Mushroom Rocks Campground: Free Hike-In Camping in Baw Baw National Park

For hikers and nature lovers seeking an unforgettable alpine experience, Mushroom Rocks Campground in the Baw Baw National Park offers a truly magical setting. This unique, free campground is a walk-in site, accessible via a stunning trail from the Mount Erica car park. The campground is named for the incredible giant granite tors that dominate the landscape, weathered over millennia into fantastical mushroom-like shapes. Camping here means pitching your tent in a sub-alpine wonderland, surrounded by ancient snow gums and the profound silence of the mountains. It serves as a perfect base for exploring the southern section of the national park and is a popular first-night stop for those undertaking the multi-day Baw Baw Plateau walk.

The experience at Mushroom Rocks is one of self-sufficient bush camping. The campground provides a number of small, designated tent pads nestled amongst the rocks and trees, ensuring a low-impact stay. Facilities are basic, consisting of a non-flush toilet. There are no bins, so a strict carry-in, carry-out policy is essential to protect this pristine environment. Due to the fragile alpine ecosystem, open fires are not permitted at any time; campers must carry a fuel stove for cooking. It is a true wilderness setting, so you must bring all your own supplies, including sufficient water, as local sources can be unreliable. As it is a national park, **pets are strictly forbidden**. The short but scenic walk from the car park makes it one of the more accessible hike-in campgrounds in the Victorian Alps, offering a taste of remote alpine camping without the need for a multi-day trek. For a night spent amongst giant stone sentinels under a blanket of stars, Mushroom Rocks is a truly special destination.

Campground Information

• Name: Mushroom Rocks Campground
• Address: Mount Erica Carpark, Mount Erica Road, Baw Baw National Park, VIC 3825, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -37.8855551285489, 146.35619800207203
• Website: Managed by Parks Victoria. See the Baw Baw National Park page for info and alerts.

Features & Facilities

• Location: Sub-alpine setting in Baw Baw National Park, amongst large granite boulders.
• Site Suitable For: Tents only (hike-in).
• Road Access: Sealed road to Mount Erica Carpark. The campground is a 2.5km walk from the carpark.
• Site Surface: Designated timber or earth tent pads.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping. No bookings required.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Standard national park limits apply.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilet.
• Potable Water: No. Bring all your own water or be prepared to treat water from streams.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Unreliable to none.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, a non-flush toilet.
• Rubbish Bins: No. Carry-in, carry-out policy applies.
• Open Fires: Strictly prohibited. Fuel stoves only.
• Generator Use: Not permitted.
• Number of Sites Available: A small number of designated tent pads.
• Essentials to Bring: All food, water, fuel stove, tent, warm/wet weather gear, and rubbish bags.
• Pet Friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in the National Park.
• Fishing: Not applicable at this location.
• Short Walks: The walk to the campground itself, and further along the Australian Alps Walking Track towards the Baw Baw Plateau.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Erica Hotel – approx. 20 km
  • Rawson Stockyard Bar & Bistro – approx. 25 km
  • Wally Pub (Walhalla) – approx. 35 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Cafes and Hotel in Erica – approx. 20 km
  • General Store and pub in Rawson – approx. 25 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Baw Baw National Park
  • Australian Alps Walking Track
  • Thomson Reservoir
  • Walhalla Historic Township

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Erica Caravan Park – approx. 20 km
  • Rawson Caravan Park – approx. 25 km
  • Walhalla Log Cabin Park (unpowered sites) – approx. 35 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Coopers Creek Campground (near Walhalla)
  • Bruntons Bridge Campground (4WD only, near Walhalla)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Moe Public Dump Point – approx. 50 km
  • Traralgon Public Dump Point – approx. 60 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Erica – approx. 20 km.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Erica or Rawson.
• Nearest Public Toilets: At Mount Erica Carpark and onsite at the campground.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Mild to warm days, but conditions can change rapidly. Cool nights. Average maximums are around 18°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Cool and crisp days with cold nights. The changing colours of the alpine foliage are a feature. Average maximums range from 8°C to 15°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Very cold with heavy snow cover. The area is only accessible to experienced, well-equipped snow campers/hikers. Average maximums are around 2°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cold to cool days, with snow often persisting on the ground. A great time for alpine wildflowers. Average maximums range from 7°C to 13°C.