Queensland’s best free and budget camping spots
Planning your next outdoor adventure but discouraged by high prices? You’re not alone … and we want to help. With an increasing number of people struggling to afford their recreational lifestyles, the thought of paying for an expensive holiday seems to be out of the scope of reality.
If the cost of living is making you think twice about hitting the road for the great outdoors, we have created a list of free and budget camping spots around Queensland, to inspire you on your next getaway. We chose Queensland because the Sunshine State is perfect for visiting during the southern winter — aka now.
Queensland regions
Queensland covers vast landscapes and terrains and is made up of 12 ‘tourist’ regions — Tropical North, Outback Queensland, Northern Queensland, Whitsundays, Mackay, Central Queensland, Bundaberg, Fraser Coast, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Darling Downs.
Campgrounds
Ben-Ewa Camping Area, Moreton Island (Mulgumpin), Fraser Coast
Sheltered bay waters make this campground popular for young families and school groups, with 12 well-defined, medium-sized sites. Facilities include water (treat before drinking), hybrid toilets, toilet waste disposal and cold showers. Please be aware that to access the campground you need to have a 4WD vehicle.
Contact: mulgumpincamping.net.au/camp-grounds/ben-ewa/ or 13 74 68
Clancy’s Campground, Brisbane
This stunning campground is located adjacent to the Bicentennial National Trail and Emu Creek and features a large, open grassy area from which to take in the beautiful scenery. Facilities include flushing toilets and tap water (treat before drinking). Be aware the access road is gravel with some steep, narrow and winding sections.
Contact: parks.desi.qld.gov.au/parks/benarkin/camping/clancys or 12 74 68
Caravan parks
Anakie Gemfields Caravan Park, Central Queensland
This quiet, remote caravan park located off the Capricorn Highway is a 10-hour drive northwest of Brisbane, or just 15 minutes from the closest town of Rubyvale. The pet-friendly park offers self-contained units, budget cabins and many caravan and camping sites, and features a camp kitchen, barbecue area and kiosk.
Contact: facebook.com/p/Anakie-Gemfields-Caravan-Park-100041528515244/ or 07 4985 4142
*FREEBIE* Puma Kybong (Caltex Traveston), Sunshine Coast
This free, pet-friendly campground is ideal for self-contained travellers who need a basic place to stay. Amenities are limited to toilets and picnic tables and fires are permitted. There is however an amenities block (inc. hot showers) at the service station but incurs a small fee. The campground is on a grassed area near the lake and behind the service station.
Contact: 07 5483 5299
Bush camps
*FREEBIE* Broadwater Recreational Reserve, Darling Downs
This free bush camp on the banks of the Barker River offers unpowered sites accessible to motorhomes, caravans, camper trailers and big rigs with areas suitable for tents. There is a maximum stay of 48 hours for self-sufficient campers. This is bush camping at its most basic so there are no amenities — you need to bring your own water etc. — but it’s well worth it for the serenity.
Contact: 07 4171 0100
Lime Pocket Camping Area, Bribie Island (Yarun), Sunshine Coast
This well-priced bush camp on the western side of Bribie Island (Yarun) offers spectacular views of the Glass House Mountains and is only accessible by boat. It is well worth the effort though as you set up on the beautiful Pumicestone Passage — the perfect location for fishing and kayaking. There are only six numbered sites (tents only) so ensure you book in advance. Facilities are limited apart from a wood-fired barbecue (BYO wood).
Contact: parks.desi.qld.gov.au/parks/bribie-island/camping/lime-pocket or 13 74 68
Overnight rest areas
*FREEBIE* Bluewater Park Rest Area, Northern Queensland
This free overnight rest area off the Bruce Highway is about a 30-minute drive northwest of Townsville. The shady rest area is pet-friendly and offers beautiful views of the Clemant State Forest. It is accessible to motorbikes, RVs, camper trailers, caravans and big rigs, and of course, camping in tents is allowed. Facilities include toilets, dump point, picnic areas, playground and bins.
Contact: 1300 878 001
*FREEBIE* Boyne River Rest Area, Central Queensland
Located on the eastern banks of the Boyne River, this free overnight rest area is only a 20-minute drive south from Gladstone or 5.5 hours north of Brisbane. The grassy rest area provides toilets, cold showers, picnic areas and rubbish bins and is well-suited to for campers of all types, including vans, tents and motorhomes. A stop here is limited to 20 hours.
Contact: 07 3405 0985
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