Annya Campground, Hotspur VIC
For travellers seeking a genuine bush retreat away from the crowds, Annya Campground offers a wonderfully peaceful and secluded free camping experience in the heart of South West Victoria’s forests. Tucked away in the Annya State Forest, this campground is a true hidden gem for self-sufficient campers. The site is a spacious, open, grassy clearing surrounded by native bushland, providing a serene environment where you can truly disconnect and enjoy the tranquillity. It’s the perfect spot for those who appreciate a back-to-basics approach to camping, where the focus is on the natural surroundings and the simple pleasure of being outdoors.
The campground is a classic state forest setup, offering basic but welcome amenities. Facilities include non-flushing toilets, picnic tables, and wood-fired barbecues/fire pits, which become the focal point for cosy evenings under the stars. A key advantage of camping in a Victorian state forest is that the site is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your leashed dog along on your adventure. Campers must be fully self-reliant, which means bringing all your own drinking water and taking every piece of rubbish home with you. This ‘leave no trace’ philosophy is vital to preserving the pristine beauty of the area for everyone to enjoy.
The location of Annya Campground makes it an excellent base for exploring the surrounding natural and historic attractions. It provides direct access to the network of tracks within the state forest, popular for bushwalking and 4WDing. It is also conveniently located between the Cobboboonee National Park and the Lower Glenelg National Park, and is just a scenic drive from the dramatic coastline and attractions of Portland. For a quiet, free, and authentic forest camping experience, Annya Campground is a fantastic choice for the well-prepared traveller.
Site Information
- Location: In the Annya State Forest, between Portland and Casterton.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Swags, Camper Trailers, small to medium Caravans.
- Road Access: Access is via unsealed forest roads. Generally 2WD accessible in dry weather, but a 4WD is recommended as tracks can be slippery after rain.
- Site Surface: Grass and dirt.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Unspecified, but short stays are standard practice.
- Number of Powered Sites: None.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: Spacious, open, undefined camping area.
Facilities
- Facilities: Non-flushing (pit) toilets, wood-fired BBQs/fire pits. No showers.
- Picnic Tables: Yes.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to non-existent.
- TV Reception: None.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Ullage: No.
- Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits only, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. Bring your own firewood.
- Generator Use: Permitted, with considerate use regarding timing and neighbours.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: All water and food, rubbish bags, firewood, toilet paper, hiking boots.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted on a leash in State Forests.
- Fishing: Fishing opportunities in the nearby Surry and Glenelg Rivers.
- Short Walks: Excellent for bushwalking and exploring the surrounding forest tracks.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Heywood Hotel (approx. 30 km)
- The Gordon Hotel, Portland (approx. 50 km)
- Mac’s Hotel, Portland (approx. 50 km)
- Places to Eat: Nearest options are in the towns of Heywood and Portland.
- Local Attractions:
- Cobboboonee National Park
- Mount Richmond National Park
- The Great South West Walk
- The city of Portland and its historic port
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Heywood Caravan Park
- Multiple caravan parks in Portland.
- Next Free Camps: Sawpit Free Camp (near Portland), various spots in the Lower Glenelg NP (fees apply).
- Nearest Dump Points: Public dump points are available in Heywood and Portland.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Available in Heywood and Portland.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Heywood or Portland.
- Public Toilets: Available onsite.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Warm and generally dry, but can be prone to cool changes from the south. The risk of bushfires is highest. Temperatures average 12°C to 25°C.
- Autumn (Mar – May): A beautiful time to visit, with mild, sunny days and cool nights. The forest is often at its best. Temperatures average 8°C to 20°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): Cold and wet. Days are cool and often overcast with frequent rain. Nights are very cold. Be prepared for boggy tracks. Temperatures range from 5°C to 14°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A lovely season as the forest comes alive with wildflowers, particularly native orchids. The weather is cool and can be variable. Temperatures average 7°C to 19°C.