood, easily accessible from the road (no 4WD needed) and ideal for swags, tents or campers.
Power, tank water, bins and compost toilet are included!
It’s only a short wander to the Silver Creek where a 4WD track leads you into the Mount Disappointment State Forrest.
The space is part of our front yard and our property is located at the end of a quiet no through road.
Your camp site is tucked in between the trees away from our family house with plenty of flat space. Sit at the picnic table or around the fire pit (season permitting) and take in the piece and quiet with plenty of wildlife to enjoy.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from
AU$50
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
Dog-friendly getaways
Available this weekend
Forest camping near Melbourne guide
Overview
Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping in Australia! If you're looking for a campsite near Melbourne, Victoria, with a forest setting, you're in luck. We have over 615 options available that match your preferences. Whether you're a seasoned camper or just starting out, we've got you covered. With options starting as low as $10 per night and an average price of $35 per night, you're sure to find something within your budget. Looking for top-rated campsites? Check out Iron Brook Donkey Farm (381 reviews), Nillawarre (326 reviews), and Hazelnut Valley Farm Stay (270 reviews). Need popular facilities like toilets, pet-friendly sites, or showers? We've got you covered. And if you're into wind sports, surfing, or wildlife watching, you'll find plenty of opportunities to indulge in your favourite activities. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience near Melbourne, Victoria!
Top cities near Melbourne
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.