Free camping starts now

The Allan Labor Government is helping busy families and boosting regional tourism this summer by making camping free in every national park and state forest in Victoria.

Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos has announced the start of free camping season across all of Park Victoria’s 131 paid camping grounds – which has already put $2.1 million back into Victorian families’ pockets.

Since the announcement, there has been a 115 percent increase in Parks Victoria campsite bookings, as Victorians take advantage of the chance to stay and explore some of the state’s most iconic destinations from Wilsons Promontory to Lake Eildon.   

Free camping will run from 1 December until 30 June 2025 – with almost 100,000 nights of free camping already booked. 

“Busy families deserve a great holiday in our great outdoors – with 100,000 nights already booked we know Victorians will be making incredible memories in nature thanks to free camping.”

“We’re making camping accessible to every Victorian – it’s great for families, great for regional towns, great for businesses and great for local jobs,” Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos

More than 50 million people visit Victoria’s iconic state forests and national parks every year, for camping, hiking, fishing and hunting, four-wheel driving, trail bike riding, horse riding, birdwatching and many more outdoor activities.

In addition to free camping, the Labor Government’s $106.6 million investment in Victoria’s Great Outdoors has delivered 31 new and 60 upgraded campgrounds, as well as 155 upgraded four-wheel drive tracks and 16 walking tracks totalling 31 kilometres.

There are still plenty of free bookable campsites available in December and up to June 30.

To book a free camping site visit, parks.vic.gov.au.