If you’re planning on spending a few days exploring Mount Barney National Park, or hiking to the summit of one of Queensland’s highest peaks, then you’ll need a base for at least a night or two. Luckily, no matter your camping style, there are a few good Mt Barney camping sites available where you can rest the feet before and after your hike.
If you’re just looking for somewhere to sleep at night and don’t need any facilities, there are quite a few basic camping Mount Barney sites offered within the National Park. However, for those looking for something a little more comfortable with hot showers and somewhere to cook up a storm, there are a few good Mount Barney camping options for you too.
In this guide, we take a closer look at all the different Mt Barney camping grounds so you can choose the one that’s right for you. We look at the location of each of them, what facilities they have on site and whether or not they offer any accommodation other than camping.
So let’s get started and find you the ideal Mt Barney camping ground.
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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.
Mt Barney Camping Options
In no particular order, below we review all the different options for camping near Mt Barney.
Mount Barney National Park Camping
All of the Mount Barney National Park camping sites can only be accessed on foot. Campers will need to carry in all their own gear and be fully self sufficient as no facilities are provided. It should also be noted that open fires are prohibited, only fuel stoves may be used.
Below is a brief overview of each of the Mt Barney National Park camping sites.
- Ballow Creek Junction: A rainforest campsite at junction of Mount Ballow and Mount Barney Creeks. The nearest car park is at Clear Ridge. Maximum of 6 people at this site.
- Barney Gorge Junction: A large site located at the junction of Barney Gorge and Mount Barney Creek. This campsite is a half day walk from either the Lower Portals or Cleared Ridge car parks. Maximum of 15 people at this site.
- Barrabool: There are three small sites between rocky outcrops. The nearest car park is the Lower Portals. Maximum 6 people at this site.
- Boonah Border: Various sites along the State Border, campers must provide grid references of where they intend to camp when booking. The closest access points to these sites are White Swamp Road, Mount Lindesay Highway, Old Mount Lindesay Road, Tartar Creek Road or Philip Mountain Road. Maximum 6 people at each site.
- Burbank Bush: A shaded area located on the bank of Cronan Creek near the base of Mount Barney. This site is reasonably easy to access with just a 1 hour walk from the Yellow Pinch car park. Maximum of 12 people at this site.
- Burrajum Peak: Several open eucalypt and rainforest sites – can be quite windy – views to Savages Point of the East and West peaks of Mount Barney. The nearest car park is at Yellow Pinch Reserve. Maximum of 6 people at this site.
- Cedar Pass: A rainforest site, well protected from the wind. The nearest car park is the Cleared Ridge car park. Maximum of 6 people at this site.
- Cleared Ridge: A camping area located on top of a ridge, along a fire trail. It is about a 1.5 hour walk here from the Cleared Ridge car park. Maximum of 10 people at this site.
- Forestry Bush: Pictured above – a shaded campsite on the bank of Cronan Creek near the base of Mount Barney. It is a 1 hour walk to this campsite from the Yellow Pinch car park. Maximum of 12 people at this site.
- Lower Portals: Lower Portals camping area has three separate sites located next to Mount Barney Creek. It is a 3.7km steep walk here from the Lower Portals car park. Maximum of 18 people at this site.
- Hoop Pines: A large campsite on the Yamahra Creek in a hoop pine grove. It is a 1 hour downhill walk from the Cleared Ridge car park to reach this site. Maximum of 30 people at this site.
- Mt Ballow: A small camping area amongst Antarctic beech trees – well protected from windy weather, but limited views. The nearest car park to this site is the Cleared Ridge car park. Maximum of 6 people at this site.
- Montserrat Lookout: A popular open forest site on the summit with good views of Mount Barney. The nearest car park to this site is the Cleared Ridge car park. Maximum of 6 people at this site.
- Mount May Saddle: Located in the saddle between Mount May’s north peak and south peak. It is a 3 hour walk from Mount May camping reserve or a 1 hour walk via the southwestern ridge. Maximum of 12 people at this site.
- Old Hut: An exposed site in the saddle between Mount Barney’s east and west peaks. It is a 4 to 5 hour steep walk here from Yellow Pinch car park. Maximum of 6 people at this site.
- Paddys Plain: A large open forest site on Paddys Gully between Mount Maroon and Mount May. You’ll need to access this site from either the Cotswold trailhead or at the end of Drynans Hut Road Maximum of 30 people at this site.
- Rum Jungle: A sheltered site in a tiny pocket of rainforest in the saddle between Mount Barney’s east and west peaks. It is a 4 or 5 hour steep walk here from Yellow Pinch car park. Maximum of 10 people at this site.
- Skull: An open forest site in the foothills on the south-eastern side of Mount Maroon. Its just a 1 hour walk to this site from the gate at the end of Seidenspinner Road. Maximum of 30 people at this site.
- T Junction: A pristine, rarely visited rainforest site, which is well protected in windy weather. The nearest car park to this site is the Cleared Ridge car park. Maximum of 6 people at this site.
- Yamahra Creek: A camping area is near the junction of Mount Barney Creek and Yamahra Creek. Its a 1.5 hour walk to this site from the Cleared Ridge car park. Maximum of 15 people at this site.
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 $6.75 per person per night or $27 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 $16 per person per night or $10 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 $35 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 $14.50 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 $12 per night per adults and $6 per night per child (3-15). Altnertiavely it is $40 for a family which includes 4 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. Campsites start at $18 per adult per night and $12 per child (3-12)
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.
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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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