A drastic proposal to outlaw camping in Melbourne that could "ban homelessness" in the city has been condemned as a sad return to old vagrancy laws.

Legal experts have savaged the proposal from City of Melbourne officials to introduce an outright ban on public camping, saying the planned reforms were a "ridiculous waste of resources" that could put people in danger.

While the council insists it is not banning homelessness, lawyers who examined the draft amendment say it could have exactly that effect, preventing people from sheltering in swags or blankets.

Under currently laws, camping is only illegal if people use a vehicle, tent, caravan or other structure.