The best camping near Little Desert National Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Little Desert National Park adventure.

Hike, birdwatch, and admire wildflowers while camping beside a river or among the trees.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Little Desert National Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Little Desert National Park

97%
(48)

Dufholme Cabin & Camping

61 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents700 acres · Mitre, VIC
Set in bush, you'll enjoy the camp area, bunkhouse or cabin located on 700 acres of native vegetation.There are shared shower and toilet facilties, fire pit area and kitchen/lounge space. Hot shower and flush toilets.Visit beautiful lake St Marys in Tooan 5 mins away, take a walk among the wild flowers when in season or enjoy the look out at the nearby Mount Ararpillies.Located half way between Melbourne and Adelaide, this is the perfect place to escape the city or stop over on your travels. Say hello to the goats, geese, alpaca and dogs and enjoy a lovely night camping under the stars!This property is peaceful and private.You can pick your own spot on arrival and there is lots to choose from. 
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AU$20
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
93%
(147)

Cooinda Burrong Scout Camp

14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Zumsteins, VIC
This is the perfect place to base yourself to enjoy the natural beauty of the Grampians National Park. The Scout Camp is located within a short distance to many hikes, bushwalks, lakes and other natural attractions. Scouts use and love this location, so we are offering it for others to enjoy too. By staying here you are helping us with funds to improve the camp. The Scout Camp has bunkhouse accommodation that can sleep 60, plus 10-15 caravan sites (about 4 powered). Camping welcome, plenty of sites. Ask about booking the whole place out for your group!There are great facilities including; gas and fire BBQs, a commercial kitchen that has fed up to 80 people, a large dining hall and games hall, laundry, toilets and hot showers!There's a seasonal creek just 400 meters away. As it's a National Park dogs are not permitted. Campfires permitted. Firewood available to collect your own in the bush.
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AU$11
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(69)

Jolly Swag

4 sites · RVs, Tents19 acres · Drung, VIC
At the Jolly Swag you will find a peaceful, calm relaxing farm site with trees, birds, sheep, farm chooks and a gorgeous garden with lawn and lavender plants plus a kids' sandpit . We pride ourselves on handmade and hand grown products. Enjoy the lakes, mountains and rivers nearby. It's a special and safe place to have time to have a restful, relaxing stay way. The campsite best suits self-sufficient campers with their own amenities. Dogs are welcome. We are just a 10 minute drive from the nearest shopping town for all your needs. Our region is home to many amazing wineries and food providores, from boutique cheeses to delicious conserves. While you're here explore the natural beauty of the Grampians, discover majestic waterfalls, dazzling spring wildflower displays and awe-inspiring mountain panoramas. The Grampians are a paradise for wildlife watching whether you choose to hike or take a scenic drive. Enjoy your stay at Jolly Swag.
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AU$30
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(43)

Farmland Camp

11 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Dadswells Bridge, VIC
This campsite is set on 100 acres of farm land with a mix of pasture and bushland. There is a little river running through the end of the property, and you're welcome to throw a rod in of take your canoe for a paddle. We are located 2 minutes' drive away from the Big Koala and 30km from the Grampians National Park, a must on your list of places to visit. If you're up for an explore of the region we're 35 minutes' away from Halls Gap and the zoo, 43 minutes from McKenzies Falls and 45 minutes from the Ararat Hills National Park where you can enjoy mountain bike trail riding. The site has flat, grassy ground. Campfires permitted (wood provided) and you can bring your own generator. This campsite suits self-contained campers with own camping toilet/shower amenities and supplies (water). Rubbish facilities are provided. Dogs welcome, but they must not hassle the other animals.
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AU$23
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(97)

Yarriambiance

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents50 acres · Jung, VIC
Yarriambiance (noun), Yar-ri-am-bi-ance: "A feeling or mood associated with fresh air, open spaces, big skies, stunning sunsets, starry nights, open fires and the sounds of nature, on the banks of the Yarriambiack Creek" Do you want a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, the frustration of traffic congestion, from noise and pollution? Does open space, fresh air, and the peace and quiet of nature sound appealing? Well, come and experience the ‘Yarriambiance’ of our unique rural escape. It is not far off the main highway, but far enough that you will feel like you are in the middle of nowhere. You will experience dusty back roads, open plains and the starry skies of rural Australia, yet you will only be 20 minutes away from a bustling regional city (Horsham). Around the property there are many old historic farm buildings, including an original 'boundary riders' hut (circa 1870's). The Yarriambiack Creek is the western boundary of the property, and is a haven for birds and wildlife such as kangaroos & wallabies. Ancient river redgums run along the creek which provide for nice shady spots in summer. The creek relies on seasonal rainfall, and when running, is deep enough for swimming or paddling around in a kayak. When dry, the creek bed makes a fantastic walking track. If you are looking for a unique family holiday, or you are an artist and want to do some songwriting or painting, or just need to get out of the rat race and chill out, then this could be just the place for you. 10 mins to Murtoa, 15 mins to the Dooen Hotel, 20 mins to Horsham, 30 mins to Warracknabeal, 40 mins to the Grampians or Mt Arapilies. A perfect base to explore the renowned Silo Art Trail, Murtoa Stick Shed, local lakes and waterways, state and national parks, and many other regional attractions. But if you are simply into nature or hiking, then just head north or south along the creek, and you will be able to walk for hours and take in the unique scenery. Please note, the property is 'pet friendly' but we respectfully ask that pets are not taken inside of the accommodation.
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AU$35
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(1)

Happy Wanderer Holiday Resort

10 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Wartook, VIC
Your “home away from home” the Happy Wanderer Holiday Resort is a small family owned and operated tourist resort centrally located between Horsham and Halls Gap on a sprawling 40 acres of attractive bushland in Wartook Valley adjacent to the Grampians National Park. An abundance of native trees and shrubs are planted throughout the grounds, attracting a great variety of wildlife including birds and a large population of kangaroos and visiting emus. A place to truly disconnect and be at one with nature and the natural elements of air, mountains, sun and breeze, to focus on your basic needs of physical and emotional peace and relaxation. The Happy Wanderer Holiday Resort features an in-ground solar-heated swimming pool, a full-size tennis court and two half-courts. We have an outside children’s playground, a camp kitchen, and a recreation room. Grab some supplies and head to our undercover BBQ marquee area or inside and outside fireplaces and wood barbeques. A large amenities shower and toilet block and laundries are easily accessible. We also boast a well-equipped general store, petrol station and bottle shop on site for your convenience. Its easy access to enjoy and explore the natural attractions of the Grampians such as McKenzie Falls, Beehive Falls, Zumsteins, Lake Wartook, Boroka Lookout and Troopers Creek Lookout, the Happy Wanderer Holiday Resort is the perfect memorable place to stay.
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AU$34
 / night
* Before taxes and fees

The best camping near Little Desert National Park guide

Overview

About

Despite its name, Little Desert National Park isn’t all desert, although it does contain some arid areas and dunes. The national park in western Victoria includes heathlands covered in wildflowers, stands of gum trees, rivers, and birds, including the endangered ground-dwelling malleefowl. Campers can pitch a tent or park their vehicle at a variety of campsites, most of which have toilets, fire places, and tables. As well as at the designated campsites, campers may free-camp in the central and western areas of the desert sections of the park so long as Leave No Trace principles are followed.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for larger groups: Horseshoe Bend Camping Area has 30 unpowered sites.
  • Best for birdwatching: Ackle Bend Camping Area is located where the river meets the desert.
  • Best for hikers: Mallee Walkers Camp is on the Little Desert Discovery Walk.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Reservations and prepayment are required year-round at the two most popular campsites in the national park: Ackle Bend Camping Area and Horseshoe Bend Camping Area.
  2. At these campsites, each individual site is for a maximum of six occupants. If your group contains more than this, you’ll need to book extra sites.
  3. Spring is the busiest time to visit this park, so if you want to camp at the first-come, first-served campsites, aim to arrive there earlier in the day to avoid missing out.

When to go

The period between late winter (August) and early summer (December) is the best time to visit this national park, as the wildflowers bloom and the climate is most comfortable for camping and hiking. Summers (December-February) are hot and there’s the extra risk of fire. Winters can be cold and frosty overnight, although camping facilities are available year-round.

Know before you go

  • All campers in Little Desert National Park should bring their own water as this is not provided at any of the campsites. Some non-drinking water may be available at some campsites.
  • Bushfires can occur in this area in the warmer months. When there is a total fire ban in place, don’t use an open fire when camping. Gas cookers are permitted for preparing food, however.
  • Many of the campsites within this national park are only accessible by four-wheel drive, so plan accordingly if you are travelling with a caravan or campervan.

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