Green Hill Lake Camping | Free Lakeside Camping Near Ararat & Grampians
One of Victoria’s most celebrated free camping destinations, Green Hill Lake Reserve offers an exceptional lakeside experience just minutes from the historic city of Ararat. This vast and popular campground is a shining example of community-managed tourism, providing a feature-packed, pet-friendly, and budget-free base for exploring the Grampians, Pyrenees wine region, and the rich gold rush history of the area. The reserve is set on the expansive shores of Green Hill Lake, offering a wide array of unpowered sites with stunning water views. The spacious, open layout makes it perfect for all types of setups, from the largest motorhomes and big rigs to tents and camper trailers, with plenty of room for everyone to find their ideal spot.
The lake itself is a hub of recreational activity. With a dedicated boat ramp, it’s a fantastic spot for kayaking, fishing, and small boats, with anglers often targeting the resident Redfin and Trout. A walking track meanders along the foreshore, perfect for a leisurely stroll or walking the dog while enjoying the abundant birdlife. What sets Green Hill Lake apart from many other free camps are its excellent facilities. The reserve boasts clean toilet blocks and even offers hot showers for a small fee, a luxury for those on the road. A children’s playground and numerous picnic tables make it an incredibly family-friendly destination. Its convenient location just off the Western Highway makes it an easily accessible stopover, yet the peaceful lakeside setting feels a world away. For travellers seeking a comfortable, convenient, and incredibly scenic free camp that provides a gateway to some of Victoria’s best attractions, Green Hill Lake Reserve is a must-visit.
Campground Information
- Name: Green Hill Lake Reserve
- Address: 40 Vincent St, Ararat VIC 3377
Location Coordinates
- GPS: -37.29619471322095, 142.98148847587282
Website
Location Map
Site Details
- Location: Lakeside reserve on the outskirts of Ararat.
- Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, Tents.
- Road Access: Sealed road.
- Site Surface: Grass and gravel areas.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping (donations are appreciated to help with upkeep).
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe local signage, generally up to 4 weeks.
- Facilities: Toilets, hot showers (small fee/key from caretaker), boat ramp, playground, BBQs, picnic tables.
- Potable Water: Yes, available.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
- TV Reception: Excellent digital TV reception.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes, available.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits only, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. BYO firewood.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of other campers.
- Number of Sites Available: Very large, unmarked area with room for hundreds of campers.
- Essentials to Bring: Coins for the shower, fishing gear, kayak.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, this is a very popular pet-friendly campground.
Activities
- Fishing: The lake is stocked with Trout and Redfin.
- Short Walks: A walking track follows the perimeter of the lake.
- Boating: A boat ramp provides access for small boats and kayaks.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Ararat Hotel – Approx. 4 km
- The Courthouse Hotel Ararat – Approx. 4.5 km
- The Victoria Hotel Ararat – Approx. 4.5 km
- Places to Eat:
- Extensive range of cafes, bakeries, pubs, and restaurants in Ararat – Approx. 4-5 km
- Local Attractions:
- J Ward Gaol for the Criminally Insane – Approx. 5 km
- Aradale Lunatic Asylum Tours – Approx. 7 km
- Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre – Approx. 4.5 km
- Grampians National Park (Halls Gap) – Approx. 50 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Ararat Holiday Park – Approx. 4 km
- Acacia Caravan Park Ararat – Approx. 6 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Ben Nevis Camping Area (Mount Cole State Forest) – Approx. 30 km
- Langi Ghiran State Park campgrounds – Approx. 20 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Located onsite at Green Hill Lake Reserve.
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Multiple service stations in Ararat – Approx. 4 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available onsite.
- Public Toilets:
- Available onsite.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot and generally dry, averaging 14-29°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights, ideal for exploring the region, averaging 8-22°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and crisp, with frequent frosts, but often with clear, sunny days, averaging 3-13°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild with increasing sunshine, a great time for visiting the Grampians, averaging 6-20°C.