Councils in the Great South Coast area have agreed a combined approach is the best way to deal with tourists who illegally sleep overnight in campervans parked on coastal reserves, parks and residential streets.

Local laws officers met in Camperdown last week to discuss problems associated with the so-called "freedom campers" following complaints from Port Campbell residents.

Corangamite Shire's director of sustainable development Ian Gibb said free camping was already illegal under the local laws of all councils, but the definition was not well stipulated or defined.

"There are opportunities for councils to work together to look at a consolidated approach in terms of managing free camping," Mr Gibb said.

He said more consistent local laws would provide an improved means of enforcing the problem.

The councils will also focus on educating van drivers and rental companies about the local laws and provide information on suitable alternative camping sites.

"It is a problem along the Great Ocean Road and councils are working collectively, recognising it is a problem that needs to be managed," Mr Gibb said.

Port Campbell residents have reported seeing up to 12 campervans and lean-to tents set up along the town's foreshore streets every night during the summer months.

They say the practice results in problems such as illegal dumping of household waste and sewage, defecation in front gardens, holes from tent pegs in nature strips and the blocking of access to driveways and footpaths.

Long-time resident Marion Gordon outlined the problems to Corangamite Shire Council during a recent meeting in the town.

"We should be catering for budget tourists in vans by opening up public areas, maybe the recreation reserve, instead of clogging up the streets."

Another local Tony McAuliffe said the town was sick of freedom campers "dropping anchor" in highly visible sites along the foreshore.

He agreed a positive and practical solution would be to find an alternative venue where they could stay overnight.

Parks Victoria does not allow camping in the Port Campbell National Park.

Its website directs campers to the town's privately-run campground and other accommodation providers which it says are designed "to suit every budget".

Freedom camping: what the local laws state along the coast:

Corangamite: No person may camp on any council land without a permit, unless such council land has been specifically set-aside for camping purposes - fine $200.

Warrnambool: No person without a permit may camp on any municipal place in a tent, caravan or any other temporary or makeshift structure unless they are within a camping area declared by the council - fine $597.25 (five penalty units).

Moyne: Unless in accordance with a permit or the consent of the manager and always subject to any other legislation which may otherwise apply, a person must not in any council reserve place, pitch, erect or occupy for the purpose of sleeping or accommodation any camp, sleeping bag, tent, temporary shelter, caravan, trailer or vehicle - fine $238.90 (two penalty units).

Glenelg: A person must not without first obtaining a permit camp or pitch, erect or occupy for the purposes of sleeping or accommodation any camp, sleeping bag, temporary shelter, caravan, trailer or vehicle on a road or in a public place - fine $238.90 (two penalty units).