A Guide To Mornington Peninsula Camping: The Best Campgrounds & More!

Wandering our World is reader supported! If you purchase anything through a link on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Last updated on May 26, 2023 by Wandering our World

The Mornington Peninsula is abundant in natural beauty and activities for young and old, and is home to small coastal towns, stunning beaches, vineyards, breweries, quaint bed and breakfasts, cafes, lavender fields, protected forest areas, hills, and farms. It’s just an hour away from Melbourne too, so no visit to the city is complete without checking out the Peninsula.

With all of that on offer, it’s little surprise camping at the Mornington Peninsula is becoming more and more popular every year.

In fact at the Mornington Foreshore, and for many Victorians, camping here isn’t just an activity, it’s a way of life and an annual pilgrimage.

As we know this area well, we’ve decided to help you out. Below we look at free camping at the Mornington Peninsula, and share everything you need to know about the campgrounds in the area.

So read on to begin your Mornington Peninsula camping adventure!

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/nortonrsx

The Best Campgrounds At The Mornington Peninsula For Fun, Views & Adventure!

1. Big4 Mornington Peninsula Holiday Park

Think camping but with a pool, communal kitchen, tennis court and Wifi – sounds good right!

The Big4 offers everything from cabins for large groups to powered campsites for caravans and campervans. The only downside is they don’t allow tents, although there’s plenty of tent camping options elsewhere (as we show you below).

Everyone is welcome to enjoy the many amenities at this beautiful campground which is right beside some great beaches, has some shaded barbecue areas, and there’s multiple sites of interest close by too.

Kids traveling with you? This holiday park has plenty to keep the little ones busy with a trampoline, jumping pillow and a dedicated play area for children, making this an extremely popular destination with families.

Expect clean bathrooms, plenty of facilities, busy kids, and a comfortable stay.

What’s Nearby

  • Canadian Bay Beach
  • Frankston Beach
  • Shopping centers
  • Trofeo Estate Winery
  • Yabby Lake
  • Dromana Estate

Practical Information

  • Toilets – Yes
  • Showers – Yes
  • Wifi – Yes
  • Kitchen – Yes
  • Booking Required – Yes
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Apicha Thumvisead

2. Rosebud Foreshore Camping

The Rosebud Foreshore Camping Area is essentially a 10 km long camping stretch from Anthony’s Nose in the coastal village of McCrae, all the way down to Chinaman’s Creek in Capel Sound.

The campgrounds here are flanked by the vast ocean on one side and the freeway on the other. So while you’ll be soothed by the sounds of crashing waves, also be prepared for some traffic noise from the other end.

With such a long stretch of camping spots, Rosebud gives you the option to camp with tents, campervans as well as caravans, and amenities include toilets, showers and laundry facilities.

The area is relatively safe and family friendly, with plenty of kid play areas around, and shallow waters to swim in. Plus unlike a lot of other campsites, dogs are allowed on these grounds.

Being close to the road does have its advantages – you’ll be in close proximity to a whole host of stores, shopping centers, cafes, pubs and restaurants. Rest assured, supplies will never be a problem!

One of the attractions that brings people to the beaches here are the colourful and picturesque beach boxes which you’ll find around many of these campsites.

What’s Nearby

  • Rosebud Beach
  • Rosebud Pier
  • Restaurants, cafes, pubs and shopping centers.

Practical Information

  • Toilets – Yes
  • Showers – Yes
  • Wifi – No
  • Kitchen – No
  • Booking Required – Yes
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Pawzi

3. Iluka Retreat

The Iluka Retreat is a cluster of lodges and luxury camps situated on the banks of a small lake. Although you cannot take your campervan or caravan here, the site itself offers luxury tents for rent complete with double beds and fresh linen. Each tent comes with a mini fridge, toaster and cooktop, and an outdoor area with a barbecue.

The tents are tastefully decorated and you’ll also find dedicated picnic areas on offer on this huge 36 acre property!

Relax on the porch, have a dip in the lake or cook up a barbecue. And if you’re in the mood for a good surf, you’re only 1.5 kms away from Shoreham Beach.

What’s Nearby

  • Shoreham Beach
  • Shoreham township
  • Red Hill Brewery
  • Point Leo Beach
  • Point Leo Estate Winery

Practical Information

  • Toilets – Yes
  • Showers – Yes
  • Wifi – No
  • Kitchen – Yes
  • Booking Required – Yes
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Peera Sathawirawong

4. Western Port Harbour Caravan Park

Western Port Harbour Caravan Park is a popular spot with the older demographic, but everyone is welcome. This park is situated amidst a secluded green foresty patch of land, and one of the positives is it offers plenty of peace and quiet.

The greenery also attracts birds of all kinds, lending a peaceful atmosphere to the whole area. Fire up the barbecue, chill out with a cold beer, and make friends with some park locals.

Need supplies? The park has its own little convenience store with basic supplies like groceries, beverages and confectionaries, although sometimes they’re out of stock.

What’s Nearby

  • Yaringa Boat Harbour
  • Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
  • Dinosaur World
  • Chiefs Son Distillery
  • Hastings
  • Somerville

Practical Information

  • Toilets – Yes
  • Showers – Yes
  • Wifi – On and Off
  • Kitchen – Yes
  • Booking Required – Yes
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/cookelma

5. Yurt Hideaway Tootgarook

A jump, skip and hop away from the coast, the Yurt Hideaway is the perfect staycation getaway for Victorians as well as tourists looking to get some luxury into their trip.

Expect a gorgeously done up Mongolian Yurt complete with felt lining, a queen bed, fresh linens, hardwood floors, heating and fans for your comfort, as well as a well-stocked kitchenette.  

The property boasts actual materials imported from Mongolia for the Yurt. The bathroom is outside the yurt itself and offers a hot shower and eco friendly toiletries.

At about AUD 215 per night, spending the night at this yurt doesn’t come cheap, but you’ll be paying mainly for photogenic aesthetics and the peace and quiet the place offers.

What’s Nearby

  • Rosebud Beach
  • Rye
  • Rye Bay Trail
  • Lotus Dreaming Art Studio
  • Peninsula Hot Springs
  • Sorrento

Practical Information

  • Toilets – Yes
  • Showers – Yes
  • Wifi – Yes
  • Kitchen – Yes
  • Booking Required – Yes
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/StephanieFrey

6. Camerons Bight and Whitecliffs Campgrounds

Beach camping at its best! The Camerons and Whitecliffs Campgrounds cover a 6km grassy camping stretch right on the beach which is perfect for your next Mornington Penisula camping adventure. These sites are conveniently located close to the town of Sorrento and also very close to the Point Nepean National Park.

Enjoy a chilled beer while you watch the sunset from this idyllic location, fire up the barbecue, take a walk to the nearby piers, or enjoy a dip in the shallow swimmable waters. Whatever you choose, this is a great Mornington Peninsula camping experience.

Amenities include hot showers, powered as well as unpowered sites, laundry facilities and toilets.

It is important to note that these campsites are seasonal and are open only from November through April. All the information is updated on their website on a regular basis.

Pets are not allowed, nor is it permitted to make a fire in this area.

What’s Nearby

  • Sorrento
  • Point Nepean National Park
  • Sorrento Beach
  • Portsea
  • Millionaire’s Walk
  • Beach Boxes

Practical Information

  • Toilets – Yes
  • Showers – Yes
  • Wifi – No
  • Kitchen – No
  • Booking Required – Yes
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Ralf Geithe

7. Tyrone Campground

Tyrone is a relatively small campground with 44 campsites offering both waterfront and inland camping options to travelers.

Amenities include regularly cleaned toilets, hot showers, laundry and a play area for kids.

The campgrounds are perfect for those seeking some peace and quiet due to its small size, and the fact that it is more secluded compared to other sides on the foreshore.

If you need supplies or a bite to eat, you’ll be just a stone’s throw away from multiple shops, cafes and bars.

The waters around this area are shallow and are ideal for swimming with children too. That makes this one of the most family friendly Mornington Peninsula camping options.

What’s Nearby

  • Peninsula Hot Springs
  • Rye Village
  • Whitecliffs Lookout
  • Heritage Lime Kiln

Practical Information

  • Toilets – Yes
  • Showers – Yes
  • Wifi – No
  • Kitchen – No
  • Booking Required – Yes
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/bokan76

8. Mornington Gardens Holiday Village

If the Mornington Gardens Holiday Village is known for anything, it is how well maintained the property is, and its spotless facilities and clean toilets.

This place will give you the feeling of being in the tropics thanks to the abundance of trees all around you and welcoming birds of all kinds.

You’ll be a 30 minute drive away from the nearest beach, but in no short supply of peace and quiet. The facilities have well-manicured hedges growing between campsites to give guests a little privacy, which makes all the difference, and adds that hint of luxury to your stay.

Amenities include hot showers, laundry, barbecues, a communal kitchen, a small playground, table tennis and a recreation room. With so much to do, you and your family or friends will be perfectly entertained.

Accommodation options are aplenty as the campground offers en-suite cabins as well as sites for caravans and tents.

What’s Nearby

  • Shops and restaurants
  • Dalywaters Roses Garden and Chapel
  • Mothers Beach (30 mins)
  • Mills Beach (30 mins)

Practical Information

  • Toilets – Yes
  • Showers – Yes
  • Wifi – No
  • Kitchen – Yes
  • Booking Required – Yes
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/AnjoKanFotografie

9. Balnarring Beach Foreshore Reserve

The Balnarring Beach Foreshore Reserve is a 70 hectare protected wetland, and has a camping area very close to the beach run by the local council.

The grounds have three campsites with all the basic amenities you need – well maintained toilets, showers, laundry, barbecues and a camp kitchen.

However you will find a lot of seaweed on the shore so the water may not be ideal for swimming.

Nevertheless, it makes for a beautiful day out on the beach, a stroll on the sand, and breathtaking sunrise vistas. You’ll be in a nature reserve, so expect to be surrounded by forests all around you. If you get lucky, you may even spot some dolphins!

Unfortunately, the campgrounds do not allow pets. But this is a fantastic cheap Mornington Peninsula camping option right in the heart of nature.

What’s Nearby

  • Balnarring Beach

Practical Information

  • Toilets – Yes
  • Showers – Yes
  • Wifi – No
  • Kitchen – Yes
  • Booking Required – Yes
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/photobyravis

10. Lightwood Creek Camping Area

If you’re ready for a Man vs Wild kind of adventure, you’re going to love the Lightwood Creek Camping Area!

Your first challenge may be finding the campgrounds at all, as it is bang in the middle of the Australian bush, and GPS can be spotty in this area.

Once you find the carpark, the actual campsite is a 1.5 km hike away. You’ll be surrounded by nature on all sides but don’t expect any amenities, except for a composting toilet.

Campers must go completely prepared in order to camp here, as there is no water source nearby either, so it is advisable to carry plenty of drinking water with you.

It’s a great spot to take a break from the bustle of city life and from other crowded camping grounds, as very few people make it to Lightwood Creek. Expect the ranger to come around in the morning to say hello!

What’s Nearby

  • Two Bays Walking Track
  • Nazaaray Estate Winery
  • Long Point Circuit Walk

Practical Information

  • Toilets – Yes
  • Showers – No
  • Wifi – No
  • Kitchen – No
  • Booking Required – Yes (A permit is sometimes also required. Check Victoria Camping App)
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Ashley-Belle Burns

11. Sorrento Foreshore Camping

Sorrento Foreshore is a small one kilometer camping area right by the beach and close to the charming town of Sorrento offering beach camping options for tents, caravans and motorhomes.

The site is managed by the shire and offers all the basic amenities of foreshore camping like toilets, showers, laundry and barbecues. You will be close to the road though, so expect traffic noise here. But the seaside views are fantastic.

However you’ll also be close to shops, restaurants, and bars and have easy access to sites like the town of Portsea and the Peninsula Hot Springs.

What’s Nearby

  • Sorrento
  • Portsea
  • Peninsula Hot Springs

Practical Information

  • Toilets – Yes
  • Showers – Yes
  • Wifi – No
  • Kitchen – No
  • Booking Required – Yes
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/CreativeNature_nl

12. Kanasta Caravan Park

Kanasta gives you all the feels of a retro caravan park and glamping destination right by the sea. Expect a lush green location with cabins and vans painted in happy colors, complete with a biking track, a small games room, recreation room and all the basic amenities.

The park has cabins for all kinds of travelers – from studios to two-bedroom apartments with their own well-equipped kitchen.

Not only is the park pet friendly, but people especially love this park for its friendly and helpful staff. Guests are able to enjoy covered barbecue areas and picnic tables and a whole host of activities at the Rec room like a jukebox and a pool table.

You’ll only be 500 meters away from Rye Beach and able to experience the best part of the Mornington Peninsula – the crystal blue waters and all the water activities. It’s a really fantastic Mornington Peninsula camping choice.

What’s Nearby

  • Rye Beach
  • Rye village
  • Moonah Waren Bushland Reserve
  • Whitecliffs lookout

Practical Information

  • Toilets – Yes
  • Showers – Yes
  • Wifi – Yes (for a fee)
  • Kitchen – Yes
  • Booking Required – Yes
Photo via Unsplash+

13.  Blairgowrie Caravan Park

Blairgowrie is an exclusive caravan park set right in the lap of nature in the most idyllic green setting one can imagine. Exclusive because most residents staying here live here long term, although visitors are welcome should they wish to stay for a week or more.

The park’s location is unmatched as you’ll be close to the Port Phillip Bay beaches, the towns of Sorrento and Portsea, the best surf beaches, golf courses and if you’re interested in sailing, the Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron.

The park is one of the oldest in the area, and so the amenities are somewhat outdated, however they’re always well maintained.

What’s nearby

  • Port Phillip Bay
  • Sorrento
  • Portsea
  • Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron

Practical Information

  • Toilets – Yes
  • Showers – Yes
  • Wifi – No
  • Kitchen – Yes
  • Booking Required – Yes
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/welcomia

The Best Time To Visit The Mornington Peninsula

The best time to camping at the Mornington Peninsula is undisputedly from February through April. Any time before this and the summer sun can be rather harsh and campgrounds can be crowded as school holidays are on. By the end of February all school holidays end but the autumn chill hasn’t kicked in yet.

Sometime in April, Autumn starts in Victoria bringing with it chilly mornings and evenings and occasional showers. This doesn’t stop visitors from hitting the peninsula as there is still plenty on offer from wine tastings to delicious food.

Some campers rather enjoy the respite from the hot Australian sun, and head to the peninsula well prepared for a winter camping adventure.

Photo via Unsplash+

Glamping In The Mornington Peninsula: Luxury Camp Rental Services

Love the outdoors but also need your comfort? Don’t have much experience pitching a tent? Don’t own a campervan?

These camp-on-demand companies have you covered. Order a tent setup wherever you like on the Mornington Peninsula, and they will come and set everything up for you!

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/monkeybusinessphotos

1. Gypsy Wagon Glamping

A camp that comes to you! This company lets you rent an actual wagon style cabin that can come to you on demand anywhere on the Mornington Peninsula. As for the style – think Boho, Artistic, Hippie, Moroccan, definitely Insta-worthy!

This Mornington Peninsula glamping option is complete with a queen size bed, a tiny well stocked kitchen, a picnic rug and lots of blankets. The cabin has a little shade on the outside too for you to kick back and enjoy the outdoors from.

2. Happy Glamper

Happy Glamper lets you choose which type of luxe tent you’d like to stay at. You get to pick between a Belle Tent, a Lotus Belle or an Emperor Tent. They’ll even set up a cute little outdoor space for you to enjoy the beach or greenery around you.

Looking to get hitched in a tent? The Happy Glamper can set you up with a large 300 people tent for your big day too!

Author

  • Wandering our World

    Hi and welcome to Wandering our World! This article was written by one of the Wandering our World team - a team of travel enthusiasts who live around the globe.