Mount Franklin Reserve
Camp on an extinct volcano's crater floor! Free, dog-friendly reserve with unique walks and stunning views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Secure a prime spot
Mount Franklin Reserve
Best Time
Secure a prime spot
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Camp on an extinct volcano's crater floor! Free, dog-friendly reserve with unique walks and stunning views.
"Unique free camping in a volcano crater, dog-friendly with great walks!"
🚗 Arrive Early for Weekends
Popular on weekends, so get there early to snag a good camping spot or picnic area.
🪵 BYO Firewood
Fire pits are available, but bring your own wood if you plan to use them.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crater Rim Walk
Volcano rim
Enjoy a 1.7km loop walk with stunning views into the crater and surrounding district.
Camping on an Extinct Volcano
Crater floor
Experience unique free camping within the vast crater of an ancient volcano.
Picnic & Fire Pits
Central grassed area
Spacious open areas with picnic tables and fire pits for a relaxing day out.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Camping & Dog-Friendly Fun
Respecting Cultural Significance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive Early for Weekends
Popular on weekends, so get there early to snag a good camping spot or picnic area.
🪵 BYO Firewood
Fire pits are available, but bring your own wood if you plan to use them.
🔦 Pack a Torch
Essential for navigating the campsite at night, especially around the clean drop toilets.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Adventures
Well-behaved dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for a family outing with pets.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Weekends
Popular on weekends, so get there early to snag a good camping spot or picnic area.
🪵 BYO Firewood
Fire pits are available, but bring your own wood if you plan to use them.
🔦 Pack a Torch
Essential for navigating the campsite at night, especially around the clean drop toilets.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Adventures
Well-behaved dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for a family outing with pets.
🚶♀️ Explore the Rim
The 1.7km walk around the crater rim offers fantastic views and a chance to explore the pine forest.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Mount Franklin Reserve's unique free camping experience within an extinct volcano crater and its dog-friendly policy. The scenic crater rim walk and well-maintained facilities like clean toilets and fire pits are frequently praised. Some note that arriving early on weekends is crucial for securing a spot, and bringing firewood is necessary.
"It’s hard to find a spot flat enough for a van . The only ones that were flat were beautifully shaded by deciduous green trees . But our solar panels would not have recharged . The toilets are great, the views from the top breathtaking . It would be better if generators were not used."
Shelley Beer
"Beautiful and interesting spot (a volcanic caldera and culturally significant area for the Djaara people). Good facilities (toilets, picnic tables, fire places) if camping or just visiting for the day. And it's dog friendly. Short (1.7km) summit loop passing through pine forest, with some great views."
Gerard Wood
"Spacious camp sites, mostly flat, central grassed play area, very clean drop toilets, but byo torch at night, take a walk around the crater rim for beautiful views and walk amongst the pine forest.
Open fireplaces provided, byo wood if you can.
Short drive north of Hepburn Springs.
Be early on peak weekends."
Debby Wilson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mount Franklin Reserve is located a short drive north of Hepburn Springs, Victoria. It's easily accessible by car, with plenty of space for campers, caravans, and tents.
Yes, the reserve has loads of space for big and small rigs, including campers and caravans.
The closest popular town is Daylesford, Victoria, with Hepburn Springs being even closer.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Mount Franklin Reserve is a free camping area. You don't need to purchase tickets for entry or camping.
As a reserve and free camping area, it's generally accessible at all times. However, it's best to check local council information for any specific seasonal restrictions or advisories.
No booking is required for the free camping sites. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early on peak weekends is recommended.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The reserve offers clean drop toilets, picnic tables, and multiple fire pits with swing-away hot plates. Water is available for washing.
Absolutely! There's a 1.7km summit loop walk around the crater rim, offering beautiful views and a walk through pine forests.
Yes, it's a great spot for families with open spaces, a central grassed play area, and the unique experience of camping in a volcano crater.
The reserve features pine forests, particularly noticeable during the crater rim walk.
Mobile reception can be spotty in the reserve due to its location within the crater and surrounding trees. It's advisable to download any necessary maps or information beforehand.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are multiple fire pits available, some with swing-away hot plates, perfect for cooking. Remember to bring your own firewood.
The closest towns, Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, offer various cafes, restaurants, and local produce stores for stocking up on supplies.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the volcanic crater, the surrounding pine forests, and panoramic views from the rim walk. The open camping grounds also offer unique photographic potential.
Being away from major light pollution, Mount Franklin Reserve can be a good location for astrophotography, especially on clear nights.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚐 Budget Travelers & Caravanners
🐶 Pet Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Camping Experience at Mount Franklin Reserve
Visitors often highlight the peaceful atmosphere, especially during weekdays or off-peak seasons.
Key takeaways for campers:
* Free camping with ample space.
* Clean drop toilets and fire pits available.
* Bring your own firewood and a torch.
* Mobile reception can be unreliable.
Exploring the Crater Rim Walk
This walk is not only visually rewarding but also offers a chance to appreciate the geological history of the site. The Dja Dja Wurrung people, who hold this land as culturally significant, refer to the crater area as Lar-ne-barramul, meaning 'place of the emu' or 'Nest of the emu', adding a layer of cultural depth to your exploration.
Highlights of the rim walk:
* Spectacular views into the crater and surrounding landscape.
* A pleasant walk through a pine forest.
* Insight into the volcanic formation and cultural significance of the area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit