Last Updated on 17 September 2026 by Rob
Gillams Beach Campground is spread across several small clearings within the Recherche Nature Recreation Area, directly across the road from Gillams Beach. It provides a base from which to explore the splendid coastline in the area and access to the Southwest National Park.
There is no requirement to be self-contained at this campground.
Pets are permitted at this campground.
Tents are permitted.
Fires are permitted in above-ground fire pits that you must provide. However, collecting firewood in the area is prohibited, so bring your own.
Gillams Beach Campground Quick Facts
| Campground Name | Gillams Beach Campground |
|---|---|
| Nearest Town | Dover |
| GPS | 43°32'32.81"S 146°53'30.53"E |
| Access Road | Unsealed |
| Number of sites | 18 |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Water | No |
| Dump point | No |
| Power | No |
| Pets | Yes |
| Tents | Yes |
| Fires permitted | Yes |
| Telstra coverage | Weak |
| Optus coverage | No |
| Cost | Free |
| Booking | N/A |
Planning a Southern Tasmania & Bruny Island Caravan Trip?
This destination is featured in our complete, un-sponsored 7-Day Southern Tasmania & Bruny Island Itinerary. Discover essential Bruny ferry tips, low-cost nature camps from Cockle Creek to Jetty Beach, and a day-by-day route past the Bruny Baker bread fridge and South Cape Bay with practical, caravan-friendly pacing.
Explore the 7-Day Southern Tasmania & Bruny Island Itinerary →Campground Layout and Features
Gillams Beach Campground has 18 unmarked sites in two areas. A small creek separates a northern area. This site has about eight sites. The southern area has about ten sites.
The sites are on a grassed area that is fairly flat but quite uneven. You will need to place your van in an appropriate location to allow levelling. Some sites are more level than others.
No power is available at this site. Tank water is provided and should be boiled before consumption.
In the northern area, there is a drop toilet. During our visit, it was clean, smelled fresh and was well stocked with toilet paper.
This campground does not have rubbish bins, which must be removed when you leave.
If you use an above-ground fire pit, the ash must also be removed when you leave.
The maximum stay at this site is 28 days.
Gillams Beach Campsite Location
Gillams Beach Campground is a 37km drive south of Dover. The last 13km of which is unsealed. The unsealed section may contain potholes so drive carefully. The map below shows the campground’s location. You can zoom out for a more general location.
What to Watch Out For at Gillams Beach Campground
Insects may be a problem at this site. If they bother you, bring some repellent.
There are many wallabies, so do not leave any food out and secure your rubbish when not in camp.
Final Words
We had a great stay at this campground. The walks to South West Bay and Fishery Point are good. Kayaking along the coast and rivers is relaxing.
Several other camping grounds are in the area, including Finn Beach Campground, Catamaran Campground, Ramsgate Campground and Boltons Green Campsite.
All of these campgrounds offer similar features. The campgrounds near Cockle Creek are busier and from what we saw smaller than at the campground detailed here, Keep in mind that once you cross the bridge into Cockle Creek you are in the national park where fires and pets are not permitted.
This is the southern-most of our campgrounds and it is included in our Southern Tasmania & Bruny Island road trip.
Closeby Campgrounds
If travelling towards Hobart you may wish to stay at Franklin Camping Ground or Geeveston CMCA Park.
Details checked 17/9/26.
