EV camping is easier than most people expect. The planning is simpler, the running costs are lower, and if your vehicle has Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, your car becomes a genuinely useful part of your campsite setup.

Here's what to know before your first EV camping trip in Victoria.

Why EVs suit camping better than you'd think​

Camping and caravan holidays already encourage slower driving, planned stops and scenic routes. That style of travel fits EV ownership naturally.

The practical benefits are straightforward. Charging at home before you leave is significantly cheaper than filling a tank. Modern EVs are quiet on the road, which makes regional driving genuinely pleasant. And for destinations close to Melbourne, like the Yarra Valley, range is rarely a consideration at all.

The mental shift most EV owners make on their first camping trip is realising that the anxiety they expected simply doesn't show up.

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What is V2L and what can you actually run from it?

Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) is a feature on a growing number of EVs that lets you draw power directly from the car's battery pack through a standard 240V outlet. Depending on your vehicle, that outlet is either built into the car or available via an adapter that plugs into the charging port.

Compatible vehicles currently available in Australia include the Hyundai IONIQ 5, Hyundai IONIQ 6, Kia EV6, Kia EV9, and the Genesis GV60, among others. The list is growing with each new model year.

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At a campsite, V2L opens up options that weren't available to previous generations of campers:

• Inflate a mattress with an electric air pump in under a minute

• Run a proper coffee machine in the morning

• Charge e-bikes or e-scooters

• Power a portable speaker, projector or fan

• Run small cooking appliances

• Charge laptops, cameras and phones without hunting for a power point

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For many EV campers, the car stops being just the thing that got them there and becomes part of the campsite itself. Use it sensibly and keep an eye on your remaining range for the drive home.

 

Tips for planning an EV camping trip in Victoria

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• Leave home with a full charge. This is the single most useful thing you can do. A full battery before you leave removes almost every variable from the trip.

• Check charging apps before you go, not when you need them. PlugShare, Chargefox and Evie Networks all show live charger availability. A quick look the night before is better than scrambling on the road. For most trips in the Yarra Valley, you won't need a stop at all, but knowing your options costs nothing.

• Account for winter range reduction. Cold temperatures, heater use and hills can reduce range by roughly 10 to 20 percent depending on your vehicle. For short-to-medium regional trips this rarely matters, but build in a small buffer if you're towing or carrying a heavy load.

• Don't assume campground power is a fast charger. Most powered sites run 10 to 15 amps on a shared system. That's enough for standard camping loads but not designed for high-draw EV charging. If you want to plug in on site, always speak to the park before you start. A good park will help you find the right time and connection. One that doesn't offer that conversation is a useful signal.

• Slow down and take the scenic route. EV drivers often find regional travel feels completely different without engine noise. The Maroondah Highway through the Yarra Valley is a genuinely enjoyable drive. Stop in Lilydale or Healesville on the way. There's no reason to rush.​

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How to choose an EV-friendly campsite in Victoria

Not all powered sites are equal, and not every park is set up to have a sensible conversation about EV charging. A few things worth looking for:

1. Distance from home matters more than you might think. A destination within 100 kilometres of Melbourne means most EVs can do the return trip without any on-site charging at all, which removes the question entirely.

2. Powered site availability is the starting point. Unpowered sites are fine if you have V2L, but if you want the option to charge you need a powered connection.

3. A park that's upfront about its electrical capacity and willing to help you plan your charging is a better experience than one that isn't. It's a reasonable question to ask when you book.

 

Where to start: the Yarra Valley

For EV drivers based in Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is one of the most practical first destinations in Victoria. The distances are short, the drive is scenic, the region has growing EV infrastructure, and there are enough stops along the way (wineries, cafes, walking trails) to make the journey part of the experience.

Doon Reserve Caravan Park in Yarra Junction sits on the Yarra River, about an hour from the CBD. Powered and riverfront sites are available year-round. In winter the park is quiet, uncrowded and genuinely atmospheric.

If you're travelling with a portable EV charger, come and have a chat with the team at the office before you plug in. They'll set you up on the right connection at the right time so everything runs smoothly.

Ready to plan your trip? Read our full guide to EV camping near Melbourne and check availability at Doon Reserve.

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