The Complete Guide To Camping In The Grampians

As one of the most outstanding national parks in Australia, what better way to immerse yourself in the incredible landscape of the Grampians than by camping in it. Indeed, Grampians camping provides a wildlife rich, nature immersed and totally unplugged stay, leaving you with what should be a truly memorable trip. But, where to camp in the Grampians? Well, in this guide, we’ll run through 14 of the best Grampians campsites to ensure your Grampians camping experience is every bit as epic as you imagine it to be.

Read more: Grampians National Park: The Complete Visitor’s Guide

Where to Camp in Grampians National Park?

At over 1,600 km², it’s fair to say the Grampians National Park is pretty vast. So, choosing a spot to hunker down for the night can seem a little overwhelming. Especially considering the wealth of natural attractions and brilliant walks on offer, there’s certainly a lot of ground to cover. But, luckily, there are plenty of wonderful camping options throughout the Grampians, many of which are perfectly set up for a quick night or two, before continuing your journey to other parts of the national park.

So, below, we’ll list 14 epic camping spots to consider when you visit the Grampians National Park. Certainly, camping in the Grampians and immersing yourself in the splendid nature on offer is a wonderful experience.

Camping in Halls Gap & the Wider Grampians

The map below shows the locations of the 14 campsites in the Grampians we’ll cover in this post. Certainly, the majority of them centre around Halls Gap. Of course, this is no surprise since Halls Gap is the gateway to and main hub of the Grampians. So, it’s where you’ll find the majority of attractions and the most Grampians campsite options.

14 Best Grampians Campsites

The 14 Grampians campsites listed in this guide are mostly run by Parks Victoria. They’re generally modest campsites with basic amenities. So, expect drop toilets and shared BBQ facilities. In addition, a cold water bush shower is considered quite a luxury. But, camping experiences like these are often the most memorable, with bush camping in the Grampians truly wonderful. It’s not so much the facilities that make the trip, but the natural surroundings. And in the Grampians, they’re second to none.

As the campgrounds are managed by Parks Victoria, you should always check their website for any booking conditions, updated fees or unexpected closures. Annoyingly, closures do happen. In fact, the majority of Grampians camping sites listed in this guide require prior booking. But, there are also a couple of campsites listed which require no booking and are free to stay at in the Grampians. Happy days!

Additionally, aside from Plantation Campground and Campground Lonsdale, dogs are not allowed at Grampians camping sites. Also, all rubbish should be taken with you. There are generally no places to discard litter at these camping spots in the Grampians, keeping them as natural as possible. So, leave no trace and all that.

Many of the below Grampians camping sites have fire pits. But, you should remember to bring your own firewood, as it’s not permitted to forage for wood within the Grampians National Park. Additionally, all sites are unpowered. So, they’re a great place to unplug for a night or two.

About Grampians Campsites

Before jumping into the top 14 Grampians campsites, below, you’ll find quick links to camping spots based on certain requirements. These include campsites with bush showers, Grampians campsites that are free and campgrounds that are tent-only.

• Free camping in the Grampians: Kalymna Falls Campground, Plantation Campground, Wannon Crossing Campground, Campground Lonsdale
• Best camping in the Grampians: Plantation Campground, Smiths Mill Campground, Boreang Campground
• Grampians camping with bush showers: Plantation Campground, Smiths Mill Campground, Jimmy Creek Campground, Stapylton Campground
• Tent-only camping in the Grampians: Stony Creek Group Campground, Kalymna Falls Campground, First Wannon Remote Campground, Bugiga Hiker Camp, Wannon Crossing Campground, Strachans Campground

1. Boreang Campground

• Toilets
• Picnic area
• Fire pits
• BBQ
• Untreated water
• Tent and camper trailer
• Booking required

Boreang Campground is a spacious and well-maintained Grampians campsite. Camping facilities include fire pits, which are absolutely perfect for outdoor cooking and stargazing at night, as well as drop toilets and untreated water. The campground’s prime yet remote location in the Grampians offers fantastic access to hiking and biking trails, making it an adventurer’s paradise. Additionally, being away from the busier areas of the Grampians, camping amongst the woodlands at Boreang is the perfect outdoor getaway.

Nearby attractions: Reeds Lookout & The Balconies, Mackenzie Falls and Burrong Falls

Location: Phillip Island Track, Zumsteins VIC 3401, Australia

2. Borough Huts Campground

• Toilets
• Picnic area
• Fire pits
• BBQ
• Untreated water
• Tent, caravan and camper trailer
• Booking required

Borough Huts Campground is a great retreat for nature enthusiasts. Set in a serene environment, Borough Huts offers cozy campsites with fire pits, ideal for a tranquil getaway. Surrounded by pristine wilderness, this Grampians campground is a haven for hiking and wildlife spotting. Indeed, don’t be surprised to share your camping experience with the Grampian’s resident kangaroos and kookaburras. Sure, the amenities are basic, but you’ll have clean drop toilets and picnic tables.

As an easy-to-reach camping spot in Halls Gap, Grampians, Borough Huts Campground accommodates 30 tent sites, with a maximum of 6 people per pitch, and 5 camper/caravan pitches.

Nearby attractions: Mount Rosea Loop, Mount William and Silverband Falls

Location: Grampians Rd, Bellfield VIC 3381, Australia

3. Stony Creek Group Campground

• Toilets
• Picnic/communal area
• Fire pit
• BBQ
• Untreated water
• Tent
• Booking required

The Stony Creek Group Campground is a spacious campsite accommodating large groups with ease. In fact, Stony Creek Campground is exclusively for group bookings only, so staying here involves having the entire site to yourself. However, group sizes are limited to 16 people. The campground offers designated fire pits, a communal area, as well as ample room for outdoor fun. Certainly, you’ll enjoy direct access to some awesome Grampian walking trails whilst having scenic views, making it a hiker’s paradise.

The entrance to Stony Creek Campground is gated, so, you’ll need to collect the keys for camping from Brambuk Cultural Centre in Halls Gap. Additionally, the access road to the campground, along Stony Creek Road, is really only 4WD accessible.

Nearby attractions: The Pinnacle Lookout, Mt Rosea and Silverband Falls

Location: Stony Creek Rd, Bellfield VIC 3381, Australia

4. Kalymna Falls Campground

• Toilets
• Picnic area
• Fire pit
• BBQ
• Untreated water
• Tent
• Free, no booking required

Kalymna Falls Campground offers a picturesque and quiet retreat for nature lovers. Nestled in a tranquil setting, Kalymna Falls Campground provides well-spaced campsites and fire pits for a delightful time camping in the Grampians. The nearby Kalymna Falls trail is a popular walk from this Grampians campsite.

Amenities are basic but sufficient at this small tent-only camping spot in the Grampians. The small car park means it’s possible to drive here, but you can’t park directly at your pitch. In addition, there are only five available platforms for camping. So, it’s one of the Grampians’ smaller campgrounds.

Nearby attractions: Mount William and Kalymna Falls

Location: Mount William Picnic Ground Rd, Pomonal VIC 3381, Australia

Read more: 15 Best Hikes In The Grampians – The Complete Guide

5. Plantation Campground

• Toilets
• Bush shower
• Picnic area
• Fire pit
• BBQ
• Untreated water
• Tent, caravan and camper trailer
• Dogs allowed
• Free, no booking required

North of Halls Gap in the Grampians is Plantation Campground. Certainly, this is a nature lover’s paradise and an all-round fantastic camping spot. Situated in a tranquil environment, it offers spacious campsites and fire pits for a perfect outdoor experience. Also, surrounded by lush greenery and the Mount Difficult Range, camping at Plantation Campground is an ideal base for exploring walking trails and wildlife in the Grampians.

The basic yet more than adequate amenities include clean toilets and a water tap. Although, the water is non-drinkable, so bring your own for cooking and drinking. There are around 30 pitches for tents, campers and caravans. But, bear in mind, camping at Plantation Campground in the Grampians is on a first come first served basis, and as one of the only free camping sites around Halls Gap, is a popular place to stay.

Nearby attractions: Boroka Lookout, Venus Baths and Chatauqua Peak

Location: Mt Zero Rd, Halls Gap VIC 3381, Australia

6. Smiths Mill Campground

• Toilets
• Bush shower
• Picnic area
• Fire pit
• BBQ
• Untreated water
• Tent, caravan and camper trailer
• Booking required

Smiths Mill Campground is the perfect gateway to your outdoor Grampians adventure. Nestled in pristine woodland on the site of an old saw mill, this Grampians camping spot offers well-maintained facilities such as toilets, bush showers and fire pits. Certainly, you’re in for a wonderful night immersed in nature at Smiths Mill Campground.

There’s nearby access to some of the Grampians’ top attractions including epic hiking trails and beautiful waterfalls. Indeed, it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. In fact, many of the guests staying here take to the Mackenzie River for a quick dip. Oh, and be sure to keep a lookout for a few friendly emus walking by.

There are 28 tent pitches and 5 camper/caravan spots, with convenient parking available at each individual pitch.

Nearby attractions: Mackenzie Falls, Reeds Lookout & The Balconies and Boroka Lookout

Location: Old Mill Rd, Zumsteins VIC 3401, Australia

7. First Wannon Remote Campground

• Toilet (infrequently serviced)
• Camping area
• Tent
• Booking required

First Wannon Remote Campground is just that, remote. For overnight hikers and nature enthusiasts, this Grampians camping location is an idyllic haven. Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of the Major Mitchel Plateau, First Wannon Remote Campground offers a secluded campsite with a single drop toilet and camping area large enough for just 16 people.

Of course, the campground’s remote location in the Grampians provides a serene escape, perfect for stargazing and reconnecting with the natural world. And, for those looking to unplug for the night, this camping spot, south of Halls Gap, is a real must and a truly wonderful experience. Be sure to enjoy views of the Mount William and Serra Ranges at this quiet campsite.

Nearby attractions: Mount William, Kalymna Falls and Silverband Falls

Location: Major Mitchell Plateau, Track, Pomonal VIC 3379, Australia

8. Bugiga Hiker Camp

• Toilets
• Picnic shelter
• Untreated water
• Tent
• Booking required

Bugiga Hiker Camp is a secluded camping oasis along Silverband Road, a little south of Halls Gap, Grampians. For avid outdoor adventurers, this remote and untouched wilderness is a great place to pitch the tent and spend the night. Bugiga Hiker Camp offers 12 serene campsites with essential facilities such as toilets and a communal picnic shelter.

This hidden gem is a hiker’s dream, with direct access to challenging trails and breathtaking vistas like the Grampians Pinnacle and Mount Rosea. Leave your car at the Sundial Car Park and embrace the solitude and natural splendour of Bugiga Hiker Camp. Additionally, there are USB ports in the communal shelter – perfect if you’re nearing the final sections of the Grampians Peaks trail and require a little extra phone juice.

Nearby attractions: Mount Rosea Loop, Silverband Falls and Pinnacle Lookout

Location: Silverband Rd, Bellfield VIC 3381, Australia

Read more: 12 Must-See Grampians Waterfalls – The Complete Guide

9. Jimmy Creek Campground

• Toilets
• Picnic area
• BBQ
• Fire pits
• Untreated water
• Bush shower
• Tent, caravan and camper trailer
• Booking required

Jimmy Creek Campground is nestled between Halls Gap and Dunkeld. This Grampians camping spot offers roomy sites for outdoor enthusiasts. You can explore nearby hiking trails in the southern part of the Grampians, as well as enjoy the local wildlife, with the odd kangaroo coming to check out your camping setup. Certainly, you’ll experience the beauty of the Grampians wilderness with the ease and charm of Jimmy Creek Campground as your camping base.

Jimmy Creek Campground has 13 tent sites, 4 drive-in sites for caravans and 4 drive-in sites for camper trailers.

Nearby attractions: Mount William and Mount Abrupt

Location: Grampians Rd, Mafeking VIC 3379, Australia

10. Wannon Crossing Campground

• Toilets
• Picnic area
• BBQ
• Fire pits
• Untreated water
• Tent
• Free, no booking required

A little south of Jimmy Creek is Wannon Crossing Campground. This Grampians camping spot is nestled in a picturesque setting alongside the Wannon River, beckoning nature lovers with spacious campsites complete with beautiful mountain backdrops. Nearby, you can certainly take to the many hiking trails the Grampians are known for. Also, hopefully, you’ll be lucky enough to experience some wildlife encounters and truly immerse yourself in Grampians life.

Nearby attractions: Mount Abrupt, Mount Sturgeon and Piccaninny

Location: Mafeking VIC 3379, Australia

11. Strachans Campground

• Toilets
• Picnic area
• Fire pit
• Untreated water
• Tent
• Booking required

Strachans Campground offers a captivating and secluded camping experience. Situated amid scenic beauty, it boasts a spacious campsite and essential facilities, including toilets and untreated water.

The prime draw of this Grampians camping spot is its proximity to hiking trails and historical wonders. Truly, hiking the Chimney Pots is an unforgettable experience. Additionally, close by are the Billimina and Manja rock art shelters. Camping at Strachans is a wonderful place to immerse yourself in the great Grampians outdoors.

Nearby attractions: Chimney Pots

Location: Sawmill Track, Grampians VIC 3314, Australia

12. Stapylton Campground

• Toilets
• Picnic area
• BBQ
• Fire pits
• Bush shower
• Untreated water
• Tent, caravan and camper trailer
• Booking required

Stapylton Campground is the best Grampians camping spot for exploring the northern reaches of the national park. Indeed, outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate its exceptional features and wonderful location. Set amidst breathtaking landscapes, Stapylton Campground provides generous campsites for 7 tents and 6 camper trailers/caravans. Additionally, there are 6 group sites available.

But what truly sets Stapylton Campground apart is its direct access to captivating Grampians hiking trails and incredible rock formations. Camp at Stapylton to savour nature’s beauty, challenge yourself with thrilling hikes, and experience a memorable adventure in the heart of the wilderness.

Nearby attractions: Hollow Mountain, Mount Stapylton and Mount Zero

Location: Olive Plantation Rd, Laharum VIC 3401, Australia

13. Buandik Campground

• Toilets
• Picnic shelter
• Untreated water
• Tent, caravan and camper trailer
• Booking required

Buandik Campground is a nature lover’s haven. Secluded and quiet, this Grampians camping site is surrounded by stunning scenery in the southern reaches of the national park. Buandik Campground offers spacious campsites and essential amenities, including toilets and picnic facilities. Its standout feature is its proximity to iconic hiking trails and unique geological formations. Choose Buandik for an unforgettable camping experience in the Grampians, where you can embrace nature’s wonders, explore rugged terrains, and bask in the beauty of the great outdoors.

Nearby attractions: Chimney Pots, Billimina Shelter and Manja Shelter

Location: Goat Track, Glenisla VIC 3314, Australia

14. Campground Lonsdale

• Toilets
• Picnic area
• Fire pits
• Untreated water
• Tent, caravan, camper trailer
• Dogs allowed
• Free, no booking required

Campground Lonsdale is the perfect retreat for those seeking natural beauty and relaxation. Located on the shore of Lake Lonsdale is a picturesque campsite setting. Camping in the Grampians never looked so good. This Grampians campsite provides spacious pitches and clean but basic amenities like toilets and untreated water. Certainly, its main allure lies in its proximity to the serene lake, epic hikes and fantastic waterfalls like Gar Falls.

If you love watersports, be sure to check out nearby Lake Bellfield and Lake Fyans too.

Nearby attractions: Beehive Falls & Briggs Bluff and Mount Difficult

Location: Lake Lonsdale VIC 3381, Australia

Read more: 5 Best Caravan Parks in Halls Gap For A Memorable Grampians Trip

Useful Things to Know Before Camping in the Grampians

So, now you know which campsites to stay at on your Grampians adventure, let’s look at some useful things to know before you go.

Where Is the Grampians National Park?

The Grampians National Park is located in western Victoria, Australia. The closest sizeable towns are Hamilton and Dunkeld to the south, Ararat to the east and Horsham to the north.

You can check out the location of the Grampians National Park on Google Maps here.

How to Get to the Grampians & Its Campsites

Certainly, the best way to reach the Grampians National Park and any of these campsites is with your own set of wheels. In fact, you’ll struggle to get to most of these campsites in the Grampians without your own vehicle.

To find out more about renting a car with Discover Cars, read our Discover Cars review and Discover Cars Insurance review.

The Grampians lie around 250km west of Melbourne and take around three hours to drive to. You’ll take the Western Highway all the way to Ararat, before joining the C222 Ararat-Halls Gap Road straight through to Halls Gap and the Grampians. Certainly, it’s a very straightforward journey.

Best Time For Camping in the Grampians

The Grampians National Park can be visited at any time of year. Dan and I actually went camping in the Grampians in the winter and had a great time. So, if you can withstand some chilly nights under the canvas, we highly recommend it. As well as enjoying beautiful starry nights you don’t need to wait up for, the Grampians hiking trails are much quieter and the seasonal waterfalls are generally flowing.

But, summer brings warmer days. Certainly, these are perfect for some wild swimming. And of course, sitting out enjoying a warm evening at any of these Grampians campsites is a wonderful experience. Camping in the Grampians will be a busier experience, but sometimes the jovial atmosphere and camaraderie of a busy campsite can elevate a camping experience.

What to Pack For Camping in the Grampians

Assuming you’ll be hitting the trails, you’ll definitely want to take some hiking gear to the Grampians!

To find out more about all of the gear that we use and recommend, read our guides about our favourite hiking gear, travel gear and camera gear. Otherwise, read our comprehensive travel packing checklist.

Alternatives to Camping in the Grampians

Of course, you might not want to spend your entire Grampians trip remote/wild camping around the national park. We get it. So, if that’s the case, you’ll be looking for a little more comfort. Of course, that might include staying at a Grampians Caravan Park or hotel.

So, below is our pick of the best budget, mid-range and luxury accommodation options in the Grampians, as a great alternative to camping.

Grampians Glamping

Of course, glamping in the Grampians redefines camping luxury in the heart of nature. Offering beautifully appointed glamping tents or cabins with modern comforts, glamping in the Grampians ensures a cozy and stylish experience.

Nestled amongst the stunning surroundings of the Grampians National Park, some excellent options include Wild Life Cabins Grampians, Grampians Glamping and Grampians Off Grid Glamping. They each provide access to pristine trails and wildlife encounters whilst certainly offering a unique blend of nature and comfort, making your outdoor adventure both relaxing and memorable.

Read more: Grampians Accommodation: Where To Stay & What To Book

Best Things to Do in the Grampians

• Visit Halls Gap: as the hub of the Grampians, there’s plenty to see and do in this small and friendly town. In fact, we listed 23 wonderful things to do in our Halls Gap guide.
• Go hiking: whether it’s a gentle short walk or something a little more challenging, there’s certainly a hiking trail to suit everybody in the Grampians. Read more here.
• Go waterfall chasing: yes, many of the waterfalls in the Grampians are seasonal. But, if you time your visit just right, you’ll see a wonderful bunch of cascades. Read about some of the best waterfalls in the Grampians here.
• Aboriginal Rock Art: the Grampians contain 90% of the Aboriginal rock art discovered in the state of Victoria. So, there’s plenty to admire. Head to Billimina, Manja and Gulgurn Manja Rock Art Shelters.
• Rock climbing: understandably, the Grampians is considered by many as a world-class rock-climbing mecca. And, once you’ve seen some of the outstanding rock formations here, you’ll understand why.

Grampians Camping Bonus Tips

• Supplies: pick up food, water and other supplies in Halls Gap.
• Fuel: fill up on fuel in Halls Gap, Ararat, Hamilton and Stawell.
• Information Centre: head to the Halls Gap Visitor Information Centre for ideas, tips and additional information on Grampians attractions and things to do.

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We acknowledge and respect the First Nations people as the Traditional Custodians of the land/water that we visited and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.