Best lake-side campgrounds in the Victorian Goldfields

Looking to escape the heat and discover your next summer camping destination? Check out the following list of great lake-side campgrounds in the Victorian Goldfields, where you can set up camp and settle in for a relaxing weekend of swimming and fishing!

• Facilities: Boat ramp, toilets

Pitch a tent along the shore of the beautiful Lake Burrumbeet, just twenty minutes from Ballarat, and settle in for a weekend of swimming, fishing or boating! Free camping is permitted along the lake's foreshore, and long drop toilets are available for visitor use. You'll find plenty of shady spots beneath the large trees to set up your camp chair and relax, while keeping an eye out for the Lake's many resident pelicans. Find out more about camping at Lake Burrumbeet.

• Facilities: Picnic tables, undercover area, wood fire barbecue, boat ramp, information sign, toilet

Skinners Flat Reservoir is a scenic lake located about 6 km from Wedderburn. Featuring an island at its centre and surrounded by bushland, the reservoir is a great spot for swimming, fishing, boating, camping and bushwalking. Find out more about camping at Skinners Flat Reservoir.

• Facilities: Picnic tables, boat ramp, toilets

Set up camp along the shore of Greens Lake and settle in for a relaxing weekend of swimming, fishing or boating. Free camping is permitted along a huge area of the foreshore at this popular lake-side campground, where picnic tables and toilets are available for visitor use. Find out more about camping at Greens Lake.

• Facilities: Picnic tables, toilets, showers, boat ramp, playground, undercover barbecue area, fitness station

Green Hill Lake is located 4km east of Ararat and is a fantastic free area for recreation, camping, fishing, boating, swimming, barbecues and bushwalking. This campground is extremely well equipped and includes a shower block, barbecue area, playground, boat ramp, fitness station, and more. Find out more about camping at Green Hill Lake.

• Facilities: Picnic tables, wood fire barbecues, drop toilets

The Bealiba Reservoir Recreation area is a fantastic spot for camping, picnics, fishing, swimming, bushwalking and birdwatching. Multiple campsites are located around the reservoir, with picnic tables, fire pits and toilets available. Find out more about camping at Bealiba Reservoir.

• Facilities: None, campers must be self-sufficient

One of the most beautiful reservoirs in the Victorian Goldfields, Colbrook Reservoir is an amazing place for bushwalking, swimming, bush camping, and photography. Featuring a stunning dam wall complete with seasonal waterfall, this place is a must-see when exploring the beauty of the Wombat State Forest. There are a couple of great clearings for camping, swimming and fishing around the reservoir over on the opposite side to the dam wall. Please note that there are no facilities here, visitors must be self-sufficient, and access is by 4wd only. Find out more about camping at Colbrook Reservoir. 

Looking for more? You can view a more extensive list of campgrounds in the Victorian Goldfields here. What's your favourite campground in the region? Let us know in the comments below!