For most Queenslander campers, an Inskip Point camping trip is a must do at least once in a lifetime – if not an annual adventure. With campsites just metres from the stunning Queensland coastline, the Inskip camping grounds are the perfect location for those campers who love spending their days on the beach.
Just north of the Rainbow Beach township and a short barge ride away from K’gari (Fraser Island), Inskip is a stunning part of South East Queensland. The water here is absolutely spectacular with crystal clear waters – calm for the most part making them ideal for swimming, fishing and a range of other water sports.
The Inskip Point campground is part of the Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area and not the Cooloola Recreation Area which most people often think. The good part about this is that it’s not part of the Great Sandy National Park – so it is dog friendly which is a welcome relief for campers usually not able to bring their pets with them when camping in National Parks.
If this is your first time camping at Inskip Point, Queensland you’re probably keen as mustard – but no doubt you’re wondering what the differences between each of the sites are? There are 7 different campsites within the Inskip Point camping grounds and while they are all close together, each campsite does have its subtle differences which are worth understanding to ensure you book the perfect campsite for your trip.
So if you’re after the perfect camp spot in the Inskip Point Recreation Area, then this guide is going to be a great place to start. In this guide, we cover all the different Inskip beach camping sites as well as other information such as how to make your Inskip Point camping permit booking and what vehicle permits you’ll need.
So let’s find you one of the awesome spots for camping at Inskip!
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Inskip Point Camping Map
Below is an Inskip Point camping map of all the different campsites at Inskip as well as a few other notable places such as where the barge leaves from to K’gari, dump points and drinking water etc. Zoom in and out on the Inskip camping map for a closer look.
You can find more information on this Qld National Parks Inskip Point map here.
Facilities at Inskip Camping Grounds
Let’s start by looking at what facilities are available at the Inskip Point camping area. This is a beautiful camping spot but facilities are extremely limited and best suited to self-sufficient campers. It is recommended that you bring your own toilet, shower and your own drinking water.
Here is a quick guide of what you can expect in terms of facilities at Inskip Point:
- All Inskip peninsula camping sites are unpowered.
- Some campsites have toilets and they are composting toilets. If you decide to bring your own toilet, then the nearest dump point is at Clarkson Drive in Rainbow Bay, opposite Laurie Hanson Park (pictured below). Please note that bush toilets (ie digging a hole and going as you please) are not permitted.
- There is no drinking water available in Inskip – so you must bring your own. However, if you need a refill while you’re here, you can find drinking water at Clarkson Drive in Rainbow Bay – just a short drive away – but you’ll need large refillable containers. See above map for exact location.
- For your food and drink supplies, you’ll need to head into Rainbow Beach. However, there is an iceman who comes by each day and sells things like ice, bread, milk etc.
- There are bins available at the exit of most of the campsites, but not all of them.
- Can you have fires at Inskip Point? Campfires are allowed except during times of a fire ban. You must bring your own untreated firewood. It is illegal to collect firewood from the recreation area, including leaves and twigs.
Guide to the 7 Sites at Inskip Point Recreation Area
The Inskip Point Peninsula is a long thin sandy point in an “L” shape. There are 7 different campsites across the peninsular, with most of the campsites on the east side facing the Pacific Ocean – the surfside. There are a few campsites on the north of the peninsula facing K’gari with the Great Sandy Strait in between and one located on the western side facing the Tin Can Inlet.
Keep in mind that with all of the different campsites, none of them have defined camping areas, so it’s first in best dressed. However, please be mindful of other campers and keep your campsite reasonably compact to allow others plenty of room.
From the south to the north, below are further details of each of the 7 different Inskip campsites.
Pelican Bay Camping Area
Pelican Bay is the one site which is located on the western side of the peninsular. It is also the closest campsite to the Rainbow Beach township. Campsites here are shady and secluded, as well as being beachfront on the calm waters of the Great Sandy Marine Park.
You can only reach Pelican Bay via 4WD and it is not suitable for those towing boats, trailers or caravans.
Pelican Bay is a very small campsite and no toilets or rubbish bins are provided here.
While you’re not advised to tow your boat in, you can bring it around the front of your campsite and anchor it here. This is the perfect campsite for those looking for a boating / fishing Inskip Point camping trip.
Click here to see a map of the Pelican Bay campground.
Dorrigo South Camping Area
The Dorrigo South camp area is the first site located on the eastern side of the peninsular, behind the foredunes just off Inskip Point Road. The campsite is only accessible by 4WD and only accessible by road (no beach access).
Some of the campsites here have lovely ocean views as well as views right out to Double Island Point. Alternatively, you can camp inland and be protected from the wind in a shady spot.
Dorrigo South is a reasonably small campsite and no toilets are provided here, however you will find rubbish bins at the exit.
From Dorrigo South, you can easily walk to Pelican Bay.
Click here to see a map of the Dorrigo South campground.
SS Dorrigo Camping Area
Just north of Dorrigo South, still on the eastern side of the peninsular, is the SS Dorrigo camping area. This is another lovely campsite, with some ocean views right out to Double Island Point. Alternatively, you can camp inland and be protected from the wind in a shady spot.
At SS Dorrigo, you will find a few sites near the entrance suitable for 2WD vehicles, but most of the site is accessible by 4WD only.
This campsite cannot be accessed via the beach only by the entrance from Inskip Point Road, although there is a beach access track just before the campsite.
Facilities at this campsite include rubbish bins at the exits and multiple toilets, including one with a wheelchair access ramp.
Click here to see a map of the SS Dorrigo campground.
MV Natone Camping Area
With lovely ocean views, this is a gorgeous shady campsite behind the foredunes. Located on the point as the peninsular curves to the west, this campsite provides views across the Wide Bay Bar and out to K’gari. Other campsites inland provide protection from the wind.
To reach the campground you can do so either by Inskip Point Road or via the beach. However please note that beach driving past the MV Natone camping area is not permitted.
MV Natone camping area is accessible by 4WD only. Also, it is not suitable for those towing trailers, boats or caravans. While the photo above may not look it – the sand is pretty soft and deflating your tyres before entering is highly recommended.
Facilities at this campsite include rubbish bins at the exits and three toilet blocks, including one with a wheelchair access ramp.
Click here to see a map of the MV Natone campground.
MV Beagle Camping Area
Located on the north of the peninsular, the MV Beagle Camping area looks directly across the ocean to K’gari. This is a small camp area behind the sand dunes, offering campsites with ocean views or further inland protected from the wind.
MV Beagle camping area is accessible by either 2WD or 4WD. To reach the campground you can do so either by Inskip Point Road or via the beach.
Facilities at this campsite include rubbish bins at the exits and two toilet blocks, including one with a wheelchair access ramp.
Click here to see a map of the MV Beagle campground.
MV Sarawak Camping Area
MV Sarawak camping site is one of Inskip’s largest and most popular sites. The camping area at MV Sarawak is located behind the sand dunes and you can choose one of the beachfront campsites which provide partial views across the ocean to K’gari or one of the inland sites which are protected from the wind and sun.
The MV Sarawak camping area is only accessible by Inskip Point Road; you cannot access this campsite via the beach. Any vehicle can reach MV Sarawak, great news if you plan on camping at Inskip without a 4WD.
Facilities at this campsite include rubbish bins at the exits and multiple toilets, including one with a wheelchair access ramp.
Click here to see a map of the MV Sarawak campground.
MV Sarawak West Camping Area
The very last campground in Inskip is MV Sarawak West – the closest campsite to the Fraser Island barge. This is the perfect spot for those wanting easy access to the very point of Inskip as well as Tin Can Bay Inlet side which has beautiful calm water.
Any vehicle can reach MV Sarawak West, however, it’s recommended that you come by 4WD as there are limited sites for 2WD vehicles by the campsite entrance.
There is no beach access to MV Sarawak West; entrance is via Inskip Road only.
Facilities at this campsite include rubbish bins at the exits and a toilet block with a wheelchair access ramp.
Click here to see a map of the MV Sarawak West campground.
Inskip Point Camping with Dogs
As we mentioned up front, the good news is that you can go Inskip Point camping with dogs – so no need to leave your pooch at home for this camping trip.
However, it is important to note that dogs are not allowed in your car while on any of the beaches in the Cooloola Recreation Area. So if you are travelling with your dog to Inskip, you must travel via sealed roads and not Double Island Point or Teewah Beach. Plus you won’t be able to take your dog with you on any day trips in the recreation area.
However, if you just plan on setting up camp at Inskip and not going too far, then it’s perfectly fine to bring your dog with you. However, please note that dogs must be on the lead at all times.
How to Make an Inskip Point Camping Permit Booking
Camping at Inskip is extremely popular – especially during school holidays and so it is absolutely vital that you book Inskip camping permit well in advance.
The best way to book your Inskip Point camping permits is online here. However, you can also make your Inskip Point camping booking by calling 13 74 68, or there are booking offices around Rainbow Beach where you can book your camping permit Inskip Point in person.
Inskip camping permits cost $7 per person per night or $28 per family per night. The family rate is for a maximum of two adults and up to 6 children under the age of 18. Children under 5 are free. As you can see Inskip camping fees are pretty well priced and help stretch the budget if you have a larger family.
Once you’ve set up camp – be sure to display your tag with your booking number on your campsite at all times. If you have access to a laminator then this is a great idea, otherwise put in a plastic sleeve to protect your Inskip camping booking permit from the weather.
Driving on the Beach at Inskip Point
There is no permit required for driving on the beach around Inskip Point, however please note that driving is not permitted on the beach at Inskip Point between MV Beagle and Sarawak West campsites.
You may remember some years ago there was a large sinkhole at Inskip Point which ate up a vehicle or two – so it is extremely dangerous to drive on the beach here. This map here shows where you can and cannot drive to avoid the Inskip sinkhole area.
However, if you plan on driving through the Cooloola Recreation Area, so anywhere on Rainbow Beach, Double Island Point etc – you will need a vehicle permit. The cost of a vehicle permit for driving in the Cooloola Recreation Area is as follows:
- 1 Day – $13.95
- 1 Week – $35.50
- 1 Month – $55.90
- 1 Year – $281.40
If you’re also headed over to K’gari, you can purchase a combined vehicle permit which costs $89.80 for a month or $450.60 per year.
Permits can be booked here and must be displayed on your dashboard at all times.
Of course, you also need to abide by all the usual Queensland road rules, even while driving on the beach.
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Hopefully, you found this guide on camping at Inskip Point helpful and you’re now all set to go camping Inskip. Other guides you might find helpful include our camping in Rainbow Beach guide or our guide on things to do in Rainbow Beach here.