Best Powered Campsites and Free Camping Spots QLD

• Cotton Tree Holiday Park (Sunshine Coast): Overlooking the water in Maroochydore, Cotton Tree Holiday Park offers a calm beach vibe within walking distance of local cafés, shops, and – of course – the surf. The park’s modern amenities and prime waterfront position are a recipe for a chilled-out holiday, where morning walks on the sand become part of your daily routine. 

• Sandstone Point Holiday Resort (North Brisbane): Nestled near Bribie Island, Sandstone Point Holiday Resort is a top spot for travellers who want a little bit of everything. Swim in the on-site pools, let the kids run wild at the water park, or spend your day exploring Bribie Island’s gorgeous beaches just across the bridge. 

• Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort (Cairns): Looking for resort-style camping that’ll wow your travel buddies (old and young alike)? Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort might just be the ticket. It’s a fantastic base to explore the Great Barrier Reef or the Daintree Rainforest, and when you’re back at camp, there are pools, a splash park, and even mini golf to keep everyone entertained. 

• Rowes Bay Beachfront Holiday Park (Townsville): Craving a mix of city perks and ocean breezes? Rowes Bay Beachfront Holiday Park is set right on Townsville’s shoreline, offering magical beach views while still being close to the city’s top attractions. From here, you can easily hop on a ferry to Magnetic Island or stroll along The Strand, knowing you’ve got a cosy powered site to come home to. 

Powered campsites in central & Outback Queensland

• Airlie Beach Tourist Park (Whitsundays): Want to wake up to the sounds of the tropics before venturing out to the Great Barrier Reef? Airlie Beach Tourist Park is your gateway to island-hopping and sailing adventures around the Whitsundays. With a lush, tropical setting and plenty of shady powered sites, it’s easy to settle in and enjoy the coastal pace of life. 

• Longreach Tourist Park (Longreach): If you’re heading inland to get a taste of the Aussie Outback, Longreach Tourist Park is a welcoming oasis. It’s close to iconic sights like the  ustralian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and the Qantas Founders Museum. Plus, there’s something super special about gazing up at the night sky here – the stars feel that much brighter in the open outback. 

Best free campsites in QLD

For many travellers, the idea of free camping is incredibly appealing. Not only does it help stretch your holiday budget, but it also lets you experience Queensland’s rugged beauty up close and personal. Here, we’ve rounded up some of the best free campsites QLD has to offer, taking into account everything from remote hideaways and picturesque riverbanks to easily accessible spots near popular tourist stops. Whether you’re setting off in a camper, campervan, or motorhome, these scenic gems are just waiting for you to roll in and make yourself at home beneath the stars. 

Free campsites in south east Queensland

• Linville Railway Station Camping (Linville): Located next to the historic Linville Railway Station, Linville Railway Park Camping is a unique spot that offers a slice of local history alongside scenic rural views. It’s fairly basic in terms of amenities, but the novelty of camping so close to the station makes it well worth a visit.   

• Little Yabba Creek Park: If you find yourself exploring the stunning Sunshine Coast hinterland, consider pulling up for the night at Little Yabba Creek Park. This free camping area offers a spacious, grassy spot with plenty of natural shade, making it a comfortable place for a quick stopover. Amenities include drop toilets, picnic tables, and barbecue facilities, which is a definite plus if you’re keen to keep things simple without sacrificing the basics. 

• Lake Clarendon Picnic Area (Lake Clarendon): Lake Clarendon Picnic Area is another low-cost campsite where you can unwind and appreciate the fresh country air. It’s a basic setup, but perfect if you’re keen to get away from the hustle and bustle without straying too far from civilisation. Tents and caravans are welcome, and you’ll find picnic tables and shady spots to while away an afternoon. 

• Babinda Rotary Park (Babinda, near Cairns): If riverside camping sounds like your cup of tea, then Babinda Rotary Park is bound to charm you. Situated just off the highway near Babinda, this site is well-maintained by the local Rotary club and boasts toilets, cold showers, and a lovely swimming hole in the river. It’s also a short drive from Cairns if you need to top up supplies. 

• Vincent ‘Bushy’ Parker Park: Vincent ‘Bushy’ Parker Park is a shaded park nestled close to a tranquil freshwater creek. Best of all, it’s located a convenient drive from Townsville and is extremely popular with both locals and travellers passing through. Because of its popularity and modest size, it tends to fill up quickly, so it’s best to arrive early in the day. Amenities are basic, but the lush surroundings and peaceful creekside setting make it an attractive spot for a short rest or overnight stay. 

• Toomulla Beach Campground: Perched near the shoreline, Toomulla Beach Campground offers a serene setting with a 48-hour free stay limit. You do need to book ahead, but once you’ve secured your spot, you can unwind in the quiet, coastal environment that’s perfect for low-key beach strolls.  

Free campsites in central & Outback Queensland 

• Gregory River Free Camp (Gregory): If you’re up for some Outback adventure, Gregory River Free Camp is a top pick. Shaded by riverbank trees, the campsites here provide a welcome respite from the heat and a beautiful spot to watch the water flow by. Kick back with a fishing rod, or simply enjoy the tranquil vibe of camping on the edge of the great Australian outback. 

• Babinda Boulders Free Camping Area (Babinda): While not too far from Babinda Rotary Park, Babinda Boulders Free Camping Area deserves its own mention because of the stunning swimming hole just steps away. Surrounded by tropical rainforest, this spot offers a truly lush environment to relax in. Facilities include toilets, showers, and free gas barbecues, making it an amazing value for travellers looking for a spot to park up for the night.  

Tips for camping in Queensland

If you’re planning a road trip around the Sunshine State, here are a few handy hints to help you make the most of your QLD campsites – whether you’re settling in at a powered campsite or trying out the best free campsites QLD has to offer. 

Best time to camp

Queensland’s climate varies hugely depending on where you are exploring. In the north, you’ll want to be mindful that the wet season (roughly November to April) can bring heavy rainfall and humidity to the tropics as well as intense heat to the inland Outback regions. So you will want to plan your itinerary around these times. Meanwhile, in the Outback, winter months (June to August) offer cooler, more comfortable conditions for camping under the stars. The coastal regions are generally pleasant year-round, though summer can get quite warm and humid. 

Essential gear

If you’re heading to free campsites, consider bringing a solar panel or two for off-grid power (if you are travelling within Australia and have your own). You’ll also want plenty of water (both for drinking and washing up), a sturdy insect repellent for mozzies, and reliable lighting, like a head torch or lantern. Even if you’re staying at powered campsites QLD-wide, having these essentials on hand can never hurt!