Camping near Brisbane: 7 of the best spots to camp with kids

Just a two-and-a-half hour drive from Brisbane City, this kid (and pet) friendly campground offers space for tents, caravans and campervans. So as long as you have the gear, you’ll have the perfect foundation to set up your temporary home.

Clancys Camp Area is surrounded by Benarkin State Forest, making it the ultimate nature escape. This grass-covered site has great facilities for bush camping, including flushing toilets, onsite water, and barbecue. The whole crew will be entertained with the great range of activities, such as mountain biking and fishing, canoeing and swimming in the adjacent Emu Creek.

Staying at Clancys Camp Area will cost you an affordable $7.25 per person per night, with special rates for families. Children under five stay free of charge.

Getting there: Heading north of the city, take the D'Aguilar Highway to Benarkin. (4WD access is recommended, especially after wet weather).

Facilities:

• Flushing toilet
• Tap water (treat before drinking)
• Wood-fired barbecue (BYO firewood) - only when fire bans are not in place
• Dogs permitted on leash
• Horses permitted (tether away from camping area)

2. Teerk Roo Ra National Park (Peel Island), Moreton Bay, Brisbane

Sitting between Brisbane and Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), Teerk Roo Ra is the spot you'll dream of coming back to year after year. You may not have heard of this special place before because it’s a remote island only accessible by boat, but if you can get here the kids will get to sail the seas and fulfil their pirate fantasies.

Surrounded by Moreton Bay Marine Park, this island is the perfect place to kick back. As most of the island is restricted to protect historical remnants, set up base at either Horseshoe Bay or Platypus Island. The kids won’t get bored with the water as their playground—where they can swim, snorkel, kayak and fish all day long. A great spot for camping with kids near Brisbane.

Getting there: Teerk Roo Pa is approximately four kilometres east of Cleveland (a suburb in Redland City) and is only accessible by boat. Explore Brisbane’s bayside with this handy guide.

Facilities:

• Tent camping only
• Long-drop (composting) toilets available at Horseshoe Bay
• It’s essential to bring your own water and rubbish bags as these aren’t accessible on the island
• Fuel stoves only (no fires permitted)

3. Thunderbird Park, Tamborine Mountain, Brisbane

If you're a family that loves doing activities together, there's no better camping near Brisbane than Thunderbird Park. Nestled by the boundary of Tamborine National Park, this outdoor destination has bush beauty in spades. But the real drawcard is the sheer amount of things to do here at what's known as Australia's largest adventure playground - you're guaranteed not to hear "I'm bored".

Tackle the zipline or treetop adventure ropes course (with a separate course for kids 3-7). Fossick for thundereggs or try your luck panning for crystals and gems. Challenge the kids to a round of mini gold, laser skirmish or pickleball. Meet local wildlife at daily bird feeding sessions, or cool off in the rock pools. If you manage to make it through all that, you've still got Cedar Creek Falls and a vast number of walking tracks through Tamborine National Park to discover.

Not quite ready to pitch a tent and 'rough it'. Book one of the glampsites instead. 

Getting there: Thunderbird Park is an easy one hour drive from Brisbane. 

Facilities:

• powered and unpowered sits
• modern amenity blocks
• camp kitchen with electric BBQs, microwave, toaster and kettle
• laundry facilities
• firepits (wood for purchase)
• kiosk selling light snacks, plus restaurant and lounge bar

4. D’Aguilar National Park, Brisbane

Drive less than two hours drive north-west of the city to discover some of the best camping near Brisbane when you have kids in tow. D’Aguilar National Park has two official camping areas—one at Neurum Creek and the other at Archer. Neurum Creek (13 numbered sites, 4WD or trail bike access only) is an enclosed forest setting with a walking track near the creek, while Archer (9 numbered sites) is a grassy area on the banks of the Neurum Creek.

Here, you’ll discover remote gorges, sheltered pockets of subtropical rainforest, eucalyptus-filled woodlands and breathtaking views of Moreton Bay.

With a 4WD you can explore a 25-kilometre loop of walking trails and stellar scenery, including Rocky Hole rock pool, waterfalls at Falls Lookout and Bulls Falls and The Gantry picnic area.

Getting There: D’Aguilar National Park has two main access points—northern (Woodford end) and southern (Sellin Road via The Gantry). Neurum Creek is approximately 6.3 kilometres from the southern access point, and 13.5 kilometres from the northern access point. Archer is roughly 16 kilometres from the southern access point, and one kilometre from the northern access point.

Facilities:

• Flush toilets
• Untreated water
• Fireplaces (BYO firewood)

5. The Settlement, Springbrook National Park

Springbrook National Park, located in the Gold Coast Hinterland, is part of the ancient, World Heritage listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia. And The Settlement is the only camping area in the park, making it a special spot to pitch your tents.

This unique destination is bursting with nature for the whole family to enjoy—both during the day and after the sun sets. By day, marvel at the waterfalls, ancient trees and stellar views, and walk to the top of Purling Brook Falls. When night falls, the Natural Bridge shines brightly with twinkling glow worms.

Getting there: The Settlement is located on Carricks Road—120 kilometres south of Brisbane (or a one- to two-hour drive). No 4WD required.

Facilities:

• Sites for tents, camper trailers and campervans
• Toilets
• Drinking water
• Cooking shelter with free electric BBQ
• A short walk from the camping area is a picnic facility with a large open recreation area, information shelter and additional toilets
• Open fires are prohibited

6. Noosa Everglades, Sunshine Coast

Looking for a unique camping holiday with your family? Head to the enchanting Noosa Everglades - one of only two everglades ecosystems on earth - nestled into the Cooloola region of Great Sandy National Park.

How wild you get is up to you. Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp is one of the Sunshine Coast's best spots for families, with accommodation ranging from campsites to glamping tents. Set on the edge of Lake Cootharaba, days on the water are easy with SUP, kayak and canoe hire, plus Everglades boat tours and paddle tours leaving right from camp. There's even a bar and bistro onsite to make camp life easier - and every night local kangaroos emerge on the lawns to join you for a sundowner. 

Or, go further off the beaten track at Harrys Hut. Nestled among the open forest and woodland, this remote campground is accessible by 4WD, canoe or walking - ideal for experienced camping families up for an off-grid adventure. 

Getting there: Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp is approximately two hours drive from Brisbane City, or 30 minutes from Noosa Heads - and easily accessible by 2WD. Harrys Hut is located on the western bank of the upper Noosa River. If driving, it’s approximately an hour away from Noosa, via Cooloola Way and Harrys Hut Road. If cruising the water, canoes and kayaks have access from Lake Cootharaba (book a River Access camping site) or hire your ride with Kanu Kapers.

Facilities at Harry's Hut:

• Toilets (non-flush)
• Picnic tables (BYO BBQ – no open fires)
• Picnic shelter
• Canoe landing access and jetties
• Untreated water (treat before drinking)

7. Mount Barney Lodge, Scenic Rim, Brisbane

For a camping experience with the kids that goes far beyond the roasted marshmallows, Mount Barney Lodge can't be beat. Nestled into the Scenic Rim at the foot of its towering namesake, the lodge offers a range of accommodation from sprawling Queenslander homesteads and rustic cabins down to tent sites.

Great location aside, it's the eco-friendly ethos and range of adventure activities that makes Mount Barney Lodge so special. As a Nature Play accredited activity provider, the qualified Outdoor Leaders here offer programs from bush skills and lantern making to learning about bush tucker or nocturnal animals on a night walk - with even more activities to choose from during school holidays. A Bushcraft and Survival camp, rock-climbing/abseil, guided hikes and mountain expeditions are also popular for older kids and adults.

Then you've got the beauty of the national park's hiking trails and swimming holes right on your doorstep.

Getting there: Mount Barney Lodge is an easy 2-hour drive south-west from Brisbane. No 4WD required.

Facilities:

• unpowered campsites only (or book into their accommodation)
• modern tiled amenities block
• open campfires with firewood for sale
  
• drinking water on tap
• basic convenience items for sale, i.e. milk, bread, ice