Quicklist: Queensland’s Top 5 Campgrounds for 2026
Best Overall Camping Experience
Great Keppel Island Hideaway stands as the #1 campground for 2026, boasting 645 reviews with exceptional ratings for its tropical island setting, direct beach access, helpful staff, and options from powered sites to cabins. High safety scores and guest satisfaction drive its best overall ranking. Book now.
Best for Families & Kids
BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort (Airlie Beach) is unrivaled for families, with 1,008 reviews and a 4.7 rating highlighting pools, a waterpark, clean kitchens, and supervised kids’ activities. The site is praised for its family-friendly staff and tidy amenities. Learn more.
Best Pet-Friendly Campsite
Ingenia Holidays Hervey Bay is renowned for its pet inclusivity, scoring 4.3/5 (616 reviews). Facilities include ensuite powered sites, camp kitchens, and welcoming staff, making it perfect for travelers with furry companions.
Best Off-Grid & Eco-Friendly Spot
BIG4 Carnarvon Gorge Holiday Park (945 reviews, 4.4 rating) offers access to remote hiking, national park immersion, and on-site cafe, creating an off-grid yet comfortable experience. Its proximity to gorge trails appeals to self-sufficient adventure seekers.
Best for Thrill Seekers & Adventurers
Cooloola Recreation Area provides 4WD-access beachfront camping within a wild national park. With frequent mentions for bushwalking, surfing, and its “back to nature” ethos, it is the go-to for adrenaline lovers. Permits required; check latest info before booking.
How We Curated Queensland’s Best Camping Spots
Selection Criteria & Data Sources
We assessed camps with a focus on safety, site quality, amenities, location diversity, access, guest experience, and environmental impact—backed by:
- Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service regulations and park listings
- TripAdvisor, Pitchup, Hipcamp, and official resort reviews over 600+ responses each
- News and government updates regarding new rules and facility status for 2026
Inclusion of 2026 Rules and Regulations
All selections meet current permit requirements ($7.25/person/night), display tag mandates, arrival/attendance rules, fire and vehicle regulations, and accessibility limitations as updated for 2026. Bookings and fees follow QPWS and local council stipulations for public safety and environmental protection.
Local Expert & Camper Insights
The ranking draws on expert recommendations and hundreds of guest reviews noting real-world facility quality, friendliness, cleanliness, and safety practices, ensuring a practical guide for 2026 campers.
15 Best Camping Spots in Queensland for Every Adventurer
Coastal Classics – Beachside Camping
- BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park: Clean, modern amenities, free WiFi, family friendly (powered sites; data: top-rated on reviews).
- BIG4 Point Vernon Holiday Park: $32/night, unlimited camp kitchen WiFi, clean facilities.
- Rowes Bay Beachfront Holiday Park (Townsville): Spacious, shaded beachfront with great amenities.
- Ingenia Holidays Hervey Bay: Pet-friendly, ensuite options, 4.3/5 user rating.
- Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area: Popular for fishing and surfing, national park setting, family favorite.
Rainforest Retreats & Hinterland Havens
- Tropical Hibiscus Caravan Park (Mission Beach): $30/night, pool, clean kitchen, short stroll to beach.
- Danbulla National Park and State Forest (Lake Tinaroo): Lakeside camping, popular for relaxation.
- Barron River Camps (near Cairns): $10/person, swimming holes and wildlife.
- Woodleigh Station (Innot Hot Springs): Kayaking, kids’ swimming, peaceful remote site.
- Cania Gorge Tourist Retreat: Highly rated hinterland retreat, all amenities.
Outback & Remote Escapes
- Elim Beach (Coloured Sands, Cape Bedford): Unpowered, serene, 4WD only, basic facilities.
Island Adventures & National Parks
- Great Keppel Island Hideaway: Top-rated island camping, multi-option sites.
- Cooloola Recreation Area: Wild, sand-based camping, 4WD access, #1 national park listing.
- K’gari (Fraser Island): 45 camping zones, pristine lakes, remote adventure.
- BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort: Full amenities, adventure gateway.
- Tasman Holiday Parks Airlie Beach: Cabins/campground hybrid, good ratings.
| Category | Total Sites | Top Pick | Rating/Data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal | 5 | Inskip Peninsula | Family favorite, fishing |
| Rainforest/Hinterland | 5 | Danbulla National Park | Lakeside, relaxation |
| Outback/Remote | 1 | Elim Beach | User praised |
| Island/National Park | 5 | Cooloola Recreation Area | Top national park site |
Special Categories: Find The Perfect Camping Spot for You
Pet-Friendly Campsites
Search for private or select caravan parks (e.g., Ingenia Holidays Hervey Bay), as national parks often prohibit pets. Pet-friendly sites feature dedicated zones, waste disposal, and leash rules. Always check individual parks for 2026 updates before departure. Permits are mandatory.
Accessible & Family-Friendly Sites (Disability Included)
Accessible camps require detailed site plans, amenities, and clear paths. Family sites excel in supervision policies, safety, and weather contingency planning. Maximum 20 campsites/hectare (100 per property), robust supervision, and approachable managers are key. Look for parent-verified reviews.
Off-Grid & Eco-Friendly Camping
For a low-impact adventure, visit remote national parks (e.g., Carnarvon Gorge). Bring milled timber for fires (if permitted), plan for no power or water, and always pre-book. Generator use is limited and site-specific. Fires only allowed in designated rings with current QPWS alerts checked before lighting up.
Best for Solo Explorers
Choose national parks with rangers and visible tags, avoid sites with long unattended periods. Select well-trafficked yet tranquil locales to balance self-reliance and security. Book for up to 29 nights, arrival/check-in enforced.
Group & Event-Friendly Locations
Look for sites with at least 20+ spaces or dedicated event zones. Booking for each attendee and compliance with generational and noise rules (such as generator quiet hours) are necessary. Example: CMC Rocks QLD festival grounds with strict marshaled entry, quiet periods, and park-provided facilities.
2026 Camping in Queensland: What’s New This Year?
New & Emerging Campgrounds
The newly approved Coochin Creek Tourist Park opens with 150 sites, full resort amenities, and a neighboring festival site (pending). Watch for seasonal private grounds like Ironbark House and Splitters Farm on Pitchup.com.
Regulation Updates & Park Fees
Capricornia Cays and some parks now operate under a “Booking Season” model with set reservation periods; campers must check park-specific systems. Fees remain about $7.25 per night, review current QPWS and council updates for annual rate changes.
Seasonality, Closures & Special Events
| Park/Region | Issue | Closure/Restriction Date |
|---|---|---|
| Bribie Island Nat’l Park | Tidal inundation | Thru Dec 2026 |
| K’gari (Fraser) Beach Zone 9 | Full zone closure | June 2025 – Jan 2026 |
| Eurimbula Nat’l Park | Erosion, reduced sites | Thru Jan 2026 |
Special events: CMC Rocks QLD festival grounds open in March 2026 with tightly managed access and egress for camper security.
Insider Tips: Plan Your Queensland Camping Adventure
Essential Safety Guidelines for 2026
- Use only designated campsites and obey wildlife warnings—dingo and crocodile incidents remain a risk especially on K’gari and in the north.
- Fires only in legal rings with regular QPWS alert checks. Bring your own clean firewood. Never use sand to extinguish.
- Pack 3–4L water/person, and be sun, flood, and cyclone aware year-round.
- Supervise children closely around wildlife and water. First aid kit and PLB (personal locator beacon) are essential in remote areas.
What to Pack & Planning Tools
- Waterproof tent, bedding, rainwear, food & water, fuel stove, cooking kit, first aid kit, topo maps, compass, emergency app, and rubbish bags.
- Use downloadable checklists from QPWS and QLD Emergency sources.
Booking Tips: Best Times & How to Reserve
- Book online via QPWS/official resort websites up to 12 months ahead. March–June and September–November offer the best weather with lower storm risk.
- Peak periods (school holidays/Easter) are highly competitive; book well in advance and check for fire or weather bans before finalizing travel.
Transport & Access (4WD, Public Transport, Boating)
- Many national park/beach sites require 4WD for access—always carry extra fuel and recovery gear.
- Boat-in and ferry-accessed islands require advance bookings and adherence to marine safety guidelines.
Interactive Map: Find Your Perfect Site
Use the QPWS interactive site tool and BOM for weather updates.
Local Stories & Camper Experiences
Real Camper Reviews and Stories
- “Staff are so helpful, cabins are great, caravan sites are amazing, and the whole park is tidy” — BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort.
- “Conveniently close to the Gorge trails, spacious and quiet.” — Big4 Carnarvon Gorge Holiday Park.
- “Pet-friendly, clean ensuite, and lovely staff for our week-long stay” — Ingenia Holidays Hervey Bay.
Q&A with Queensland Camping Experts
Experts emphasize the importance of: booking ahead, respecting fire and pet rules, opting for off-peak travel, and always preparing for sudden weather or wildlife encounters.
Photo Highlights & Must-See Views
- Whitsundays ocean sunrise shots from tent doors.
- Rainforest cascades at Big Crystal Creek.
- Sand dunes at Cooloola and K’gari dawn beachscapes.
FAQ: Camping in Queensland in 2026
- Do I need a permit? Yes, a camping permit is required and must be displayed at all times.
- How do I book my spot? Reserve via the QPWS Booking Service up to 12 months ahead.
- Where are fires allowed? Only in QPWS rings or fireplaces. No wood collection; bring milled timber.
- Can I bring pets? Only to select caravan/private parks; not in most national parks.
- Is there a max stay? Typically 29 nights, check park rules.