Missing diabetic camper found alive after nine days

A man missing for more than a week has been found alive after lighting a fire to alert search crews.

Police had been desperately hunting for Troy Milne, 61, who disappeared after leaving a campsite in Victoria's Gippsland region to pick up supplies on October 7.

An extensive search unfolded to find the insulin-dependent diabetic, with fears he had suffered a medical episode.

Mr Milne was discovered near his Jeep Wrangler on Thursday thanks to the signal fire he lit.

Inspector Wayne Rothwell said it was a remarkable outcome, describing the search effort as challenging and difficult due to the size of the area.

"Troy was without his medication for a long period which left him disorientated and confused so we believe he turned off the highway at some point and became lost in the bush," he said.

"We really feared the worst so to be able to contact Troy's family and give them the fantastic news was a wonderful result."

Police said the missing camper's car had bottomed out in the terrain and was not drivable.

The 61-year-old was taken to hospital for treatment and observation.

His family say they are grateful he is returning home safe.