Mount Taylor Free Camping: Forest & MTB Guide Near Bairnsdale, VIC

Located just 15 kilometres north of Bairnsdale, the Mount Taylor Campground is a fantastic free camping area that serves as the perfect base for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly mountain bikers. Set in a spacious, grassy clearing within the Mount Taylor State Forest, this site is the official trailhead for the renowned Mt Taylor Mountain Bike Trails. With over 30 kilometres of tracks ranging from intermediate cross-country circuits to extreme downhill runs, it’s a thrill-seeker’s paradise. But you don’t have to be a mountain biker to enjoy the serenity of this beautiful bush camp. The campground, also known as Boys Camp, offers a peaceful escape with large, open sites suitable for everything from tents to big rigs and caravans.

This is a back-to-basics campground ideal for self-sufficient travellers. While it provides the convenience of non-flush toilets and fire pits, there is no drinking water available, so you must bring your own supply. One of the major drawcards is that the campground is dog-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friends along for the adventure. The atmosphere is relaxed and spacious, with plenty of room to find your own spot amongst the trees. It’s a fantastic location for a simple weekend getaway, offering a chance to sit by a campfire, enjoy the abundant birdlife, and explore the surrounding forest on foot or by bike. Its close proximity to Bairnsdale means that supplies are never far away, yet it feels wonderfully remote, offering a true sense of escape into the Gippsland bushland.

Campground Details

• Name: Mount Taylor Campground (Boys Camp)
• Address: Lookout Road, Mount Taylor, VIC 3875, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -37.70326594311491, 147.5855102621679
• Website: The campground is the trailhead for the Mt Taylor Trails.

Campsite Information

• Road Access: Via Bullumwaal Road (sealed) then Lookout Road (unsealed). Generally accessible for 2WD vehicles, RVs, and caravans.
• Site Surface: Grass and natural earth.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit, but short stays are encouraged.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Generally good, with Telstra and Optus having reception.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush toilets are available.
• Rubbish Bins: No. This is a carry-in, carry-out area. Please take all rubbish with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to local fire regulations and Total Fire Bans. BYO firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Numerous undefined sites in a large, open area.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, rubbish bags, firewood, and all camping/cooking equipment.
• Location: Mount Taylor State Forest.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted but must be kept under control.
• Fishing: No significant fishing onsite.
• Short Walks: Yes, explore the forest and the mountain bike trails on foot (give way to riders).

Nearby Amenities & Attractions (from Bairnsdale)

• Local Pubs:
  • Wy Yung Pub – Approx. 13 km
  • Main Hotel Bairnsdale – Approx. 15 km
  • Grand Terminus Hotel (Bairnsdale) – Approx. 15 km
• Places to Eat:
  • A wide variety of cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in Bairnsdale – Approx. 15 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Mt Taylor Mountain Bike Trails – Onsite
  • Mitchell River National Park – Approx. 30 km
  • Bairnsdale Racecourse – Approx. 12 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • NRMA Bairnsdale Riverside Holiday Park – Approx. 16 km
  • Numerous other parks in Bairnsdale – Approx. 15-20 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Informal camping may be available in other parts of the state forest.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Bairnsdale Landfill, Forge Creek – Approx. 25 km
  • NRMA Bairnsdale Riverside Holiday Park (check for public access/fees) – Approx. 16 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple stations in Bairnsdale – Approx. 15 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Bairnsdale (public taps available at parks and visitor centre) – Approx. 15 km
• Nearest Public Toilets (offsite):
  • Located in various parks and public buildings in Bairnsdale – Approx. 15 km

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Mount Taylor’s elevated position gives it a climate typical of the Gippsland foothills.

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days with average maximums around 25°C. Nights are cooler than the coast.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, clear, and calm days make for perfect mountain biking conditions. Temperatures cool from 23°C to 17°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool to cold, with average maximums around 14-15°C. Nights can be very cold with frequent frosts.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and warming, but can be wet. The forest is lush and green. Temperatures rise from 17°C to 22°C.