Lakeside grass, creek-side forest and a beach you reach by 4WD, all within a few hours of the city. Here are four campgrounds we rate, the kit that suits them and what to check before you head out.
What we'd throw in the car for a South East Queensland weekend.
A lighter bag, a proper sun hat and light after dark.
Sleeping bags, with lighter options for warm Queensland nights.
Hats, including sun hats, for long Queensland days.
Lanterns and lamps to light up camp after dark.
Our full ranges for bugs, lazy afternoons and the water.
Head nets, mosquito nets and repellent for humid evenings.
Folding chairs, stools and picnic rugs for afternoons outside.
Inflatable kayaks for one to three that fit the boot.
Two easy drive-ins and two for the 4WD crowd.
Grassy powered and drive-on unpowered sites with walking access to the Stanley River. An easy first trip for the family.
Good to knowHot showers, flushing toilets and a gas barbecue. Campfires are allowed in designated, contained spots only, and you can buy ice and firewood on site.
View Campground DetailsAn open, grassy camping area beside Dalrymple Creek in the Goomburra section, reachable in a regular 2WD.
Good to knowComposting toilets and wood barbecues, but bring your own firewood and drinking water as the tap water isn't for drinking. There's no mobile coverage, and generators aren't allowed.
View Campground DetailsSixty-two sites tucked behind the dunes along Bribie's ocean side, with the beach a few steps away.
Good to knowYou need a high-clearance 4WD with low range and a vehicle access permit. Cold showers and micro-flush toilets, but the taps aren't drinkable, and high tides can affect sites, so check alerts before you go.
View Campground DetailsThirteen forest sites beside Neurum Creek in the park's northern section, each with its own fireplace.
Good to knowRoads suit 4WDs only, not 2WDs, caravans or motorhomes. Flushing toilets and tank water that needs treating, and there's no mobile coverage.
View Campground DetailsHeat, tides and rough tracks shape most trips.
Queensland national park camping permits must be booked before you arrive. Weekends and school holidays fill early, so lock in your site first.
The taps at Ocean Beach and Poplar Flat aren't potable, and Neurum Creek's tank water needs treating. Carry enough drinking water for the whole stay.
Find a Water BottleCollecting firewood in parks is illegal, so pack clean, untreated milled off-cuts. When a fire ban is on, a gas stove keeps dinner on track.
Find a Camp StoveOcean Beach needs a high-clearance 4WD with low range plus a vehicle access permit. Neurum Creek's roads aren't suitable for 2WDs or caravans.
Creek and beach sites around Brisbane bring mozzies and sandflies, especially at dusk. Repellent and a tent with fine mesh make evenings far nicer.
Find Insect ProtectionNeurum Creek and Poplar Flat have no mobile coverage. Download offline maps and tell someone your plans before you leave.
Built for warm nights and sandy tracks.
Gear grouped by how you live and move.
For an easy weekend, Somerset Park on Lake Somerset is about an hour away and has hot showers. Poplar Flat in Main Range National Park suits a regular car and a quieter bush feel. If you have a capable 4WD, Ocean Beach on Bribie Island and Neurum Creek in D'Aguilar National Park are both worth the effort.
Not always. Somerset Park and Poplar Flat are reachable in a 2WD. Ocean Beach needs a high-clearance 4WD with low range plus a vehicle access permit, and Neurum Creek's roads aren't suitable for 2WDs, caravans or motorhomes.
Mostly no. The taps at Ocean Beach and Poplar Flat aren't potable, and the tank water at Neurum Creek needs treating before you drink it. Bring enough drinking water for everyone, and check the campground page before you go.
Yes at all four, in the right spot and when no fire ban applies. Ocean Beach has fire rings, Neurum Creek has a fireplace at each site, Poplar Flat has wood barbecues and Somerset Park has designated fire spots. Bring your own clean firewood, because collecting it in national parks is illegal.
Autumn, winter and spring tend to be the most comfortable, with milder days and fewer storms. Summer brings heat, humidity and afternoon storms, so if you go then, pick a shady site, pack repellent and watch the forecast. School holidays and long weekends book out early.
Every tent, stove and lamp in our camping range is designed by people who camp, then tested outdoors before it reaches our stores.
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