Your Local Guide to Camping in the Macedon Ranges in 2025 (+ Maps)
Just over an hour north of Melbourne, camping in Macedon Ranges feels refreshingly grounded. Cool mountain air, tall forests, and volcanic landscapes create a sense of escape that’s hard to find elsewhere. Campers come here for the contrast – misty mornings, golden sunsets, and the calm of starry nights. Each site invites a slower pace, where you can reconnect with nature and savour Victoria’s high-country charm.
This guide helps you discover the best spots to unwind, explore, and experience the region’s true outdoor spirit.
Warburtons Bridge Campground
Address: Drummond–Vaughan Road, Glenlyon VIC
Type of campground: Traditional tent camping
Best for: Couples, solo campers, and nature lovers seeking a peaceful, no-frills bush escape.
Unique experience:
- Riverside bush setting along the Loddon River, surrounded by tall gum trees
- Fresh eucalyptus scent and soft sounds of wind and native birds
- Peaceful atmosphere perfect for unplugging and slowing down
- Evenings lit by campfire glow under clear, starry skies
Best time to visit: Spring to autumn for comfortable weather and mild nights.
Surroundings & scenery:
- Forest backdrop with native bushland
- Kangaroos, echidnas, and kookaburras nearby
- Clear dark skies for stargazing
- Access to Glenlyon walking and cycling tracks
Local tips: Bring your own water and firewood; mornings can be cool even in summer.
Warburtons Bridge Campground captures the quiet beauty of the Australian bush. Nestled by the Loddon River, it’s a simple yet soulful place where the scent of eucalyptus lingers and the only noise is birdsong. With its open spaces and riverside views, it’s perfect for campers who value peace, simplicity, and a true connection to nature.
Lerderderg Campground
Address: Upper Chadwick Track, Lerderderg State Park VIC
Type of campground: Traditional tent camping
Best for: Families and first-timers seeking easy access and forest trails.
Unique experience:
- Forest clearing beside the start of scenic walking tracks
- Easy access for vehicles and families
- Calming mix of bird calls and rustling trees
- Sheltered areas for picnics and rest stops
Best time to visit: Spring and autumn for comfortable hiking weather and wildflower blooms.
Surroundings & scenery:
- Rugged ridges and forest gullies
- Access to Lerderderg Gorge walking circuit
- Abundant native flora and fauna
Local tips: Arrive early on weekends – this popular site fills quickly with hikers and day visitors.
Lerderderg Campground is all about balance – a touch of wilderness without the rough edges. Tucked beside the forest and moments from the walking tracks of Lerderderg Gorge, it’s an easy, family-friendly base for adventure. The sounds of birds and the gentle rustle of leaves make it a peaceful place to unwind after a day exploring the trails.
Leanganook Camping Area
Address: Mount Alexander Regional Park, Joseph Young Dr, Faraday VIC 3451
Type of campground: Traditional tent camping / Small caravan access
Best for: Families and small groups who enjoy accessible bush camping.
Unique experience:
- Elevated setting with views over Harcourt Valley
- Granite boulders and gum forest surrounding the site
- Cool mountain air and gentle bird calls
Best time to visit: Year-round; crisp air and golden light make autumn especially beautiful.
Surroundings & scenery:
- Forested slopes and granite outcrops
- Lookouts and walking tracks within the park
- Excellent birdwatching opportunities
Local tips: Pack warm layers – Mount Alexander mornings can be brisk.
Leanganook Camping Area feels refreshingly open and light, perched high on Mount Alexander with sweeping valley views. It’s the kind of place where families can breathe deeply, spread out, and take slow morning walks under the gums. With its mix of scenery and simple comforts, it’s an easy favourite for those seeking both calm and connection.
Daylesford Holiday Park
Address: 3021 Ballan–Daylesford Road, Daylesford VIC
Type of campground: Holiday park / Caravan-friendly
Best for: Families, RV travellers, and those who enjoy comfort close to nature.
Unique experience:
- Leafy setting close to Daylesford’s cafés and attractions
- Powered sites, hot showers, and BBQ areas
- Family-friendly with playground and pet access
- Great balance of town convenience and outdoor feel
Best time to visit: All seasons, especially spring for gardens and winter for cosy fires.
Surroundings & scenery:
- Parkland with mature trees and walking paths
- Close to Lake Daylesford and Wombat Hill Gardens
- Easy access to local wineries and spa retreats
Local tips: Morning coffee and pastries from a Daylesford café make the perfect camp breakfast.
Daylesford Holiday Park is camping made easy. Set among tall trees just minutes from the heart of town, it’s where nature and comfort meet halfway. You can enjoy the smell of fresh air and the sound of magpies in the morning, then head into Daylesford for local food, wine, and a touch of indulgence.
Jubilee Lake Holiday Park & Café
Address: 151 Lake Road, Daylesford VIC
Type of campground: Holiday park / Glamping cabins
Best for: Families and couples looking for lakeside leisure and comfort.
Unique experience:
- Peaceful lakeside setting with café and picnic areas
- Options for camping, caravans, and cosy glamping cabins
- Ducks, swans, and soft ripples create a calm soundtrack
- Scenic walking and cycling tracks nearby
Best time to visit: Summer and early autumn for tranquil lake conditions.
Surroundings & scenery:
- Lakeside setting surrounded by forest
- Water views from most sites
- Wildlife spotting at dawn and dusk
Local tips: Enjoy coffee at the café deck overlooking the lake – it’s one of Daylesford’s most peaceful spots.
Jubilee Lake Holiday Park is the kind of place that makes you slow down. With still waters, shady trees, and a café right on site, it’s perfect for relaxed days spent outdoors. Families love its safe, open feel, while couples come for the peace and those golden sunsets across the lake.
Mount Franklin Reserve
Address: Mount Franklin Road, Mount Franklin VIC
Type of campground: Backcountry / Free bush camping
Best for: Adventurous campers seeking solitude and starlit skies.
Unique experience:
- Campsite set inside an ancient volcanic crater
- Wide grassy basin surrounded by tall gums
- Minimal facilities for a pure back-to-nature experience
- Brilliantly dark night skies for stargazing
Best time to visit: Autumn and spring for mild weather and clear nights.
Surroundings & scenery:
- Volcanic crater landscape
- Open grassy plains and forest rim
- Ideal for stargazing and sunrise photography
Local tips: Bring all supplies, including water – this is true backcountry camping.
Camping inside a volcanic crater isn’t something you do every day, and that’s exactly what makes Mount Franklin Reserve so memorable. It’s raw and quiet, surrounded by forest and stars so bright they almost hum. This spot is perfect for campers who love space, stillness, and a sense of awe that lingers long after the trip ends.
Rowallan Scout Camp
Address: Rowallan Scout Camp, Riddells Creek VIC
Type of campground: Group campsite / Indoor lodge options
Best for: Schools, youth groups, and large families planning community-based outdoor stays.
Unique experience:
- Expansive grounds designed for group activities
- Fire circles, dining hall, and meeting rooms
- Accessible for all ages and abilities
- Surrounded by quiet bushland ideal for team challenges
Best time to visit: Spring and early summer when the weather suits outdoor learning and games.
Surroundings & scenery:
- Native bushland with open clearings
- Short trails within the site
- Calm and secure environment for groups
Local tips: Book early—this site is popular for scout and guide events.
Rowallan Scout Camp brings people together in the heart of nature. Its spacious grounds and forest backdrop make it perfect for group adventures, team challenges, and shared campfire nights. The facilities are practical yet welcoming, creating a comfortable space for learning, connection, and outdoor fun.
Pair Your Camping Escape with a Macedon Ranges Wine Tour
After a few nights under the stars, why not enjoy another side of the region with Vinetrekker? Their Macedon Ranges Wine Tour blends country charm with premium cellar-door experiences – the perfect follow-up to your outdoor escape.
You’ll travel through rolling hills and historic villages, guided by our local tour guide experts who love sharing the region’s story. What you’ll enjoy on the tour:
- Intimate tastings at family-run wineries in the Macedon wine region
- Seasonal, locally sourced lunch paired with regional wines
- Comfortable small-group transport from Melbourne
- A relaxed pace that lets you enjoy every view, every sip
If you’d like to see more ways to experience the region, explore things to do in Macedon Ranges or elevate your adventure with a luxury helicopter winery tour.
It’s a wonderful way to round out your trip – same Macedon Ranges calm, just with a glass of wine in hand.