The best river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Airlie Beach, Queensland

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping options in Australia! If you're looking for a camping experience near Airlie Beach, Queensland, with a preference for being near a river, we've got you covered. With over 480 options available in this specific location, you'll have plenty to choose from. Looking for top-rated campsites? Consider checking out Hold It Flats (2379 reviews), Mushroom Valley Eco Camp (358 reviews), or Ben Lomond Station (256 reviews). Prices start as low as $15 per night, with an average price of $20 per night. Popular amenities include pet-friendly spaces, campfires, and potable water. And if you're into paddling, fishing, or hiking, you're in for a treat. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience near Airlie Beach, Queensland!

91% (5.7K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Airlie Beach

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping options in Australia! If you're looking for a camping experience near Airlie Beach, Queensland, with a preference for being near a river, we've got you covered. With over 480 options available in this specific location, you'll have plenty to choose from. Looking for top-rated campsites? Consider checking out Hold It Flats (2379 reviews), Mushroom Valley Eco Camp (358 reviews), or Ben Lomond Station (256 reviews). Prices start as low as $15 per night, with an average price of $20 per night. Popular amenities include pet-friendly spaces, campfires, and potable water. And if you're into paddling, fishing, or hiking, you're in for a treat. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience near Airlie Beach, Queensland!

91% (5.7K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Airlie Beach

1. Hold It Flats

99%

(6728)

66km from Airlie Beach · 153 sites · Tents, RVs

Hold it Flats is a 120 acre property that borders the beautiful O'Connell River that has water all year round. Take a walk around the property to check out some of the creatures that have been built out of scrap metal and bush bars that have been built all around the property. There is nice shady trees, green grass and flat camping sites right beside the river with hot showers and flushing toilets. There is plenty of room and some great tracks for the kids and the big kids to ride their push bikes on. The swimming hole is about 2 meters deep and has big shady trees on the edge. There is also enough room for kids to bring their kayaks and have a paddle along the river. We have some hiking tracks up around the hills of our property that have amazing views of the area. All campsites can be provided with their own fire pit. You just pick your spot and we will bring a portable fire pit to you. Fire wood can be purchased at the property. All rubbish must be taken when you, there are no rubbish bins provided.

2. Creek and Antique Camping

99%

(1353)

72km from Airlie Beach · 55 sites · Tents, RVs

We have a selection of beautiful creek side locations where you can enjoy the clear, fresh running water and a selection of other sites only a short walk from the water. Conveniently located just a short drive off the Bruce Highway our sites are not designated, you choose your own on arrival KIDS UNDER 17 STAY FREE! MAX 2 ADULTS PER SITE! If coming with additional adults you MUST booking another site. While staying, you will have the opportunity to take a walk into the past to view a private collection of Australiana, including a working stationary, engine display and vintage kitchen with wood stoves. Access to the property is via a creek crossing so it is advisable to phone ahead if there has been recent rain or rainfall is forecast. Toilets are located on the property but campers will need their own shower facilities and take all waste with them on departure. Campfires are permitted but must be contained at all times in a fire pits that we also have for your use, we also sell firewood at $15 for a milk crate. Calen is a small cane growing and cattle town with a general store, pharmacy, service station, butcher and the local pub. Zarby's cafe is a short drive away if you would like to dine in for breakfast or lunch in a retro style setting. Each site fee is for 2 adults and kids stay at no cost. Pets are welcome.

3. Ben Lomond Station

99%

(780)

33km from Airlie Beach · 8 sites · Tents, RVs

Ben Lomond Station is an 1800 acre working cattle station 25 minutes south of Bowen and 35 minutes north of Airlie Beach on the Whitsundays. We border onto Eden Lassie Creek which has tidal ocean access for saltwater fishing and there is an abundance of estuary fishing and crab spots available. We are a nature based camping area. Cleared shady camping spots are available for fully self contained campers as there are currently no facilities available so you must have own camping toilet and leave no trace. Access to the camping area is for 4WD only with caravans off road and high clearance. Firewood is available for a small fee or you can collect any fallen timber yourself. There is a ban on cutting down any standing timber even it is dead. There is plenty of room to run for the kids and dogs though we do ask that your pet not annoy our cattle or other campers. Ben Lomond station has an abundance of flora and fauna such as burdekin plum trees, mango trees, wallabies, kangaroos and bird and fish species.

4. Blackiron

98%

(500)

41km from Airlie Beach · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Situated on the bank of the Andromache River, setup camp at one of our cozy camp spots and enjoy the quiet of the bush. We have sites available in our grassy paddock which are accessible by all vehicles. Sand camping is available for 4x4's with tent/swag set ups during the dry seasons. No trailers or vans are permitted on the sand due to bogging. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of a campfire and visual displays of local wildlife, try your hand at fishing in the river or just enjoy a cool swim just a few meters from our grassy sites. Guests are required to be fully self-sufficient with their own toilet/shower facilities and must take all waste and rubbish with them on departure. Only a short distance from Airlie Beach and the islands for those interested in the local tourist attractions. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash and cleaned up after.

5. Crystal Brook Camping

92%

(6)

34km from Airlie Beach · 8 sites · Tents, RVs

This campsite is ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. It's a peaceful spot with basic amenities, perfect for a weekend getaway. Located just 1km from Proserpine Dam, the campsite offers easy access to serene water views and activities. For those willing to explore further, Girraween National Park is about an hour's drive from Crystal Brook. This national park is renowned for its spectacular granite landscapes, wildflowers, and walking trails. The Bald Rock Creek camping area within the park is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts. The campsite is pet-friendly and caters to self-sufficient campers only, as there are no toilets or showers available. Enjoy a truly off-the-grid experience in this beautiful natural setting.

6. Harbour Lights Caravan Park

79%

(7)

56km from Airlie Beach · 83 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Harbour Lights Caravan Park is ideally located adjacent to the Harbour and Front beach. This small Top Tourist Park has lots of shady trees, is extremely quiet with great views and the friendly hospitality of a country town by the sea. Adjacent to the park, Bowen’s foreshore area has been transformed into a recreational area that includes a “Water Park”, a first class Skate park, a children’s playground, shared walking and cycle tracks, public barbecues, grassy picnic areas, an amphitheatre and interpretive centre. The park is just a short stroll (300m) to clubs, restaurants, cafes and a large variety of speciality shops including banks, post offices, supermarkets, pharmacies and many more in the town centre.

7. Tiki Hut Creek Camp

100%

(116)

77km from Airlie Beach · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

Located northwest of Mackay, our campground is very private with a 100 metre long flat lawn. The site is fringed with rainforest and not visible from the road. A private track leads through the rainforest to a swimming hole. We are on beautiful St Helen's creek below Mount Dalrymple, just outside of Eungella National park's eastern boundary. Walk to the creek for a swim or walk around the gardens. Bring your goggles as the creek is clear and there are fish and turtles. There are many tropical butterflies including Cairns Birdwings and Ulysses to be seen. Birdwatching is also great here with many tropical species including the Wompoo and Rose-crowned fruit doves, azure kingfisher and torresian pigeons. The campsite has its own flushing toilet, hot showers and drinking water. Campers can enjoy the "Tiki Hut" camp kitchen with BBQ, offset smoker, some comfy chairs, hot showers, flushing toilet, colourful lighting, kitchen bench with hot water and some 240v power available for light duties such as charging phones or running laptops. Power is all battery stored off-grid solar and can't provide heavy power such as cooking, heating or air-conditioning. Walk to the Strawberry farm for pick-your-own strawberries (available at certain times of the year only). Hang out in a hammock in the Tiki Hut or walk to another local swimming hole nearby. In the evenings, warm your feet by the campfire. You will need to BYO firewood. Please note that there is no mobile phone coverage here. You will be "Offline" throughout your stay in paradise. We have a landline at our house which can be used in an emergency. We are "friendly dog" friendly. So if your dog greets strangers and other dogs with a smile and a tail wag, they are welcome. If they bark or don't get on well with other people and dogs, then please leave them at home.

8. Sea View Hill

80%

(5)

50km from Airlie Beach · 1 site · Tent, RV

Discover a tranquil retreat nestled within a lush, wooded property. Our property offers a picturesque setting with a dam and a running creek. A small herd of cattle roams freely and there are a few other smaller animals adding to the rustic charm. The property has a track which leads up to Sea View Hill lookout that has beautiful sea views of Midge Point and Exmoor Station. A great place to set up camp and immerse yourself in nature. And if you’re up for a challenge, Hellmans Pass beckons—a steep trail down the north side of the property that will truly test your off-road skills. Local attractions: Airlie Beach (50mins), Midge Point (20mins) and Proserpine (30min), Cathu State Forest (30mins), Local Truckstop/convenience store (5mins) Escape to our peaceful haven and create lasting memories amidst the beauty of the outdoors.

Camper favorites near Airlie Beach

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Blackiron

98%

(500)

41km from Airlie Beach · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Situated on the bank of the Andromache River, setup camp at one of our cozy camp spots and enjoy the quiet of the bush. We have sites available in our grassy paddock which are accessible by all vehicles. Sand camping is available for 4x4's with tent/swag set ups during the dry seasons. No trailers or vans are permitted on the sand due to bogging. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of a campfire and visual displays of local wildlife, try your hand at fishing in the river or just enjoy a cool swim just a few meters from our grassy sites. Guests are required to be fully self-sufficient with their own toilet/shower facilities and must take all waste and rubbish with them on departure. Only a short distance from Airlie Beach and the islands for those interested in the local tourist attractions. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash and cleaned up after.

Crystal Brook Camping

92%

(6)

34km from Airlie Beach · 8 sites · Tents, RVs

This campsite is ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. It's a peaceful spot with basic amenities, perfect for a weekend getaway. Located just 1km from Proserpine Dam, the campsite offers easy access to serene water views and activities. For those willing to explore further, Girraween National Park is about an hour's drive from Crystal Brook. This national park is renowned for its spectacular granite landscapes, wildflowers, and walking trails. The Bald Rock Creek camping area within the park is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts. The campsite is pet-friendly and caters to self-sufficient campers only, as there are no toilets or showers available. Enjoy a truly off-the-grid experience in this beautiful natural setting.

Harbour Lights Caravan Park

79%

(7)

56km from Airlie Beach · 83 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Harbour Lights Caravan Park is ideally located adjacent to the Harbour and Front beach. This small Top Tourist Park has lots of shady trees, is extremely quiet with great views and the friendly hospitality of a country town by the sea. Adjacent to the park, Bowen’s foreshore area has been transformed into a recreational area that includes a “Water Park”, a first class Skate park, a children’s playground, shared walking and cycle tracks, public barbecues, grassy picnic areas, an amphitheatre and interpretive centre. The park is just a short stroll (300m) to clubs, restaurants, cafes and a large variety of speciality shops including banks, post offices, supermarkets, pharmacies and many more in the town centre.

Tiki Hut Creek Camp

100%

(116)

77km from Airlie Beach · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

Located northwest of Mackay, our campground is very private with a 100 metre long flat lawn. The site is fringed with rainforest and not visible from the road. A private track leads through the rainforest to a swimming hole. We are on beautiful St Helen's creek below Mount Dalrymple, just outside of Eungella National park's eastern boundary. Walk to the creek for a swim or walk around the gardens. Bring your goggles as the creek is clear and there are fish and turtles. There are many tropical butterflies including Cairns Birdwings and Ulysses to be seen. Birdwatching is also great here with many tropical species including the Wompoo and Rose-crowned fruit doves, azure kingfisher and torresian pigeons. The campsite has its own flushing toilet, hot showers and drinking water. Campers can enjoy the "Tiki Hut" camp kitchen with BBQ, offset smoker, some comfy chairs, hot showers, flushing toilet, colourful lighting, kitchen bench with hot water and some 240v power available for light duties such as charging phones or running laptops. Power is all battery stored off-grid solar and can't provide heavy power such as cooking, heating or air-conditioning. Walk to the Strawberry farm for pick-your-own strawberries (available at certain times of the year only). Hang out in a hammock in the Tiki Hut or walk to another local swimming hole nearby. In the evenings, warm your feet by the campfire. You will need to BYO firewood. Please note that there is no mobile phone coverage here. You will be "Offline" throughout your stay in paradise. We have a landline at our house which can be used in an emergency. We are "friendly dog" friendly. So if your dog greets strangers and other dogs with a smile and a tail wag, they are welcome. If they bark or don't get on well with other people and dogs, then please leave them at home.

Sea View Hill

80%

(5)

50km from Airlie Beach · 1 site · Tent, RV

Discover a tranquil retreat nestled within a lush, wooded property. Our property offers a picturesque setting with a dam and a running creek. A small herd of cattle roams freely and there are a few other smaller animals adding to the rustic charm. The property has a track which leads up to Sea View Hill lookout that has beautiful sea views of Midge Point and Exmoor Station. A great place to set up camp and immerse yourself in nature. And if you’re up for a challenge, Hellmans Pass beckons—a steep trail down the north side of the property that will truly test your off-road skills. Local attractions: Airlie Beach (50mins), Midge Point (20mins) and Proserpine (30min), Cathu State Forest (30mins), Local Truckstop/convenience store (5mins) Escape to our peaceful haven and create lasting memories amidst the beauty of the outdoors.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

J

Jodie

2 weeks ago

8 m travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Creek and Antique Camping

Beautiful quiet spot. Plenty of space for you to camp without being ontop of anyone. Great space to take the dogs to. Definitely recommend.

D

Donna

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hold It Flats

I really enjoyed your camping site the only thing that was wrong was that I had a small dog there were other bigger dogs not on the leash running around. Lovely and clean thanks very much 😊

Sally

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hold It Flats

We love camping at hold it flats. Love the scenery especially walking up the hill there. Always great to have a shower and love that the toilets flush. Definitely worth the visit. We have been a few times now.

Katrina

3 weeks ago

6 m travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Hold It Flats

Easy to find. Not far from Calen. Cute.little town

Ella

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Creek and Antique Camping

Beautiful property with nice flowing creek. Plenty of spots to choose from with/ without shade. Highly recommend.

B

Bettina

3 weeks ago

5 m pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Hold It Flats

A great spot for relaxing and walking. The lookouts are well worth the hike and surprised us with more and improved creativity and quirkiness. The campgrounds are kept green and neat and there is ample room to spread out.

M

Matthew

3 weeks ago

15 m travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Ben Lomond Station

This spot was amazing! Even if the camp next to you had a party, I doubt you would hear them the camp sites are that far apart. Cracking spot for fishing and crabbing, although I didn’t catch any fish (definitely a me issue, not the spot) and I caught plenty of crab (only 2 keepers unfortunately) and it was nice in the afternoons going for walks and cows coming for a visit of a night time. 10/10 in my opinion.

P

Paul

3 weeks ago

Tent

2 nights at Hold It Flats

Lovely sites so well kept one of the best sites l have say

Juliann

November 2025

7 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hold It Flats

Return visitor and again doesn’t fail to disappoint. Katie very helpful, greeted with a smile and chat. Can purchase firewood on site and several fire pits scattered around the campgrounds which is picture perfect. Choose your site and plenty of room so not camping on top of each other. River was crystal clear and lovely to see so many enjoying it. We had a family of kookaburra’s nearby watching over us. Quiet, peaceful. The only negative was the speed of passing traffic when speed limit signs are clearly marked but that’s not a smear on HIF, just inconsiderate drivers. Will definitely return only next time will camp further from the fence line.

M

Mikayla

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hold It Flats

The sites are well maintained and spread far enough apart that nobody is intruding on anyone elses space. We stayed river side and really enjoyed our time. The amenities were always clean whilst we were there too!

T

Tony

November 2025

13 m travel trailer

1 night at Ben Lomond Station

Quiet spot for a couple of nights near the river, caught a few fish that made lunch. Friendly host only too happy to make our stay enjoyable. Will call in again sometime

T

Taylor

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Creek and Antique Camping

The best spot I have camped at in years. The free kayak use absolutely made it for us and the little shed museum was so fun. What a great spot.

Dana

November 2025

5 m pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Creek and Antique Camping

Absolutely beautiful spot and so close to Mackay! We ducked up just for the weekend with our newborn and toddler and we had a blast. Such a spacious area so you can have your own site away from other campers. So much shade, fire pits layed out everywhere, a beautiful creek and bikes and kayaks available for use. We will definitely be back 🌞🧡🛶 Sue was just lovely x

Dan

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Creek and Antique Camping

Love this place ❤️ kids love everything there for kids

Kingfisher showing how it sits high on the embankment of the creek

T

Tim

November 2025

5 m car

With pets

1 night at Blackiron

Great spot on the creek, plenty of fresh sand around. Thanks for hosting

N

Nicki

November 2025

7 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Tiki Hut Creek Camp

A nice quiet spot with swimmable creek close by. Definitely necessary when the humidity starts rising. The facilities were unique and provided everything we were looking for to just unwind and do nothing but relax. Happy to recommend.

P

Patrick

November 2025

6 m pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Blackiron

Well set out camping area. Plenty of grass due to recent rain. Quiet, good place to get away from the city life. Creek was flowing enough to sit in and cool down.

J

Jill

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hold It Flats

Everything was clean and very well laid out. Kate was a lovely host nothing was too much trouble. Family oriented campsite. I would definitely camp there again.

P

Patrick

November 2025

3 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Blackiron

Good spot to camp. Nice and quiet. Area nicely grassed and mowed,fairly level . Unfortunately no campfire. Total fire ban. Didn't miss it. Creek was running enough to go sit in. Had rain second night. Definately will be going into our favourite's list to return. Saw an echidna, wallabies, galahs, kookaburras. Plenty of area for kids to run around in. Just a word advice though: if you don't know how to drive on soft river sand, don't venture there.

K

Kimberley

November 2025

5 m pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hold It Flats

Another great camping trip place is always clean, tidy and mowed. Will definitely come again.