Best Camping Spots Near Geelong

~48km (Approx. 45–50 mins via Anglesea Rd)

Deep forest immersion without the long-haul drive to Apollo Bay.

Nestled in the dry heathy forest of the northern Otways, Hammond Road is a haven for those who want that "deep bush" feeling. It’s quiet, rugged, and surrounded by ancient grass trees and towering gums. It’s the kind of place where the morning mist hangs heavy in the gullies, and you’re more likely to be woken by a kookaburra than a passing car.

Accessible by standard 2WD vehicles, but Hammonds Road is unsealed gravel, heavily corrugated, and can become slippery when wet.

Commode/composting non-flush toilets are available across both campground segments. No showers are provided.

There are 16 sites here, with several specifically designed for camper trailers and small caravans. While there is a small Parks Victoria booking fee, it’s a fraction of what you’d pay on the beachfront. You’ve got access to pit toilets and shared fire rings - perfect for a slow night under the stars.

This is a prime spot for wildlife photography. Keep an eye out for wallabies and the occasional koala in the manna gums. Since there’s no power, it’s the perfect place to let your 100Ah Lithium Battery do the heavy lifting for your lights and fridge. If you’d prefer to swap the forest canopy for a waterfront view without the salty price tag of the Great Ocean Road, heading west toward the lakes is your best bet.

• Main Campground (Sites 1–16): Standard fees typically range from $11.70 to $13.00 per night, per site (covers up to 6 people) depending on off-peak or peak seasonal rates. Note that an extra fee of ~$12.80 applies if you book via an operator over the phone instead of online.
• Hammonds Road North Section: 100% Free. No booking is possible; it operates purely on a first-come, first-served system.

You can view site maps and secure your space directly through the official Parks Victoria Hammonds Campground Page

Fully accessible by standard 2WD vehicles. Large, flat, grassy areas easily accommodate big rigs, caravans, motorhomes, and tents.

Flushing public restrooms available (wheelchair accessible).

This is an "all-rounder" site. Whether you’re in a swag, a rooftop tent, or a 20ft caravan, there’s plenty of room. It’s dog-friendly and features toilets and a boat ramp. If you’re into fishing or kayaking, you can launch right from the edge of your campsite.

Because it’s an open area, it can get a bit breezy. Make sure your awning, gazebo or camping gear is securely pegged and consider a windbreaker. It’s an ideal spot to deploy a portable solar blanket to soak up that unobstructed lakeside sun.

Free (Note: The Colac Otway Shire Councilrequires a free online permit if staying longer than 24 hours, up to a 14-day maximum).

~42km (Approx. 40 mins via Anakie Rd)

Tucked-away seclusion in a landscape of wildflowers and rocky ridges.

The Brisbane Ranges are famous for their unique geology and vibrant birdlife. Friday’s Campground is a smaller, more intimate spot that serves as a trailhead for some of the best hikes in the region, including the Burchell Trail. It’s rocky, wild, and incredibly peaceful.

Fully accessible by standard 2WD vehicles via Steiglitz-Durdidwarrah Road.

Wheelchair-accessible, non-flushing long-drop pit toilets on-site.

There are only 10 sites here, so it never feels crowded. Two sites are trailer-friendly, while the rest are perfect for tent or swag setups. It features pit toilets and communal fire pits. The proximity to Geelong is its biggest strength - you can finish work on a Friday and be sitting by the fire before the sun hits the horizon. The park is known for its incredible wildflower displays in spring. Even in the height of summer, the valley stays relatively cool. It’s a great spot to "unplug," as mobile reception can be spotty in the deeper gullies.

Paid booking required; prices are roughly $37.80 per night on weekends and slightly less during the week.

Advanced online bookings are mandatory via the Parks Victoria booking portal.

~65km (Approx. 50 mins via Midland Hwy)

Free dispersed camping in a historic gold-mining precinct.

Enfield State Park is a bit of a "local's secret." It’s a mix of open woodland and dense scrub with plenty of 4WD tracks crisscrossing the area. Surface Hill is a designated camping area that’s flat, accessible, and completely free.

Accessible via standard 2WD vehicles along gravel forestry roads (Misery Creek Road). Roads can become slippery or muddy after heavy rain

Basic non-flushing drop pit toilets are accessible via a short walking track.

This is real bush camping. There are basic toilets, but you’ll need to bring your own water and firewood. The area is steeped in history; you can still find evidence of old gold workings nearby. It’s pet-friendly, meaning you save on kennel fees, and there’s plenty of space to set up a larger "base camp" if you’re travelling with mates.

Completely free.

No bookings or permits required; sites operate entirely on a first-come, first-served basis.