Quick Overview – Queensland’s Most Stunning Campsites in 2024
2024 New Additions & Must-Visit Hidden Gems
- Kookaburra Park (Kenilworth): Renovated recently, featuring modern amenities on 75 acres. Praised as a “camper’s delight” with creekside spots, ideal for families and groups.
- Sarabah Camping (Sarabah): Winner of Queensland’s 2024 Hipcamp Best in State award. Offers basic, spacious sites with riverside views and fresh mountain air.
- Sandy Creek near Fernvale: Top pick in 2024 YouTube reviews for grassy, well-spaced sites and swimming, especially after rain. Located just 1 hour west of Brisbane.
- Bluff Creek Campgrounds (Kenilworth): 100-acre riverside setting, basic but serene. Waterfront access and passionate hosts make this an emerging favorite.
At-a-Glance Comparison Table: Facilities, Pet-Friendliness, Accessibility, and Scenery
| Campground | Facilities | Accessibility | Pet-Friendly | Scenery/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Keppel Island Hideaway | Cabins, campsites, beach | Boat/ferry only | N/A | Pristine beaches, reefs, high reviews |
| Nobby Beach Holiday Village | Heated pools, slides, playground | 400m from beach, drive-up | N/A | Award-winning, family-focused |
| BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort | Cabins, kitchens, clean facilities | Drive/fly to Airlie Beach | N/A | Tropical setting, near reef |
| Ingenia Holidays Hervey Bay | Ensuite sites, clean, modern | Wheelchair-friendly paths | Yes | Coastal, whale watching, praised by RVers |
| Cooloola Recreation Area | Basic (toilets in some) | 3hr drive from Brisbane, 4WD best | Yes, some zones | Beach, dunes, creeks, most popular |
| Kookaburra Park (Kenilworth) | Modern, themed cabins/sites | Inland Sunshine Coast | Varies – check | Creekside, historic, spacious |
Queensland’s Best Campsites by Adventure Type
Family-Friendly Campgrounds with Activities for Kids
- Nobby Beach Holiday Village (Gold Coast): Queensland’s #2 family holiday park 2024. Two heated pools, 35m waterslide, modern playgrounds, family-sized cabins, 400m walk to surf beach. Recognized for family-centered design and easy car access. Book here.
- Bribie Island National Park: Easily accessed via road bridge, offering relaxed, family-friendly beachside camping close to Brisbane. Highly ranked for fishing, swimming, and family outings.
- Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area: Popular for bayside camping and safe beach play. Simple facilities, ideal for family relaxation away from crowds with short road access from SEQ.
Adventure Seekers: Off-the-Grid & Remote Escapes
- Cooloola and K’gari (Fraser Island), Great Sandy National Park: Queensland’s highest-ranked remote adventure camping for 2024 according to Queensland Parks and TripAdvisor data. True wilderness immersion on sandy tracks, best for 4WD, with 45+ camping zones at Cooloola and 45 more on K’gari. Facilities basic—come prepared. Peak from April–September for best weather.
- Family Islands National Park: Access only by boat, these rainforest islands provide fishing, hiking, kayaking, and pristine isolation. Minimal facilities—bring all essentials.
- Sandy Creek near Fernvale: Favoured for off-the-grid serenity with creek swimming, central fire rings, and minimal development. Well reviewed in 2024 for its wild appeal.
Beach Camping Hotspots for Ocean Lovers
- Teewah Beach (Cooloola Recreation Area): Queensland’s most-loved national park site by visitor data and 2024 reviews. Drive-on sandy beach, plenty of space, basic toilets at some areas, dogs allowed on lead in selected sites.
- Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area: Offers classic bayside and surf camping, suitable for all ages and skill levels. Facilities are basic, dogs welcome.
- K’gari (Fraser Island): Bucket-list destination for 4WDers, offering sunrise/sunset beach camping, clear freshwater lakes, and famous wildlife. No dogs allowed; check for seasonal weather risks.
Mountain & Rainforest Retreats for Nature Enthusiasts
- Family Islands National Park: Lush rainforest camping with reef access, best from April–September for mild temperatures. Remote, boat-only access, basic amenities.
- Danbulla National Park & State Forest: Ranked highly for secluded forest camping, lake views, and mountain walks. Limited facilities, strong sense of wilderness.
- Lamington National Park: Adventure via rainforest hikes, waterfalls, and wildlife. Suitable for all weather with basic camping or 4WD-based eco-cabins.
Eco-Conscious and Culturally Unique Camping Experiences
Eco-Friendly Campsites with Sustainable Practices
- Townsville Eco Resort: Winner of Environment Award. Wastewater recycling, “A” class water, emissions reduction. Set on 14 acres of protected rainforest for a true eco” experience.
- Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park: Eco-forward operations in National Park, with beachfront access to sunrise kangaroo encounters and conservation-focused events.
- Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp: “Australia’s Best New Tourism Business” award, eco-lodges, powered/unpowered sites, luxury glamping in 65-acre National Park on Lake Cootharaba.
- Mushroom Valley Eco Camp (Yalboroo): Composting toilets, lush creekside terrain, frequent sustainability workshops.
- 1770 Eco Camp (Agnes Water): Wildlife sanctuary, glamping tents, and freshwater dams, recognized for preserving local habitat.
Indigenous-Run Campgrounds: Cultural Immersion & Experiences
- Data on Queensland sites run by Indigenous communities or offering robust cultural programs is currently limited in public 2024 guides. Check Queensland’s official site or local visitor centers for the latest listings and programs.
Dog-Friendly and Accessible Camping in Queensland
Top Pet-Friendly Campgrounds for Furry Companions
- Neurum Creek Bush Retreat: Dogs on lead, hitching hooks provided, fire pits, modern amenities. Visitor praise in 2024 reviews for bush vibe and dedicated pet areas.
- Amamoor Creek Camping Area: Grass sites, family-friendly, dogs allowed overnight, BBQ, toilets and showers with disabled access.
- Red Rock Campground: Beachside camping, dog-friendly (on leash), accessible sites near toilets, fireplaces, and tables. No showers or drinking water available.
- Discovery Parks – Bargara: 2024 reviews call it “kid and dog-friendly” with beach access. Rated 3.9/5 on TripAdvisor for inclusivity.
- Moore Park Beach Holiday Park: Clean beachside amenities, high visitor ratings, dogs welcome, relaxed rules on leash zones.
Wheelchair-Accessible Sites and Inclusive Facilities
- BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park: Multiple wheelchair-accessible cabins, door widths published for clarity, accessible park zones (amenity/kitchen/pool), dog-wash station, and family bathrooms.
- Amamoor Creek Camping Area: Accessible toilets/showers and easy navigation between sites.
- Red Rock Campground: Wheelchair-accessible toilets and parking close to beach sites.
- Most commercial parks (BIG4, Ingenia) in Queensland offer designated accessible cabins. Always confirm with individual parks before booking for the latest upgrades and compliance with accessibility standards.
Essential Planning Tips for Camping in Queensland (2024/2025)
Permits, Regulations & Safety Guidelines
- Camping Permits: Required in all Queensland parks/forests. Book online or via phone. Fees: ~$7.25 pp/night; up to $154 PIN fines for non-compliance. Display tag immediately on-site. Arrive within 24 hours of booking.
- Vehicle Access Permits (VAPs): Essential for K’gari, Bribie Island, Cooloola, Moreton, and some areas. 4WD required for listed parks. Use registered, insured vehicles only.
- Fire/Emergency Rules: Fires only in designated spots; no collection of wood; generators generally banned; review park fire bans.
- Commercial Activity: Additional permits needed for organized or group activities.
Packing List: What’s Essential for Queensland Conditions
| Category | Essentials |
|---|---|
| Shelter | Ventilated tent, tarp, groundsheet, permit tag |
| Clothing | Lightweight long sleeves, hat, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, rain jacket, sturdy shoes |
| Health & Safety | First-aid kit, antihistamines, snake bite kit, personal locator beacon for remote, multitool (no machetes) |
| Cooking | Portable stove, fuel, sealed food storage, fire extinguisher if allowed, no wood collection |
| Navigation | Maps, GPS/app, charged phone/power bank, 4WD gear for off-road |
| Other | 10L+ water/person/day, rubbish bags, toilet paper, hand sanitizer |
Navigating the Weather and Best Times to Camp
- Dry Season (May–October): 20–30°C days, low rain, mild nights, peak visitor numbers at holiday times.
- Wet Season (November–April): 30–35°C, high humidity, storms, cyclone risk. Camp only on higher ground and monitor warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology.
- Year-Round: UV index remains extreme; use protection. Risks: ticks, snakes, sudden storms. Check parks.qld.gov.au and BOM for current alerts and closures.
Interactive Map – Find Your Perfect Campground in Queensland
Visit the Queensland National Parks Camping map for real-time site availability, location filters, accessibility details, and permit bookings (2024 updates included).
Frequently Asked Questions about Camping in Queensland
- Do I need a permit to camp in National Parks? Yes—book before arrival, display on site.
- Are dogs allowed at every campground? No—many national parks prohibit dogs; check pet policies before booking.
- Can I camp year-round? Dry season (May–Oct) is safest; wet season brings flood/cyclone risk.
- What is the best campground for families? Nobby Beach Holiday Village and Bribie Island NP are top for family facilities.
- Is there wheelchair access at most sites? Many commercial parks (BIG4, Ingenia) offer accessible cabins; check facility details before booking.
Final Recommendations: How to Choose the Best Campsite for Your Adventure
- For Families: Opt for holiday parks with modern facilities, like Nobby Beach or Ingenia Hervey Bay. Enjoy pools, playgrounds, kids’ activities, and safe surroundings.
- For Off-Grid Adventure: Seek out Queensland parks like Cooloola or K’gari for remote 4WD wilderness. Prepare well and check QPWS alerts for weather and road conditions.
- For Beach Lovers: Cooloola, Inskip Peninsula, and K’gari provide classic sand-and-sea experiences. Inskip and Cooloola are also dog-friendly.
- For Eco-Conscious Travellers: Habitat Noosa, Townsville Eco Resort, and Mushroom Valley Eco Camp deliver green-certified stays with genuine sustainability practices.
- For Accessibility Needs or Pets: Commercial holiday parks like BIG4 Gold Coast and Neurum Creek Bush Retreat offer robust accessible and pet-friendly facilities. Always confirm current policy details before booking.
Ready to explore Queensland’s best campsites? Book your site here and start planning your 2024/2025 adventure today!