There is nothing better than sitting around a campfire on a chilly Winter’s night. Toasting marshmallows and swapping stories under the stars is one of the best things about camping. We’ve put together our top picks for the best campgrounds on the Sunshine Coast that allow campfires.
Important Notes:
- Check for current fire bans before booking campsites to ensure you are permitted to light fires.
- Bring your own clean milled timber along if you are planning to have a campfire. Do not collect wood, trees or branches from the campground or surrounding area.
Up North
Amamoor Creek Camping Area (Amamoor State Forest)
Nestled beside the Amamoor Creek and set among woodlands of iron barks and blue gums, this spacious grassy camping area is popular during the annual Gympie Music Muster, held during the last week of August. This camping area is also busy over the school and public holidays but at other times it’s ideal for peaceful camping and star gazing on clear nights. It is also the only national park campground in the region that allows dogs.
Cedar Grove Camping Area (Amamoor State Forest)
Sleep under the stars and toast marshmallows over a campfire in the fire rings provided. The open grassy area amongst red cedar and bunya pines is the perfect camping spot and a great base for your Amamoor adventure. Take a stroll along the Rainforest walk or tackle a longer walk on the Cedar Grove hiking trail.
Cobb & Co Nine Mile Campgrounds
Just south of Gympie is another local favourite, Cobb & Co Nine Mile Camping Grounds. Set on the site of the old Cobb and Co Horse Change Stables at Six Mile Creek, these campgrounds feature just about everything you could want from a farm-style camping adventure. The campground also offers luxury tents to hire if you don’t have your own gear.
Habitat Noosa Everglades Ecocamp
Note: Ground fires are not permitted – all fires must be contained in own brazier, Webber etc.
This one is for the nature lovers. Habitat Noosa Everglades Ecocamp (previously Elanda Point) is uniquely located in the National Park adjoining the Noosa Everglades. The 65 acre property backs directly onto the Noosa River and offers a wilderness experience like no other. There is a variety of nature walks accessible from the ecocamp and the site also offers a free shuttle bus to and from Noosa.
In the Hinterland
Bluff Creek Campgrounds
The privately-owned Bluff Creek Campground in Kenilworth is a fantastic spot for a long weekend escape. There are campsites suitable for couples, families and larger groups with each being located nearby the beautiful clear creek with swimming holes and plenty of fish. There is lots to do in the area, or you can just enjoy the peace and quiet on this beautiful property.
Booloumba Creek Campgrounds
An absolute favourite among Sunshine Coast locals, Booloumba Creek is a fantastic spot to escape away to. There are 3 different camping areas to choose from: area 1 and 3 are tucked away in the rainforest, and area 4 is an open area suitable for caravans and camper trailers. With lookouts, waterfalls, walking tracks and crystal-clear creeks, there is plenty to keep you occupied.
Borumba Deer Park
This family-owned and operated caravan park is the perfect place for the whole family to enjoy. There is heaps to see and do with fishing and kayaking in Yabba Creek and plenty of walking tracks and park grounds to explore. They even have deer feeding along the fence adjoining the nearby forestry.
Brooloo Park
If you like a little extra space when you’re camping, you’ll love the campgrounds at Brooloo Park with spacious sites spread out across the 270 acre farm. Each spot is private and secluded so you’ll hardly notice if there are any other campers around. With horse riding also available on site and plenty of farm animals to meet, you’re sure for an enjoyable experience at this beautiful campground.
Charlie Moreland Camping Area
The open grassy camping area at Charlie Moreland is the perfect place for a family trip or getaway with friends. There is plenty do with nearby walking, mountain bike and horse riding trails. Or simply enjoy getting away from it all relaxing by a campfire listening to the sounds of nature.
Coochin Creek Camping Area
Pack the fishing rod and kayak, this spot is perfect for those who like to cast a line or go for a paddle upstream. There’s also a boat ramp nearby to launch a small boat. The large shady sites at Coochin Creek are perfect for families or groups with plenty of open grassy areas.
Imbil Camping Retreat
Formerly known as Island Reach Camping Resort, now with new owners and under new management, Imbil Camping Retreat reopened in June 2018. This 12 acre, family & pet-friendly campground is a favourite among local campers. The grounds have been refreshed and are looking fantastic, this spot is definitely worth checking out if you are after a country escape.
Kenilworth Camping
Another local favourite in the hinterland, this privately-owned campground is also a fully operational dairy farm. With creekside camping spots and plenty of grounds to explore it’s a great location for you’re a family adventure. Whether you go for a swim, kayak, bike ride or check one of their dairy tours everyone is sure to enjoy themselves.
Kenilworth Homestead
This stunning private property is situated right on the banks of the beautiful Mary River and just 2km from Kenilworth township. The campground offers both powered and non-powered sites and even has a couple vintage caravans you can hire. They also have a spa cabin for those who want a little more luxury on their getaway.
Kookaburra Park
Far from your traditional caravan park, a stay at Kookaburra Park is an experience like no other. The new owners took over the campgrounds in September 2019, and have turned this fantastic location into a much visit! You can spend some time getting to know the 4 legged residents of the park with deers to feed, pigs to scratch and guinea pigs to cuddle. There’s also backyard games, swimming spots nearby and even a hiking trail on-site.
Lake Borumba Caravan & Camping Grounds
Surrounded by state forests, this is a great spot to get re-connected with nature. There is an abundance of wildlife that call the campground home so you’re sure to spot a native critter or two during your stay. There is a kiosk onsite offering the essentials, kayaks to borrow and even a volleyball court. This is definitely one to check out if you’re looking for a peaceful getaway with a few extra activities to keep you entertained.
Landcruiser Mountain Park
Surrounded by state forests, this is a great spot to get re-connected with nature. There is an abundance of wildlife that call the campground home so you’re sure to spot a native critter or two during your stay. There is a kiosk onsite offering the essentials, kayaks to borrow and even a volleyball court. This is definitely one to check out if you’re looking for a peaceful getaway with a few extra activities to keep you entertained.
Peach Trees Camping Area (Jimna State Forest)
The open shady spaces of Peach Trees make it the perfect spot for large groups. There is a creek for swimming and shared fire rings to gather around and swap stories. Peach Trees is also one of the only campgrounds in the area that has a wheelchair friendly campsite to cater for those with accessibility difficulties.
Running Creek Parklands
With wide open spaces and plenty of room to explore, Running Creek is fast becoming a local favourite. There are basic amenities on-site, but bringing your own is also recommended as to minimise the impact on the local environment. Spend your time wandering the grounds, hit the new bike track and even feed the resident farm animals on weekends.
Locations with Communal Campfire/Fire Pit
Hidden Valley@ Gro Mad Plantations
Located just outside Yandina, Hidden Valley is a stunning site that focuses heavily on organic & sustainable living. The property is a working macadamia orchard, over 12 acres of natural rainforest, as well as a picturesque creek and dam. There are some secluded spots as well as more open areas for larger groups. There is also chicken feeding and guided tours of the farm on offer. Plus, you can even take home some amazing products produced on-site like honey, eggs, fruit and more.
BIG4 Maroochy River
If you are looking for that old fashioned caravan park experience, with all the modern facilities you’re used to, look no further than BIG4 Maroochy River. Known as one of the friendliest caravan parks on the coast, the staff go out of their way to make the park feel like a home away from home. The park has recently been through a major refurbishment and update of the guest facilities so if you haven’t visited for a while, it’s worth checking out.
Rivershore Holiday Park
It’s no wonder this holiday park is rated one of the best on the Sunshine Coast by its guests. Rivershore Holiday Park in Bli Bli is the perfect destination for a fun-filled family holiday. Rivershore has a heap of activities on offer to keep the whole family entertained. They even have ‘glamping’ style safari tents for those who want a little more luxury with their next adventure.
Further South:
Ocean Beach – Bribie Island
Poverty Creek – Bribie Island
Mission Point – Bribie Island
