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Camping along the Great Ocean Road offers breathtaking coastal views, lush rainforests, and unique nature encounters. While there used to be more free camping spots here, many are now paid sites, and some have closed permanently, leaving you wondering where you can camp for free.
No worries—there are still hidden gems where you can camp without the cost. We have seven great camping spots that are free all year round and a couple more that are free this season.
Whether you’re an experienced camper or a first-timer, here’s where to set up camp without breaking the bank!
Aire Crossing Campsite
The Aire Crossing Campsite is in Great Otway National Park, which charges no entrance fees and allows free camping. It’s close to the Great Ocean Road and the attractions in Apollo Bay.
Enjoy the great attractions, and then get away and enjoy a relaxing and peaceful experience in the forest. Campsites are primitive bush camps, so be sure to secure your food to protect it from wild animals.
It’s more remote, so there tend to be fewer people, but without reservations, the few sites can still fill up quickly, so arrive early.
Since there isn’t power, bring your portable power station to recharge your electronic devices and run your camping lights at night. The EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max operates nearly without sound to help preserve the peaceful surroundings. It has ultra-quick charging capabilities using AC (standard wall plugs), DC (car), or solar panels to make camping on multi-day adventures a breeze.
It’s also durable and able to withstand outdoor conditions, and since there’s no fossil fuels, it’s eco-friendly and safe to bring inside your caravan, SUV, or car if you want to use it at night to watch shows on a tablet or TV.
Beauchamp Falls Reserve
The Beauchamp Falls Reserve campsite is just a short drive from Beech Forest and hosts one of the Otways’ most magnificent waterfalls. It’s suitable for 2WD vehicles, and small caravans can get in, camp, and get out without worries.
It’s also family- and pet-friendly, with firepits, picnic tables, and even toilets. But be sure to pack in water for cooking and drinking, as there is no potable water on site. The hikes are moderate, with short, steep hills to climb, but the views are spectacular!
It might be one of the best Victoria camping spots, and it’s free. However, it’s also a popular spot, so arrive early.
Hammonds Road North Campground
This campground is another free gem in a natural bush setting north of Great Otway National Park, in Otway Forest Park. It’s near Angelsea and just a short drive from the Surf Coast and the Great Ocean Road. It’s accessible with a 2WD and has toilets available with disabled access.
Be sure not to confuse it with Hammonds Road Campground, located in the National Park, which is a pay site. This more rugged site is suitable for both vehicle and tent camping. There are 12 large vehicle sites with fire pits, while the tent camping fire pits are shared with your neighbours. There are also two shared picnic tables.
Enjoy walks in the nearby Otway forest trails and glimpse the local native birds, koalas, and kangaroos. Dogs are allowed, but keep them on a leash so they don’t scare the wildlife.
It’s another popular site, so arrive early to secure your spot.
Stevenson Falls
Stevenson Falls is a fantastic, large, free campsite with basic amenities like picnic tables, toilets, firepits, and hiking trails nearby for anyone of any fitness level. Just a short walk from the campground is one of the most spectacular and accessible waterfalls in the Otways. It is also kid-friendly and pet-friendly, and you can drive your 2WD.
The facilities in the day-use areas are all wheelchair accessible, including the car park, walkways, toilets, and viewing platform. However, the sites are unsuitable for caravans and camper trailers, and there is no power on-site, so bring your EcoFlow Solar Generator to keep your essential devices running!
Dando’s Campground
Dando’s Campground is located on the Gellibrand River and is ideal for those who want to go fishing, camping, or having picnics. You could also swim in the river, but be aware of leeches. This site is not far from Stevenson Falls, but it is suitable for tents, 2WD vehicles and even small caravans for those looking for a scenic motorhome escape. It is a family and pet-friendly site with toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits.
Be sure to bring your EcoFlow Glacier Portable Refrigerator for weekend getaways or week-long adventures. It has a separate fridge and freezer compartment to keep your food at food-safe temperatures below 5°C. It even has a built-in ice maker for cold drinks.
It lasts up to 40 hours on its built-in battery, and you can easily recharge it using your EcoFlow Solar Generator. You can get large generators to run large caravans on extended off-grid adventures or choose from a wide selection of smaller models that are great for weekend or week-long getaways for any size family.
The EcoFlow RIVER 2 has multiple sizes and is the best for compact and portability, able to fit inside any vehicle, even inside a backpack.
Goat Track Camping
Goat Track Camping Area is a small free site in Otway Forest Park. This rugged site requires 4WD because of the steep slopes entering and leaving the area. This also makes it unsuitable for caravans, but anyone in a truck, SUV, or 4WD van should have no problem getting in, and the sites are big enough for groups.
Sometimes, it gets closed during wet weather, and seasonal closures happen in winter from June to October. Your furry friends are allowed at Goat Track if you keep them on a leash. However, there are no facilities or power, so you must be self-sufficient and pack all your trash out.
If you want a nice week-long or longer journey but still need power for your devices and camping lights, the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max + 160W Solar Panel is the perfect option. It has 512Wh to recharge your devices and run lights, but you can also recharge it during the day with your 160W portable solar panel. At 6.1kg (13.4lbs), it’s even light enough to carry with you in your backpack on a day or multi-day hike.
Jamieson Creek Bush Campground
Jamieson Creek Bush Campground is a popular site close to beautiful beaches where you can catch a gorgeous sunrise each night. Plenty of great walking tracks are nearby, with staircases and creek crossings, views through tall eucalypts to the Southern Ocean, and informative storyboards along the trail.
It was recently upgraded to include toilets but was also changed to a paid site. However, Parks Victoria announced free camping in its parks from December 1, 2024, until June 30, 2025, so take advantage of it. With 24 campsites, some even suitable for caravans, you can be sure to find what you want.
However, even though it’s free this season, you still must book your reservation. Note that campfires are banned at this location.
Allenvale Campground
The Allenvale Campground is nestled on the banks of St George River just outside the coastal town of Lorne, with its sandy beaches and fantastic ocean views. Then, head to your campground at night for dinner. Note that there are no firepits, and fires are not allowed, so you must bring a fuel stove or gas barbeque.
However, it does offer picnic tables and non-flush toilets. The sites are unpowered and only suitable for tents since vehicle access was blocked to preserve the natural beauty. However, it’s just a short 230m walk with your gear but is unsuitable for disabled campers.
Two nearby hikes, Sheoak Falls and Erskine Falls, offer great day hikes and gorgeous views. If you want to catch a glimpse of a platypus, visit the banks of the St. George River at dawn and dusk.
Note that this site also recently switched from free to pay, but thanks to Parks Victoria’s free camping for the 2024/2025 season, you can stay at this gem for free! Just be sure to book your reservation beforehand; it won’t charge you a booking fee after December 1, 2024.
If you bring your EcoFlow WAVE 2 Portable Air Conditioner, which can be used indoors or outdoors and lasts wirelessly for up to 8 hours on a charge, you can relax in cool comfort even when the temperatures rise.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are numerous campsites along the Great Ocean Road, most near the beach being paid sites. However, you can go a little further into the forest and stay for free at Stevenson Falls, Dando’s Campground, Hammonds Road North, and Aire Crossing.
No, you cannot sleep in your car on the Great Ocean Road unless you park it in a designated camping area because of environmental regulations and to protect wildlife habitats. However, there is free camping nearby in the Otways.
Yes, there are free sites in the Otways, including Hammonds Road North Campground, Goat Track Camping, Dando’s Campground, and Stevenson Falls.
Final Thoughts
Exploring the Great Ocean Road’s free camping spots is a perfect way to immerse yourself in Victoria’s natural beauty without added costs. Each site offers unique attractions, from waterfall hikes to serene forest getaways.
Remember to pack essentials like water and firewood, which may not be accessible on-site. Also, none of the free sites have power, so bring your EcoFlow Solar Generator. With so many sizes and options to choose from, you will have no problem finding one to suit your camping style.
Now, get ready to experience an unforgettable camping adventure at beautiful, budget-friendly sites along one of Australia’s most scenic routes.