Langford West Campground: Free Alpine Camping on the Bogong High Plains

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Victorian Alps with a stay at Langford West Campground, a magnificent free camping area situated high on the iconic Bogong High Plains. Located within the Alpine National Park, this campground offers an unparalleled opportunity for self-sufficient campers to immerse themselves in a true alpine environment. The sites are scattered amongst majestic snow gums on the edge of a vast snow plain, providing a stunning and serene setting. It’s a popular base for hikers, mountain bikers, and horse riders looking to explore the extensive network of trails that crisscross the high plains, including the famous Wallace’s Hut and the Australian Alps Walking Track. The sense of remoteness and the vast, open landscapes provide a profound escape from the everyday.

As a remote, high-altitude campground, visitors must be well-prepared. The site offers basic facilities including a non-flushing toilet, picnic tables, and fireplaces. There is no drinking water available, and all rubbish must be taken with you. The access road is generally suitable for 2WD vehicles in the summer months, but campers should be aware that the weather can change rapidly at any time of year, and snow can fall even in summer. The sloping ground and trees can make positioning larger caravans and motorhomes challenging. It is also a designated campground for those exploring the plains on horseback, with horse yards available for booking. Importantly, as it is within a National Park, **pets are not permitted**. For those equipped for the challenge, Langford West offers an unforgettable adventure and a chance to camp in one of Australia’s most spectacular natural landscapes.

Campground Information

• Name: Langford West Campground
• Address: Bogong High Plains Road, Bundara, Victoria 3898, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -36.9287,147.3040
• Website: Managed by Parks Victoria (no direct website for the campground).

Features & Rules

• Location: High-altitude setting amongst snow gums on the Bogong High Plains.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, and small caravans/motorhomes.
• Road Access: Accessible by 2WD in summer via the Bogong High Plains Road (subject to seasonal closures, typically Queen’s Birthday to Melbourne Cup weekend).
• Site Surface: Natural grass and earth, can be sloping.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, in undesignated areas.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit.
• Facilities: Non-flushing toilet, picnic tables, fireplaces, and bookable horse yards.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Unreliable; patchy at best.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, a basic non-flushing toilet is available.
• Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted in provided fireplaces, subject to seasonal fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator Use: Not permitted to preserve the quiet alpine atmosphere.
• Number of Sites Available: Several undesignated, unpowered sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, warm clothing (even in summer), and all supplies.
• Pet Friendly: No, pets are not permitted in the Alpine National Park.
• Fishing: Possible in nearby alpine streams for trout.
• Short Walks: Direct access to numerous trails, including Wallace’s Hut and the Australian Alps Walking Track.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • The Cock ‘n’ Bull (Falls Creek) – approx. 18 km (seasonal)
  • Hotel High Plains (Dinner Plain) – approx. 60 km (seasonal)
  • Tawonga South Hotel (Tawonga South) – approx. 50 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Various restaurants and cafes in Falls Creek Village – approx. 18 km (seasonal)
  • Cafes and bakeries in Mount Beauty – approx. 50 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Wallace’s Hut Historic Site
  • Bogong High Plains
  • Falls Creek Alpine Resort (seasonal activities) – approx. 18 km
  • Rocky Valley Dam

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • The Park Mount Beauty – approx. 50 km
  • Tawonga Tourist Park – approx. 50 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Raspberry Hill Campground – approx. 2 km
  • Buckety Plain Campground – approx. 4 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • The Park Mount Beauty – approx. 50 km (check for public access/fee)
  • Dinner Plain Public Dump Point – approx. 60 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Mount Beauty – approx. 50 km.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Public taps in Mount Beauty – approx. 50 km.
• Nearest Public Toilets: On-site (basic). Flushing toilets in Falls Creek (seasonal) or Mount Beauty.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Mild to warm days, but can change rapidly. Cool to cold nights. Average maximums are around 17°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Cool and crisp days. The plains turn stunning colours. Snow is possible. Average maximums range from 6°C to 14°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): The area is covered in snow and the road is closed. Access is via ski or snowshoe only. Temperatures are typically below freezing.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool and variable as the snow melts, revealing a carpet of alpine wildflowers. Road opening is dependent on snow melt. Average maximums range from 5°C to 12°C.