Hammonds Road North Campground
Detailed notes
A free, rustic bush campground in Otway Forest Park (state forest, not national park) near Anglesea — not to be confused with the similarly-named, paid, no-pets Hammonds Campground inside Great Otway National Park. 12 large vehicle sites with individual fire pits, plus shared tent camping fire pit facilities. Double toilet with disabled access, 2 picnic tables. First-come-first-served, can get busy over peak periods. Upgraded in 2020 with new toilets, fire pits and native plantings. Dogs are generally allowed in state forest, but this site's dog rules aren't officially published — check before bringing a dog.
Access is manageable but take the last stretch slowly, especially after rain.
On the ground you'll find proper toilets, no showers, unpowered sites, fires allowed in designated fireplaces (never on Total Fire Ban days). Nearest shops: IGA Anglesea, about 14 km as the crow flies — handy for anything you forget.
It sits roughly 135 km from Melbourne in the Otways / Great Ocean Road, which makes it an easy run for a weekend away.
Beginner Confidence Score
Best for first-time campers
Why we recommend this campsite
- A comfortable About 135 km from Melbourne by road, near Aireys Inlet drive — close enough for a first trip
- No 4WD required — any normal car can get you there
- Reliable mobile reception if you need to check in or look something up
- Shops nearby if you forget supplies or run low
- Proper toilets on site
- Free to camp
Things to know before you go
- No showers on site — pack wipes or a portable shower
Weather confidence
Generally suitable for most beginners throughout the year. Conditions are usually gentle, so it's a forgiving place to learn the ropes.
Seasonal advice
- The sweet spot here is spring and autumn — mild days, cooler nights and the fewest weather surprises for a first trip.
- Winter nights in this part of Victoria get genuinely cold — a four-season bag or extra blankets make the difference between a good night and a miserable one.
- Always check Parks Victoria for fire restrictions and total fire ban days before you pack the car.
Hidden tips
- Reception is decent, but the back corners of the site can still be a dead spot — test before you rely on it.General tip
- Free sites fill on a first-come basis — roll in Friday afternoon, not Saturday morning.General tip
- Set up with the morning sun in mind so the tent dries quickly and you're not packing away wet canvas.General tip
- The nearest town often has a better bakery or pub than the reviews suggest — worth a midday break.General tip
- Bring a cheap groundsheet a touch smaller than your tent floor — it keeps the underside clean and dry.General tip
Crowd expectations
This one stays relatively quiet most of the year. You'll likely share it with a handful of other campers rather than a full house — ideal if you're after a low-key first trip.
Local knowledge
- Locals treat the Otways / Great Ocean Road as a year-round spot, but they avoid the peak summer rush and head out in the shoulder seasons.
- The nearest town is your friend — grab firewood, ice and bait there rather than hauling it from the city.
- Wildlife is part of the experience here — store food in the car overnight so you're not woken by curious visitors.
- Phone the local ranger or visitor centre the week before; they'll tell you about track closures and conditions no website lists.
Full site details
- · Best season: .
- · Booking: no.
- · Check Parks Victoria for fire restrictions before you go.
Campsite information was last reviewed in September 2026. Fees, facilities, dog rules, access and closures can change at any time — always check with the park or operator before you travel. Distances and drive times are approximate, measured from Melbourne CBD in normal traffic.
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