Genoa Free Camping: A Pet-Friendly Stop in Far East Gippsland, VIC

Nestled in the quiet, historic township of Genoa, the Genoa Campground is a delightful and spacious free camping area that serves as the perfect gateway to the wilderness coast of Far East Gippsland. This well-regarded community facility offers travellers a peaceful and convenient base to rest and explore, with a generous 72-hour stay limit. Set amongst beautiful large gum trees that provide plenty of shade, the large, flat, grassy area can accommodate a wide range of setups, from tents to large caravans and RVs. The campground’s location on the banks of the scenic Genoa River makes it a lovely spot for swimming and fishing, while a charming footbridge provides easy walking access to the tiny town itself.

The Genoa Campground is a fantastic example of a community-supported rest area, offering an impressive range of facilities for a free camp. Visitors will find a toilet block, covered picnic and BBQ areas, a playground for children, and even a tennis court. While the tap water is sourced from the river and is not potable, the amenities provide a comfortable foundation for a multi-day stay. The campground is pet-friendly, making it an excellent option for those travelling with their furry companions. Its strategic location just off the Princes Highway, and only a 20-minute drive from the coastal paradise of Mallacoota, makes it an ideal staging point for adventures into the magnificent Croajingolong National Park. For a tranquil, well-facilitated, and budget-friendly stop in one of Victoria’s most beautiful regions, the Genoa Campground is hard to beat.

Campground Details

• Name: Genoa Campground
• Address: Park Road, Genoa, VIC 3891, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -37.472393612273834, 149.5917080017786
• Website: Not applicable (Community-run facility). Information is available on the Visit Mallacoota website.

Park Facilities & Information

• Location: In the town of Genoa, on the banks of the Genoa River.
• Road Access: Excellent sealed road access, just off the Princes Highway.
• Site Surface: Large, flat, grassy areas with plenty of shade.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted. A donation is appreciated.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 72 hours (3 nights).
• Facilities: Toilets, covered picnic area, BBQs, playground, tennis court.
• Potable Water: No. The tap water is from the river and is not suitable for drinking.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Generally available for major carriers.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, a toilet block is available.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to fire restrictions. BYO firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of other campers.
• Number of Sites: 27 spacious, undefined sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash.
• Fishing: Yes, fishing in the Genoa River is popular.
• Short Walks: Yes, a short walk across the footbridge into town and along the river.

Nearby Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Mallacoota Hotel Motel – Approx. 25 km
  • Cann River Hotel – Approx. 40 km
• Places to Eat:
  • A wide range of cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in Mallacoota – Approx. 25 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Genoa Falls – Approx. 2 km
  • Genoa Peak Walk (Croajingolong National Park) – Approx. 8 km
  • Mallacoota Inlet and beaches – Approx. 25 km
• Nearest Alternate Caravan Parks:
  • Mallacoota Foreshore Holiday Park – Approx. 25 km
  • Mallacoota’s Shady Gully Caravan Park – Approx. 25 km
  • Beachcomber Caravan Park (Mallacoota) – Approx. 25 km
• Alternate Free Camps:
  • Wallagaraugh River Rest Area – Approx. 19 km
• Nearest Alternate Dump Points:
  • Mallacoota Public Dump Point (Buckland Drive) – Approx. 25 km
  • Cann River Landfill – Approx. 40 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Mallacoota – Approx. 25 km
  • Cann River – Approx. 40 km
• Nearest Alternate Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Mallacoota (public taps available) – Approx. 25 km

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Genoa enjoys a mild temperate climate, similar to nearby Mallacoota.

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm with average maximums around 25-26°C. Perfect for swimming in the river.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and often calm, with clear, sunny days ideal for hiking.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool, with average maximums around 14-15°C. Nights can be cold, making it great weather for a campfire.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and pleasant, with the surrounding forests and countryside looking lush and green.