The Best Guide to Camping in The Grampians This 2025
Looking for the best spots to go camping in the Grampians?
If you have yet to explore Grampians National Park, also known as Gariwerd, you’re missing out on one of Australia’s most captivating natural landscapes.
Situated in West Victoria, the park is just a three-hour (260km) drive from Melbourne and a five-hour (460km) drive from Adelaide.
It’s easily accessible from Halls Gap and Dunkeld and close to regional towns like Hamilton, Horsham, Stawell, and Ararat.
The Grampians Campground offers an unparalleled camping experience against dramatic mountain ranges, rich biodiversity, and significant Aboriginal art sites.
8 Best Camping Spots in Grampians National Park
With over 168,000 hectares, this expansive park boasts breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife, and fascinating geological formations.
If you’re keen to experience camping at Grampians National Park, you’ll be spoilt for choice with the range of available campsites.
From family-friendly campgrounds to secluded backcountry spots, a camping option suits every taste and budget.
Let’s look at some of the best Grampians camping sites.
1. Plantation Campground
Plantation Campground Halls Gap is a unique camping spot on the eastern edge of the Mount Difficult Range in Grampians National Park.
This campground is set among the old Radiata Pine Plantation, an ideal gateway to exploring the northern Grampians.
The site offers basic facilities, including a car park and toilets, making it a convenient option for camping at Halls Gap. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash.
This Halls Gap Campground is one of the free campsites in the Grampians. It serves as a good base for various outdoor activities, ensuring that visitors can fully immerse themselves in the Grampians’ natural beauty and cultural richness.
Cost: Free
Amenities: Non-flush toilets, shower block, picnic tables, fire pits, car park
Location: Mt Zero Road, Halls Gap VIC 3381
2. Wannon Crossing Campground
Wannon Crossing Campground is a serene spot by the Wannon River and a well-equipped camping area.
In addition to basic amenities like toilets and a car park, the site offers fire pits with barbecue plates and picnic tables.
There’s also a water tank, although the water isn’t suitable for drinking.
This is one of the Grampians’ free camping experiences. It has six tent campsites with adjacent parking and one drive-in site for larger setups like camper trailers and caravans.
It’s worth mentioning that no bookings or fees are required, but dogs aren’t allowed.
This camping spot in the Grampians is 35 km from Halls Gap and offers easy access to walks in the Southern Grampians and the Victoria Valley.
Cost: Free
Location: Grampians Road, Mafeking VIC 3379
Amenities: Non-flush Toilets, picnic tables, fire pits
3. Stapylton Campground
Stapylton Campground is in open woodlands with views of Mount Stapylton and Mount Zero.
The site offers facilities like non-flushing toilets, picnic tables, and showers.
It’s also wheelchair accessible and provides short walks and wildlife viewing opportunities.
The campground is a starting point for the Mount Stapylton Loop Walk and is near the Ngamadjidj Shelter, which offers insights into the region’s rich Aboriginal history.
It’s a three-hour drive from Melbourne and can be reached via Wonwondah-Dadswell Bridge Road. Booking is required, and no pets are allowed.
Remember, though, that this is one of the Grampians campsites with specific fees and cancellation policies and may have seasonal road closures.
Cost: $14.70 per night
Location: Olive Plantation Road, Laharum VIC 3401
Amenities: Non-flush Toilets, picnic tables, fire pits, shower, wheelchair access
4. Jimmy Creek Campground
Jimmy Creek Campground is nestled in native bushland next to the Wannon River.
The site is equipped with non-flushing toilets, picnic tables, and showers.
It’s a great spot for day walks and wildlife viewing and has barbecue facilities, making it one of the best Grampians campsites!
The campground is halfway between Halls Gap and Dunkeld, accessible via Grampians Road.
Note that booking is essential, and there are specific cancellation policies to be aware of.
Seasonal road closures may also affect access to this Grampians campground.
Cost: $14.70 per night
Location: Grampians Road, Mafeking VIC 3379
Amenities: Non-flush toilets, picnic tables, barbecue, shower
5. Smiths Mill Campground
Smiths Mill Campground is in a woodland setting just 1 km from popular attractions like Mackenzie Falls, Boroka Lookout, Reeds Lookout, and Zumsteins Picnic Area.
This Grampians campground offers 28 tent-based sites with adjacent vehicle parking and five drive-in sites suitable for camper trailers, caravans, and campervans.
Each site is unpowered and can accommodate up to six people. Basic amenities include non-flush toilets, a bush shower, and shared fire pits.
The campground is best accessed via Wartook Rd. (C228) or the non-sealed Old Mill Road. Booking is required, and there are specific cancellation policies to consider.
Cost: $14.70 per night
Location: 736 Old Mill Rd, Zumsteins VIC 3401
Amenities: Non-flush toilets, picnic tables, barbecue, shower
6. Borough Huts Campground
Borough Huts Campground is a tranquil spot just a short drive from Halls Gap, ideal for large groups.
This Halls Gap camping site is set against the backdrop of Fyans Creek and offers various activities, such as canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.
It’s also a great starting point for hiking up Mount Rosea, which offers stunning views of the Grampians’ rugged landscapes.
Basic facilities like picnic tables and non-flushing toilets are available.
The campground is about 10 km south of Halls Gap. It can be reached from Melbourne by following the Western Freeway to Ararat and then taking the Ararat-Halls Gap Road.
There are specific cancellation policies, and seasonal road closures may affect access.
Cost: $14.70 per night
Location: Grampians Rd, Bellfield VIC 3381
Amenities: Non-flush toilets, picnic tables, bays, lakes & rivers
7. Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park
Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park is not just a place to stay; it’s an experience.
Located next to Lake Bellfield’s dam wall, the park offers a scenic “after-dinner walk” on the flat surface of the dam wall, which is about 800 meters long, which will surely make your camping Grampians experience unforgettable.
The lake is a hub for recreational activities like fishing, canoeing, and swimming during the warmer months.
Powerboats and jet skis aren’t allowed, ensuring a peaceful, nature-based experience.
The park offers large, grassy-powered sites, most of which have sullage and water facilities. There’s also a dump point.
If you’re after a more rustic experience, the park’s unpowered sites are more like bush camping but with modern facilities.
The staff are happy to help you pick the perfect large, grassy spot for your stay.
Like the powered sites, campfires are allowed, and you can get a fire drum and wood delivered for a small fee.
Cost: Unpowered site is $36 per night
Location: 23-27 Tymna Drive Halls Gap Vic 3381
Amenities: Campfires, heated pool, wifi, playground, shared amenities
8. Halls Gap Holiday Park
NRMA Halls Gap Holiday Park is a versatile camping and holiday destination set in the heart of the Grampians in Victoria.
The park offers a range of accommodation options, from cabins and villas to caravans and campsites.
Amenities include a heated pool, sauna, electric vehicle charging ports, and a Bear Grylls Survival Academy for kids.
The park also features a pump track for scooters and bikes. It’s located just 2km from Halls Gap, the gateway town to the Grampians National Park, making it a convenient base for exploring the surrounding natural beauty.
The area includes rock climbing, abseiling, hiking, and more. The park is three hours from Melbourne and five-and-a-half-hour from Adelaide.
Cost: Unpowered site – $39 per night
Location: Grampians Rd, Bellfield VIC 3381
Amenities: Swimming pool, barbecue, firepit, playground, camp kitchen, bouncing pillow
The Grampians Camping Map
Embark quickly on a camping journey through the Grampians using my detailed camping map.
I’ve pinpointed all the top camping locations, from Grampians free camping experiences to luxurious Grampians camping spots, ensuring you won’t miss any prime spots to pitch your tent.
This map is your guide to the Grampians, leading you through the natural wonders and campgrounds that make this region a camper’s haven.
How to Get to The Grampians
Getting around the Grampians is part of the adventure, with scenic drives, well-marked trails, and local tours that glimpse this area’s soul.
From the convenience of tour buses to the freedom of a personal car, there’s a mode of transport to suit every traveller’s desire to explore.
By Car 🚗
The Grampians is easily accessible by car, with well-maintained highways connecting it to various cities.
It’s about a 3-hour drive from Melbourne to Halls Gap, the gateway to the Grampians. If you’re coming from Adelaide, you can reach Horsham in approximately 4.5 hours.
The region is also accessible from the Great Ocean Road, with Dunkeld just a 2-hour drive from the Twelve Apostles.
By Public Transport 🚍
Public transport options include train services to Ararat, Horsham, and Stawell. These train services connect Melbourne and Adelaide.
Various coaches and tour operators offer transport from Melbourne, and local tour operators can help you explore the region’s attractions.
By Air ✈️
The nearest airports are Tullamarine International Airport in Melbourne and Avalon Airport.
You can opt for car rentals or public transport to reach the Grampians.
Understanding Camping Rates
When planning your ultimate camping Grampians trip, it’s crucial to understand the various camping rates to budget your adventure effectively. Rates can vary depending on several factors:
⛺ Type of Campsite
- Powered Sites: These sites offer electrical hookups and are generally more expensive. They’re ideal for those with caravans or motorhomes that require electricity.
- Unpowered Sites: These are basic sites without electrical hookups, usually cheaper and offer a more “back-to-basics” camping experience.
⛺ Seasonality
- Peak Season: Rates can increase during holidays and weekends, especially in the summer, due to high demand.
- Off-Peak Season: You’ll find cheaper rates during weekdays or outside holiday periods.
⛺ Amenities
- Basic Amenities: Campgrounds with just the essentials like toilets and fire pits usually cost less.
- Luxury Amenities: Some campgrounds offer extra amenities like heated pools, saunas, or individual bathrooms, which can add to the cost.
⛺ Booking Fees
Some campgrounds charge a one-time booking fee in addition to the nightly rate. Always check if this is the case to avoid surprises.
⛺ Additional Costs
- Firewood: Some campgrounds charge extra for firewood or fire pits.
- Activity Fees: There will be additional costs if the campground offers special activities or rentals, such as canoes or bikes.
Tips When Camping in The Grampians
Camping Grampians can be serene or exhilarating. It’s important to prepare to ensure your trip is memorable for all the right reasons.
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your camping adventure in this stunning part of Australia:
🛑 Protect the National Park
✅ Don’t feed the wildlife; they should stay wild.
✅ Always take your rubbish with you when you leave.
✅ Only use campfires in the designated steel fireplaces or opt for a fuel stove.
✅ Keep the noise level down after 10 p.m. to respect other campers.
✅ Hunting, firearms, generators, and chainsaws are strictly prohibited.
✅ Pets are not allowed in the park.
✅ If you’re planning to use a drone, make sure to get a permit first.
🛑 Safety First
✅ In case of an emergency, dial triple zero (000).
✅ Stay behind barriers at lookouts; your safety is more important than a photo.
✅ Be aware that mobile phone coverage can be spotty.
✅ Always check for any park closures or road conditions before you go.
✅ Carry a reliable map with plenty of water and food.
✅ Wear sturdy shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and bring a small first-aid kit.
✅ Plan your activities so you can return before it gets dark.
🛑 Be Prepared for Fires
✅ In a fire emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
✅ If you see a green emergency marker, read the information to the operator.
✅ The Grampians National Park is in the Wimmera and South West fire districts, so it’s crucial to know the weather conditions during bushfires.
Grampians National Park Camping FAQs
Can you camp anywhere in the Grampians?
No, you cannot camp anywhere in the Grampians National Park. Camping is only permitted in designated camping areas, which are managed by Parks Victoria.
Camping without a permit is also not allowed, and penalties may apply for those who break these rules.
How to book a campsite in the Grampians?
You can book a campsite in the Grampians National Park through the Parks Victoria website or by calling their customer service centre on 13 19 63.
How many days should you spend in the Grampians?
A stay of at least three days is recommended to truly appreciate the Grampians’ natural beauty and enjoy its walks, wildlife, and cultural sites.
This allows for a full exploration of the park’s diverse landscapes and ample time for adventure and relaxation.
What is the best time to visit Grampians National Park?
The optimal periods to visit Grampians National Park are during the shoulder seasons of spring, from September to November, and autumn, from March to May.
These months offer pleasant weather for hiking and wildlife spotting, and the park is less crowded, making it perfect for enjoying the natural swimming holes.
The Wrap-Up: Camping in the Grampians
To sum up, discovering the best camping spots in the Grampians is an essential Australian adventure.
Whether you’re seeking the thrill of a hike, the peace of a starlit sky, or the joy of wildlife encounters, these campsites offer it all.
Remember, the ideal times to pitch your tent are during the spring and autumn months when the beauty of the Grampians truly comes to life.
With your Grampians camping trip planned, why not explore further?
Head over to my post on ‘Things to Do in the Grampians‘ to enrich your itinerary and ensure your visit is as memorable as the stunning landscape.
