Mt Barney isn’t just another hiking destination—it’s one of Queensland’s most breathtaking and challenging wilderness areas. Whether you’re planning to conquer one of its towering peaks, explore hidden trails, or simply immerse yourself in its untouched beauty, finding the right Mt Barney camping site is essential.
With no shortage of remote and scenic spots, camping here is a true back-to-nature experience. All campsites within the national park are hike-in only, meaning you’ll need to carry your gear and be fully self-sufficient. There are no facilities, and open fires are prohibited—only fuel stoves are allowed. From ridge-top camps with sweeping views to creekside retreats perfect for a post-hike cool-down, there’s a campsite for every kind of adventurer.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Mt Barney camping—the best sites, how to access them, and what to expect when you’re sleeping under the stars in one of Queensland’s most spectacular landscapes.
Oh, and before you go, why not join our Queensland Camping Facebook Group to connect with like-minded people in the Sunshine State, ask for advice and share your own outdoor experiences?
Camping Mt Barney Map
The map below shows you the location of the Mount Barney camping grounds that are covered in this guide. For campsites in the National Park click here.
I’ve also included parking areas for the start of the different Mt Barney walks so you can see the distance between the campgrounds and the start of the walks.
Zoom in and out for a better view!
Keep reading below for full details of all these Mt Barney campsites.
19 of our favourite Mt Barney camping sites
If you’re planning on spending time in Mount Barney National Park, whether you’re hiking to the summit or exploring the surrounding bushland, you’ll need a good base camp. With no shortage of remote and scenic locations, Mt Barney camping offers something for every kind of outdoor enthusiast.
All campsites within the national park are hike-in only, meaning you’ll need to carry in all your gear and be fully self-sufficient. There are no facilities, and open fires are prohibited—only fuel stoves are allowed. Whether you’re after a secluded rainforest retreat, a creekside escape, or a high-altitude vantage point, there’s a campsite to suit your adventure.
Ballow Creek Junction
A peaceful rainforest campsite nestled where Mount Ballow and Mount Barney Creeks meet. Surrounded by lush greenery, this spot is ideal for those who enjoy a secluded and immersive nature experience. The nearest access point is Cleared Ridge, and it’s a great option for hikers looking to camp deep in the national park.
Barney Gorge Junction
One of the larger Mt Barney camping areas, this site sits at the junction of Barney Gorge and Mount Barney Creek. It’s a half-day walk from either the Lower Portals or Cleared Ridge car parks, making it a rewarding stop for those willing to venture further into the park. The surrounding landscape is rugged and dramatic, perfect for adventurous campers.
Barrabool
A small but scenic campsite set between rocky outcrops, Barrabool offers privacy and stunning natural surroundings. The nearest access point is the Lower Portals, making it a great option for those who want a mix of bushland and rock formations in their camping experience.
Boonah Border
A collection of Mt Barney camping sites along the state border. Campers must provide grid references for their intended location when booking. The closest access points include White Swamp Road, Mount Lindesay Highway, Old Mount Lindesay Road, Tartar Creek Road, and Philip Mountain Road. These sites are best suited for experienced campers looking for flexibility and remoteness.
Burbank Bush
Set along the banks of Cronan Creek, this campsite offers a mix of shade and proximity to water. It’s a relatively easy one-hour walk from the Yellow Pinch car park, making it one of the more accessible hike-in sites. A great option for those wanting a back-to-nature experience without an extreme trek.
Burrajum Peak
Located on the slopes of Mount Barney, this Mt Barney camping site offers open eucalypt and rainforest camping. The winds can be strong here, but the reward is sweeping views toward Savages Point and the East and West peaks of Mount Barney. Access is from Yellow Pinch Reserve.
Cedar Pass
A well-sheltered rainforest campsite, perfect for those looking for protection from the elements. Located near Cleared Ridge car park, this site is a more enclosed and shaded option, making it ideal for warmer weather or those who enjoy a quiet, immersive forest setting.
Cleared Ridge
Perched atop a ridge, this Mt Barney camping site offers expansive views and open spaces. It’s about a 1.5-hour hike from the Cleared Ridge car park, making it a good choice for those wanting a more remote experience while still being within a reasonable distance from the trailhead.
Forestry Bush
A scenic camping spot located near Cronan Creek, offering similar benefits to Burbank Bush but with a slightly different landscape. This site is about an hour’s walk from the Yellow Pinch car park, making it a manageable hike while still providing a secluded setting.
Lower Portals
One of the most popular Mt Barney camping sites, this location consists of three separate sites alongside Mount Barney Creek. The steep 3.7km hike from the Lower Portals car park makes it a rewarding challenge, and the nearby rock pools make it a fantastic place to cool off.
Hoop Pines
A large campsite set in a grove of towering hoop pines, offering a serene atmosphere with shade and natural beauty. This spot is about an hour’s walk downhill from the Cleared Ridge car park, making the return hike a bit of a climb but worth it for the peaceful setting.
Mt Ballow
A small, tucked-away Mt Barney camping site among Antarctic beech trees. While this site doesn’t offer expansive views, it provides excellent wind protection and a deep rainforest feel. Access is from Cleared Ridge car park.
Montserrat Lookout
A high-altitude campsite in an open forest, offering breathtaking views of Mount Barney. This spot’s position on a summit makes it a more exposed option, but for those who love a scenic sunrise or sunset, it’s hard to beat. Accessible from Cleared Ridge car park.
Mount May Saddle
Nestled in the saddle between Mount May’s north and south peaks, this Mt Barney camping site offers a rugged but rewarding location. It’s a three-hour hike from Mount May camping reserve or a shorter one-hour walk via the southwestern ridge.
Old Hut
A remote and exposed site located between Mount Barney’s east and west peaks. Getting here involves a steep four-to-five-hour climb from Yellow Pinch car park, making it suitable only for experienced hikers and campers.
Rum Jungle
A well-sheltered campsite in a small rainforest pocket between Mount Barney’s east and west peaks. This location makes it a solid choice for those looking for protection from the elements while still enjoying a stunning setting. The hike to get here from Yellow Pinch takes around four to five hours.
Skull
An open-forest Mt Barney camping site in the foothills on the southeastern side of Mount Maroon. The one-hour hike from Seidenspinner Road to this site makes it one of the more accessible remote sites. The landscape here is striking, with open space and rugged surroundings.
Paddys Plain
A spacious, open-forest Mt Barney camping site set in Paddys Gully, between Mount Maroon and Mount May. The size makes it a great option for groups, and it’s accessible from the Cotswold trailhead or Drynans Hut Road.
T Junction
A rarely visited, this pristine rainforest Mt Barney camping site is well protected from windy conditions. The remote location makes it a hidden gem for those who want complete seclusion. Accessible from Cleared Ridge car park.
Cost of camping at Mt Barney National Park
To camp at one of the above campsites, you will need to book in advance and purchase your permit. The easiest way to book is via the Queensland Parks and Wildlife website here. Prices are super cheap for a QPWS campsite at just $7.25 per person per night or $29 per family per night. A family rate is for up to 8 people and includes 1 to 2 adults and children under 18. Children under 5 are free.
Once you book, you will receive a camping permit. Your camping permit must be clearly displayed at all times at your campsite.
Mt Barney Lodge Country Retreat
For those after the closest campsite with great facilities for exploring Mt Barney, then Mt Barney Lodge Country Retreat it is! While there are of course campsites within the national park itself, you’ll need to access these sites on foot and they have no facilities either, which makes the Lodge the perfect option. From the Lodge its just a 4 minute drive or 10 minute walk to the Yellow Pinch Reserve car park, 10 minutes to the Lower Portal car park or 55 minutes to the Cleared Ridge car park.
The Mt Barney Lodge Country Retreat is a stunning property with creek frontage and some amazing mountain views. The property has spacious, shady and grassy unpowered campsites suitable for tents, camper trailers or even large motorhomes. Campsites start at $20 per person per night or $15 per night for kids 3 – 12.
If you prefer something a little more comfortable, they also have two lovely self contained homesteads which can sleep up to 15 people, as well as two smaller rustic cabins which can sleep up to 10 people. If you want to camp but can’t be bothered lugging your camping gear with you, they even have permeant camper trailers set up to sleep up to 4 people.
There is a modern amenity block with toilets, showers and a washing up area, although there is no camp kitchen on site.
For those wanting to hike to Mt Barney’s summit, the Lodge can arrange an experienced guide for you. In fact, they have lots of different hikes and walks with experienced guides. There is also a range of self guided bush walks that you can do from here – just speak to the Lodge staff about current conditions. They know where all the secret swimming holes are!
See a map of Mt Barney Lodge here. You can also read our full detailed review of Mt Barney Lodge here.
Bigriggen Camping and Caravan Park
Bigriggen Camping and Caravan Park is a very popular camping ground among families looking for somewhere to stay close to Mt Barney National Park. The camping and caravan park is set on 100 acres which the Logan River and Burnett Creek surround.
Grassy campsites here are large and spacious, perfect whether you want to pitch a tent or park up a large motor home. Powered sites start at $44 per night for 2 people with additional adults costing $17 per person and children $9 per person. There is a maximum of 6 people per site. Unpowered sites are $17 per night per adult and $9 per night per child. Both powered and unpowered sites are also pet friendly.
The property has just the one amenities block with toilets and showers – showers are $1 for around 5 minutes. There are also fireplaces scattered across the property as well as a dump point.
There is no shortage of things to do here. There is the freshwater creek and river for swimming or fishing, as well as a range of other nearby swimming holes, bushwalking in the national parks, plenty of space for the kids to ride their bikes or play games and loads of wildlife to spot. Plus for those exploring Mt Barney National Park, its just a 20 minute drive to the Yellow Pinch Reserve car park, 17 minutes to the Lower Portal car park or 45 minutes to the Cleared Ridge car park.
Flanagan Reserve
Flanagan Reserve is also a great option for those after a campsite close to Mt Barney National Park. This campground is a stunning 12 hectares property which sits along the Logan River and has fantastic views across the National Park to Mt Barney.
The campsites are flat, spacious and shady with great views. Sites are ideal for pitching a tent as well as large motorhomes. Rates start at $14 per night per adults and $8 per night per child (3-15). Altnertiavely it is $50 for a family which includes 2 adults and 4 children. Facilities on site include amenities block with coin operated showers (20 cents per minute) and toilets, coin operated BBQs, a kiosk selling snacks, drinks and firewood and the campgrounds are pet friendly.
At Flanagan Reserve, you can spend your days swimming or fishing in the river and keep your eye out for local wildlife. Plus for those exploring Mt Barney National Park, its just a 15 minute drive to the Yellow Pinch Reserve car park, 10 minutes to the Lower Portal car park or 45 minutes to the Cleared Ridge car park.
Lake Maroon Holiday Park
With both lake, mountain and bushland views, Lake Maroon Holiday Park is a gorgeous property and an excellent spot for those that want to spend time in both the Mt Barney National Park and Lake Maroon. Located right on the lake, this holiday park is also just a 35 minute drive to the Yellow Pinch Reserve car park, 30 minutes to the Lower Portal car park or 30 minutes to the Cleared Ridge car park – so well situated for a range of Mt Barney hikes.
There are two camping areas here, either Maroon Cove or Billabong Camp – both areas being pet friendly. Maroon Cove has unpowered, large sites which can accommodate up to 12 people. These sites overlook the lake but offer no shade. A great place to camp within Maroon Cove is Vista View – but you will need a 4WD to access this site. However from here, you’ll be rewarded with stunning lake views. Billabong Camp has both powered and unpowered sites close to the amenity blocks and about 400m walk from the lake.
- Unpowered sites (Maroon Cove & Billabong) – $25 per person per night.
- Powered sites (Billabong only) – $30 per adult per night and $20 for children under the age of 12 years.
- Vista View (unpowered) – $30 per person per night.
- All campsites: $15 per night per child (aged 3-12 years). Under 3 years old are free.
As well as campsites, there is also the option of staying in cabins, dongas and even lovely homesteads.
Campers here can spend their days participating in a range of water sports including waterskiing, kayaking, SUPing and fishing – the dam is said to be perfect for bass. Plus you can also go hiking and spot lots of local wildlife.
Mount Barney Wilderness Camping
At just a 10 minute drive to the Cleared Ridge parking area, the Mount Barney Wilderness Camping is the closest campsite to the Upper Portals. Otherwise, it’s a 1 hour drive to either the Yellow Pinch Reserve or the Lower Portal car parks.
There are three different camping areas on the property – the main camping area as well as two more private camping areas away from the crowds. The main camping area is perfect for those that want to be close to all the amenities. The Lower camping area is just 100m from the main campground and comes with a large fire pit. Then there is Camp Motely which is situated by the Yamahara Creek. This is a super private campsite ideal for a couple of families.
Facilities on site include three amenity blocks with toilets and hot showers and a camp kitchen with BBQs and even a pizza oven. In fact leave all your cooking gear at home if you wish, because the camp kitchen comes complete with all the gear including crockery and cutlery you need. You can eat your meals in the bush hall if you like too.
For those after a bit more comfort, Mount Barney Wilderness Camping also has two spacious cabins which can accommodate up to 10 people. These cabins don’t have bathrooms or a kitchen but offer a great alternative for camping.
Mount Barney Wilderness Camping is also pet friendly – however, just remember that dogs are prohibited from the Mt Barney National Park.
Waterfall Creek Reserve – Maroon
The Waterfall Creek Reserve is managed by the Scenic Rim Regional Council and is another campsite with no facilities. It is a lovely property with lots of shady and grassy areas to set up camp. Despite being well maintained its actually not that popular, so chances are you might have the place to yourself!
Note that during periods of wet weather, this campsite may only be accessible by 4WD.
Rates at Waterfall Creek Reserve start at just $12 per site for a maximum of 12 people. Contact the Scenic Rim Council to book.
Plus for those exploring Mt Barney National Park, its just a 40 minute drive to the Yellow Pinch Reserve car park, 30 minutes to the Lower Portal car park or 18 minutes to the Cleared Ridge car park.
FAQs about Mt Barney camping
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about all things related to Mt Barney camping.
How long does it take to climb Mt Barney?
The time it takes to climb Mt Barney depends on the route and fitness level. Most experienced hikers complete the summit in 6 to 10 hours for a round trip. Some of the more challenging routes, such as Logan’s Ridge, may take longer and require advanced navigation skills.
Can you have a fire at Mount Barney?
No, open fires are strictly prohibited in Mt Barney National Park. Only fuel stoves are permitted for cooking to help preserve the natural environment and reduce the risk of bushfires.
Can I camp anywhere in a national park in QLD?
No, camping is only allowed in designated areas within Queensland’s national parks. At Mt Barney camping sites, you must book in advance and stay in allocated locations to protect the fragile ecosystem.
Is Mount Barney hard?
Yes, Mt Barney is considered a challenging hike with steep inclines, rugged terrain, and unmarked trails. It is best suited for experienced hikers with a good level of fitness, proper preparation, and navigation skills. Weather conditions can change rapidly, so checking the forecast before your hike is essential.
What grade is the Mount Barney hike?
Mt Barney is rated as a Grade 5 hike, meaning it is very steep, unformed, and suitable for highly experienced hikers. There are no signposted tracks in some sections, and scrambles or rope-assisted climbs may be required depending on the chosen route.
Final thoughts on Mt Barney camping
Each of these campsites offers something different, whether it’s a stunning lookout, a peaceful creekside setting, or a secluded rainforest escape. The right choice depends on how much of a trek you’re willing to take and the type of experience you’re looking for.
Mt Barney camping provides an incredible opportunity to connect with nature, explore one of Queensland’s most beautiful national parks, and experience the wild in its purest form.
While you’re here, why not join our Queensland Camping Facebook Group to chat with like-minded people, ask for advice and share your experiences from the great outdoors? You’ll also find more handy resources just like this deep dive into Mt Barney camping at Queensland Camping.
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Hopefully, you found this guide on Mt Barney camping helpful. Read our full review on camping at the Mt Barney Lodge here or read about more awesome campsites within a 2 hour drive from Brisbane here.
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