Queensland's best free and budget camping spots: Part 1
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Time to read 6 min
Welcome to our free and budget camping spots series — first up we’re covering sunny Queensland. But the offerings and variety are huge, so we’re bringing Queensland to you in two parts.
Prices are up everywhere. The cost of living continues to rise. Groceries are more expensive. Electricity, rent, mortgage rates and financial services fees have increased too. Fuel prices? Fluctuating. Seems to us to be more ‘up’ than ‘down’. For many, outdoor recreation and holidays are becoming luxuries rather than regular pastimes.
But budget camping in Queensland can still be affordable.
If you’re planning a road trip or camping adventure but are shocked by the rising prices of campgrounds, you’re not alone. Thankfully, Australia still has numerous budget-friendly and free camping options which cater for camper trailers. Wondering where to find them? We’ve got you covered. In our state-by-state series on budget camping, we’ll reveal the best places to camp affordably. This week let’s explore the camping gems of Queensland.
Queensland: A Paradise for Campers
Known as the Sunshine State for good reason, Queensland boasts a warm climate, stunning coastlines, white sandy beaches, rainforests (including the ancient Daintree), waterfalls and unique outback landscapes. With five UNESCO World Heritage sites, 35 per cent of Australia’s national parks and iconic touring routes such as Matilda Way, Savannah Way, Overlanders Way and Pacific Coast Way, it’s a camper’s dream.
From tropical Far North Queensland to the sandy terrains of K’gari (Fraser Island) and the vast outback, Queensland offers diverse experiences. The state is divided into 13 tourism regions, including (but not limited to) Brisbane, Bundaberg, Gladstone, Queensland Country, Townsville, Mackay, Capricorn and Outback Queensland. While some regions such as the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast aren’t known for free camping, there’s still plenty to explore elsewhere.
Budget-friendly campsites in Queensland
Ben-Ewa Camping Area, Moreton Island (Mulgumpin), Brisbane Region
Overview: Nestled within Gheebulum Kunungai (Moreton Island) National Park, Ben-Ewa sits on the island’s sheltered side, near the barge landing point. As the world’s third-largest sand island, Moreton offers pristine beaches perfect for relaxation.
Access: Only accessible via a 4WD or boat, making it ideal for offroad enthusiasts. Walk-in campers can also enjoy its proximity to the barge.
Amenities: Composting toilets, cold showers and potable water (requires purification).
Tips: Bring all firewood, as collection on the island is prohibited. Sand pegs, extra water and recovery gear for your 4WD and/or offroad camper trailer are essential.
Cost: $7.25 per person/night, with a vehicle access permit ($57.80/month or $291/year).
Booking: Through the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC).
North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), Brisbane Region
Flinders Beach, North Stradbroke Island (Image Robert Crack)
Overview: The world’s second-largest sand island offers rich cultural heritage, abundant wildlife and stunning landscapes.
Options: Several campgrounds accommodate different vehicle types. Cylinder Beach, Adder Rock and Amity Point are accessible by 2WD and on-road camper trailer, while Main and Flinders Beaches require a high-clearance 4WD and offroad camper trailer.
Amenities: Composting toilets, barbecue areas and dump points. Some sites offer power and hot showers.
Cost: Starting at $21.80/night for Flinders Beach (two adults). Powered sites at Amity Point begin at $69/night. Vehicle access permits required for beach driving.
Benarkin State Forest, Queensland Country Region
Overview: Located near the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail and Bicentennial National Trail, this forest is a haven for hikers and cyclists.
Sites: Clancys and Emu Creek camping areas provide grassy open spaces next to Emu Creek.
Amenities: Toilets, fire pits and swimming spots. Emu Creek features picnic tables and cold showers, while dogs are permitted at Clancys (subject to conditions).
Cost: $7.25 per person/night or $29 per family/night.
Booking: Required via Queensland National Parks Booking Service website.
Mulgowie Hall and Recreation Reserve, Queensland Country Region
Overview: Nestled in the quaint town of Mulgowie, this campground is located under 20km from the Warrego Highway, making it an ideal base for exploring the picturesque Lockyer Valley. Adjacent to Laidley Creek and offering scenic views of Mount Castle in Main Range National Park, it’s a fantastic getaway for nature lovers.
Main Range National Park, Qld
Sites: The campground features spacious, grassy areas suitable for camper trailers, with level sites ideal for various setups. While it’s accessible to 2WD vehicles, a 4WD vehicle is recommended.
Amenities: Toilets, hot showers, drinking water and powered sites. Pets on leashes are welcome.
Cost: Rates are $25 per night for powered sites and $20 for unpowered ones, payable at the Mulgowie Hotel (The Mulga), just across the bridge. The maximum stay is seven days.
Dining: For those seeking a break from campfire meals, The Mulga offers hearty pub classics such as burgers, pasta, pizza and roast dinners. Keep in mind, though, that the pub closes early (7pm) from Sunday to Tuesday.
Booking: For reservations, email bookings@mulgowiehall.com.au
AAOK Riverdale Caravan Park, Bundaberg North, Bundaberg Region
Overview: Positioned along the banks of the Burnett River, this caravan park offers a serene riverside retreat just 15 minutes from Bundaberg city centre and Bargara Beach. It’s a pet-friendly location (excluding rooms and units) with a variety of well-shaded sites. For a unique experience, visit between November and March to witness nesting loggerhead turtles at Mon Repos Conservation Park.
Bird's eye view of Bundaberg, Qld
Sites: Powered sites and unpowered sites are available.
Amenities: The park boasts modern amenities, including a fully equipped camp kitchen, free gas barbecues, laundry facilities and a designated picnic area. Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate its proximity to the Bundaberg North Lions Park Boat Ramp on Ferry Street.
Cost: Rates for powered sites (with water) start at $38 per night for small setups, while unpowered tent sites are available from $28 per night. Larger sites are available at adjusted rates.
Booking: For more details, visit the Riverdale Caravan Park website or call 07 4153 6696.
Boyne River Rest Area, Gladstone Region
Overview: The Boyne River Rest Area, situated on the Bruce Highway near Benaraby, is a popular spot for an overnight rest.
Boyne River mouth, Qld
Sites: Sites aren’t designated because this is a Rest Area, not a campground.
Amenities: Accessible to various vehicles and camper trailers, this site offers basic facilities such as cold showers, picnic tables and toilets, free of charge for up to 20 hours.
Cost: Free of charge for up to 20 hours.
Booking: First in, best dressed.
Other: Despite some traffic noise and mosquitoes, the sunset views over the river are a highlight. Nearby, Lake Awoonga offers a longer stay with plenty of activities, including kayaking, bushwalking, and birdwatching. The Lake Awoonga Caravan Park features powered and unpowered sites, communal fire pits, and two camp kitchens.
Visit the Lake Awoonga Caravan Park website or phone them directly on 4975 0155 for bookings.
A special note about Rest Areas
Rest Areas exist to help manage driver fatigue, not drive when tired and in doing so, hopefully not add your number to the road toll. Here at Camper Australia, we acknowledge that Rest Areas are not camping areas. You can pull up your general vehicle and recreational vehicle at a motorist rest area or a combined motorist and heavy vehicle rest area in Queensland and stop there to rest (not camp) for up to 20 hours in any four-week period unless the signage reads otherwise (‘No overnight camping. Penalties apply’).
Be sure not to stop in any heavy vehicle rest areas; these are exclusively for commercial heavy vehicles (and no, your motorhome does not count) and it is illegal for general and recreational vehicles to use them. If you are looking for somewhere to set up for multiple nights, don’t do so in a Rest Area. It is neither designed to be, nor is it capable of being, a camping area or a caravan park.
All these destinations are just a taste of Queensland’s budget camping scene. Stay tuned for part two, where we’ll uncover even more hidden gems to help you enjoy the great outdoors without breaking the bank!
THE NEXT STEP
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Related articles:
Safety tips | Offroad driving with your camper trailer
A guide to Queensland’s Moreton Island/Mulgumpin
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