Mountains, rivers, beaches, forests… the Great Ocean Road region has it all when it comes to camping locations.

While Mother Nature provides the magnificent backdrop and Parks Victoria provides campgrounds in more than 100 parks, it’s the little bit of additional planning and care that will ensure you have the most enjoyable camping experience. Here is our checklist:

1. Research your campground

Make sure you know what to expect before you pack the tent. Campgrounds in Victoria’s vast parks and reserves vary greatly. Some are remote with no toilets or running water, while others can be easily accessed, and include showers and cooking facilities. Either way, there’s something for everyone. To get started, visit parks.vic.gov.au/explore/things-to-do

2. Book ahead or arrive early

Once you know where you want to go, make sure you’ve checked how to secure a spot. Some campsites require a booking and some are fee-based, while many others are free and provided on a first-in, first-served basis. For bookable campsites, visit parkstay.vic.gov.au

3. Pack the right gear

You can forget the kitchen sink, but make sure you’re well-prepared. The last thing you want on holiday is to be uncomfortable, so make sure you’ve got the right bedding, clothing, footwear, food and water. Conditions in the outdoors change dramatically so make sure your tent is waterproof.

4. Store your food and rubbish

When you head out for the day, or turn in for the night, securely pack away your food, leftovers and rubbish. You don’t want to come home after a day’s activity to find your dinner has disappeared, or your campsite is strewn with rubbish. Birds and animals can also be harmed by consuming human food.

5. Be fire smart

If sitting around an evening campfire is essential for your trip, check ahead to see if they’re permitted. Where a campfire is okay, make sure you’ve packed firewood, or can buy some from nearby. Around 10 percent of bushfires are caused by escaped campfires so never leave one unattended, and when putting it out use water not soil. For fire safety information, visit ffm.vic.gov.au/permits-and-regulations/fire-restrictions-and-regulations

6. Be a good neighbour

Holidays can be a great time to meet new people, but remember, they’re also supposed to be relaxing! Make sure you give other campers their own space and quiet – noise travels easily through tent walls! Be a good neighbour to the environment by taking your rubbish with you, and by not trampling or cutting down any vegetation.

For more information about camping visit the Parks Victoria website