Simpson Recreation Reserve | Otways Hinterland Free Camping & Great Ocean Road Base

Celebrated as one of Victoria’s absolute best free campgrounds, the Simpson Recreation Reserve is a testament to outstanding community spirit and country hospitality. This sprawling, immaculately maintained reserve offers travellers an incredible, budget-friendly basecamp in the heart of the lush Otway hinterland. It provides a vast, open, and level grassy area, making it perfect for every type of setup, from the largest big rigs and motorhomes to caravans and tents. The atmosphere is famously friendly and welcoming, with plenty of space for everyone to find a comfortable spot. It’s a place where the local community’s pride is evident in every detail, creating a safe, clean, and highly sought-after destination for those exploring the Great Ocean Road region.

The facilities at Simpson are what truly elevate it to legendary status among free campers. The reserve boasts exceptionally clean flushing toilets, hot showers (operated by a very reasonable donation), a public dump point, and even powered sites for a small fee, offering a level of convenience that rivals many paid caravan parks. The location is perfectly poised for adventure. It serves as a peaceful inland retreat, away from the coastal crowds, while remaining just a short, scenic drive from the iconic 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and the dramatic Shipwreck Coast. Furthermore, it sits right on the doorstep of the 12 Apostles Food Artisan Trail, with the famous Timboon Railway Shed Distillery, cheeseries, and ice creameries just down the road. The Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail is also easily accessible for cyclists and walkers wanting to explore the beautiful forested landscapes. For a top-tier camping experience that offers amazing facilities, a perfect location, and unbeatable value, the Simpson Recreation Reserve is an essential stop for any traveller in the region.

Campground Information

• Name: Simpson Recreation Reserve
• Address: Lavers Hill-Cobden Rd, Simpson VIC 3266

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -38.49503174621635, 143.21156274707187

Website

• Website: Managed by a Committee of Management. Information is available on the Corangamite Shire website.

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Town recreation reserve in the Otway hinterland.
• Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, Tents.
• Road Access: Sealed road.
• Site Surface: Mostly grass, very level.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free for unpowered sites (donations essential). Small fee for powered sites.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe local signage, typically a week is acceptable.
• Facilities: Flushing toilets, hot showers (donation), dump point, powered sites, playground, camp kitchen, BBQs.
• Potable Water: Yes, available.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for all major carriers.
• TV Reception: Good digital TV reception.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Strictly not permitted.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of the large number of campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Very large, unmarked area for unpowered camping, plus designated powered sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Coins for shower/power donations, bicycles for the rail trail.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead.

Activities

• Fishing: Good fishing for trout and blackfish in the nearby Curdies and Gellibrand rivers.
• Short Walks: The Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail is nearby for excellent walking and cycling.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Simpson Hotel – Approx. 1 km
  • The Timboon Hotel (Timboon) – Approx. 15 km
  • Cobden Hotel (Cobden) – Approx. 18 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Simpson Pub (Bistro) & Takeaway – Approx. 1 km
  • Timboon Railway Shed Distillery & Timboon Ice Creamery (Timboon) – Approx. 15 km
• Local Attractions:
  • 12 Apostles Food Artisan Trail (starts in the region)
  • The 12 Apostles – Approx. 30 km
  • Otway Fly Treetop Adventures – Approx. 35 km
  • Port Campbell National Park – Approx. 30 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Timboon Recreation Reserve – Approx. 15 km
  • Port Campbell Recreation Reserve – Approx. 30 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Timboon Recreation Reserve – Approx. 15 km
  • Panmure Campground – Approx. 30 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Located onsite at the Simpson Recreation Reserve.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Simpson – Approx. 1 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available onsite.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm and humid, often with cooling afternoon breezes, averaging 13-25°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, pleasant days and cool nights, ideal for exploring, averaging 9-20°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and often damp, with lush green scenery, averaging 6-14°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild with a mix of sun and showers, a great time to see the countryside thrive, averaging 8-18°C.