Queensland is Australia’s camping capital. With over 1,300 national park camping areas, vast state forests and millions of hectares of Crown Land, free and low-cost camping options are everywhere. This guide covers the 15 best free and near-free camping spots across the Sunshine State — from tropical far north to the southern border.
1. Deepwater National Park
Located 80km south of Gladstone, Deepwater National Park offers beachfront camping on one of Queensland’s most unspoiled stretches of coast. Sea turtle nesting season runs November to January — you may witness hatchlings making their way to the ocean at night. Sites are $6.50 per person per night through the Queensland Parks booking system. Facilities include composting toilets and cold showers. No power available. 4WD recommended for beach sites.
2. Kroombit Tops National Park
Hidden in the Callide Valley ranges west of Biloela, Kroombit Tops is one of Queensland’s least-visited national parks. The Eidsvold Road camping area offers free camping with pit toilets. Surrounded by ancient eucalypt forest, it is perfect for birdwatching — over 120 species recorded. The plateau sits at 900m elevation making it noticeably cooler than coastal Queensland. No booking required, self-registration on arrival.
3. Expedition National Park
A remote gem in central Queensland north of Taroom. The Lonesome Dove camping area is free with basic pit toilet facilities. The park protects significant Aboriginal cultural heritage and features striking sandstone gorges. Creek crossings on access roads require a high-clearance 4WD. Absolutely no mobile coverage — download maps before you leave. Self-registration required on arrival at the park gate.
4. Cania Gorge National Park
Cania Gorge sits near Monto in the North Burnett region and punches well above its weight for camping quality. The main campground is low-cost at $6.50 per person per night and has excellent facilities including hot showers, a camp kitchen and flush toilets. The gorge walks are spectacular — the Big Rainbow Cave walk is suitable for families. Book ahead for school holidays as this park fills quickly.
5. Blackdown Tableland National Park
Rising abruptly from the surrounding plains west of Rockhampton, Blackdown Tableland is one of central Queensland’s most dramatic landscapes. The Mimosa Creek camping area charges $6.50 per person per night and has basic facilities. The tableland is 30 degrees cooler than the surrounding plains — bring warm clothes even in summer. The two-day Horseshoe Lookout circuit walk is unmissable.
6. Salvator Rosa Section, Carnarvon National Park
The Salvator Rosa section of Carnarvon National Park is one of Queensland’s best-kept secrets. Remote, rugged and spectacular, this section of the park receives a fraction of the visitor numbers of the main gorge. Free camping is available at Ka Ka Mundi camping area with basic pit toilet facilities. High-clearance 4WD essential. No mobile coverage. A genuine outback adventure for self-sufficient campers.
7. Isla Gorge National Park
Located between Taroom and Theodore in central Queensland, Isla Gorge protects dramatic sandstone escarpments and deep gorges. The main camping area is free with pit toilet facilities. The short gorge lookout walk delivers extraordinary views across the Theodore floodplains. Perfect base for exploring the wider Dawson Valley region. Bring all water as none is available in the park.
8. Sundown National Park
On the Queensland-NSW border south of Stanthorpe, Sundown National Park offers remote camping in the rugged Severn River gorge country. The Broadwater camping area is accessible via a rough 4WD track and is low-cost at $6.50 per person per night. Stargazing in this dark sky area is exceptional. Rock wallabies are commonly seen at dusk. The swimming hole at the Severn River is one of Queensland’s best-kept secrets.
9. Girraween National Park
Girraween means “place of flowers” and in spring this park delivers. Located in the southern Queensland granite belt near Stanthorpe, Girraween offers excellent camping at $6.50 per person per night. The granite boulder landscape is unique in Queensland — the Pyramid walk is one of the best half-day hikes in the state. Book well ahead as this park is extremely popular year-round with southern Queensland and northern NSW visitors.
10. Lakefield National Park
Queensland’s second-largest national park covers 537,000 hectares on Cape York Peninsula. Dry season camping (May to October) is spectacular — the floodplains teem with wildlife including saltwater crocodiles, jabiru and brolga. Free camping is available at numerous sites throughout the park. 4WD essential. Fuel up in Laura before entering — none available in the park. The Old Laura homestead ruins are worth visiting.
11. Cape Hillsborough National Park
North of Mackay, Cape Hillsborough is famous for kangaroos and wallabies visiting the beach at sunrise. The camping area costs $6.50 per person per night and is exceptionally well-positioned right behind the beach. Facilities include hot showers and flush toilets. Sites book out months in advance — reservations are essential. Watch for wallabies literally on the beach at dawn, one of Queensland’s most unique wildlife experiences.
12. Lawn Hill National Park (Boodjamulla)
One of Queensland’s most remote and spectacular parks, Lawn Hill sits in the Gulf Country near Lawn Hill Station. The gorge camping area is low-cost and one of Australia’s most dramatic camping locations — red sandstone walls rise 30 metres above the permanent green water of Lawn Hill Creek. Canoe hire available on-site. Accessible by conventional 2WD but the road from Gregory is long and remote. Booking essential.
13. Moreton Island National Park
Just 40km from Brisbane by ferry, Moreton Island offers surprisingly remote camping. Vehicle barge access allows camping with full 4WD setup. The Tangalooma wrecks provide excellent snorkelling. Multiple free and low-cost camping areas around the island. The sand dunes at Desert are worth the hike. Book ferry and camping permits well ahead. This is the closest genuine wild camping experience to Brisbane.
14. Forty Mile Scrub National Park
Located on the Atherton Tablelands highway between Ravenshoe and Mount Garnet, Forty Mile Scrub protects one of Australia’s best examples of dry vine thicket. A free camping area sits adjacent to the park with basic facilities. The self-guided walk through the scrub is fascinating — the contrast between the arid scrub and surrounding rainforest is remarkable. An easy overnight stop on the tablelands circuit.
15. Undara Volcanic National Park
The Undara lava tubes are one of the world’s longest systems of lava tubes from a single volcano. Camping is available at the Mundivallo camping area for $6.50 per person per night. Guided lava tube tours run daily and are worth every dollar — the scale of the tubes is astonishing. The surrounding savannah woodland is excellent for wildlife watching at dawn and dusk. Located on the Gulf Developmental Road west of Ravenshoe.
Tips for Camping in Queensland
- Book all national park sites through the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service booking system at npsr.qld.gov.au
- Download the Queensland Parks app for offline maps and current park conditions
- Always carry a minimum 20 litres of extra water for remote areas
- Check fire restrictions before travel — conditions change rapidly in dry season
- Carry a personal locator beacon (PLB) for remote park visits
- North Queensland parks are best visited May to October — wet season road closures apply June onwards is actually safer
- Always self-register at park entry stations even at free camping areas
Queensland rewards those who explore beyond the coastal strip. The parks listed above represent some of Australia’s finest camping experiences — most visited by only a fraction of the tourists who flock to the Gold Coast and Whitsundays. Get off the highway and discover what most visitors miss.