Free Camping QLD

With its diverse landscape of lush rainforest and pristine beaches, Queensland is one of the most popular destinations for campers in all of Australia. Camping here doesn’t need to be expensive, and whether you’re a seasoned camper or you’re brand new to outdoor escapades, there are some awesome places you can spend the night for free!

To take the hard work out of having to find free camping sites in Queensland, we’ve compiled this list for you. There’s also a real mix of different places to stay here, meaning we’ve got you covered no matter what your preferred camping spot or need for amenities is.

Are you ready? Let’s go exploring!

Free Queensland Camping Spots

1. Babinda Boulders Camping Area
2. Long Waterhole
3. Kinbombi Falls
4. Japoonvale Rest Area
5. Toomulla Beach Campground
6. Mary Kathleen Ghost Town
7. Little Yabba Creek
8. Julia Creek Campground

Before we begin, we should note that most of these free camping spots in Queensland are pretty remote, and therefore, the best way of accessing them is by hiring a campervan.

Contact the expert team at Travellers Autobarn today, and we’ll find you the best campervan for your needs.

Babinda Boulders Camping Area

Cairns, Queensland

You’ll find Babinda Boulders Campground just a short drive from Munro Street and by following the signposts to your right, you will be taken to the main picnic area. Once here, you’re able to camp for free for up to 72 hours, and there are plenty of spaces available for camper trailers, campervans, and big rigs.

The amenities here are really good for a free camping spot and include flushing toilets, cold showers, and BBQS. You’re also allowed to light fires, but you must bring your own firewood and only use the designated fire pits. It is also worth noting that this campsite is not dog friendly, but if you’re looking for a space with beautiful walking trails and swimming holes, Babinda Boulders is definitely worth visiting.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Flushing Toilets
• Cold Showers
• BBQ Facilities
• Designated Fire Pits

Long Waterhole

Winton, Queensland

This is one of the largest free camping spots in Queensland, with plenty of room for campervans, camper trailers, and big rigs to pull up. However, there are no amenities to use here, so it’s really only best for self contained vehicles.

The surroundings here are beautiful, and you’ll be able to pull up next to the waterhole itself, which offers plenty of opportunities for water sports, swimming, or simply relaxing as you watch the sunset. Dogs are also welcome here, and this, paired with the wide open spaces and opportunities for water-based activities, makes it a wonderful spot for family getaways.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• No Amenities – Self Contained Vehicles Only

Kinbombi Falls

Kinbombi, Queensland

Located in Queensland’s Gympie Region, Kinbombi Falls is another free camping spot that is ideal for campervans and camper trailers to pull up overnight. It’s also dog friendly, and there are some excellent amenities to use, including toilets, non drinking water, rubbish bins, and fire pits.

The campground itself is pretty flat and shaded, but when you’re ready to go on an adventure, we recommend heading towards the designated walking trail that will take you straight to the picturesque Kinbombi Falls, where you’ll be able to spot wildlife and take a dip in the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Non Drinking Water
• Rubbish Bins
• Fire Pits

Japoonvale Rest Area

Japoonvale, Queensland

A little more basic than the other sites we’ve explored so far, Japoonvale Rest Area is exactly what it claims to be – a rest area that is ideal for pulling up overnight on your way to your next destination. It’s also pretty small, and while it’s suitable for campervans, big rigs may struggle to find a space in the high season.

It does, however, offer some basic amenities, including toilets and picnic tables, and it is one of the most scenic rest areas you’ll find in Queensland, offering views across Liverpool Creek and Paronella Park. The creek by the campsite is also beautiful, but don’t be tempted to go for a swim here and stay as far back as possible from the water’s edge, as there have been reports of crocodiles in the waters.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Picnic Tables
• Rubbish Bins

Toomulla Beach Campground

Streaky Bay, Queensland

Set along Townsville’s Northern Beaches, Toomulla Beach Campground is one of the best free camping spots for anyone who wants to spend the night by the ocean. It is also perfect for fishing, surfing, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming.

Campervans, camper trailers, and big rigs are welcome here, and there are also designated campsites for tent camping, should you fancy changing things up a little throughout your trip. However, regardless of how you want to camp here, you’re subject to a time limit of 48 hours every 7 days, so make sure you move on before your time is up.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Drinking Water
• Rubbish Bins
• BBQ Facilities
• Kids Playground

Mary Kathleen Ghost Town

Mary Kathleen, Queensland

Looking for a really unique camping experience? Mary Kathleen Ghost Town is a must-visit. Once a busy mining town, all that remains now are abandoned streets and a slightly eerie feeling, from which the “Ghost Town” add-on to the town’s name comes.

As you might expect from an abandoned town, there are no designated camping spots here, and you’re able to pull up in your campervan wherever you please. However, you’ll need to be a self sufficient camper to stay here as there are no amenities at all, and tent camping is not permitted. There aren’t any time limits in place here, either, although you may find the limited amenities and surrounding activities start to become a little boring after a couple of days.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• No Amenities – Self Contained Vehicles Only

Little Yabba Creek

Cambroon, Queensland

Little Yabba Creek, which is located in the Sunshine Coast region of Queensland, offers you the opportunity to relax in natural surroundings and explore some incredible walking trails. Here, you’ll be surrounded by lush rainforest that is home to beautiful birds and wildlife, and the namesake creek makes the perfect place for fishing, swimming, or canoeing.

This camping spot is suitable for campervans and camper trailers, although there is a strict 1-night time limit in place. Available spaces here can fill up pretty quickly, too, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead and arrive as early as possible.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilet
• Dump Point
• BBQ Facilities

Julia Creek Campground

Julia Creek, Queensland

With a 96-hour time limit, Julia Creek Campground is a great place to find free camping for a few days. It’s also a really popular spot and has a decent amount of space, making it a good option for campers who want to get to know other campers or those who simply enjoy a little more hustle and bustle from their camping experience.

This doesn’t mean this campsite isn’t relaxing, though, and the surrounding nature and views are ideal for helping you unwind after a day on the road. This site is also dog friendly, although amenities are limited to drinking water, BBQs, rubbish bins, and picnic tables.

As such, you’ll need to be self sufficient to stay here. You are also allowed to use a generator, but only between the hours of 8 am and 8 pm.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Drinking Water
• BBQs
• Rubbish Bins
• Picnic Tables

With so many excellent free campsites on offer, there’s no doubt that Queensland is a must-visit for any avid camper. Whether you’re looking for that wild camping experience or you need to take advantage of multiple amenities, there is an option for everyone.

What you will need to do to stay at these free campsites, however, is hire a campervan. This doesn’t only make it possible to access them all, but means that you’ll have a place to call home for your entire road trip. At Travellers Autobarn, we’re experts at finding the best campervan for your needs, whether you’re on a romantic getaway for two or a large family holiday.

Contact us today, and we’ll find a campervan that fits your specific requirements perfectly, getting you one step closer to your Queensland camping adventure!

DISCLAIMER: Any prices displayed are correct at the time of publishing. We highly recommend contacting any campsite or caravan park prior to booking to confirm prices.