No campsites available...Plan B?

[Ciscokid]

Hi all,

Previously we've done most of our touring and 'camping' in caravan parks with tents.  Now that we've got the new Jayco I want to do some free camping as we are now much more self sufficient.  Not to mention trying to get some of the money back on the purchase!

Thinking of going Otways national park this labour day long weekend, but anxious that there won't be camp sites when we arrive. 
Leaving earlier to get a spot isn't an option...

My thoughts are:
-Drive around to other free camp spots close by (but they may be full too)
-Have CP numbers handy (they may not have anything available)
-Drive back home which is ok for this 2 hr drive to destination, but what if you drove greater than 5-6 hours?

So what are your plan Bs if campsites are unavailable?

Cheers

[austastar]

Hi,
  Ours is a different rig, but we can get caught out still on the road and needing a spot to overnight. Forestry roads can be good, usually plenty of little spots to pull off the road. (This is a 'plan B', so it is only an over-nighter to get some sleep.)


If you are near a town, use the GPS to search for things like picnic, lookout, toilet, they will often have a flat, quiet spot to kip.


A bit of map work can often find a promising spot well ahead of time.


cheers

[Bird]

Dandos etc down the otways will be packed days before the long weekend...

I'd have a backup book at Bimbi Park. It isn't that expensive.

Or plan to go elsewhere.

[letsgo]

Hi Ciscokid,

There is a free camp at Johanna Beach 15 km S of Lavers Hill on the Great Ocean Rd. A good spot to base yourself to check the area out. It is popular and will be busy but is also a big area. Have some some photos on our site. http://letsgotravelaustralia.com/v-johanna-beach-campground/ There are several different areas, so hopefully you would find a spot somewhere.

Also Hammond Road Campground, 12.5kms off the great ocean road up a dirt road. In the Otway National Park, 8km NW of Aireys Inlet. Big grassy paddock. As it's off the beaten track it doesn't seem to get the same numbers. http://letsgotravelaustralia.com/v-hammond-road-campground/

Hope this helps, really lovely area.

[Goose]

Not really a "plan B", but in my experience anything on a long weekend should be booked months in advance and don't expect much with free camping. Even if you get a spot it will be busy and you won't get an ideal spot. You could however try to free camp but have a caravan park as backup.

A few people on here will say don't go anywhere on a long weekend. Others will say try the long weekend but only if you have a booked and reserved spot.

P.S. Even if you do have a spot booked, go early to claim it. Last year for the October long weekend I went to the Royal National Park with a reserved and numbered spots at Bundeena and there were 2 jerks parked in my spot when i turned up. I arrived at 5:30PM on the Friday night and was very lucky to catch the National Parks ranger who made them move and fined them just as they were leaving.

[Bird]

Not really a "plan B", but in my experience anything on a long weekend should be booked months in advance and don't expect much with free camping. Even if you get a spot it will be busy and you won't get an ideal spot. You could however try to free camp but have a caravan park as backup.

A few people on here will say don't go anywhere on a long weekend. Others will say try the long weekend but only if you have a booked and reserved spot.

P.S. Even if you do have a spot booked, go early to claim it. Last year for the October long weekend I went to the Royal National Park with a reserved and numbered spots at Bundeena and there were 2 jerks parked in my spot when i turned up. I arrived at 5:30PM on the Friday night and was very lucky to catch the National Parks ranger who made them move and fined them just as they were leaving.

who would go to Bundeena for a holiday

[ATC]

who would go to Bundeena for a holiday

I suggest Bundeena as a campsite to people in Sydney who are trying to convince their Missus to try camping.
Hot Showers
Decent Toilet block
Water, sand & beaches close by
Close to shops
Out of Sydney
Close enough to go home if she hates it

Got a lot going for it for newbies

[Bird]

I suggest Bundeena as a campsite to people in Sydney who are trying to convince their Missus to try camping.
Hot Showers
Decent Toilet block
Water, sand & beaches close by
Close to shops
Out of Sydney
Close enough to go home if she hates it

Got a lot going for it for newbies

... yea, but its Bundeena! Other side of the end of the earth....

[Beachman]

For long weekends or Easter/Xmas is always a crazy time so expect it to be busy as any place within a couple of hours from any city will be popular with all the all the good spots will be taken days in advance. Also expect it’s going to be full of yobbos.

If you can find a spot that’s only assessable by 4WD, that does limit the yobbo factor, but doesn’t stop it completely. Another option is a private camp ground as it might cost more, but least you won’t have music blaring all night.

[Kangaron]

Go bush my man.
If you have to book or pay, not worth going to.

[Patr80l]

Half way between Deans March and Lorne is Benwerrin and just down the road from that, towards Lorne is a free camping area in the State Forrest.
Facilities = one pit toilet.
It's about 10-15 minute's drive to Lorne.

[Bird]

For long weekends or Easter/Xmas is always a crazy time so expect it to be busy as any place within a couple of hours from any city will be popular with all the all the good spots will be taken days in advance. Also expect it’s going to be full of yobbos.

If you can find a spot that’s only assessable by 4WD, that does limit the yobbo factor, but doesn’t stop it completely. Another option is a private camp ground as it might cost more, but least you won’t have music blaring all night.

yea, struggle to understand people expecting close to city places not to be packed on long weekends...

and yea, the scum factor is becoming increasingly worse...

[Black Diamond]

http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=26533.0

[Ciscokid]

Thanks guys for all the tips and advice.  I have the Camps 7 book and been browsing all the suggested sites.

The condition from the boss is the kiddies (6, 5, 2) need to have something to do or there'll be no trip.  As you know CPs are rather pricey when adding the kiddies.  Just checking prices online for along the coast (although not available) is hovering around the $70+ mark p/n.  Hence I'd much rather free camp.

Aire river has 100+ sites looks good.  Hmmm my options would be either to try some of the sites or go some other time.

I'm aware there'll be plenty of yobbos and it'll be chockers wherever I end up!! 

[GGV8Cruza]

Aire river has 100+ sites looks good.  Hmmm my options would be either to try some of the sites or go some other time.

I'm aware there'll be plenty of yobbos and it'll be chockers wherever I end up!! 

Give Parks a call as I believe part of this was closed off and the 100 sites would be greatly reduced

GG

[cap8959]

Aire river has 100+ sites looks good.  Hmmm my options would be either to try some of the sites or go some other time.

Give Parks a call as I believe part of this was closed off and the 100 sites would be greatly reduced

GG

Air river has two sides. East has approx. 20 sites, West has 50. The bridge is closed to traffic so if one side is full it will be a 30 minute drive or more to go around, but you could walk over to claim a spot if they are available.

[speewa158]

Go Camps7 & wing it . lf your decided camp spot is overloaded then you can check out others . When you open yourself top the experience then you will become a better traveller 

[feisty]

Hi Ciscokid,
I'd give Johanna a try.   Was there Australia day and it was silly busy but it is a big place.   What you will find is that people park their 4wds next to their vans / camping sites hoping in vain to stop someone camping on their doorstep.   If you are reasonable, friendly and only have one head then most people will gladly move their cars etc to avoid having the Manson family move in for three nights....
try the wikicamps app. has recent photos and almost daily updates for places like johanna
Good Luck!

[Ciscokid]

Thanks for the tips guys. Camps 7 book will be close by. I will wing it and hopefully can settle pretty early. Just dont want to be looking still after dark! 

[Black Diamond]

Air river has two sides. East has approx. 20 sites, West has 50. The bridge is closed to traffic so if one side is full it will be a 30 minute drive or more to go around, but you could walk over to claim a spot if they are available.

The old bridge was a bit shaky at the best of times. Wonder if it's a permanent closure.

[still_riding]

I down loaded "Wikicamps" from iTunes (not sure if there is one for android), anyway this app is the ducks guts for finding plan b camp sites. It costs more than most apps. (No It's not my app!)
Just useful on the road ( with the CT or on the bike) when looking a place to roll out the swag.

Good luck with finding a spot. We still haven't booked anywhere for Easter, just going to wing it as well!

Where are we again?