Free Camping With Your Dog in Victoria (2026)
Good news if you’re planning a trip with your dog: you don’t have to leave them behind. Victoria has hundreds of free camping spots, especially in state forests, and dogs are generally welcome there.
There’s a catch, though. State forests, national parks, regional parks and individual reserves all play by different rules. A campsite that’s remote, outdoorsy or right next to a dog-friendly area isn’t automatically open to dogs.
If you’re watching your budget, state forests are the best place to start. Explore Outdoors Victoria counts more than 330 free campgrounds in them, and its current guidance says state-forest camping is generally free with no advance booking.
Below, I’ll cover where to look, which sites have solid official information right now, how the dog rules work, and what to check before you leave home.
One thing to keep in mind: fires, storms, environmental protection work, changes in land management and temporary closures can all shift the rules. Check the current official page for your campground just before you go.
The Short Answer
Head for Victorian state forests. Explore Outdoors Victoria says dogs can go into any state forest except Murrindindi Scenic Reserve, and they’re welcome at campgrounds as long as they’re on a leash or under your immediate control.
Parks Victoria also manages some dog-friendly campgrounds, but plenty of those charge a fee.
Pet Friendly Free Camping Sites Near Victoria 2026: Complete Rules & Top Spots
Here are some free options worth a look:
Camping area Dogs Cost Notes
- Buckland Valley campgrounds Yes Free Several river-area sites
- Blue Gum Flat Yes Free Lake Eildon area
- Stevensons Falls Yes Free Otways; tent camping
- Wail Campgrounds Yes Free Wimmera River area
- Chinamans Campground Yes Free Mt Cole State Forest
- Ah Youngs Campground Yes Free Buckland Valley
- Good Hope Flat Yes Free Buckland Valley
- New Chum Flat Yes Free Buckland Valley
The government campground pages currently list these sites as allowing dogs and/or charging no camping fees. Conditions change, so confirm the specific site before you travel.
The Best Free, Dog-Friendly Camping Areas
1. Buckland Valley State Forest
If I had to pick one area for free camping with a dog, this would be near the top. Explore Outdoors Victoria lists a whole string of campgrounds along the valley: Ah Youngs, Camp Flat, Shippens Flat, New Chum Flat, Leinster Flat, Good Hope Flat, Head-Race Flat, Yurluk and The Bend. According to the official information, they’re all free, none need a booking, and dogs are allowed.
It’s classic bush camping. The sites sit along the Buckland River in the forest, and you can fish, swim, bushwalk or go four-wheel driving.
What it has going for it:
Free camping and dogs welcome
Plenty of campgrounds to choose from
River access and a bush setting
Fishing and 4WD opportunities
Tent and camper-trailer options at some sites
Ah Youngs Campground has toilets, a fire pit, and room for tents, camper trailers and some high-clearance caravans. Good Hope Flat offers a grassy camping area with a toilet and fire pits. Boil the river water there before you drink it.
2. Blue Gum Flat, Lake Eildon Area
Blue Gum Flat sits beside Lake Eildon in the Delatite Arm Reserve. The current Explore Outdoors listing describes it as dog friendly, free, no booking required, suitable for camping, reachable in a 2WD, and popular for fishing and paddling.
Water is the thing to plan for. The listing says there’s no reliable supply, so bring your own. If you like lakeside camping and don’t mind being self-sufficient, it’s a good pick.
Pet Friendly Free Camping Sites Near Victoria 2026: Complete Rules & Top Spots3. Stevensons Falls
Stevensons Falls in the Otways is another great free spot. The current listing says dogs are allowed, there’s no fee and you don’t need to book.
There are 44 designated tent sites, along with toilets, picnic tables and wood-fired BBQs. You’ll find it near the Gelliband River, and you can walk to the falls.
It suits dog owners, families, waterfall fans, and anyone after a scenic overnight stop or some short walks. Note that the official information says it’s not suitable for caravans or camper trailers.
4. Aberfeldy Backroad Camping Areas
Aberfeldy isn’t a single campground. It’s a collection of free bush-camping locations along the Aberfeldy Backroad 4WD Tour: Meringtons Campground, Junction Hut, Jorgenson Hut, Little O’Tooles Campground, O’Tooles Campground, Goonans Hut and Store Point Hut. The official page lists the route as dog friendly and the camping as free.
This is territory for experienced campers and 4WD drivers. Store Point Hut is 4WD-only, with a toilet, fire pits and picnic tables. Junction Hut, also 4WD-accessible, is near where the Aberfeldy River meets Donnellys Creek. O’Tooles is a large campground along the route, again 4WD only.
Don’t mix this up with the Aberfeldy River Camping Area in Baw Baw National Park. Parks Victoria currently lists that one as no dogs. It’s a good reminder to check the exact campground, not just the region’s name.
5. Wail Campgrounds
Wail State Forest is another free choice. Explore Outdoors currently lists five campgrounds there, offering vehicle and tent camping, with several beside the Wimmera River.
The official listing says dogs are allowed, no booking is needed and there are no camping fees. You can fish, walk and trail bike, access is 2WD, and it’s family friendly. Sites are first come, first served, so get there early when it’s busy.
6. Chinamans Campground, Mt Cole State Forest
Chinamans is another free option for dog owners. The listing confirms dogs are allowed, no booking is needed and there’s no fee. It’s a roomy bush setting in Mt Cole State Forest.
It’s a good fit if you like bushwalking, horse riding, birdwatching or 4WD driving. According to the campground information, more than 130 bird species have been recorded in the forest.
7. Ah Youngs Campground
Ah Youngs belongs to the Buckland Valley network. It’s dog friendly, free, needs no booking, and is 2WD accessible. It suits tents and some caravans or camper trailers, and it has toilets and a fire pit. Native forest surrounds it, and the Buckland River is a short walk away.
8. Good Hope Flat
Another Buckland Valley site, Good Hope Flat has a large grassy camping area among eucalyptus trees, plus a toilet and fire pits. The official information says 2WD vehicles can get in during dry weather, though the road gets harder when it’s wet.
Cattle can wander through the area, so keep your dog under control around livestock.
9. New Chum Flat
New Chum Flat is also in Buckland Valley, with an open camping area and trees and vegetation between sites. That makes it a good choice for smaller groups who want a bit more privacy. Dogs are currently listed as allowed, and there’s no fee.
There’s no toilet here, so plan for that. The access road can get rough and slippery when it’s wet.
State Forests vs National Parks
Sort this out before you plan anything.
State forests give dog owners much more freedom. Explore Outdoors Victoria says dogs can go in every state forest except Murrindindi Scenic Reserve. Current guidance also says dogs can be off-leash in many areas, but when you’re camping or in a visitor area, they must be on a leash or under your control. Simplest approach: keep your dog on a lead around the campsite and facilities, and follow any signs.
National parks are a different story. Parks Victoria says dogs are generally not permitted, though there are specific exceptions. Some areas within national parks allow dogs under certain conditions, so don’t assume the words “national park” settle it either way. Check the exact park and location.
The main reason for the restrictions is wildlife protection. Parks Victoria explains that dogs can scare, injure or kill native animals, and even a leashed dog can change how wildlife behaves. So respect the restrictions even when a spot feels remote.
Dog Rules in State-Forest Camping
Keep your dog controlled. At a campsite or visitor area, your dog needs to be on a lead or under your immediate control. A dog that usually comes when called isn’t “under control.” If wildlife, livestock, another dog or a vehicle turns up, you need to be able to stop your dog right then.
Pick up after your dog. Explore Outdoors Victoria also gives specific guidance on disposing of dog waste away from campsites and waterways. Bring your own waste bags, because free bush camps usually offer fewer services than commercial caravan parks.
Protect wildlife. Don’t let your dog chase kangaroos, birds, wallabies, possums, livestock or other native animals. Even a playful chase can injure wildlife or put your dog at risk.
Campfires and Total Fire Bans
A fire pit doesn’t mean you can light it whenever you like. The CFA says campfires aren’t permitted on Total Fire Ban days, and restrictions can also vary by location and conditions. When fire danger is high, some parks and forests close entirely, so check current warnings and closures before you travel.
Before lighting a fire, check:
- Whether fires are allowed at the campground
- Current Fire Danger Period restrictions
- Whether a Total Fire Ban is in force
- Local campground signs
- Current closure information
- Weather and wind conditions
The CFA specifically advises against lighting a fire when winds are too strong. And never trust an old blog post that says “campfires allowed.”
Free Doesn’t Mean Fully Equipped
First-time free campers often expect caravan-park facilities. A free forest campground might have only a clearing, a fire pit, a basic toilet, a picnic table, river access and unsealed roads. Some have no reliable drinking water. Blue Gum Flat has none, and Good Hope Flat advises treating river water before drinking. Carry enough water for you and your dog.
What to Pack
For your dog:
- Strong lead, plus a spare
- Collar with ID
- Water bowl and plenty of drinking water
- Dog food
- Waste bags
- Dog towel
- Bedding
- Tick protection
- Basic dog first-aid supplies
For you:
- Tent, sleeping bag and sleeping mat
- Headlamp and power bank
- First-aid kit
- Drinking water, food and cooking equipment
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Navigation equipment
- Rubbish bags
Bushland safety: Victorian state forests can have snakes and ticks. Explore Outdoors warns dog owners about both and recommends checking your dog regularly after outdoor activities. If your dog shows signs of a snake bite or tick-related illness, get to a vet straight away.
Choosing the Right Site
The best campsite depends on the trip you want.
First-time dog campers should look for 2WD access, toilets, fairly open camping areas, nearby water where appropriate, and easy vehicle access. Buckland Valley sites like Ah Youngs fit well, since they pair basic facilities with easy access to outdoor activities.
Experienced bush campers can look at more remote options…
