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

Just two-and-a-half hours from Brisbane, Clancy's Camp Area is a crowd-pleaser for kids, pets and grown-ups alike. Pitch a tent, roll in with the caravan or park the campervan. If you’ve got the gear, you’re good to go.

Tucked inside the Benarkin State Forest, this grassy patch of paradise is perfect for a proper nature escape. You’ll find all the bush camping basics covered —think flushing loos, onsite water and barbecues ready to go.

And boredom? Not a chance. Emu Creek’s right next door for platypus spotting, swimming, canoeing, fishing,  plus there’s mountain biking for those keen to hit the trails, or you can tackle them on foot if you prefer.

It’s budget-friendly too, at just $7.25 per adult per night, with discounted family rates and free stays for little ones under five.

Getting there: Head 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 are permitted on leash
• Horses permitted (tethered away from the camping area)

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

Sitting pretty between Brisbane and Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), Teerk Roo Ra (Peel Island) is the kind of hidden gem you’ll want to keep all to yourself. Never heard of it? That’s the charm. This remote island is only accessible by boat, so just getting there feels like a full-blown adventure, especially for little pirates-in-training.

Wrapped in the turquoise waters of Moreton Bay Marine Park, this place is all about unplugging and unwinding. Most of the island is protected to preserve its history, so you’ll want to pitch your tent at either Horseshoe Bay or Platypus Bay. And with swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and fishing on offer, the kids will be happily water-logged in no time.

Getting there:
Teerk Roo Ra is around four kilometres east of Cleveland (in Redland City) and only accessible by private boat. Need a bit more bayside inspo? Explore Brisbane’s bayside with this guide.

Facilities:

• Tent camping only
• Composting toilets at Horseshoe Bay
• BYO water and rubbish bags—there are no supplies or bins on the island
• No campfires—fuel stoves only 

3. Thunderbird Park, Tamborine Mountain, Brisbane

If your crew loves to stay busy (and we mean really busy), Thunderbird Park is the camping spot for you. Tucked up against Tamborine National Park, it’s got that lush bushland feel but with way more action than your average campsite.

This place isn’t called Australia’s largest adventure playground for nothing. Zipline through the treetops, tackle the ropes course (there’s a pint-sized version for kids aged 3–7), fossick for thundereggs or pan for glittering gems. Still got energy? There’s mini golf, laser skirmish, pickleball and daily bird feeding. Cool off in the rock pools or head out to Cedar Creek Falls and explore the walking tracks through the national park.

And if pitching a tent isn’t quite your thing? No worries—go glamping instead.

Getting there:
Thunderbird Park is just over an hour’s drive from Brisbane.

Facilities:

• Powered and unpowered sites
• Modern amenity blocks
• Camp kitchen with electric BBQs, microwave, toaster and kettle
• Laundry facilities
• Firepits (with wood available for purchase)
• Kiosk for snacks, plus a restaurant and lounge bar

4. D’Aguilar National Park, Brisbane

Less than two hours north-west of Brisbane, D’Aguilar National Park is where wild adventures meet family-friendly camping. With two official campgrounds, Neurum Creek and Archer, it’s the kind of spot that feels worlds away, without the long-haul drive.

Neurum Creek is tucked into the forest with just 13 campsites (4WD or trail bike access only), and has a peaceful walking track nearby. Prefer wide-open grassy spaces? Archer sits right on the banks of Neurum Creek and offers nine numbered sites with plenty of room to spread out.

Beyond the tents and toasted marshmallows, the national park is packed with wow-factor. Think hidden gorges, rainforest pockets, eucalyptus woodlands and sweeping views over Moreton Bay.

Got a 4WD? You’re in for a treat. Take the 25-kilometre scenic loop to explore walking tracks, swimming holes like Rocky Hole, waterfalls at Falls Lookout and Bulls Falls, and The Gantry picnic area for a shady lunch stop.

Getting there:
There are two main ways in—via the northern entrance near Woodford, or the southern entrance at Sellin Road near The Gantry.

• Neurum Creek: approx. 6.3km from the southern entrance or 13.5km from the northern.
• Archer: approx. 1km from the northern entrance or 16km from the southern.

Facilities:

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

5. The Settlement, Springbrook National Park

Hidden in the lush Gold Coast Hinterland, Springbrook National Park is part of the ancient, World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests, and it feels every bit as magical as it sounds. The only place you can camp here? The Settlement. And with just one campground in the entire park, you’ll want to call dibs early.

By day, it’s all about waterfalls, misty forests and jaw-dropping views. Walk to the top of Purling Brook Falls or set out to explore the park’s network of lush trails. After dark, the real show begins—head to the nearby Natural Bridge where glow worms light up the cave like a natural galaxy.

Getting there:
The Settlement is on Carricks Road, about 120km south of Brisbane (a cruisy one- to two-hour drive). No 4WD needed.

Facilities:

• Sites for tents, camper trailers and campervans
• Toilets
• Drinking water
• Cooking shelter with free electric BBQs
• Picnic area just a short stroll away with extra toilets and a big grassy space to play
• Open fires aren’t allowed, so bring a gas or electric stove if you're planning to cook.

6. Noosa Everglades, Sunshine Coast

Want to camp somewhere that feels totally different? Head to the Noosa Everglades—one of only two everglades ecosystems on the planet—tucked into the Cooloola section of Great Sandy National Park. Wild, peaceful, and packed with watery adventures, this spot is a dream for nature-loving families.

How off-grid you go is totally up to you.

For a comfy, family-friendly stay with all the extras, base yourself at Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp. Set on the edge of Lake Cootharaba, you can camp under the stars or level up with a glamping tent. Hire a kayak, SUP or canoe for a paddle straight from camp, or hop on an Everglades boat or paddle tour. When you’re done exploring, there's a bistro and bar onsite (yes, please), and local kangaroos often bounce by for a sunset lawn hang.

Feeling a little more adventurous? Go remote at Harry's Hut, a back-to-basics campground surrounded by open forest and riverside bushland. You’ll need a 4WD, canoe or hiking boots to get there—perfect for experienced camping families keen to swap screens for serenity.

Getting there:

• Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp is just two hours from Brisbane or 30 minutes from Noosa Heads. 2WD friendly.

• Harry's Hut is about an hour from Noosa via Cooloola Way and Harry's Hut Road (4WD only). If you're paddling, launch from Lake Cootharaba and book a River Access campsite, or hire gear from Kanu Kapers.

Facilities at Harry's Hut:

• Non-flush toilets
• Picnic shelter and tables (BYO BBQ—no open fires)
• Canoe landing and jetties
• Untreated water (bring your purifier or boil before drinking)

7. Mount Barney Lodge, Scenic Rim, Brisbane