Beautiful Camping Spots in Townsville

From sleeping under the stars surrounded by Wet Tropics rainforest, to family-friendly holiday parks with all the bells and whistles, here’s a round-up of the best camping in Townsville.

Perhaps you want to immerse yourself in the surrounding World Heritage wilderness made up of prehistoric rainforest to tropical islands, are exploring North Queensland in your caravan or motorhome, or simply want affordable camping accommodation to save your money for Townsville’s many adventures.

Whatever the reason, camping options in Townsville are wide and varied, from remote national park sites only reached by four-wheel-drive to glamping with all the creature comforts.

National parks and reserves

1. Lake Paluma, Paluma Range National Park

Lake Paluma (or Paluma Dam) is a popular campsite inside Paluma Range National Park for those coming to enjoy aquatic adventures, such as swimming, stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking or to explore the nearby national park. There are 25 campsites, picnic areas, barbecues and fires are allowed.

Features: unpowered sites, toilets, barbecues, picnic shelter, fires allowed

2. Remote bush camping, Bowling Green Bay National Park

Combining coastal and mountain scenery, Bowling Green Bay National Park is located 25 kilometres south of Townsville, stretching from Cleveland Bay to Mount Elliot Range.

Intrepid visitors come here to hike in its remote wildernesses, through rugged bushland and pockets of rainforest to find hidden creeks and waterfalls. If you choose to stay overnight, there are several options for basic bush camping, accessed only by four-wheel drive. Alligator Falls camping area is accessed only on foot; it’s for fit, well-prepared, and experienced walkers only.

Features: four-wheel-drive or foot access only, unpowered sites, fires allowed

Alligator Falls camping area — The remote camping area at Alligator Falls allows for plenty of wildlife spotting. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

3. Big Crystal Creek, Paluma Range National Park

Located in the southern section of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, 70 kilometres north of Townsville, Paluma Range National Park is a tropical wonderland that is popular for bushwalking, bird watching and wild swimming.

Big Crystal Creek is one of the best spots for taking a dip, and conveniently there’s a campsite located on its banks.

The campsite is accessible in a car and has sites that are suitable for tents, camper trailers, campervans and motorhomes. It also has toilets, picnic tables and barbecues. Campfires are also allowed, so after a day of bushwalking and swimming in fresh, pristine waterholes, you can snuggle up by a fire under the stars.

Features: unpowered sites, flushing toilets, cold showers, picnic tables, gas barbecues, fires allowed in fire rings

woman swimming in big crystal creek townsville — Cool off in Big Crystal Creek. (Image: TEQ)

Holiday Parks

4. BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks – Rowes Bay

A short walk from Rowes Bay, one of Townsville’s best beaches ideal for refreshing dips, long walks and playing, Big4 Tasman Holiday Parks Rowes Bay is one of the best-located caravan parks. When not at the beach, you can easily walk or cycle into town along The Strand.

Surrounded by tropical gardens, the caravan park has plenty to do on-site with a swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts, and a giant chessboard. When it comes to accommodation, the park features cabin and villa accommodation, as well as powered and unpowered sites for camping and caravans.

Features: cabins, powered and unpowered sites, camp kitchen, barbecues, amenities, laundries, swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts, kiosk

Camp Near Rowes Beach — Big4 Tasman Holiday Park is a short walk from Rowes Bay. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

5. Discovery Parks Townsville

Fifteen minutes south of the city centre, Discovery Parks Townsville is a large park that offers a range of accommodations including motel rooms, cabins and powered and unpowered sites.

Most importantly – for parents with kids, that is – this park is kid heaven, keeping the little ones entertained with a bouncing pillow, playground, swimming pool, waterslides and a water park.

Fun aside, the park is packed with conveniences, too, including a camp kitchen, barbecues, laundry, kiosk, and it’s also dog-friendly.

Features: cabins, powered and unpowered sites, camp kitchen, barbecues, laundries, kiosk, amenities, dog-friendly, swimming pool, waterpark, playground

Discovery Parks Townsville. — Discovery Parks Townsville is the perfect camping location.

6. Bungalow Bay Koala Village

Magnetic Island is the ultimate day trip from Townsville, however, if you choose to stay overnight, Bungalow Bay Koala Village is an affordable option with budget accommodation and camping in double and twin bungalows, share bungalows and on powered and unpowered sites, within minutes from Horseshoe Bay.

There’s also a tropical-style pool with sun lounges, a bar that is open all day – from coffee to cocktails, a camp kitchen and laundry.

But the best bit? Bungalow Bay boasts its own wildlife park, which is home to koalas, turtles, pythons, wombats, lizards and crocs. There are two tours daily, for guests to get up close and personal with these native animals.

Features: powered and unpowered sites, bungalows, camp kitchen, laundry, amenities, swimming pool, bar/kiosk

Koalas on Magnetic Island — Spot the koalas on Magnetic Island. (Image: Khy Orchard/ Tourism & Events Queensland)

7. Townsville Lakes Holiday Park

A short 10-minute drive from Townsville’s CBD, Townsville Lakes Holiday Park is perched on Curralea Lake and offers units, cabins and bungalows that can fit up to five people, as well as powered sites with ensuites. These large concrete sites are suitable for caravans, camper trailers and tents.

The park is fuss-free featuring barbecue facilities and a camp kitchen, convenient for those nights that you feel like staying in, and a swimming pool for those hot Townsville days. It’s also dog-friendly, so your furry best mate can join you.

Features: cabins, powered sites with ensuites, swimming pool, camp kitchen, barbecues, dog-friendly

aerial of Townsville Lakes Holiday Park — Camp lakeside with your pet. (Image: Facebook/Townsville Lakes Holiday Park)

8. Big4 Ingenia Holidays Townsville

This park is another one that will please all campers, from young to old to furry. Set among tropical gardens, Big4 Ingenia Holidays is a 20-minute drive from Townsville but has everything you need right at your fingertips – that includes essentials such as a camp kitchen and barbecues, a laundry, a convenience store/kiosk and a whole heap of non-essential super fun features.

Big4 Ingenia Holidays Townsville aerial of pool — Dive right into Big4 Ingenia Holidays Townsville.

Think several pools including a toddler pool, a waterpark, waterslides, a playground, trike hire, jumping pillow, beach volleyball, pedal karts, mini golf, bike hire, basketball… the list goes on.

When it comes to rest, you can choose from two- and three-bedroom villas, cabins, and dog-friendly unpowered and powered sites.

Features: cabins, powered and unpowered sites, camp kitchen, barbecues, laundry, kiosk, amenities, dog-friendly, swimming pool, waterpark, playground, waterslide, bike hire, mini golf, jumping pillow

Big4 Ingenia Holidays Townsville cabins — Choose from two- and three-bedroom villas or cabins.

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Free camping

9. Balgal Beach

Around 45 minutes north of Townsville, Balgal Beach is one of the area’s most beautiful beaches.

There is free camping available here at two campsites, one of tents only and one for RVs, set on the foreshore so you can fall asleep to the sounds of the waves. The RV site has a boat ramp and kiosk, where you can grab some fish and chips, and a playground for little ones to enjoy. Dogs are permitted at both campsites but must remain on leash.

Features: unpowered sites, toilets, barbecues, picnic area, dog-friendly

boat ramp at balgal beach Townsville — Camp at one of the region’s most beautiful beaches. (Image: Rob and Stephanie Levy)

10. Saunders Beach

This beachside RV site at Saunders Beach is located a little more than 30 minutes north of Townsville, equipped with shaded picnic tables, barbecues and a pirate ship playground for kids.

Beach fishing is popular here and the sand is excellent for fossicking shells; it’s also dog-friendly but they must always be on the lead. There’s also the Wulgurukaba Plant Trail nearby, a community trail with interpretive signage to teach visitors about native plants and how they’re traditionally used for food and medicine.

Features: unpowered sites, barbecues, shaded picnic tables, toilets, dog-friendly, playground

Saunders Beach Townsville at sunset — Watch the sunset colours at Saunders Beach. (Image: Rob and Stephanie Levy)

11. Bluewater Park

Close to Saunders Beach, this small campsite is surrounded by tranquil bushland with access to Bluewater Creek. It is suitable for caravans and RVs and has a playground, café, picnic benches and is dog-friendly, however, they must always remain on the lead.

Features: unpowered sites, toilets, picnic tables, playground, café, dog-friendly

Glamping

12. Big4 Townsville Eco Resort

Set on 14 acres of landscaped grounds where wallabies graze, Townsville Eco Resort is a family-owned, eco-conscious property that offers unpowered and powered sites as well as comfortable cabins, just 20 minutes from Townsville. However, it’s the glamping tents that are the real zinger.

These safari-style tents will include queen, king and wheelchair-friendly options, fitted out with modern furnishings and have views over the lilypad-dotted wetland. The property also has a swimming pool, restaurant and café, and is located across the road from Billabong Sanctuary, a native wildlife park.

Features: unpowered and powered sites, cabins, glamping tents, swimming pool, restaurant, café, amenities

pool at Big4 Townsville Eco Resort — Relax in the charming pool. (Image: Roady)

Heading to Townsville soon? If camping isn’t your thing, find out where to stay in and around Townsville for your next adventure.

Adventure and refined Luxury combine at the stunning Rangelands Outback Camp.

Iconic Australian red dirt, ancient rocky landscapes and bursts of greenery and wildflowers all make the small town of Winton, and its surrounds, a sight to behold. Escape the ordinary and unwind in the Queensland outback, where ancient landscapes and off-grid luxury await at Rangelands Outback Camp.

cosy seats in Rangelands Outback Camp — Unwind in the ancient outback.

About Rangelands Outback Camp

Unforgettable 360-degree views of this 95-million-year-old land await at Rangelands; bathed in style and positioned on top of a jump-up (or mesa), your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting.

Set on the 53,935-square-kilometre Rangelands Station – a working cattle property – the abundant wildlife are your only neighbours; kangaroos, echidnas, eagles and other birdlife all call Rangelands home.

Bathed in style, your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting. Indulge with carefully curated menus, personalised service and supersized luxury tents that guarantee a private experience. This exclusive camp only has a maximum of 12 guests at a time.

Here, the aim is pampering. From tasty menus to supersized tents with all the creature comforts, to a range of guided tours around the property and beyond.

Guests are transferred from Winton or Longreach by a dedicated Rangelands driver.

aerial shot of Rangelands Outback Camp tent — Soak in 360-degree views.

Rangelands Outback Camp tours

Join small-group tours and enjoy exclusive access to the ancient Rangelands Rifts with your Rangelands hosts. These incredible rock formations were formed by millions of years of erosion, leaving dramatic channels through the rock. Or explore the surrounds with Rangeland’s touring partner, Red Dirt Tours .

Get sunset birds-eye views over dramatic mesa country in a helicopter, from Queensland’s own Three Sisters to Corey’s Range, stopping at the best lookouts along the way.

Get up close and personal with this rugged land on four wheels, with expert drivers and guides leading guests through famous Bladensburg National Park, visiting Gondwana Stars Observatory and more.

The Winton area is famous for its boulder opals (the second-rarest opal in the world, after black opals), and a stop at the mining community of Opalton sheds a fascinating light on the unique fossicking method used to find them.

A trip to dinosaur country is a must, as this is the place that ramped up Australia’s dino contribution after a fossilised footprint was found in 1962; after more exploration, the discovery of 3300 footprints made it clear this was the world’s only evidence of a dinosaur stampede. Those same footprints are still on display today at Lark Quarry Conservation Park , a 90-minute drive from Winton. Also check out Australia’s largest collection of Australian Dinosaur fossils Australian Age of Dinosaurs, just 30 minutes from Winton. Here, join a tour through a working laboratory, dinosaur canyon and more.

A twice-daily transfer into downtown Winton is offered to guests, where they can explore the Royal Outdoor Theatre, opal shops, Waltzing Matilda Centre and more.

tour being led through Rangeland rifts — Have an exclusive adventure through the Rangeland Rifts. (Image: TEQ)

Sleeping in luxury

After a day of exploring, return to your tranquil tent for a blissful open shower and uninterrupted views from your private deck.

Designed to integrate guests into the surrounding nature, each tent feels like its own private haven. While being off-grid in the outback (in fact, each tent is powered by its own solar panels, with the added support of a backup generator), guests can also luxuriate in comfortable amenities like air conditioning, a supremely comfortable king-size bed and stylish designer touches.

Guests can stroll to the open-air Sunset Deck for breathtaking panoramic views, or to the main lounge and dining tent, where books, on-demand coffee and drinks make it the perfect place to relax after a day in the outback.

inside Rangelands Outback Camp bedroom — Enjoy plenty of space inside, and stunning views outside.

Rangelands Outback Camp dining

As the sun starts to dip below the horizon, gather for drinks and canapés on the expansive Sunset Deck, watching the sun drench the landscape in pinks and oranges as it sinks below the horizon.

Later, head to The Mahal lounge area and dining tent where mealtime magic happens. Savour a gourmet meal made fresh by Rangeland’s onsite chef. The meals use local produce to elevate classic outback dishes, and don’t worry, dietary requirements are happily accommodated.

Enjoy an open bar filled with an expansive hand-selected list of wines and premium beers, with wine pairings offered by Rangelands hosts come dinner time.

Discover more and book your luxurious stay at rangelandscamp.com.

The most beautiful camping spots in Townsville

From sleeping under the stars surrounded by Wet Tropics rainforest, to family-friendly holiday parks with all the bells and whistles, here’s a round-up of the best camping in Townsville.

National parks and reserves

1. Lake Paluma, Paluma Range National Park

2. Remote bush camping, Bowling Green Bay National Park

3. Big Crystal Creek, Paluma Range National Park