Lake Lonsdale Camping | Free Lakeside Bush Camp Near the Grampians

Positioned on the sprawling foreshore of one of western Victoria’s most significant lakes, the Lake Lonsdale Camping Area offers a fantastic free camping experience with the majestic Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park as its stunning backdrop. This is a classic, sprawling Australian bush camp, beloved by families, boaties, anglers, and travellers seeking a budget-friendly base to explore this incredible region. The main draw is the sheer space; campers can spread out along the vast shoreline, finding their own perfect spot with beautiful water views. The open, grassy landscape is dotted with shady trees, making it ideal for large groups and big rigs. It’s a place that truly comes alive with activity, particularly on weekends and holidays, as people flock to enjoy the water.

When water levels are favourable, Lake Lonsdale is a premier destination for water sports. The boat ramps provide easy access for water skiing, jet skiing, and powerboating. It’s also a highly regarded fishing spot, famous for its Redfin, Trout, and native Yellowbelly, with yabbying being another popular pastime. The campground offers a back-to-basics experience, encouraging self-sufficiency while providing essential amenities like non-flush toilets. The freedom to have a campfire under the vast, starry sky is a major highlight for many visitors. Beyond the lake itself, the campground’s location is a huge advantage. It’s just a short drive to the historic town of Stawell, the central hub of the Grampians, Halls Gap, and the entrance to the national park itself, where world-class hiking trails, breathtaking lookouts, and stunning waterfalls await. For a free, pet-friendly camp that offers a wealth of recreational opportunities and a gateway to the Grampians, Lake Lonsdale is a top-tier destination.

Campground Information

• Name: Lake Lonsdale Foreshore Camping Area
• Address: Lonsdale Rd, Lake Lonsdale VIC 3381

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -37.00868676407383, 142.61125403028825

Website

• Website: Managed by GWMWater. Information is available on the GWMWater website.

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Expansive foreshore of a large lake near the Grampians.
• Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, Tents.
• Road Access: Sealed road to the lake, then unsealed dirt/gravel tracks along the foreshore.
• Site Surface: Natural grass and dirt. Can be dusty when dry and boggy after rain.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit, but long-term stays are discouraged.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets, boat ramps. No power or showers.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Generally good for Telstra, other carriers can be patchy.
• TV Reception: Good digital TV reception.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush (pit) toilets are available at the main foreshore area.
• Rubbish Bins: Limited. A carry-in, carry-out policy is strongly recommended.
• Open Fires: Permitted in contained fire pits, 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: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, insect repellent.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead.

Activities

• Fishing: Excellent for Redfin, Trout, and Yellowbelly. Yabbying is also popular.
• Short Walks: Plenty of space to walk along the extensive foreshore.
• Boating: A premier destination for powerboating, water skiing, and jet skiing when water levels permit.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • The National Hotel (Stawell) – Approx. 18 km
  • The Gift Hotel (Stawell) – Approx. 18 km
  • The Town Hall Hotel (Stawell) – Approx. 18 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Numerous cafes, bakeries, and pubs in Stawell – Approx. 18 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Grampians National Park (Halls Gap) – Approx. 35 km
  • Stawell Gold Mine and Gift Hall of Fame – Approx. 18 km
  • Bests Wines Great Western – Approx. 30 km
  • Halls Gap Zoo – Approx. 30 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Stawell Grampians Gate Caravan Park – Approx. 18 km
  • Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park – Approx. 35 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Green Hill Lake Reserve (Ararat) – Approx. 45 km
  • Wartook Reservoir (Grampians) – Approx. 50 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Stawell Public Dump Point (at Stawell Harness Racing Club) – Approx. 20 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Stawell – Approx. 18 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available at the Stawell Visitor Information Centre.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite (non-flush). Full facilities in Stawell.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb):** Warm to hot and typically dry, perfect for water sports, averaging 14-29°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May):** Mild, sunny days and cool nights, ideal for hiking and exploring, averaging 8-22°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug):** Cold and crisp, with frequent frosts and chilly days, averaging 3-13°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov):** Cool to mild, the best time to see the Grampians wildflowers, averaging 6-20°C.