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Big Hill Campground has 13 campsites of varying sizes, some smaller grassy just for tents (in theory – the Otways get very wet in winter however the campground can seasonally close), through to larger drive-in sites for caravans and campervans.
I have not camped overnight, I just stopped in person to take some handy reference photos of the campsites on the way to another adventure!
The Big Hill Campground page on Parks Victoria has a handy map showing the location of the campsites in my photos. Here are some photos to give you an idea of what those campsites look like.
Quick Fact Box This campground may close seasonally Toilets – Yes (always best to take your own paper) Dog Friendly – NO Dogs are allowed at Big Hill Campground as it is inside the Great Otway National Park Mobile Reception – TBA Bookings? Yes you must prebook a campsite at Big Hill Campground online What to Bring: BYO drinking water, spare toilet paper, food, own cooking gear etc (This is bush camping you should be self-sufficient, toilets are the only thing provided.) Before visiting always check up to date regional fire, safety & road access conditions with government websites: Big Hill Campground page on Parks Victoria Water Safety: Small children will need close supervision, there is a small dam at the campsite. |
How to get to Big Hill campground
The campground is located just off the Deans Marsh – Lorne Road which you access from either the Great Ocean Road or via one of several roads off the Princes Hwy between Geelong and Colac.
It is a short way up the unsealed Big Hill Track. Big Hill Track closes seasonally, usually in the wettest months, check the Parks Victoria Page page for seasonal road closures or the change of condition notes on the campground page before visiting.
The Campground Facilities
It’s a small campground compared to nearby Dandos and Stevensons Falls campgrounds (which get busy as they are state forests where dogs, dirt bikes etc are allowed).
It is likely fairly quiet midweek for a lot of the year because of this (while I honestly haven’t visited enough to make this call, the availability of campsites online when booking should give you an idea of how busy it will be if you are booking last minute).
The campground has toilets and sites for both tents and caravans. There is a small dam at the back of the campsite so small children will need to be closely supervised.
Campsites 1-7 Tent Only Campsites in the Otway Ranges
Please note I tried my best to get accurate photos that show the site number but keep in mind conditions can change.
Big Hill Campsite 1 & 2 – Otway National Park
Campsite 1 is on the left side of the platform and fire pit and campsite 2 is to the right side. The toilet block is is just to the left of campsite 1.
Big Hill Campsite 3 – Otway National Park
Big Hill Campsite 4 – Otway National Park
Big Hill Campsite 5 – Otway National Park
Big Hill Campsite 6 – Otway National Park
Big Hill Campsite 7 – Otway National Park
Campsites 8-13 Caravan and Campervan Bush Campsites in the Otway National Park
Big Hill Campsite 8 & 9- Otway National Park
Campsite 8 is on the left hand side of a grassy area with platform and Campsite 9 is on the right hand side.
Big Hill Campsite 10 – Otway National Park
When not wet arguably would arguably be one of the best van sites with space on either side and the dam at the back.
Big Hill Campsite 11, 12, 13- Otway National Park
Campsites 10, 11 and 12 are Van sites all in a row with no bollards or grass as a physical dilination between sites.
Things to do near Big Hill Campground
Big Hill right in the middle of the Otway Ranges and is driving distance for day trips to the beach, bushwalks and waterfalls around Lorne. Unless you are 4wd you will need to go South to the Great Ocean Road or North to other bitumen roads to get to other parts of the Otways.
Article Update History
Article First Published November 2023
Site Visit & Photos Taken: June 2022