Queensland Camping

Best Camping Near Brisbane – 20 Awesome Campsites within a 2 Hour Drive

While Brisbane doesn’t really have any great camping spots in the city itself, you don’t have to go far for the best camping near Brisbane.  There is excellent camping within 2 hours of Brisbane, even just 1 hour from Brisbane and you’ll find some great campsites.

If you’re looking for some inspiration of some of the best camping Brisbane has nearby; then read on!!  Thanks to the wonderful members from our Queensland Camping FB Group, we’ve put together this list which includes 20 of the best camping sites Brisbane has within a 2 hours drive.

In this best camping around Brisbane guide, we’ve included sites which are within 2 hours drive from the Brisbane CBD.  The guide includes bush camping near Brisbane, the best beach camping near Brisbane, dog friendly camping Brisbane sites as well the best family camping near Brisbane.

So let’s find you one of the awesome camping grounds Brisbane has close by!

If you like to camp in Queensland, join our Queensland Camping FB group where you can talk with other campers, ask for advice and share your own camping experiences.

This post may contain compensated links.  Please refer to my disclaimer here for more information.

Best Camping Near Brisbane Map

Below is a map of all the best camping spots Brisbane has nearby, which are included in this guide.  Zoom in and out for a better view!

Keep reading below for details of all these best camping spots near Brisbane.

20 of the Best Camping Around Brisbane Sites 

In no particular order, below are our picks for the best camping grounds near Brisbane.  I’ve split them up among bush camping, beach camping and lake camping.

Bush Camping Near Brisbane 

Below we’ve listed some of the best bush camping near Brisbane.  Some of these campsites are probably more like rainforest or countryside campsites, but I’ve still listed them in this group.

Bigriggen Park

For campers after bush camping grounds near Brisbane, Bigriggen Park is a perfect choice.  Located at the foot of Mt Barney, around 1.5 hours drive south of the Brisbane CBD is where you’ll find Bigriggen Park.  This is a gorgeous campground, located on a 100 acre bushland property which has winding rivers.

The campground includes 30 powered sites and 60 non-powered sites.  If you’re looking for dog friendly camping near Brisbane, you’ll be pleased to know dogs are welcome here.  Facilities on site include toilets, coin operated hot showers, a small kiosk where you can buy basic groceries and firewood for your campfire.

Activities on site include bike riding, swimming, fishing in the local river as well as the chance to spot the local wildlife which includes possums, kangaroos, parrots and kookaburras.

So if you’re looking for camping close to Brisbane, yet somewhere you’ll feel a million miles away, definitely check out Bigriggen Park.

Location: 196 Bigriggen Rd

Distance from Brisbane CBD: 111 km / Around 1.5 hours’ drive

Price: From $15 per adult and $9 per child per night

Click here for more information

Mount Barney Lodge Country Retreat 

Whether you’re a hiker or looking for somewhere peaceful to relax, Mount Barney Lodge Country Retreat is another one of the great camping places Brisbane has nearby.  Mount Barney Lodge is in the Scenic Rim at the foot of Mount Barney – so the perfect base if you plan to do one of the many hikes in the area.

Even if you’re don’t plan to do any hiking, there is plenty of things here to keep the whole family entertained, including activities especially for the kids during school holidays.  Other activities include swimming in the creek which passes right through the campsite or swimming in the nearby waterholes.  Also nearby there are various towns and villages to explore which include several wineries, cafes and farm gates.

In terms of accommodation, there is a range of options at these Scenic Rim camping grounds including unpowered sites and cabins.  Campsites are gorgeous with their creek frontages, mountain views and complete with campfires – some of the best camping Scenic Rim has for the vistas alone.

Facilities on site include free hot showers, toilets and a washing up area.   On site, you can also purchase basic grocery items such as ice, milk and bread.  Please note that there are no pets allowed here and there is limited mobile coverage.

So if you’re after one of the great camping sites near Brisbane, you’ll easily reach Mount Barney Lodge within 2 hours.  A great choice for a peaceful getaway.

Location: 1093 Upper Logan Rd, Mount Barney

Distance from Brisbane CBD: 120 km / Around 1.75 hours’ drive

Price: From $20 per night per adult and $15 per night per child.

Click here to read our full review on Mt Barney Lodge, or click here to book through their website

Darlington & Burgess Parks Camping Grounds

Just an hour and a half drive from the city, Darlington and Burgess Parks Camping Grounds is another great option for people looking for places to camp near Brisbane.  These two campgrounds are in a great location for those looking to explore the Lost World Valley and the Lamington National Park.

Non powered campsites (no powered sites available) are nestled among the trees and overlook the river making for the perfect place for some R and R. This pet friendly campground has campsite fire pits, toilets (no showers), BBQ areas and a kiosk.

Things to do here include swimming in Albert River or at Christmas Creek in Burgess.  There is also a range of activities during the school holidays for the kids.  Onsite there is also a playground and grassy area for the kids to run amuck.

If you’re looking for the more simple and quiet places for camping near Brisbane (with fire pits), Darlington and Burgess Parks Camping Grounds are well worth considering.  These campgrounds are probably some of the more remote camping near Brisbane options.

Location: 2505 Kerry Rd, Darlington

Distance from Brisbane CBD: 95 km / Around 1.5 hours drive

Price: $10 per adult and $5 per child per night. Children under 5 stay free.

Click here for more information

Sharp Park River Bend Country Bush Camping

Only 1 hours’ drive from the Brisbane CBD, Sharp Park River Bend is nice and close, making it great for a quick weekend getaway.  This 5 hectares campsite is a just 3km from Canungra, located on the Coomera River.

Sites are simple here and facilities are limited with just toilets and BBQs available.  Activities onsite include swimming, kayaking or fishing in the river.  Campers can also enjoy campfires as well as bring their pets.

If you’re after a simple and quiet campsite close to Brisbane, Sharp Park River Bend is one to check out for bush camping, Brisbane area offers.

Location: 3069-3095 Beechmont Rd, Witheren

Distance from Brisbane CBD: 84 km / Around 1 hours drive

Price: $10 per adult and $5 per child per night

Click here for more information

Flanagan’s Reserve Bush Camping

Located along the Logan River, on 12 hectares of natural bushland, Flanagan’s Reserve would have to be one of the best campsites near Brisbane.  Flanagan’s is just shy of a 2 hour drive from the city centre, although you’ll feel like a million miles away.

This campground is at the foot of Mt Barney and sites have gorgeous views.  Campsites can have campfires and are also dog friendly.  Amenities on site include toilets, coin operated showers, coin operated BBQs and a small kiosk selling basic items.

Campers can swim or kayak in the river as well as fish.  You’ll also no doubt see a stack of wildlife during your stay – making this one of the campgrounds near Brisbane where you can truly get back to nature.

Location: 135 Flanagan Reserve Rd, Barney View

Distance from Brisbane CBD: 114 kms / Around 1.75 hours drive

Price: $12 per adult per night and $6 per child per night

Click here for more information

Neurum Creek Bush Retreat 

If you’re after bush campsites near Brisbane in the north, then Neurum Creek Bush Retreat is a brilliant one to consider.  This is another one of the pet friendly camping Brisbane sites in this review so no need to leave your best bud at home when camping at Neurum Creek.

Neurum Creek Bush Retreat is near the D’Aguilar National Park, Lake Somerset and Stanley River.  The campsite offers powered sites and facilities include campfires, toilets, free showers and a small kiosk selling essential items.

Activities on site are varied and include bike riding, walking tracks, swimming and kayaking in the swimming holes and creek… the benefits of creek camping, Brisbane!  The office has a range of games available to borrow including cricket, bocce and more. You may also see a range of wildlife including more than 80 birds, butterflies, kangaroos, wallabies and deer.

So if you’re looking for an easy getaway in a bush setting, Neurum Creek is one of the best sites near Brisbane on the northside. 

Location: Neurum Creek Bush Retreat, 268 Rasmussen Rd, Neurum

Distance from Brisbane CBD: 92 kms / Around 1.5 hours’ drive

Price: From $14.50 per adult and $8.50 per child.

Click here for more information

Bestbrook Mountain Farmstay 

A firm favourite among many Brisbane family campers is Bestbrook Mountain Farmstay.  Located on the way to Warwick, just 90 minutes from the Brisbane CBD, Bestbrook is a beautiful spot, surrounded by gorgeous mountain views of the Great Dividing Range, making it one of the perfect camp sites near Brisbane.

There is plenty to do here for all sorts of campers.  Being a farmstay, there are plenty of animal related activities such as milking the cows, feeding the animals, horse riding, whip cracking, wagon rides, and you even try a billy tea with some damper.  A creek runs through the property which is great for a splash or to catch yabbies.  Other activities include bushwalking and bike riding.

As well as powered and unpowered campsites, there is also a range of cabins available.  Other amenities include toilets, hot showers, a restaurant and a swimming pool.

With so many family friendly activities, it’s clear to see why so many families love camping at Bestbrook Mountain Farmstay.  It’s certainly one of the great camping areas near Brisbane, perfect if you’re after weekend camping near Brisbane for the family. 

Location: 9790 Cunningham Hwy, Tregony

Distance from Brisbane CBD: 121 kms / Around 1.5 hours drive

Price: From $45 per night for 2 people

Click here for more information

Thunderbird Park Camping 

While I’ve listed Thunderbird Park under bush camping, really this is a rainforest setting – but I didn’t have a separate category for rainforest camping near Brisbane, so I cheekily snuck it under bush camping.

Anyway Thunderbird Park is yet another of the awesome camping places near Brisbane, which is brilliant for families as there is so much to do here.  Located on 112 hectares of subtropical rainforest just bordering the Tamborine National Park, Thunderbird Park is a gorgeous camping ground Brisbane offers.

Thunderbird Park has a range of powered and unpowered sites, as well as bush lodges on site.  Amenities on site include a camp kitchen, toilets, laundry, BBQs, fire pits, restaurant, bar, kiosk, volleyball court and tennis courts.  The site is also pet friendly.

Located through the property is Cedar Creek, which has a range of lovely little rock pools perfect for a dip.  From the park, it is also an easy walk to the Cedar Creek lookout and larger rock pools.  Of course nearby you also have all the wonderful Mt Tamborine attractions within easy reach.

Thunderbird Park itself also has a range of excellent activities.  Things to do include ziplining, laser skirmish, thunderegg fossicking, horse riding and mini golf.

As you can see, Thunderbird Park is one of the great options if you’re looking at going camping near Brisbane with kids. 

Location: Corner Tamborine Mountain Rd &, Cedar Creek Falls Rd, Tamborine Mountain

Distance from Brisbane CBD: 67 kms / Around 1 hours drive

Price: From $32 per night for 2 people

Click here for more information.

Yarramalong Park 

Located not too far from Lake Moogerah along Reynolds Creek, Yarramlong Park is a 160 acre property in the Scenic Rim and is yet another one of the gorgeous bush camping sites around Brisbane.

One of the best things about camping at Yarramalong Park is Reynolds Creek.  Reynolds Creek runs all year round and is brilliant for swimming, kayaking and fishing – just the perfect camping spot!  Other things to do in include bushwalking or spotting the local wildlife including platypus, koalas, wallabies, possums and bilbies.

At Yarramalong Park there are unpowered sites as well as one cabin.  Amenities include toilets, hot showers, BBQs, small kiosk and campfires.

If you’re looking for the perfect creek camping near Brisbane, do yourself a favour and check out Yarramalong Park. 

Location: 688 Lake Moogerah Rd, Charlwood

Distance from Brisbane CBD: 95 kms / Around 1.25 hours drive

Price: From $15 per night per adult, children over 5 are $8 per night and children over 12 are $10 per night.  Family rates are $40 per night.

Click here for more information

Kenilworth Camping 

Kenilworth Camping is located on a picturesque dairy farm on the Mary River and is a favourite camping spot for family campers.  With amazing scenery and loads of activities to do, it’s the perfect spot if you’re after good family camping Brisbane has close by.

This property is some 580 acres and is along 5kms of the Mary River.  There are plenty of camping spots (all non powered) and campfires are permitted.  Amenities on site include toilets (no showers), and the campgrounds are also dog friendly.

The kids will love having all the cows around, as well as the chance to see a platypus in the Mary River.  The river is pristine and is a great spot for swimming and kayaking. This is one of the unique camp grounds near Brisbane where city families can have a taste of the farming life.

Kenilworth camping is just 2km from the local town where there are plenty of shops and cafes.

If you’re after camping 2 hours from Brisbane, do yourself a favour and check out Kenilworth Camping. 

Location: 18 Paulger Rd, Kenilworth

Distance from Brisbane CBD: 150 kms / Around 2 hours drive

Price: $20 per adult per night and $10 per child per night

Click here for more information

Best Beach Camping Near Brisbane 

Below we’ve listed some of the best beach camping near Brisbane.

North Stradbroke Island 

For those looking for awesome beach camping around Brisbane, then you can’t get much better than Straddie.  Straddie is a campers paradise, with numerous gorgeous campsites to choose from, with most being beachfront or actually on the beach.

One of our personal favourite campsites is including Amity Point, but other campsites include Adder Rock, Home Beach, Adams Beach, Bradbury’s Beach, Flinders Beach, Cylinder Beach and Main Beach… as you can see you are spoilt for choice on Straddie for beach camping within 2 hours of Brisbane.

You can even camp with your dog at Flinders or Main beaches – these are also campsites actually on the beach and a 4WD is required.

Most campsites have the choice between powered and non powered sites as well as a few cabins.  Facilities include showers, toilets, and most have camp kitchens, laundries and playgrounds for the kids.

Spend your days swimming, kayaking, fishing or taking a stroll around the Gorge for some spectacular scenery as well as wildlife spotting.  Don’t miss the gorgeous Brown Lake as well as a hike to Blue Lake.

You’ll need to make your way to Cleveland first which is around 1 hour from Brisbane and then take the 45 minute journey across to the island on the car barge.  Once you reach the island its just a short drive to your campground of choice.

Without a doubt, if you’re after beach camping Brisbane has close by, North Stradbroke Island is an awesome choice you won’t regret!

Location: North Stradbroke Island

Distance from Brisbane CBD: Around 2 hours, including the drive to Cleveland and barge across to the Island.

Price: Varies – not cheap camping Brisbane offers, but well worth it!

Find out more about camping on North Stradbroke Island here.

Moreton Island 

Neighbouring North Stradbroke Island, Moreton Island is another brilliant choice for those looking for camping options on the beach close to Brisbane.  On Moreton Island, you’ll find stunning beaches, with gigantic sand dunes, gorgeous creeks and an abundance of wildlife.

Of course one of the highlights is the Tangalooma Wrecks.  This is a brilliant place for snorkelling and kayaking.  Other attractions on the island include the natural Champagne Pools, Blue Lagoon and the gorgeous Honeymoon Bay.

Reaching Moreton Island is a little trickier than North Stradbroke Island, as there are no roads here, so you’ll need a 4WD to drive on the beach, or be able to carry all your camping gear on and off the barge (which many people do).

If you’re walking on and off the barge with your gear, you’ll be limited to The Wrecks campsite.  However those with a 4WD can have their pick of North Point, Blue Lagoon, Ben-Ewa, The Wrecks and Comboyuro Point.  Just note that facilities are fairly limited on Moreton Island, but most sites at least include toilets and showers.

There is also the option for camping outside the campgrounds in what are called camp zones.  These areas have absolutely no facilities, but wow what a location! Some of the secluded camping spots Brisbane offers that give you a front row seat to nature!

If you don’t fancy carting all your gear across to the island and looking for some glamping near Brisbane, there is always glamping at Castaways on Moreton Island – if you go – take me with you!!!

Location: Moreton Island

Distance from Brisbane CBD: Around 2 hours, including the drive to the Port of Brisbane and the ferry ride across to the Island.

Price: $7 per person per night, plus 4WD permits are $55.90 for one month

Read our guide on camping on Moreton Island here, or our guide on how to get to Moreton Island here.

Bribie Island

Bribie Island is just 1.5 hours’ drive from the Brisbane CBD and offers a range of great beachside camping spots.  These campsites are just perfect for a beach camping trip, but you will need a 4WD to access them and others are only accessible by boat.

Most of Bribie Island is National Park and there are numerous camping sites to choose from including Poverty Creek, Ocean Beach, Lime Pocket, Mission Point and Gallagher Point.  Some of the camping sites offer no facilities at all, while others have basic amenities such as toilets and cold showers.

While you’re camping at Bribie Island, there is plenty to do.  Enjoy water sports in the Pumicestone Passage, go swimming, kayaking or fishing.  There is also plenty of walking tracks to enjoy too.

For campers looking for secluded and remote beach camping spots around Brisbane, Bribie Island won’t disappoint.

Location: Bribie Island

Distance from Brisbane CBD: 82kms / Around 1.5 hours’ drive.

Price: $7 per person per night, plus 4WD permits are $53.65 for one week

Click here for more information.

Big4 Sandstone Point Holiday Resort 


If you like the idea of staying on Bribie Island but don’t have access to a boat or 4WD, then another option to consider is a camping trip to the fairly new Sandstone Point Holiday Resort.  Located on the shores of the Pumicestone Passage just across from Bribie Island, this is a great camping spot for families.

This place has activities galore for families.  There is the water play park, massive swimming pools, playground, jumping pillow, tennis court and more!  Of course being located on the shores of the Pumicestone Passage you’ve also got the perfect spot for a range of water activities like swimming, kayaking, boating and fishing.

There is plenty to choose from in terms of accommodation, from campsites, van sites, safari tents and a variety of self contained cabins too.  Other on site facilities include a licensed pool bar, restaurant, camp kitchen, BBQ, toilets, hot showers and laundry.

If you’re after camping trips from Brisbane with loads of activities and entertainment for the entire family, the Sandstone Point Holiday Resort could be just what you’re after!

Location: 1820 Bribie Island Rd, Sandstone Point

Distance from Brisbane CBD: 67 kms / Around 1 hours drive

Price: From $50 per night

Click here for more information

Cotton Tree Holiday Park

Located on the calm waters of the Maroochydore River, Cotton Tree Holiday Park on the Sunshine Coast is a great spot, particularly for young families.  This is a favourite of ours because the kids can safely swim, boogie board and kayak in the calm waters, as well as the option of going around the bend to the surf.

Cotton Tree Holiday Park has 93 powered and 29 non powered tent sites, 280 powered van sites as well as a range of cabins available.  Sites are small, and your neighbour will be close, but the location more than makes up for it.

There are plenty of amenities at Cotton Tree for an easy camping experience.  There are toilets, warm showers as well as a camp kitchen and kiosk for basic grocery items.

So if you’re wanting a quick and easy beach escape from Brisbane, with just 90 minutes from the city, Cotton Tree Holiday Park is a good option. 

Location: Cotton Tree Parade, Cotton Tree

Distance from Brisbane CBD: 105 kms / Around 1.5 hours drive

Price: From $48 for 2 people per night, additional people are $10 each.

Click here for more information

NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Resort 

If you’re looking for the best places to camp near Brisbane which are super fun for the kids and just minutes from the beach, then check out NRMA Treasure Island Caravan Park.  Located on the northern end of the Gold Coast in Biggera Waters, this campsite is just an hour’s drive from Brisbane.

There is so much to do here; this is a great campsite to come and for the weekend.  Activities onsite include 4 swimming pools, a waterpark, 3 playgrounds, jumping pillow, mini golf, go karts and more!  Plus the campground is just a short drive from Surfers Paradise and all the theme parks as well as a short walk to Harbour Town.

There is a range of accommodation options including 99 powered tent and sites, safari tents and 106 fully self contained cabins.   There are even some pet friendly options too.  Other on site facilities include a bistro, license bar, kiosk, camp kitchen, BBQ areas, laundry, toilets and hot showers.

So if you’re looking for the best camping sites near Brisbane that the kids will just love, NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Resort is certainly the place to be.

Location: 117 Brisbane Rd, Biggera Waters

Distance from Brisbane CBD: 70 kms / Around 1 hours’ drive

Price: From $58 per night

Click here for more information. 

Coolum Beach Holiday Park 

If you’re a north sider and looking for a great beach escape, then Coolum Beach Holiday Park is an easy drive, being just 90 minutes from the Brisbane CBD.  This holiday park is in such a great location, located right on the patrolled surf of Coolum Beach and across the road from a range of shops and cafes.

Accommodation options include powered sites as well as 6 cabins.  There are also great sites just steps away from the beach, and some sites are dog friendly. Amenities on site include a modern camp kitchen, toilets, hot showers, laundry and kiosk.

For campers after an easy beach camping adventure, Coolum Beach Holiday Park is a great option, one of the best campgrounds around Brisbane. 

Location: 1827 David Low Way, Coolum Beach

Distance from Brisbane CBD: 122 kms / Around 1.5 hours drive

Price: From $53 per night

Click here for more information

Lake Camping Near Brisbane 

Below we’ve listed some of the best lake camping near Brisbane.

Lake Moogerah Caravan Park 

Situated right on the shores of the gorgeous Lake Moogerah, this is a great camping spot for those who love their water sports.  Being such a tranquil spot, it’s also one of the good camping spots Brisbane has nearby if you’re just wanting a relaxing weekend away.

Lake Moogerah Caravan Park offers both powered and non powered sites, as well as one cabin and one large house.  Amenities include toilets, hot showers, laundry, boat ramps, camp kitchen, fire pits, small playground and boat and kayak hire.

Of course with the lake right there, campers can spend their day swimming, kayaking water skiing, fishing.  There is also a range of activities just a short drive away including wineries, Lavender Farm and bushwalking.

Lake Moogerah Caravan Park is just a 90 minute drive from Brisbane, making it one of the great camping spots near Brisbane for a weekend camping trip.

Click here for a guide on camping at Lake Moogerah.

Location: 1 Muller Park Rd, Moogerah

Distance from Brisbane CBD: 100 kms / Around 1.5 hours drive

Price: From $34 per person per night

Click here for more information

NRMA Lake Somerset Holiday Park 


There are a few different camping options around Lake Somerset, NRMA Holiday Park being one of them.  This 45 hectare campground is on the northern shores of Lake Somerset, just a short drive from the towns of Kilcoy, Esk and Woodford just a 90 minute drive from Brisbane City.

Being located on the shores of Lake Somerset, this is a great sport for campers who love water sports such as jet skiing, tubing, swimming as well as fishing.  Other things to do include mini golf, basketball, and kids activities during the school holidays.

The holiday park offers both powered and non powered and there are also safari tents and cabins available.  Other on site amenities include a camp kitchen, BBQ areas, boat ramps, fish cleaning station, laundry, playground and a small kiosk.

So if you’re after one of the many lake camping Brisbane options, Lake Somerset is a great choice, and the NRMA Holiday Park is one of many campgrounds in the area to choose from. 

You can read our full review on NRMA Lake Somerset here.

Location: 78 Kirkleagh Rd, Hazeldean

Distance from Brisbane CBD: 113 kms / Around 1.5 hours drive

Price: From $29.70 per night for up to a family of 6

Click here for more information

Captain Logan and Lumley Hill Campgrounds at Lake Wivenhoe

These two campsites are well positioned on the edge of Lake Wivenhoe, surrounded by stunning bushland.  Campsites are surrounded by shady trees and plenty of local wildlife including koalas, kangaroos, pelicans, ducks, possums and birdlife.

Campers here can spend their days on the water enjoying activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding swimming or fishing.  There is even a small beach and plenty of open grassy areas for ball games.  For the kids, there are also a few playgrounds around the area.

Sites include both powered and non powered and other facilities include campfires, BBQs, toilets and showers. 

Location: Logan Inlet Road, Logan Complex, Lake Wivenhoe

Distance from Brisbane CBD: 80 kms / Around 1 hours drive

Price: From around $25 per night

Click here for more information

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Hopefully you found some great ideas for your next camping trip – if you’re wanting to go camping with your dog – be sure to check out our guide on the best dog friendly campsites around Brisbane.  We’ve also got a guide on the best campsites around the Sunshine Coast here and the best Gold Coast Tourist Parks here

We have plenty of other guides to help you get started on your camping adventure, including how to choose a pop up tenthow to choose a sleeping bag and we even have the ultimate camping checklist here.

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