The 5 Best Camping Sites in Queensland

The 5 Best Camping Sites in Queensland

If you love the outdoors, what a better way to go on an adventure than packing the car, loading your camping gear and heading off to that special place for a getaway? And what better place to go camping than Queensland? Camping in Queensland is a no-brainer. With an abundance of stunning beaches, red-sand country, national parks and ancient rainforests, QLD is one of the best places where you are spoiled for choice when it comes to camping sites. 

Whether you are looking to enjoy the best that nature has to offer, or you just want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of life, here are some of the best camping sites that Queensland has to offer.

Before you continue, check out our store for the best camping and hiking gear and accessories for your next trip!

Already been camping in Queensland? Why not check out our best picks for camping in New South Wales?

1. Bigriggen Park, Scenic Rim

Image from: Camp Around Australia

When it comes to scenic camping, Bigriggen Park is where you should be. Located about 90 minutes away from Brisbane, Bigriggen Park is surrounded by breathtaking views and scenery, all set in bushland and river flats at the foothills of Mount Barney. Bigriggen Park is all about immersing yourself in nature. Its hilltop flats, the gentle flow of the nearby river and towering gum trees, all located in the middle of the bush is perfect for a sweet escape from hectic city life. 

With over 60 acres of campgrounds for you to choose from, there isn’t a worry that you won’t have space for your camping trip. You can opt to use a tent, a caravan, trailer and choose from either powered or unpowered sites, making this one of the more versatile camping spots for everyone. There are amenities like showers and toilets available, but the former requires you to make a small payment per use. There are also fireplaces and large grassy camping areas for those who want to sit back and relax. If your idea of a perfect holiday involves sitting around the campfire listening to the peaceful sounds of the surrounding bush, then you’ll love Bigriggen Park.

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2. Booloumba Creek, Conondale National Park

Image from: Camp Spots

Located just an hour and a half away from Brisbane, and near the town of Kenilworth in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, Booloumba Creek is a nook tucked away along the banks of a beautiful creek. Booloumba Creek is located within the Conondale National Park, and is generally a peaceful campsite that allows you to fully immerse yourself in nature. 

The beautiful creek offers you a chance to take a dip in crystal clear waters, and there is plenty of bushland for you to stroll through as well. In fact, you may even spot the sculpture by renowned artist Andy Goldsworthy along your walks. If you’re into hiking and bushwalking, the Conondale Range Great Walk offers a challenging four day, 56km walk showcasing the rugged natural features of the Conondale Range. 

You have the option to choose from three camping areas in Booloumba Creek; from grassy, to rainforests and open forest sites for your choosing. The campsites include basic amenities like toilets, firepits and picnic tables for added convenience, but are generally very remote. As you are located within the Conondale National Park, there are park fees that do apply, so you should reserve your spot in advance. One more thing to note is that you do have to make sure that you check weather forecasts before you travel as heavy rain can flood the creek crossings, making it inaccessible. 

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3. K'gari Campgrounds, Fraser Island

Image from: Fraser Tours

Queensland is known for its beautiful beaches and amazing rainforests, and Fraser Island is where both of these elements come together to create a natural paradise. Located around 300 kilometers north of Brisbane, Fraser Island is one of the only places on Earth where rainforests grow and flourish on sand dunes, creating one of nature’s most beautiful wonders. It is no surprise then that it is one of Australia’s World Heritage sites, alongside the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru. 

Fraser Island has many great sites and trails to explore. Some of the more popular activities include wading through Elli Creek, whale-spotting at Indian Head and swimming in Lake Mackenzie and the Champagne Pools. Lake Mackenzie by itself is one of the best reasons to visit, as it is a beautiful, beautiful place. 

For camping sites, you can opt for the more comfortable Dundubara Campsite or the Central Station Campsite, both of which offer amenities like toilets, BBQ facilities, picnic tables and are campfire friendly. However, if you would prefer to rough it out, there are plenty of beachside camping sites for you to pitch your tent and doze off to the sound of waves. 

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4. Goomburra Valley

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Goomburra Valley is a peaceful and picturesque spot that is perfect for an escape from technology and busy living. Located one and a half hours west from Brisbane, it is a tranquil location with abundant wildlife and some amazing bushwalks. Whether you’re up for swimming in the creek, or completing bush walks and exploring hidden swimming holes, Goomburra Valley is one of the most picturesque spots for bush camping in Southeast Queensland. For bushwalks, you can try out the Dalrymple Creek Walk, which is not a very challenging hike, but you can also opt for a number of other hikes in the area.

There are two free campgrounds available for you to choose from in Goomburra Valley. The Poplar Flats campground offers no powered sites, and has very minimal amenities like toilets. You will need to bring your own drinking water and firewood to enjoy a nice campfire. Manna Gum Campground is just a little further down from Poplar Flats, and is an open grassy site. There are no designated sites here, so you are free to set up your tent wherever there is available space. Again, only very basic amenities are available in this campsite.

If you’re opting for something a little more comfortable, you can also consider the Goomburra Valley Campground. The campsite also features all the amenities you will need for a comfortable camping trip, with hot showers, toilets, BBQ pits, a camp kitchen and an open fireplace for all to hang out and chill. 

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5. Settlement Campground, Springbrook National Park

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Located less than an hour away from Gold Coast, and about 300km away from Brisbane, Springbrook National Park’s spectacular waterfalls, lush rainforest, ancient trees, impressive views, exceptional ecological importance and natural beauty makes it one of THE places to visit for your next camping trip. For good reason too, as Springbrook National Park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, one of Queensland’s five World Heritage properties and part of the World Heritage Family.

Springbrook National Park offers a wide range of walking opportunities ranging from 300m to 54km in length. There are plenty of short and longer day hikes; one walk leads directly from the campsite to the stunning Purling Brook Falls. The more popular one is the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk, which can either start or finish at The Settlement camping area. You can also check out the views at the Best of All lookout or explore the Natural Arch in the evening for the best sunset views.

The Settlement Campgrounds is the only available camping site around the area, and is a perfect stop to explore the region. With 12 designated unpowered campsites, there are communal picnic tables and BBQ pits available for use, as well as shared toilets available as well. Bookings are required, and a small fee is to be paid to the NPWS for booking your campsite, but it is easily the cheapest option available in the whole National Park. 

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So there you have it. These are some of the best camping spots in Queensland. Of course, this is only a small taste of what you can get when you camp in Queensland, and there are so many more campsites for you throughout the state. We hope that we have inspired you with our list and hope that you will start to plan for your next camping trip to the wonderful state of Queensland. 

What did you think about our article? We’d love to hear from you. Share your thoughts in the comment section below! Take a look at our list of essential camping gear for 2020 to help you better plan out your next camping trip or check out our store for more camping gear!

Planning a camping trip to Tasmania? Check out our best picks for campsites there!

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

1. Do I need a permit to camp at National Parks in Queensland?

Yes, you will need to book and pay for a camping permit when you are camping in any of the Queensland National Parks. Additionally, if you’re visiting Bribie Island, K'gari (Fraser Island), Mulgumpin (Moreton Island), Cooloola or Minjerribah recreation areas in a vehicle, you’ll also need to buy a vehicle access permit.

2. Where can I get a camping permit? 

You must book and pay for your camping permit before you arrive at the camping area. You can book in several ways:

• online
• at an over-the-counter booking office
• at a self-service kiosk
  
  

It is suggested that you book well in advance for the more popular spots, especially during peak periods to avoid disappointment. Otherwise, we’d recommend that you can camp in an off-peak time, or at a less popular park.

3. How long can I camp in Queensland?

For most camping areas, the maximum stay is 29 nights (30 days). Check-in to your camp after 2pm and check-out by 11am on the day of departure. The maximum stay does vary, especially on overnight walks, so check the camping conditions when you book. However, please do note that you need to have a valid permit at all times, whether you know how long you want to stay or not. A request to extend your camping time can be made immediately before or during the permit period. Just know this will be difficult during busy times, as other campers might have booked the camp site you’re using.