Pitch a tent at Sunshine Coast's best camping spots

Nobody embraces a camping holiday quite like kids; and no place does kid friendly camping quite like the Sunshine Coast. But we all know camping’s not a ‘one size fits all families’ kind of deal. Fortunately, the Sunshine Coast has something to suit every family.  

If you’re a family who are keen on camping, but you’re also big fans of sleeping comfortably, flushing toilets, hot showers, delicious food and an abundance of activity options, Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp is what you’re looking for. This family paradise is located on 65 acres of National Park and is only a quick 25-minute drive from Noosa. Campers, glampers and caravaners are all catered for with a range of powered and unpowered sites available.  

Fancy a cabin instead? No worries. They’ve got those too. On the banks of pristine Lake Cootharaba, your days will be bursting with fun; choose from fishing, sailing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and canoeing along the Noosa Everglades. And as the sun sets, indulge in some of the region’s finest fresh produce for dinner at The CootharaBAR and Bistro; the ideal place connect with family and share your tales of adventure from the day.

The Dicky Beach Family Holiday Park in Caloundra is a great go-to for families who want to camp with the beach in their backyard. Between ocean swims, building sandcastles and endless games of beach cricket, kids will be in heaven with the games room, tennis court, pool and playground. Accommodation options range from unpowered sites to self-contained units.

Big4 parks get big respect from kids and parents alike, and Caloundra’s Big4 is one of Queensland’s most iconic. Located on the tranquil waters of Pumicestone Passage and an easy five-minute stroll to Kings beach, this family friendly park boasts a range of accommodation options, not that you’ll be spending much time indoors here. At the park, kids will bounce between the Big4s famous jumping pillows, the pools and pedal cars.

Be sure to check out their holiday programs, as these unique experiences will create memories kids will be talking about for years to come. Kids can choose from dance classes, science shows, nerf wars and zerb soccer. Caloundra’s Big4 value connection and community, which is the inspiration behind their family-friendly night festivals complete with live music, food trucks and wood-fire pizzas. And from December 2022, this park will also include waterslides, a 25-metre lap pool and even more dining options. Pro tip: book in early.

Best pet-friendly camping spots

If your best mate just happens to be covered in fur and can’t enough of the outdoors -  adventures and freedom await at Amamoor State Forest, just 20km south-west of Gympie. After you’ve set up camp amongst the majestic pines, it will be time for you and your doggo to hit one of the many forest walks. You’ll feel sheer joy as you watch your pup play in the rippling streams and charge over greenery-strewn hills and fields. The practicalities are also catered for at the site with picnic tables, BBQs and campfire facilities.

If your pup is more of the ‘long walks on the beach’ type,  head to Mudjimba Beach Holiday Park.  This crowd favourite is located on three hectares of manicured beachside land and is within walking distance to the crystal-clear waters of patrolled Mudjimba Beach. They have a range of accommodation options available and excellent amenities like a pool, BBQ and free WiFi. To ensure your stay goes smoothly, check out their site for conditions and book well in advance.

Best beachside camping spots on the Sunshine Coast

So, you don’t just want to camp in the vicinity of the beach, you want to be ‘one’ with the beach. We get it. Spread across 10 acres of absolute beachfront, Coolum Beach Holiday Park is a superb camping spot on the Sunshine Coast. They have a range of accommodation options available and is located an easy stroll away from restaurants and shops, including the much-loved surf club. And then, well, there’s Coolum beach itself, which is nothing short of a utopia with its fine white sand and turquoise waters.

Mooloolaba is one of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular holiday destinations, thanks to its buzzing vibe, range of quality restaurants and cafes, funky Mooloolaba Wharf precinct and, of course Sea Life Aquarium. A reservation at Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park will not only put you in walking distance to all of this, it will also give you front row seats to Mooloolaba beach itself. Stumble out of bed in the morning and straight onto the rock pools that line the shore. Savour a freshly brewed coffee from one of the cafes and then join the local legends who’ve met for a dip most mornings for the better part of 40 years.

Finally, the list wouldn’t be complete without Cotton Tree Holiday Park, which sits directly on the shimmering aqua magic that is Maroochydore River. While holidaying here, families can fill their days with water sports like kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. Come the evening, a rite of passage in these parts is grabbing fish and chips from The Boat Shed and enjoying them while watching the sun dip below the river.

Kids still have energy to burn? We recommend going for a scoot or ride along the bike path and stopping at the various playgrounds along the way. Cotton Tree markets are quickly becoming a Sunshine Coast favourite so be sure to check them out if you’re there on a Sunday morning. Also, if you love camping beachfront but don’t love cooking, leave the esky at home and explore the many cafes and restaurants on your doorstep.  

Best free camping spots on the Sunshine Coast

Would you believe the Sunshine Coast even has some camping gems for free. Little Yabba Creek Park, located in Cambroon on the Maleny-Kenilworth Road has BBQs, toilets and allows campfire. The creek is perfect for a refreshing dip after exploring one of the many forest walks.

Belli Creek Park on Eumundi-Kenilworth Road is just 10 minutes from the Bruce Highway, has clean toilets and a grassed area for your tent. It’s also close to both the Eumundi markets and Noosa National Park – absolute must-dos in this region. There’s also walking tracks, picnic tables and campfires allowed. Added bonus - doggo is welcome as well.