Camping in Mount Cole
Due to fire impact, campgrounds in the Mount Cole State Forest are closed for public safety until further notice. For the latest on Mount Cole State Forest closures, head to www.deeca.vic.gov.au.
Mount Cole is a great place to getaway from it all. Camp the night at one of the many campgrounds in the parks and stroll after dark to spotlight the forest night life.
Mt Cole State Forest is located one hours drive west of Ballarat, just off the Western Highway, 25 kilometres from the township of Beaufort and marks the gateway to the Grampians.
Availability for camping is on a first come basis. There is no charge for camping in the area
Dogs are permitted throughout Mount Cole State Forest but must be kept on a lead at all times.
Download the Mount Cole and Mount Buangor Map
Richards Campground
Richards Campground is a fantastic free campsite in the Mt Cole State Forest, Raglan.
A large clearing surrounded by trees, ferns, and moss-lined logs, features excellent picnic facilities for visitors. Multiple picnic tables and wood fire barbecues are spread through the clearing, as well as a large fire pit.
A wooden hut is packed with picnic tables and an open fire place, with a rainwater tank/tap behind it. The toilet block is located alongside the gravel parking area.
FEATURES
Free camping
Undercover / enclosed picnic area
Fireplace
Wood fire barbecues
Large fire pit
Picnic tables
Rain water tank (not for drinking)
Toilets
Ditchfields Campground
Ditchfield Camp is a fantastic free camping area within the Mount Cole State Forest – a beautiful scenic area with amazing views, popular for camping, horse riding, four wheel driving, walking and picnicking.
Located about an hour from both Ballarat and Maryborough, the campsite features a large wooden hut with concrete floor, bench table (no seating) and an open fireplace. This hut is available to camp in. No fees or bookings are required, it is recommended to arrive early if you are seeking to use the hut as it is used on a ‘first in first served’ basis.
Alongside the hut is a large grassy clear area and a firepit with bench seating. Across the track you will find several campsites with picnic tables and fire pits, as well as the toilet blocks (non flush toilets).
FEATURES
Free camping
Large wooden hut
Indoor fireplace
Picnic tables
Fire pits
Toilets
Smiths Bridge Campground
Smiths Bridge Campground sits at the edge of the beautiful Mount Cole State Forest and features an undercover area, picnic tables, fire pits, wood fire barbecues, running water, toilets and a wooden horse pen.
A huge gravel parking area provides plenty of room for caravans, trailers and horse floats.
The camp site on the back left corner has nice mountain views through the trees.
Smiths Bridge Campground is located right alongside a main road.
FEATURES
Free camping
Undercover area
Picnic tables
Wood fire barbecues
Fire pit
Undercover area
Water tap (non drinkable)
Toilets
Mugwamp Campground
A small isolated site high on the Mt Cole plateau tucked into the headwaters of the Middle Creek surrounded by dense forest and bush.
Features a stone hut and small grassed clearing but has limited level parking.
Wallabies are common, birds (kookaburras, wrens, etc) plentiful. 2km to Mt Buangor, hang-gliding.
FEATURES
Free Camping
Hut
Picnic Tables
Wood Fire Barbecues
Toilets (non flushable)
Chinamans Campground
Chinamans Campground is a fantastic free camping area within the Mount Cole State Forest – a beautiful scenic area with amazing views, popular for camping, horse riding, four wheel driving, walking and picnicking.
A large central shelter contains sturdy wood-slab picnic tables and an open fireplace, and is a great spot for a picnic lunch. The shelter is surrounded by a large clear area with multiple campsites. Picnic tables, fire pits and wood fire barbecues are scattered throughout the campground, and a toilet block provides non-flush toilets.
A horse pen is available for visitor use.
FEATURES
Free camping
Undercover picnic area
Fireplace
Fire pits / wood fire barbecues
Picnic tables
Toilets
Horse pen
