Camping near Bairnsdale
This small town on Victoria’s eastern coast is the gateway to the Gippsland Lakes.
93% (1112 reviews)
93% (1112 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Bairnsdale
Under $50
Dog-friendly getaways
12 top campgrounds near Bairnsdale
99%
(225)
Wattle Point Farm
7 sites · RVs, Tents126 acres · Forge Creek, VIC
Located close to Paynesville, Bairnsdale & Sale, Wattle Point Farm is a secluded, spacious and tranquil property with Lake frontage, wildlife & lush green natives, many walking tracks surround the property, a great fit for anyone who enjoys the outdoors, peace & quiet, relaxing by the water.
Close to Blond Bay Wildlife Reserve (2000 ha) with many tracks for walking, cycling or driving.
Give yourself some time away from the crowded popular destinations and discover our gem of a campsite. There are designated fire pits and shady green areas to relax and unwind, just a few steps to the water's edge.
No facilities, so please only book if you are self-contained, and you must take all waste with you.
Dogs welcome to join in the fun too!
Markets-
Bairnsdale farmers market 1st Saturday
Paynesville Community market 2nd Sunday
Paynesville farmers market 4th Saturday
Bairnsdale Howitt Park market 4th Sunday
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AU$50
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(87)
Grandview Sanctuary
52 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Buchan, VIC
Grandview is located on 8 acres in the township of Buchan. The campsites have beautiful mountain views and the property is close to the Buchan River.
The property is a great place to base yourself, within walking distance to the Buchan Caves Hotel, Roadhouse, General Store and the world acclaimed Buchan Caves. Take a 1/2 day or full day trip into the mountains and see the mighty Snowy River and Little River Gorge. Buchan is also a 45 minute drive to the ocean and the 90 mile beach.
Grandview is one of the original homesteads of Buchan, which we are in the process of lovingly restoring.
We have the belief that this place is to be shared. We love where we live and this is our way of sharing the beauty of the Buchan and surrounding valleys.
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AU$32
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(51)
SIBA Retreat Centre
10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents108 acres · W Tree, VIC
SIBA Retreat Centre is a beautiful and friendly Buddhist retreat centre in the Snowy River country of East Gippsland, Victoria. Formerly ONTOS, it was founded by Lama Choedak Rinpoche and formally opened and consecrated by His Eminence Chogye Trichen Rinpoche in 2006. During this time His Eminence gave the centre the dharma name 'Tsarchen Choeling'.
SIBA has all the conditions for the perfect retreat. Simply being at SIBA calms the senses and heals the mind. SIBA is a welcoming and peaceful refuge and its unique atmosphere is well known to visitors.
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AU$20
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(28)
Lakes Bushland Caravan Park
38 sites · RVs, Tents32 acres · Nicholson, VIC
Lakes Bushland Caravan and Lifestyle Park is set on 32 acres located in Nicholson, Victoria. Offering a quiet, bush caravan park with facilities to ensure all guests have the opportunity to relax, unwind and make quality memories.
The park is located close to the Gippsland Rail Trail and the Gippsland Lakes and Rivers.
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AU$24
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(105)
Forge Creek Farm Stay
8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents15 acres · Bairnsdale, VIC
Come and Enjoy country life for one night or more with beautiful views of Macleod Morass Wetlands. Lots of animals to enjoy, including cows, sheep, chickens and kangaroos. Lots of bird life.
7 Sites available for tents, caravans and camper trailers on a flat grassy area
with great views.
Campers are required to be self sufficient with their own toilet/shower facilities and must remove all rubbish.
FIRES MUST BE IN FIRE PITS ONLY.
Fire pits and firewood available on request at extra Cost
Please advise prior to arrival if required.
Farm Fresh Chicken Eggs (Bum Nuts) available.
Must abide by the currant fire restrictions.
Can provide a IBC water tank to your site with Tap outlet to connect to your van.
Pets welcome, dogs must be kept on lead. .
Only 5 minutes from town Centre, 15 min to Paynesville and 30 min to Lakes Entrance.
Lakes Entrance is located on the edge of Ninety Mile Beach where the Gippsland Lakes meets the Southern Ocean.
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AU$45
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(62)
Squatters Run farm
3 sites · RVs125 acres · Glenaladale, VIC
Squatters Run is a 123 acre working beef and lamb farm in the foothills of the Alpine National Park.
Approximately 25 acres is dense subtropical bushland with the picturesque Iguana creek running through it, making it great to explore or watch the local wildlife.
The camping area is surrounded by beautiful redbox trees, some dated to over 300 yrs old and has stunning views of the highcountry to the north and the Gippsland lakes in the south.
Ideally located it is 57kms to the iconic Dargo pub and just 75kms to Lakes Entrance.
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AU$40
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(164)
Nowa Nowa Lakeside Farmlet.
3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Nowa Nowa, VIC
Located on the picturesque Nowa Nowa arm of Lake Tyers. Our hobby farm offers 3 beautiful large campsites (1 van per site) only 20 metres from the waters edge.
OUR CAMPSITES DO NOT HAVE TOILET OR SHOWER
FACILITIES.
ALL WASTE AND RUBBISH MUST BE TAKEN WITH YOU ON DEPARTURE.
Pets are welcome. We have chickens and alpacas on the property so please ensure your pets are restrained and don't upset the other animals.
We have a fire pits for campers to relax around in the evenings. We can provide firewood for first night ($15) and additional firewood can be purchased from the general store (fundraiser for local CFA).
Generators are allowed but only for limited time to charge essential equipment. No generators are allowed to run non stop and not between 9pm and 9am. if you are going to use a generator please inform other campers.
Only a 5 minute walk to the NOWA NOWA GENERAL STORE/Post Office. You can get local fishing information from the friendly staff, stock up on fuel, groceries, wine/beer, fishing tackle, bait, fire wood and more without having to drive!
MINGLING WATERS CARAVAN PARK/Cafe is the place to go for top quality coffee, brekky, and their famous carrot cake and burgers, only a 5 minute walk (currently temporarily closed)
Opposite Mingling Waters is another 'must visit' while in Nowa Nowa.
THE DEPOT, HOME OF TEXTILES. Local honey and home made jams and biscuits. Espresso coffee and turmeric latte. Handcrafted textiles, jewellery and more (check Facebook for opening hours)
We are within easy reach of the EAST GIPPSLAND RAIL TRAIL which is popular for both bike riders and walkers. There are plenty of other great bushwalking tracks nearby as well.
The location is ideal for people who enjoy the outdoors, lake fishing, boating, bird watching, walking and cycling.
It's just a short drive to the beautiful seaside town of LAKES ENTRANCE where they have shops, cafes, restaurants, great fresh seafood and lovely beaches.
BRUTHEN is only a 20 minute drive. BRUTHEN HOTEL, Cafes, Antique shops, Galleries andthe BULL-ANT BREWERY are musts to check out!
The BUCHAN CAVES RESERVE is another short drive. Picnic spots, camping ground, walking tracks and a variety of flora and fauna, including koalas, over forty species of birds, kangaroos and currawongs. While in Buchan check out the famous BUCHAN PUB for a meal and a beer.
25 minute drive East and you are in ORBOST, a small East Gippsland town surrounded by national parks, forests and beaches.
Recharge at the town's cafes and bakeries, then visit galleries and see the historical Slab Hut, an original 1872 pioneer hut relocated from the upper Snowy River and now home to the tourist information centre. Renowned local brewers SAILORS GRAVE can be found in an old butter factory, where they produce an exciting range of craft beer.
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AU$30
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
92%
(24)
Home among the Gumtrees
3 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Nyerimilang, VIC
We are a young family of 4 with space to share, pull up where you would like and stretch your legs with space to move among the trees and surrounded by farmland and let your kids play on the equipment pat the horses and sheep or take a 10min drive to Lakes Entrance or Metung
Or take a short stroll to the Nyerimilang heritage park with views of the Gippsland lakes
There are no toilet or showers at this stage
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AU$20
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(7)
Fainting Range Retreat
1 site · RV, Tent640 acres · Tambo Crossing, VIC
640 acres of wilderness on the Great Alpine Road, views up the Tambo Valley to the high country, Tambo River frontage. Easy access from the Great Alpine Road, however the 2km driveway requires a 4WD or high clearance off-road vehicle.
Private camp site in the bush, unlimited firewood for campfires, walking tracks to explore, pet friendly.
Although there is no running water at the campsite, you are welcome to fill up water containers from our rainwater tank, 400m from the campsite.
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AU$38
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(32)
Mt Alfred Camping and Horse Riding
1 site · RV, Tent110 acres · Flaggy Creek, VIC
The farm backs onto the Mt Alfred State Forest and is close to the beautiful Mitchell River National park. Mt Alfred is a fantastic forest with many great tracks to explore on horse back, mountain bike or on foot. Horses and dogs are welcome.
There is plenty of space on a large, grassy flat area for camping and parking.
There are paddocks for horses and a guide is available.
The farm and surrounding bush is an Owl habitat and the property has an amazing abundance of bird life.
It is just 25 minutes from Bairnsdale and the Gippsland lakes where you can explore the beautiful beaches and walking tracks.
There are shops available for basic supplies within 10 minutes.
We have a fire pit for you to light a campfire.
There is a drop toilet and shower.
Please take all rubbish with you on departure.
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from
AU$45
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(86)
High Country Riverside Hideaway
3 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · Cowa, VIC
The property has been in our family for three generations. Surrounded by crown land and 200 acres of bush. Originally a Walnut farm , some old, large old walnut trees survive producing creamy, organic walnuts and summer shade.Both Walnut and Dargo riverside campsites have access to private river frontage and deep swimming holes. Perfect for small groups or families wanting a secluded camping spot. The Walnut campsite caters for campers/glampers looking for an easy camping adventure with amenities. Guests can BYO tents or rent either a glamping tent or Roy's hut. The Dargo Riverside paddock is suitable for experienced self campers, no amenities offered at present.Located just 11 km from the Dargo Hotel. Cowa is a small Victorian Rural Location within the local government area of Wellington, it is located approximately 201kms from the capital Melbourne. - Dogs welcome.- Campfires permitted check fire restrictions before lighting a fire.
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AU$120
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
94%
(36)
The Tea Rooms
1 site · RV, Tent100 acres · Boisdale, VIC
10 acre bush paddock with plenty of wild life, space to spread out, privatise, a stones through from 4wd tracks and river and only 15 min from Maffra
A tin/timber frame shed full of character with kitchenette, running wate, hot shower and flushing toilets. Situated on the edge of Avon wilderness offers the opportunity for bush walking and 4 wheel driving.
Plenty of space for group bookings or individual and have the full use of the Tea Room shed to yourself with the added bonus of inside fire, pool table and combustion wood stove.
The ideal spot to set up base and explore/ 4wd knowing your going to be the only ones there.
15 minute drive to maffra for all your shopping needs, close to local wineries, brewery, Newry golf corse and pubs.
We are open to bigger group bookings if contact through msg.
No motorbike riding on the property but it's a 2min ride to the state park where there are plenty of single tracks.
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AU$140
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
Star Hosts in Bairnsdale
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Camping near Bairnsdale guide
Overview
Bairnsdale is a small town on Victoria’s East Gippsland region on the eastern coast, around 280 kilometres (or 3.5 hours’ drive) east of Melbourne. Being on the banks of the Mitchell River and near the inland waterways of the Gippsland Lakes, it’s a popular spot for fishing, boating, surfing, and camping. Beach enthusiasts will love camping on the thin strip of land between the ocean and the lakes, parts of which are designated nature reserves and national parks, and campers seeking a forest escape can also find this at inland parks.
Where to go
Gippsland Lakes
The Gippsland Lakes are a series of lakes, backwaters, and waterways, many of which appear to be harbours except they’re separated from the sea by thin strips of land. The Lakes National Park and Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park, as well as other smaller reserves, cover some of the broader lakes area, and are havens for bird and wildlife-watchers, outdoor swimmers, walkers, and campers. Family-friendly Emu Bight Campground in the Lakes National Park offers unpowered sites for tents and caravans/campervans, and many other basic campsites are strung out along Shoreline Drive, between the ocean and the lakes.
Mitchell River National Park
The inland Mitchell River National Park is about 45 minutes’ drive north-west of Bairnsdale. Here travellers can hike through rainforest gullies along the two-day Mitchell River Walking Track, or discover local First Nations culture on shorter walks. Campers have a few options: there are basic walk-in campsites along the Mitchell River Walking Track, a couple of basic campsites with four-wheel-drive access only, and a couple of basic and more accessible sites with toilets, fireplaces, and picnic tables.
Lakes Entrance
About 30 minutes’ drive east of Bairnsdale, the smaller town of Lakes Entrance is on the end of Ninety Mile Beach, where the Gippsland Lakes meet the ocean, and offers somewhat easier access to beaches than from Bairnsdale. Campers can enjoy well-equipped holiday parks in and around Lakes Entrance, right beside the beach. Lakes Entrance is an especially appealing option for campers with caravans or campervans, as you can find powered sites here with easy access and good facilities.
When to go
The whole Gippsland Lakes region is especially busy during the summer–between November and February–as it’s an accessible camping area quite near Melbourne. To stay at a popular holiday park near Bairnsdale, book your site as far in advance as possible, especially during midsummer. You can also visit outside the summer, when you can still enjoy the natural attractions, but the climate will be cooler.
Top cities near Bairnsdale
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.