Updated on December 5, 2025
Camping & Caravan Parks in The Dandenongs
Finding a campground in the Dandenong Ranges would be a bonus when visiting the area; sadly, though, we do not have any campgrounds or caravan parks actually within the Dandenong Ranges National Park.
Not too far from the Dandenongs, several campgrounds are available, including six excellent free camping options near Gembrook in the Eastern Dandenong Ranges. They are listed on this page along with a video drive-through of the free campgrounds.
There is also a Vintage Caravan accommodation option near Olinda, listed on Airbnb, it’s set on a five-acre property with a private rainforest trail and amazing formal gardens.
Lilydale Pine Hill Caravan Park
- 105 Warburton Highway, Lilydale.
- Approximately 20 mins / 15 km to Mt Dandenong.
- Pet Friendly on all sites and in designated “Pet Friendly Cabins”.
Lilydale Pine Hill is the closest caravan park to the Dandenong Ranges.
The Lilydale Caravan Park has a range of modern, affordable accommodation on the very outskirts of Lilydale. Whether it’s a cabin or a site for your RV, caravan, large rig, campervan, or tent, there is a site to suit. The caravan park is an excellent destination for families, couples, nomads and groups, with a whole range of nearby activities and attractions.
Campground facilities include: Camp kitchens, games/movie room, function room, tourist information centre, amenities, accessible bathroom, pet wash area, bike wash & maintenance area, communal fire pits, outdoor gym equipment, herb garden, kids’ playground, and more…
Kurth Kiln Gembrook – Free camping
Kurth Kiln Regional Park is in the Eastern Dandenong Ranges near Gembrook. The campground is basic with one ‘long-drop’ toilet, excellent fire pits and tables. It’s a large area, with most of the sites located on Scout Loop Road, and timber horse yards are available at no charge for people to bring horses to ride the trails.
The Kurth Kiln historic area is popular with day trippers, bushwalkers, and campers.
Read more about Kurth Kiln in our review.
6 Free Campgrounds and Caravan Parks
This video provides a drive-through of the free campground options within a reasonable drive of the Dandenongs.
- Kurth Kiln Free Campground | 40 km/45-minute drive from Mt Dandenong | Google Map Link
- Mortimer Free Campground | 42km/42-minute drive from Mt Dandenong | Google Map Link
- Dyers Free Campground | Found on the way to Nash Campground, but not on Google Maps!
- Nash Free Campground | 50km/60-minute drive from Mt Dandenong | Google Map Link
- Latrobe River Free Campground | 62km/60-minute drive from Mt Dandenong | Google Map Link
- Starlings Gap Free Campground | 55km/60-minute drive from Mt Dandenong | Google Map Link
Doon Reserve Caravan Park, Yarra Junction
- 200 Doon Road, Yarra Junction.
- Approximately 30 mins/33km from Mt Dandenong.
Doon Reserve is a great place to stay with a caravan, motorhome, camper trailer, swag, or to pitch a tent and camp. Enjoy access to the Yarra River as well as the ‘Warbie’ Trail, great for bike riding and walking. With Yarra Junction just minutes away by car and Warburton not too much further, there is good access to all you need while you’re at Doon Reserve, one of the prettiest caravan parks in the area.
Read our review here, book your getaway through their website.
Big 4 Holiday Park, Healesville.
Approximately 40 minutes / 38 km from Mt Dandenong.
BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park offers peace, immersed in natural bushland. They offer accommodation for everyone seeking a much-needed break from the everyday hustle and bustle of life. Combined with excellent facilities and friendly staff, you are sure to have a memorable getaway.
Upper Yarra Reservoir
Approximately 1 Hour / 65 km from Mt Dandenong.
Upper Yarra Reservoir Park is an excellent camping location. It’s a spacious campground with pretty surroundings and access to the Yarra River, where kids can play.
It is in the Upper Yarra Valley area beyond Warburton. Facilities include toilets, a large wet weather hall, hot water, a camp kitchen, picnic tables and barbeques.
- Please book online or call Parks Victoria on 13 1963.
- Large groups are welcome but must book in advance.
Melbourne Caravan Parks and Campgrounds.
For travellers looking for camping and caravan parks near Melbourne, several good campgrounds are available. Read more here.
Planning on going a little further afield but not too far from Melbourne? Looking for low-cost or free campgrounds?