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Spooky Sleepovers: The Most Haunted Campsites in Australia
Ghost stories by the fire, haunted hikes by moonlight — these spooky campsites across Australia promise chills, thrills, and a camping trip you definitely won’t forget.
Camping in Australia is a rite of passage — the crisp night air, crackling fires, starry skies, waking to kookaburra cackles and misty forest views. But what if your next outdoor escape came with a side of spine-tingling suspense?
For those who find marshmallows and mood lighting a little too wholesome, consider pitching your tent somewhere with a touch more bite. Think eerie rainforests, ghostly gold rush towns, abandoned asylums, and islands steeped in haunted folklore — where the only thing more chilling than the temperature drop is the unsettling sense that you’re not alone.
These spooky stays aren’t just for ghost-hunters. Maybe you’re drawn to dark history, fascinated by folklore, or simply enjoy your morning tea accompanied by cold spots and distant whispers. Whatever your threshold for the supernatural, these campsites deliver serious atmosphere — and just the right amount of unease.
From Victoria’s phantom-filled valleys to ghost-ridden Queensland islands and the UFO capital of the Northern Territory, these are Australia’s most haunted places to camp — or, at the very least, attempt to get a good night’s sleep.
Just don’t forget the torch. And maybe a little sage.
Spooky, but Make it Chic? Arrive in Style with a Vintage Van
For those looking to up the aesthetic ante on their haunted escape, consider arriving in a vintage van that wouldn’t be out of place in a cult horror film — but make it designer. Think Scooby-Doo energy reimagined through a curated, nostalgic lens.
Camplify’s character-filled caravans — like the retro-chic Millie the Vintage Millard, elegant Mazzy the Van, or coastal-cool Lenni — add charm, comfort and serious visual vibes to your ghostly getaway. Bonus: They photograph beautifully by moonlight. Just saying.
The Most Haunted Places to Camp in Victoria
Haunted Stream
Found deep in Victoria’s High Country between Dargo and Ensay, this rugged trail weaves through ancient forest and over 50 stream crossings. Once a buzzing gold rush settlement, the now-deserted town of Stirling sits in slow decay — its crumbling ruins said to echo with whispers and shifting shadows. Camp nearby if you dare, but don’t expect a peaceful sleep.
Walhalla
This postcard-perfect town may charm by day, but after dark, Walhalla’s eerie history takes centre stage. Once a booming gold mining village, it’s now home to ghost tours, shadowy tales, and a cemetery so atmospheric it’s basically a film set. Set up camp at the North Gardens and prepare to feel watched — in the most Victorian gothic way possible.
Green Hill Lake Reserve (near Aradale Asylum), Ararat
Once the largest psychiatric hospital in the Southern Hemisphere, Aradale housed over 13,000 patients — many of whom never truly left. Paranormal encounters are routine here: disembodied voices, cold patches, and heavy feelings in the crumbling wards. While overnight stays aren’t allowed inside, nearby Green Hill Lake Reserve offers free lakeside camping… just far enough from the shadows.
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Picton
Often hailed as Australia’s most haunted town, Picton pulses with supernatural energy — from the crumbling ruins of the old maternity hospital to the infamous Redbank Range Railway Tunnel, aka the Mushroom Tunnel. Legend says Emily Bollard, who tragically died under a train in 1916, still haunts the shadows here. Visitors speak of chilling whispers, sudden cold snaps, and the unnerving sensation of unseen eyes watching. For the brave, nearby Poplar Tourist Park in Camden offers powered and unpowered sites — just don’t pitch too close to the tracks.
Monte Cristo Homestead, Junee
Australia’s most haunted house doesn’t do things by halves. Built in 1885 and steeped in tragedy, Monte Cristo’s chilling legacy includes mysterious deaths, disembodied voices, and sightings of a woman in period dress pacing the upper balcony. Once open for ghost tours and overnight stays, the Victorian manor has recently closed its doors following the death of longtime custodian Olive Ryan — but its reputation lingers. While you can’t sleep under its roof anymore, you can still stay nearby in Junee and feel the pull of its presence. Some places don’t need open doors to make themselves known.
Lake George, Near Canberra
Lake George is a haunting masterpiece of nature’s mysteries where the waters vanish without warning and legends linger like mist. By day, the shimmering expanse captivates; by night, the eerie stillness hums with whispered tales of ghostly sightings and unexplained lights. Though camping on the lakebed is off-limits, nearby secluded spots invite you to sleep under a sky littered with stars and secrets. For those who crave the thrill of the unknown wrapped in refined solitude, Lake George offers an unforgettable blend of luxe escape and spectral intrigue.
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Lady Musgrave Island
Don’t let the turquoise waters fool you — this idyllic coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef harbours more than just marine life. Legends speak of a legless man and a mourning widow whose spirits still roam the island. Campers have reported ghostly wails carried by the sea breeze and shadowy figures vanishing into the dense Pisonia forest.
Camping is permitted with a permit, but facilities are minimal — so come prepared.
Fraser Island (K’gari)
K’gari is renowned for its natural beauty — but some parts carry haunting tales. Wanggoolba Creek, with its crystal-clear waters and ancient rainforest, is said to be watched over by restless spirits from the island’s Indigenous past. Campers and hikers have shared stories of strange noises and unexplained sensations while staying nearby. The campground offers a chance to immerse yourself in both wilderness and whispering legends.
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North Kapunda Hotel
In the heart of South Australia’s most haunted town, the North Kapunda Hotel boasts a reputation as one of the country’s most paranormally active pubs. Established in 1849, it once thrived as a lively hub for miners and “ladies of the night” — and some say the spirits still linger. Guests report icy cold spots, disembodied voices, and apparitions, including the infamous Dr. Blood.
While camping inside is off-limits (probably for the best), nearby Kapunda Tourist Park offers powered and unpowered sites for those daring enough to spend the night nearby.
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Camp Quaranup
Perched on Albany’s windswept coastline, Camp Quaranup carries the heavy silence of its haunting past. Once a quarantine station where many were left to face uncertain fates, its weathered morgue and deserted nurse’s quarters now whisper secrets of restless souls. Visitors speak of ghostly footsteps echoing through the night, sudden chills that seep deep into the bones, and the unsettling feeling of unseen eyes watching from the shadows.
Though the historic buildings host group stays, nearby Albany Holiday Park invites the bravest to camp beneath the stars — enveloped by the haunting beauty of the rugged coast and its lingering spirits.
Fremantle Prison
With more than 140 years of grim convict history, Fremantle Prison stands as one of Australia’s most haunted heritage sites. This former maximum-security facility witnessed countless incarcerations and executions, drawing ghost hunters and curious visitors alike. Paranormal encounters are frequent on its renowned ghost tours — from fleeting apparitions and sudden chills to an overwhelming sense of dread, especially in the solitary cells.
While overnight stays behind bars aren’t possible, Discovery Parks – Fremantle offers nearby camping-style accommodation for those eager to rest within haunting distance.
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Port Arthur
One of Australia’s most haunting historic sites, Port Arthur is a former penal colony steeped in sorrow, hardship—and restless spirits. With over 1,000 recorded deaths, many believe the anguished souls of convicts still roam the grounds. Lantern-lit ghost tours lead the brave through its most haunted buildings, where icy chills, whispered voices, and unexplained sounds linger in the shadows.
While camping isn’t permitted on-site (likely for good reason), the nearby NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park provides a comfortable and convenient base for those ready to confront the past — and the paranormal.
Want a less creepy camping option near you? We’ve pulled together guides for the picture perfect places to pitch a tent near Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, and the best glamping in Victoria. And if you want more style than spook, book a night at one of Australia’s coolest motels instead.
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