Victoria parks camping: hire van & explore today

Don't wait for summer to start your adventure! Parks Victoria has just announced free camping across all Victorian National Parks until June 2025, and savvy travellers are already securing their spots. Combine this great offer with an affordable van hire from Camplify.

Last updated: November 2024

Looking for an affordable summer escape? Here's groundbreaking news: Parks Victoria is now offering free camping** **until June 30th, 2025. This amazing opportunity comes at a time when we all need it most. Even better - if you've already booked, you'll be reimbursed for any bookings made before December 1st, 2024.

With living costs soaring, this free camping in all Parks Victoria initiative opens up a world of adventure. Combine this with an affordable caravan, campervan and motorhom hire from Camplify, Australia's largest van-sharing platform , and you've got the perfect budget-friendly escape.

Connect with local van owners in Melbourne to start your free camping VIC journey

As Australia's leading van-sharing platform , Camplify connects you directly with local van owners offering the perfect caravan , campervan or motorhome for your free camping adventure. Instead of expensive traditional rentals, hire directly from Melbourne locals at more affordable rates. Browse Melbourne's available vans here or discover how our van-sharing platform works. Not living in Melbourne? Find an owner nearby.

Think about it: by hiring a fully-equipped van from a local van owner and taking advantage of free camping in Victorian National Parks , you're looking at one of the most cost-effective ways to explore Victoria's stunning landscapes. No expensive hotel rooms, no restaurant bills – just you, your comfortable home on wheels , and the great outdoors.

Ready to save even more? Book a van on Camplify this November and save $100 on your hire! Just enter the promo code TAKE100 at checkout for an instant discount on your camping adventure. Valid for November bookings only.

Best free camping spots in Victorian National Parks

To help you make the most of this unprecedented free camping opportunity, we've created the ultimate guide to Parks Victoria's campgrounds. Each destination has been carefully selected based on van accessibility, amenities, and overall experience. We've organised them by distance from Melbourne, making it easy to plan anything from a quick weekend getaway to an extended adventure in your hired van.

1. Blanket Bay Campground - Great Otway National Park

Blanket Bay is a dream for Camplify hirers seeking a beachside escape without challenging access roads. Located in the coastal section of Great Otway National Park, the Blanket Bay Campground layout allows you to position your van to capture cooling sea breezes , and the firm ground means no concerns about bogging even after summer rain. The Blanket Bay Campground offers 22 unpowered sites that accommodate up to six people each. While the campground is unsuitable for caravans, it's perfect for compact campervans and camper trailers. The nearby general store means you don't need to overload your van's fridge before arrival.

Van-friendly features:

• 200 kilometres from Melbourne (3 hours)

• Wide turning circles for easier parking

• Firm, level sites suitable for all van types

• Beach access straight from your site

Camplify member insight: "Book sites 1-8 for easiest access. They're perfect for setting up your van's awning with ocean views."

2. Tidal River Campground - Wilsons Promontory National Park

If you're hiring a larger Camplify van or motorhome , Tidal River in Wilsons Promontory National Park is your perfect destination. The Tidal River Campground is designed for bigger rigs, with drive-through sites and excellent amenities that mean you can conserve your van's resources. Power hookups let you run air conditioning without worrying about battery life, and the sealed roads throughout mean your rental vehicle stays clean and safe.

Ideal for larger rentals:

• 225 kilometres from Melbourne (3 hours)

• Drive-through sites available

• Powered options for air conditioning

• Dump point on-site for longer stays

• Full mobile coverage for staying connected

Local Camplify owner tip: "The powered sites near the camp kitchen are perfect for longer stays. Your motorhome or caravan will have plenty of room to manoeuvre."

3. Borough Huts Campground - Grampians National Park

The Grampians National Park (Gariwerd) offers Camplify travellers the perfect blend of comfort and adventure. The Borough Huts Campground features extra-wide sites ideal for first-time van hirers still mastering parking. The campground's location puts you just minutes from Halls Gap's cafes and shops, meaning you can pack light in your rental van. The sealed road access makes this perfect for those hiring a larger motorhome or caravan.

Perfect for your van hire:

• 260 kilometres from Melbourne (3 hours)

• Spacious sites for easy parking

• Close to town amenities

• Flat, firm ground for stabilisers

• Year-round access for all van types

Camplify van selection tip: "Choose a van with good internal storage - you'll want to pack hiking gear for the Grampians trails."

4. Lake Catani Campground - Mount Buffalo National Park

Lake Catani is a summer favourite among Camplify hirers seeking to escape the heat in Mount Buffalo National Park. The Lake Catani Campground was recently upgraded with larger vehicles in mind, making it perfect for your rental motorhome or caravan. The high-altitude location means your van's air conditioning gets a break, and the well-maintained roads are suitable for all experience levels.

Van-friendly highlights:

• 320 kilometres from Melbourne (3.5 hours)

• Cool mountain climate saves on air conditioning

• Modern amenities block

• Spacious sites for awning setup

• Good phone coverage for van hire support

Experienced Camplify owner insight: "Pack your van's winter bedding even in summer - nights can be cool and refreshing."

5. Sheepyard Flat Campground - Alpine National Park

Sheepyard Flat is a gem for Camplify members who've mastered their van skills. Located in the beautiful Alpine National Park, the Sheepyard Flat Campground offers a riverside location with natural air conditioning, and the large, flat sites make positioning your rental van a breeze. The campground features plenty of shaded spots where you can extend your awning and set up the perfect outdoor living space.

Ideal for van life:

• 210km from Melbourne (3 hours)

• Riverside sites with natural cooling

• Plenty of space between sites

• Easy access to swimming spots

• Firm ground for all weather conditions

Camplify pro tip:"The river-facing sites are perfect for larger vans , with room for your outdoor setup."

6. Lake Mournpall Camping Area - Hattah-Kulkyne National Park

For experienced Camplify hirers ready for an outback adventure, Lake Mournpall within Hattah-Kulkyne National Park delivers an unforgettable experience. The Lake Mournpall Camping Area caters to all van sizes, with extra-large sites perfect for motorhomes with slideouts. The firm ground means you can confidently position your rental van even in summer conditions.

Perfect for adventurous hirers:

• 470 kilometres from Melbourne (5 hours)

• No size restrictions on vans

• Waterfront positions available

• Outback camping experience

• Excellent solar charging conditions

Camplify member recommendation: "Book a van with good solar setup and large water tanks - perfect for extended stays."

7. Parker River Campground - Great Otway National Park

Parker River is ideal for Camplify hirers with smaller vans seeking a coastal forest experience. Nestled within the Great Otway National Park, the Parker Hill Campground offers a true escape, while still being accessible for most rental vehicles. The coastal location means pleasant temperatures, reducing your need for air conditioning.

Ideal for compact vans:

• 240 kilometres from Melbourne (3.5 hours)

• Cosy forest setting

• Natural shade for van cooling

• Close to beaches

• Protected sites for comfortable sleeping

Camplify member tip: "Perfect for compact campervans - the smaller sites feel private and cosy."

Ready to start your free camping adventure in Victoria?

Don't miss this unprecedented opportunity to explore Victoria's natural wonders without paying camping fees. The combination of Camplify's affordable vans and free camping creates the perfect chance for your summer escape.

1. Visit our RV search page or head over to our Melbourne or **Geelong**starting pages to find your perfect van

2. If this is the first time with us, learn more about how Camplify works

3. Request to book your van on Camplify. Want faster booking? Try vans with "Instant book" enabled.

4. Book your free campsite through Parks Victoria

5. Start planning your perfect escape from the city

Summer peak season is approaching fast, and with this free camping announcement , sites are filling quickly. Book your Camplify van today and secure your spot in these stunning Victorian national parks.