Must-Visit Camping Spots in South East Queensland

How lucky are we? We get to live in such a beautiful part of the world with so many hidden gems to discover and stunning places to explore. To celebrate this beautiful part of the world we have put together some of our picks for the must-visit camping spots in South East Queensland.

Now, full disclosure, we haven’t stayed at all these locations. Most of these suggestions are based on the reviews and recommendations of other travellers in addition to our own experience.

Most Frequently Recommended:

Bigriggen Park – Scenic Rim – https://www.bigriggen.com.au/

While doing research for this post, Bigriggen Park was one of the most consistently recommended locations on the list. After looking into this campground a little more its easy to see why. Situated just under 3 hours from the coast (90 mins South of Brisbane) this stunning location has plenty to offer visitors.

With heaps of open space to explore, a river to swim or fish in and easy access to nearby hiking tracks there is plenty to enjoy. There are powered and non-powered sites, toilets and hot showers (coin operated) on site. The park is also pet-friendly so you can bring your furry family members along with you too.

From all accounts, this is a fantastic place to camp, so it’s definitely one that we’ve added to our list of must-visit camping spots.

Now with so many incredible places to choose from, we thought it best to break up the camping spots into a few different categories. Hopefully, you can find one to suit your camping style.

Cobb & Co Nine Mile Campgrounds

Beach Camping:

Cooloola Recreation Area  – https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/cooloola/

Take your pick from some of the best beachside camping spots this region has to offer. Teewah Beach is our pick of the bunch. If you want to take your pets with you, check out Inskip Peninsula a little further north.

Fraser Island – https://www.visitfrasercoast.com/Stay/Caravan-Camping

There are so many options on Fraser Island so its best to do plenty of research when planning your trip. We love Cathedrals on Fraser because it is fully fenced and family friendly.

Honourable Mentions: Stradbroke Island, Noosa North Shore, Bribie Island 

Rainforest Camping: 

Conondale National Park – https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/conondale/

This is one you will want to come back to time and time again. With crystal clear swiming holes, stunning waterfalls and an abundance of walking tracks there is plenty to enjoy.

Springbrook National Park – https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/springbrook/camping.html 

Another fantastic location. There are 9 different walking tracks to choose from and gorgeous waterfalls (including the Natural Bridge) to see along the way.

Honourable Mentions: D’Aguilar National Park, Lamington National Park, Main Range National Park

Farm Style Camping:

Bestbrook Mountain Resort – https://www.bestbrook.com.au/

If you a wanting an authentic farm experience, look no further than Bestbrook. Offering traditional farm stay experiences including milking cows, billy tea, damper, wagon riding, whip cracking and heaps more.

Cobb & Co Nine Mile Campgrounds – http://www.cobb-and-co-nine-mile-camping-grounds.com/

Another one of our absolute favourites. This is the ideal spot for an escape the whole family will enjoy. There is a fantastic playground for the kids, an animal farm and horse riding all on site.

Honourable Mentions: Coleyville Lodge, Neurum Creek Bush Retreat, Kenilworth Camping

Bunya Mountains National Park

For Watersports:

Lake Somerset – https://www.nrmaparksandresorts.com.au/lake-somerset/

One of the favourites when it comes to watersports and camping lakeside. With plenty of space to enjoy, free kids activities and a wide range of accommodation options available, there is sure to be something to suit everyone. 

Borumba Dam – https://campborumba.com.au/

Another great spot for taking the boat or jet ski for a spin. The campgrounds are ideally located with easy access to the dam and well looked after facilities. 

Honourable Mentions: Lake Moogerah, Maroon Dam, Lake Wivenhoe Campgrounds

For Glampers:

Alure Stanthorpe – https://www.alurestanthorpe.com.au/ 

Now this place takes glamping to a whole new level with one of the most glamorous safari tents we’ve seen (yep, there is even a chandelier). It is truly a lavish glamping experience sure to delight even the most reluctant campers. 

Rivershore Resort – https://www.rivershore.com.au 

This one is an absolute gem of a spot. The luxurious Safari Tents are kitted out with everything you need (can anyone say claw-foot bathtub). The wide range of facilities onsite are sure to keep the whole crew entertained. 

Honourable Mentions: Murphy’s Creek Escape, Ketchups Bank Glamping, Nightfall (Must See!)

For Adventurers:

Mount Barney National Park – https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/mount-barney/ or https://www.mtbarneyretreat.com.au/mtbarney-camping.html

All camping areas within the National Park are only accessible by foot so be prepared to carry everything in and out for those. If you are up for it though, there are some incredible lookouts, waterfalls, swimming holes and forests to see while you’re there. Rest assured, there are also some other accommodation options nearby if carrying your gear isn’t your style.

Bunya Mountains National Park – https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/bunya-mountains/ 

Another long time crowd favourite. With three camping options, each with different levels of accessibility, there is something to suit all types of campers. The rainforest in this park is spectacular with ancient bunya pines towering overhead. With over 9 walking tracks to choose from there is plenty to explore. 

Honourable Mentions: Jimna State Forest, Mapleton National Park, Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk