Camping as a family is a wonderful way to experience nature, learn life skills and create lasting memories (some good and some bad). Whether it’s rustic camping in the bush, pitching a tent on the beach or setting up camp beside a lake or river, there is bound to be a location to suit everyone’s needs.

Most camping spots require permits or reservations prior to arrival. Check individual sites for booking conditions, vacancies and facilities available.

Camping in the Bush

Bestbrook Mountain Resort

More than just a campground, Bestbrook Mountain Resort and Farm Stay has multiple accommodation options and plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained. Guests can partake in animal feeding, egg collecting, whip cracking, bushwalking, swimming and more at Bestbrook.

Facilities

• Camping, cabins and bunkhouse
• Powered and un-powered sites
• Toilets and hot showers
• Dog friendly

Read our detailed review of Bestbrook Mountain Resort.

Borumba Deer Park

Enhance your camping experience by staying at Borumba Deer Park, where animals are a focal point of your stay. Friendly deer, donkeys, pigs, goats, chickens and peacocks call the Deer Park home and can be seen enjoying feeding time and pats from visitors. The campgrounds are set on the banks of Yabba Creek and feature playgrounds, bike tracks, walking tracks and more to entertain families.

Facilities

• Camping and cabins
• Powered and un-powered sites
• Flushing toilets and hot showers
• Dog-friendly (in most areas)

Read our detailed, in-person review of Borumba Deer Park.

Charlie Moreland Campground

This leafy campground, located in the Imbil State Forest beside Little Yabba Creek, is made up of open grassy areas, and is suitable for tents, camper trailers, camper vans and caravans. While there is no rubbish collection, no power and no mobile phone reception, there is plenty of bushwalking, swimming, bike riding and other outdoor activities to keep campers busy.

Facilities

• Camping, caravans and camper trailers
• All camping sites un-powered
• Flushing toilets (NO showers)
• Horse friendly

Read our detailed review of Charlie Moreland Campground.

Cobb & Co Nine Mile Camping Grounds

Get back to nature at this rural campground, where adults and children will enjoy the serenity and activities on offer.  A bike track, small museum, water slide, playgrounds and other activities during school holidays will keep guests occupied.

Facilities

• Camping, caravans, camper trailers, luxury tents and wagons
• All camping sites un-powered
• Flushing toilets and hot showers
• Dog friendly

Read our detailed review of Cobb & Co. Nine Mile Camping Grounds. 

Mt Barney Lodge

Situated in the stunning Scenic Rim, camping at Mt Barney Lodge will have you relaxing under the trees, swimming in the creek, bike riding or enjoying a bushwalk. There is also organised adventure programs, guided walks, and other activities available for booking.

Facilities

• Camping, camper trailers, motorhomes, cabins and homestead
• Camping site un-powered
• Toilets and hot showers

Read our detailed review of Mt Barney Lodge.

Murphy’s Creek Escape

This picturesque campground is set on a stunning 50-acre property backing onto the White Mountain National Park. Almost every camping style is catered for here, ranging from unpowered sites, and luxury tents to camping atop a canyon. Families can enjoy a swim in the eco pool, bushwalking, abseiling, archery, a ropes course, and the popular giant swing.

Facilities

• Camping, caravans, camper trailers and glamping
• Powered, remote and group sites
• Toilets and hot showers (small fee)
• Dog and horse friendly

Read our detailed review of Murphy’s Creek Escape.

Neurum Creek Bush Retreat

Set on over 300 acres, with 1.5km creek frontage, Neurum Creek Bush Retreat is a favourite among local families. BYO canoes and bikes to enjoy the great outdoors or try one of the bushwalks. A large variety of family-friendly games can be borrowed from the office and special events are held throughout the year including music events, movie nights and wine tasting.

Facilities

• Camping, caravans, camper trailers and motorhomes
• Some powered sites
• Toilets(composting) and hot showers
• Dog friendly

Read our detailed review of Neurum Creek Bush Retreat.

Peach Trees Camping Area

This camping area, situated beside Yabba Creek in Jimna Forest, is set up for self-contained camping only. Visitors can play in the creek, discover wildlife, partake in one of the many bushwalks, and even cross a suspension bridge.

Facilities

• Camping, camper trailer and caravans (self-contained)
• NO powered sites
• Flushing toilets

Read our detailed review of Peach Trees Camping Area.

Sandy Creek Campin’

Get back to basics at this gem of a campground located just over an hour from Brisbane. There are no powered sites and minimal phone signals, but there are hot showers! Plenty of shade can be found under the established trees, there is a creek to play in and lots of wildlife to discover, including wallabies, birds and even red deer.

Facilities

• Camping, caravans and camper trailers
• NO powered sites
• Toilets and hot showers
• Pet friendly

Read our detailed review of Sandy Creek Campin’.

Thunderbird Park

Thunderbird Park offers a range of accommodations including self-contained lodges campsites, caravan sites and glamping tents. The activities at Thunderbird Park are a big drawcard and include thunderegg fossicking, Treetops Challenge, Canyon Flyer, mini-golf and laser skirmish (additional charges apply for most activities). Playing in the rock pools, bird watching and bushwalks are also available and are free to enjoy.

Facilities

• Camping, caravan, lodges and glamping
• Powered and unpowered sites
• Toilets and showers
• Dog friendly

Read our detailed review of Thunderbird Park.

Other Notable Camping Spots in the Bush

• Bigriggen Park
• Booloumba Creek Camping
• Bunya Mountains National Park
• Flanagan Reserve Bush Camping
• Girraween National Park
• Gordon Country
• Kenilworth Homestead
• Landcruiser Mountain Park
• Scenic Rim Adventure Park 
• Stinson Park

Camping by the Beach – Queensland

Ocean Beach Camping Bribie Island – Image credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

Bribie Island National Park

If you have a 4WD or boat, you will choose from four camping spots at Bribie Island National Park, with Ocean Beach offering the best on-beach experience. Water sports, fishing and lots of sand play will keep families occupied at this beachy camping spot.

Facilities

• Camping and camper trailers
• NO powered sites
• Toilets and showers (available in most camping areas)

Cotton Tree Holiday Park

Campers and caravaners are well catered for at Cotton Tree Holiday Park at the mouth of the Maroochy River. With direct access to the river and beach, water sports are popular, as is relaxing by the water or under the shade of a tree.

Facilities

• Camping, caravan and villas
• Powered and un-powered sites
• Toilets and hot showers

Read a detailed review of Cotton Tree Holiday Park.

North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah Camping)

Families will love camping on North Stradbroke Island, one of the closest places to Brisbane where you can enjoy true beach camping. There are eight camping areas to choose from, all with varying facilities, showcasing the island’s stunning natural beauty. You may even be able to spot whales between June and November.  

Facilities

• Camping, glamping and cabins
• Powered and unpowered sites
• Toilets and showers (some camping areas)
• Dog friendly (some camping areas)

Fraser Island (K’gari)

Fraser Island is a stunning natural wonder with over 45 camping areas to choose from (some privately owned). You will never be short of awesome beach camping options, but we recommend staying in areas with dingo deterrent fences for those apprehensive about the dingoes. Campers can enjoy swimming, fishing, wildlife spotting (even whales), tubing, sightseeing and more. K’gari is definitely a destination for the bucket list!

Facilities

• Camping and camper trailers
• Limited facilities at most campsites

Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area

Offering stunning coastline and beach camping with limited facilities, this is the place to go when you want to get away from it all! There are five camping areas, some suitable for 2WD vehicles, caravan/campers, and others 4WD only. No matter where you camp you can enjoy beach activities galore and lots of relaxing and fun in the sun.

Facilities

• Camping and high clearance camper trailers and caravans.
• NO powered sites
• Toilets (most camping areas). NO showers.
• Dog friendly (some camping areas)

Read a detailed review of Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area.

Noosa North Shore Beach Campground

Guests at Noosa North Shore Beach Campground will delight in the unspoilt bushland and beaches of the Great Sandy National Park, as they relax, play and stay by the beach.  Engage the 4WD and sightsee around the island, discovering the natural beauty, wildlife and pristine waters of Noosa North Shore.

Facilities

• Camping, camper trailers and caravans
• Powered and unpowered sites
• Toilets and showers

Teewah Beach Camping

Families flock to Teewah Beach (via the Noosa North Shore Ferry) to experience beach camping at its best. There are now seven camping zones, with visitors being able to enjoy dune tobogganing, swimming, surfing, fishing, 4WDriving, and other fun beach activities.

Facilities

• Camping, camper trailers and campervans with high clearance
• NO powered sites
• BYO portable toilet. NO showers

Read a detailed review of Teewah Beach Camping. 

Camping By Lakes and Dams

Many of these lakes and dams rely on adequate water supply for activities. Please check with relevant authorities prior to visiting to avoid disappointment.

Atkinson Dam Holiday Park

Campers and caravaners are well catered for at Atkinson Dam Holiday Park. The pool and playground will be popular with the kids, while Atkinson Dam is just a short walk away. Visitors can enjoy fishing, BBQ’s, picnics and other water-based activities at the dam.

Camping Wivenhoe

Showcasing two camping areas, Camping at Wivenhoe has powered, and un-powered sites and is suitable for campers, caravans, motorhomes and camper trailers. The area is perfect for spotting wildlife, swimming, non-motorised boating, fishing or just relaxing in a tranquil setting.

Lake Borumba Caravan and Camping Grounds

Located on the banks of Yabba Creek near Lake Borumba and surrounded by forest, this campground is perfect for nature lovers. Campers will relish many outdoor activities, including bushwalking, mountain biking, swimming, fishing, boating, and canoeing.

Lake Cressbrook Campground

Perfectly located on Lake Cressbrook, this camping area will have guests boating, fishing, kayaking, bushwalking and sailing when they are not just chilling at their campsite enjoying the peace and quiet.

Lake Moogerah Caravan Park

Enjoy the stunning, uninterrupted views of the lake, bushland and surrounding mountains when you camp at Lake Moogerah. Relaxing by the water is popular, as is recreational water activities such as water skiing, jet skiing, fishing, and swimming.

Somerset Dam

Campers visiting Somerset Dam are spoilt for choice with multiple, privately owned campgrounds dotted around the dam. Popular water-based activities, in designated areas, include fishing, sailing, swimming, motorised boating, canoeing, rowing and kayaking.

Camping – Northern New South Wales 

BIG4 Ballina Headlands Holiday Park – Ballina

BIG4 Tweed Billabong Holiday Park – Tweed Heads South

Lake Ainsworth – Reflections Holiday Parks – Lennox Head

North Star Holiday Resort – Hastings Point

Tweed Holiday Parks (Multiple parks across Tweed)

Wooyung Beach Holiday Park – Wooyung

If you have an awesome place to camp with kids, please email us at info@brisbanekids.com.au so we can keep growing this list, and help families discover the perfect camping experience.