Mansfield Showgrounds: Affordable, Pet-Friendly Camping at the Gateway to the High Country

For travellers seeking a convenient, spacious, and budget-friendly base to explore the magnificent Victorian High Country, the Mansfield Showgrounds offers an unbeatable camping experience. Located right on the edge of the vibrant Mansfield township, this community-run facility provides a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for all types of campers. The vast, open, and grassy grounds mean there is an abundance of room, making it a favourite for those with large RVs and caravans, as well as groups and families who appreciate the space to spread out. Its prime position makes it the perfect launchpad for adventures, whether you’re heading up to the ski fields of Mt Buller and Mt Stirling in winter, or exploring the beautiful waters of Lake Eildon and the historic Howqua Hills in the warmer months.

The showgrounds provide all the essential facilities needed for a comfortable stay, including powered and unpowered sites, clean toilets and hot showers, and a convenient public dump point nearby. Being pet-friendly, it’s an ideal choice for those who don’t want to leave their furry companions behind. One of the greatest advantages is its proximity to town; a short walk or bike ride along the Great Victorian Rail Trail, which runs alongside the showgrounds, will have you amongst Mansfield’s excellent pubs, cafes, restaurants, and supermarkets in minutes. This blend of a peaceful, rural setting with the convenience of town amenities is what makes the Mansfield Showgrounds such a popular and highly-regarded choice for a High Country holiday.

Park Information

• Name: Mansfield Showgrounds Camping
• Address: Mt Buller Road, Mansfield, Victoria 3722, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: Latitude: -37.056, Longitude: 146.095
• Website: Not available.
• Phone: 0428 513 355 (Caretaker)

Features & Facilities

• Location: Spacious showgrounds on the edge of Mansfield township.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and big rigs. RV friendly.
• Road Access: Excellent sealed road access.
• Site Surface: Mostly level grass.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, low-cost camping. Fees payable to the on-site caretaker.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Check with the caretaker for long-stay options.
• Facilities: Toilets, hot showers.
• Potable Water: Yes, drinking water is available.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent coverage for all major carriers.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, toilets and showers are available for guests.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided.
• Open Fires: Generally not permitted; check with the caretaker for current rules.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Numerous powered and unpowered sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Your own supplies for a comfortable stay.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, this is a pet-friendly park.
• Fishing: Excellent fishing in nearby Lake Eildon and local rivers.
• Short Walks: Direct access to the Great Victorian Rail Trail for walking and cycling into town.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Mansfield Hotel – approx. 1.5 km
  • Delatite Hotel (Mansfield) – approx. 1.5 km
• Places to Eat:
  • A wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and bakeries in Mansfield – approx. 1.5 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Great Victorian Rail Trail – adjacent to the showgrounds
  • Mansfield Zoo – approx. 12 km
  • Lake Eildon – approx. 22 km
  • Mount Buller & Mount Stirling Alpine Resorts – approx. 48 km

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Mansfield Holiday Park – approx. 1 km
  • High Country Holiday Park – approx. 4 km
  • Mansfield Lakeside Holiday Park – approx. 22 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Numerous free camps in the nearby Howqua Hills Historic Area (e.g., Sheepyard Flat) – approx. 43 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Mansfield Public Dump Point (near Visitor Information Centre) – approx. 2 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Several options in Mansfield – approx. 1-2 km.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: On-site at the showgrounds.
• Nearest Public Toilets: On-site for guests. Also in Mansfield town centre.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days with cool mountain nights. Perfect for water activities on Lake Eildon. Average maximum temperatures are around 28°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and crisp nights with stunning autumn colours. Average maximums range from 16°C to 25°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, with frosty nights. The ideal base for snow trips to Mt Buller. Average maximums are around 12°C to 14°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool and becoming milder, with the high country in full bloom. Average maximums range from 16°C to 23°C.