Renowned for its breathtaking beaches, adrenalin-pumping theme parks and bustling Glitter Strip, the Gold Coast is also home to some superb camping spots. From RV experiences surrounded by ancient rainforests to tent-only adventures on the banks of a burbling creek, there is so much to explore here.
Whether you’re an avid bushwalker, after a family-friendly break or looking to try some angling at some of the amazing Gold Coast fishing spots, here are some of the top Gold Coast camping spots.
Binna Burra Lodge Campsite, Lamington National Park
Located around 110km or a two-hour drive south of Brisbane, this campsite is one of the good camping spots on the Gold Coast for hikers as it is on the doorstep of Lamington National Park. This is a Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area that boasts lush rainforests, spectacular views and extensive bushwalking tracks. Camping options include campsites for up to four people and a limited number of powered drive-on sites suitable for small campervans. Three types of campsites are available — a tent or swag campsite or a drive-on site with vehicle access. A tent or swag campsite requires camping gear to be carried a short distance from the loading bay to pre-allocated sites. Campsite amenities include access to shared fire pits, BBQ facilities and a communal camp fridge.
Bigriggen Park, Scenic Rim
An hour and a half from Brisbane, Bigriggen Park is a grassy 60-hectare campsite in the foothills of Mount Maroon. If you’re after camping spots on the Gold Coast that are off-the-grid, then this is a rural oasis worth immersing yourself in. It is surrounded by refreshing creeks, towering gums and native wildlife. And if you BYO your kayak or boat, there are also lots of watersport adventures to be had at nearly Maroon Dam. If you love bushwalking, Mount Maroon, Mount May, Mount Lindesay and Mount Barney are here to explore too (although check their climbing guides as some should only be attempted by experienced walkers). Power is available if needed, but we recommend non-powered sites as you’ll get to choose your spot and have much more room to spread out.
Mount Barney Lodge Campground, Scenic Rim
Under two hours from Brisbane, this is one of the best camping spots on the Gold Coast for bushwalkers keen to tackle Mount Barney. With two peaks of around 1300 metres each, the climb is only recommended for experienced bushwalkers with a high level of fitness. A shaded, grassy campground, it has stunning views of the mountain. Capacity is capped so there is no danger of overcrowding, and most sites have creek frontage with waterholes nearby. Motorhomes, camper trailers, RVs and caravans are all welcome, and open campfires are permitted (subject to weather conditions). There is a modern amenities block with toilets, hot showers and a washing-up area, and all sites are unpowered.
Spring Gully Stays, Sarabah
Located in the Canungra Valley and just over an hour from Brisbane, Spring Gully Stays is one of the more popular camping spots in the Gold Coast Hinterland, as well as one of the favourite camping and fishing spots on the Gold Coast for anglers. Camping options range from bush camping to on-site safari tents and everything in between, including sites that accommodate tents, motorhomes, camper trailers and campervans. A large mountain creek runs through the campground and opens up into a large swimming hole, which is large enough for fishing and recreational canoeing. Amenities include a BBQ area, toilets, showers and a camp kitchen with fridges. If you’re after a true camping experience, open fires are also permitted, so bring the marshmallows!
The Settlement Camping Area, Springbrook
Around an hour and a half from Brisbane in the Gold Coast Hinterland, the Settlement Camping Area is the only camping area in Springbrook National Park and one of the best camping spots near the Gold Coast. Part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage area, it is filled with lush rainforest, impressive views and spectacular waterfalls. There are limited (under 15) defined sites here that allow tent camping beside your car, and a few are large enough for campervans, camper trailers and small caravans. This modest site is best known for its location over its amenities, however, it does have toilets and well-defined campsites. If you are keen to explore, a short drive away is Natural Bridge which boasts a local glow worm population that puts on a nightly show for visitors.
Mount Warning Rainforest Park, Mount Warning
Nestled at the foot of World-Heritage-listed Wollumbin National Park, Mount Warning Rainforest Park is also one of the most popular camping spots near the Gold Coast. Surrounded by the beautiful Tweed Region with its stunning rivers, mountains and quaint country towns, it offers a range of camping options, including powered and unpowered sites. Powered sites are located in the Wildness Area section (they all have their own firepit and beautiful rainforest views), and other sites are located in the main part of the park. Facilities include an amenities block, a camp kitchen, a coin-operated laundry and BBQs, a games area and a swimming pool. All parts of the park are also dog-friendly.
Gold Coast Tourist Park, Miami
If you’re after beach camping spots on the Gold Coast, Gold Coast Tourist Park will delight with its location minutes from the surf beach. Two and three-bedroom cabins are available as well as powered sites for vans, camper trailers, tents and campervans. Amenities include showers, toilets, BBQ facilities, a camp kitchen, a laundry and a kiosk/store.
Thunderbird Park, Mount Tamborine
Thunderbird Park is nestled along the boundary of Tamborine National Park and is one of a host of beautiful camping spots on the Gold Coast. It stretches across 112 hectares of subtropical rainforest and is within walking distance of a spring-fed creek and an abundance of swimming holes. A range of powered and unpowered bush sites are available, plus there are also glamping and lodge accommodation options if you’d like a more refined experience. Visitors have access to modern amenity blocks, a communal camp kitchen and Thunderbird Park itself, with its zip-lining, Tree Top Challenge and horse riding (and more!). There is also lots to do in the town of Mount Tamborine from dining experiences and hiking trails to art galleries and even a glow worm cave.
Hugh Muntz Park
When it comes to free camping spots on the Gold Coast, there are a few, including Hugh Muntz Park, which provides camping for self-contained RVs (not ground tents) for up to three nights. Conveniently located off the Pacific Motorway M1 at Beenleigh, it is also surrounded by tourist attractions including the Historical Village Museum and the Beenleigh Artisan Distillery. Amenities include toilets, bins, BBQs, drinking water and picnic tables. It is also dog-friendly.
Tully Memorial Park, North Maclean
Tully Memorial Park is another one of the best free camping spots on the Gold Coast. Essentially it is an RV rest area located at the end of Beryl Parade North Maclean off Mount Lindesay Highway. It accommodates self-contained vehicles such as buses, caravans, camper trailers and motorhomes (no ground tents are allowed). Here, you can stay for up to three nights within 30 days. It is dog and pet-friendly, and facilities include showers, a toilet, picnic tables, drinking water, bins and open fire pits.
Ngumbi Campsite, Wyaralong
The last of our free camping spots on the Gold Coast is the Ngumbi Campsite, also known as the Mount Joyce Base Camp due to its proximity to the mountain. Secluded, convenient and peaceful, it offers great hiking opportunities, plus, it is also a short distance from Lake Wyaralong with its kayaking and canoeing adventures. Six campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Campfires and pets are strictly prohibited.
References
- Lucille Burkitt, 2022, The Gold Coast’s best-kept camping secrets, Queensland
- Brooke Darling, 2023, 10 Of The Best Gold Coast Camping Spots Where You Can Sleep Under The Stars, Urban List
- 2023, Rainforest Campsite & Drive-On1 Sites, Binna Burra Lodge
- 2023, Camping, Mt Barney Lodge
- 2023, Spring Gully Stays, Sarabah – Gold Coast Hinterland
- 2023, Ocean Beach Tourist Park, Gold Coast Tourist Parks
- 2023, The Settlement Camping Area, Camp Around Australia
- 2023, Mt Warning Rainforest Park, Mt Warning Rainforest Park
- Suzie V, 2022,Top 8 Free Camping Spots on the Gold Coast, Free Camping Near Me
- 2023, Thunderbird Park. Where Adventure Joins Nature. Thunderbird Park.