Camping near Balgal Beach
Pitch your tent on the beachfront or throw a line in the water in tropical north Queensland.
95% (1376 reviews)
- Balgal Beach
95% (1376 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Balgal Beach
Under $50
Star Hosts in Balgal Beach
12 top campgrounds near Balgal Beach
90%
(859)
Crystal Creek
25 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Mutarnee, QLD
Crystal Creek Campsite is a large camp area with private access to the creek. Large area with plenty of shade. Dog friendly (on a lead). Campers must be self contained with their own toilet/shower facilities and take all waste with them. Our current facilities are unable to be regularly cleaned so will be closed to guests.Campers MUST provide car registration details at time of booking.This is a privately run camp (Operated by Mungulla Station). It is not part of the National Park. Close walk to natural swimming pools which are absolutely picturesque.We offer large shady spots with a few BBQ's, fire pits and amenities. Plenty of fishing and swimming to enjoy.Amenities include hot showers (10 MINS ONLY PLEASE).Access to campsite passes our school so please drive very slowly if your accessing campsite during school hours.Children under 6 stay for free. Do not include them at time of booking.DUE TO CORONAVIRUS PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN TOILET PAPERPlease read all information, rule and directions (provided once you have a confirmed booking) carefully before contacting your host. We have done out best to provide all the information for you so messages should not be required.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
AU$25
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
Booked 4 times
Crystal Creek Camp
8 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Coolbie, QLD
We have over 12 acres of private, tropical parkland, that runs right along the Crystal Creek in Mutarnee, QLD. 2 hectares of this land is between the Crystal Creek Caravan Park and the Crystal Creek itself. This area has it's own amenities block (toilets and showers) and access to water.
There is a large communal campfire in the middle, and plenty of space for a perfect getaway! Should you require it, there is also access to the caravan park's amenities block which includes more toilets and showers, a camp kitchen, and a laundry.
This camp is right across the road from the Paluma National Park, little Crystal Creek, Big Crystal Creek, and numerous natural swimming holes. Right behind the camp is a boat ramp, and the beach is 10 minutes away. You will have access to walking tracks, mountain bike trails, bird-watching, swimming, fishing, crabbing... the list is endless!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
AU$30
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(428)
Crystal Ridge
2 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Mutarnee, QLD
Welcome to Crystal Ridge, a peaceful location where you can enjoy peace and privacy.Campers can fish, swim, bird watch or just relax by the water and watch the cows grazing around the property. Nearby you'll find Mount Spec, Paluma Range National Park straddles the summit and escarpment of the Paluma Range, rising 1,000m above the Big Crystal Creek floodplain. This is the most southerly national park in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.Located approximately 45 minutes north of Townsville on the Bruce Highway, Mutarnee is a small peaceful hamlet nestled on the banks of beautiful Crystal Creek. At the local caravan park there's a small shop and service station and just a minute down the road you'll find the Crystal Creek boat ramp. There is great bushwalks in the area and place to mountain bike.Any camping set up is welcome to pull up on the flat, grassy site.You are welcome to bring your pet, but please ensure they are kept on a leash and under control.
Pets
Campfires
Trash
from
AU$40
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(86)
The Forts
3 sites · RVs3 acres · Horseshoe Bay, QLD
We are in the perfect location in Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Island, and your camp spot is located a short walk to the beach, right on the walking tracks, WWII-era forts, and access to exploring more than 36 kilometres of bushwalking trails with plenty of wildlife watching opportunities.
.....
The Great Barrier Reef, is at our door step so taking to the water is a must— hire a canoe, kayak or jetski and start exploring the wonderlands of spy dugongs and sea turtles or go on a boat cruise, and dive in to snorkel along colourful coral reefs.
....
Then there's the action of a buzzy seaside town with cafes and bars and skatepark, tennis courts all within a 5 minutes gentle walk!
....
Welcome to The Forts of Magnetic Island, it's truly magic your views are the National Park.
.....
We offer easy access sites for:
CARAVAN up to 18ft.
ROOF vehicle tent
MOTORHOME up to 20ft.
VAN loads of room.
Tent- your tent can be pitched on a tucked away haven in the bush surrounded by natural boulders.
Please be SELF CONTAINED
......
Please allow for some slight slope sites, come and enjoy your relaxed bushcamp stay.
...
FERRY crossing
BOOK to arrive at your campsite during the "daytime" please.
Please prepare to "prebook your ferry" if travelling with a vehicle.
....
Walking passenger or with your bicycle you do not need to prebook your ferry.
Great bus service on Magnetic Island runs every hour.
Abundance of wildlife, kangaroos, wallabies, kookaburra, superb sunsets and so much more.
Beach✔️
Cafes✔️
Spacious Sites✔️
Walking tracks✔️
The perfect paradise.
Potable water
from
AU$25
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
93%
(113)
Mungalla Station
14 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Forrest Beach, QLD
Mungalla Cattle Station Camp (125kms north of Townsville, near Forest Beach) Campers MUST provide car registration details at time of booking.If you have your own tent, van or RV come and camp! Small dogs welcome. Flat sites, suitable for caravans and 2WD. Guests are welcome to use the worker's toilets and showers, though please keep in mind these are very basic if self-contained greywater can be dispersed on the ground.Mungalla Station is a historic cattle station near Ingham in North Queensland. Come and share a unique experience of the culture and history of Mungalla Station and its Aboriginal owners.Guests can meet the Nywaigi Aboriginal people, the Aboriginal traditional owners of the lands around Ingham in North Queensland. Experience our rich culture and history.Explore the property established by James Cassady, who fled the potato famine of Ireland and created a pastoral dynasty. Visit the birthplace of the world-famous Droughtmaster cattle breed, the original homestead, the graves of James Cassady and his son.Children under 6 stay for free. Do not include them at time of booking.We ask campers to please try to arrive before it gets dark. Please read all information provided carefully and only contact your host if absolutely necessary.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
AU$25
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
95%
(22)
Hidden Corner Magnetic Island
2 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Horseshoe Bay, QLD
Magnetic Island
Private fully fenced 751 square metre block of land one kilometre to Horseshoe Bay beachfront.
The perfect base to enjoy all the wonderful activities that Magnetic Island has to offer including swimming, bushwalking, birdwatching and wildlife spotting.
Water and very limited electricity is available. There are no bathroom facilities so you need to be self contained. We are one kilometre from the nearest bus stop so you need to have your own transport. Please do not book this property if you do not have your own transport.
As the barge gets very busy, I suggest you book the barge before booking the site. Contact me and I am happy to hold the site for a short time while you make your barge booking.
Pets
Potable water
from
AU$30
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
95%
(28)
Black River Dam Camp Site
4 sites · Lodging150 acres · Black River, QLD
We are located in the Townsville region, 25 kms from the city centre and only 10 kms to Coles and BWS but close to the coast.
The campsite is set on a private 150 acres with 3 swimming dams, portable toilet on site and motorcycle tracks including enduro.
Camping and campfires are allowed near the dams in fire pits. Fish for metre long barra and jade perch (catch and release please).
In Townsville itself you will find the headland at the north end featuring the military exhibits of Jezzine Barracks and a wide promenade which is great for walks as it heads south past the safe swimming zones. On the other end, at Ross Creek, you can catch the ferry to the Great Barrier Reef or take a 20-minute ferry ride to Magnetic Island, with its beautiful bays, bushland hikes, and wild koalas.
Country Vows wedding reception centre is located on 5 acres at the front of the property.
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$36
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(5)
Cuddle Creek Homestead
2 sites · RVs, Tents28 acres · Yabulu, QLD
28 acres of bliss in the bush.
Not too far from town, but far enough for peace and quiet.
Kids or adults can ride bikes around our tracks through the property.
You can go fishing off the bank from the back of the block, or alternatively you can put a boat in the creek with a boat ramp accessible only about 1 klm down the road.
Trash
from
AU$15
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
89%
(18)
BE Magnetic Island
1 site · RV2 acres · Horseshoe Bay, QLD
BE🌴
WELCOME to Magnetic Island
.
Tucked away bordering the National Park is your campsite a quiet oasis.
.
Wildlife bouncing, exotic birds chirping, koalas roaming, cute chickens and a spacious tiered entertainment area to totally relax.
.
Just a 2second walk to the track to take you on the famous FORTS walk.
.
Beaches, sunsets, and incredible views are just moments away from your campsite.
.
Plenty of watersports!
Hire kayaks from your campsite
Go on a sailing trip, extra fees and weather dependent.
.
Hire jet ski
Hire a scooter
Hire a cute car
.
See butterfly, birds, kangaroo, koalas, wallabies, and much more from your camp
.
Cafes, bars, shops and bustop just a moment away.
.
Don't forget we are a true natural eco STAY bring your own toilet,cooking facilities.
Looking forward to seeing YOU 👣
Potable water
from
AU$32
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
94%
(105)
Coothara Farm
4 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Black River, QLD
Located just outside Townsville, this rural farm setting features lots of wildlife. There is a dam in a shaded paddock next to the camping area. You can hang out with the horses, cows, chickens and many other animals.
The campsite is quiet, peaceful and relaxing. We even have a MH therapy cow, Nemoo! (bring your camera!)
Enjoy a yarn around the campfire (firewood available depending on season) or a swim in the dam!
This campsite suits self-contained campers who bring their own toilet/shower amenities and can run off grid.
The Townsville region has much to offer. There's a free swimming pool on the esplanade. If you're up for a walk or bike ride the esplanade takes you through the gardens on the water's edge. You can also take a cruise out to Magnetic Island.
Pets on leashes are welcome.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
Trash
from
AU$34
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(17)
Black River Bush Retreat
4 sites · RVs, Tents60 acres · Black River, QLD
A perfect spot to relax under the stars! A quiet, private, bush camp experience with a seasonal creek, mango orchard and dam.
Pitch your tent or set up your caravan either down near the dam, in a secluded bush setting, or closer to the house yard depending on what you prefer.
Enjoy a bush walk around the property, taking in the natural Australian bush environment and enjoy the native wildlife. You may find kookaburras, king fishers, kangaroos, goannas and wallabies while exploring and can relax by a crackling fire at night.
Each camp site is private with no other campers booked in the space on the same day.
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.
Property has secure key pad access.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from
AU$30
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(4)
BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Townsville
77 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Townsville, QLD
Enjoy the taste of the tropics and surround yourself with palm trees and landscaped gardens at BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Townsville. Located a short 10-minute drive from the airport and 16 kilometres from Townsville CBD, you’ll find the city’s main attractions, such as The Strand, Castle Hill and Botanic Gardens a delight.
The holiday park is set up to make the most of the 320 days of sunshine North Queensland enjoys each year, with two resort-style pools and shaded gazebos for you to stay cool. The kids will be kept entertained with a water park, two playgrounds, a jumping cushion, volleyball court, basketball court, trikes and an 18-hole mini-golf course.
To check-in, choose between cabins, villas, caravan sites or campgrounds. With enough amenities to keep everyone entertained, as well as BBQ areas and a children’s playground nearby, there’s plenty of places to prepare your daily meals and relax while keeping an eye on the little ones.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
Trash
from
AU$42
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
Dog-friendly getaways
Available this weekend
Camping near Balgal Beach guide
Overview
Balgal Beach is a popular beach about mid-way between Townsville and Ingham, about 64 kilometres to the north. With a lovely stretch of sand, Balgal is ideal for camping, boating, and swimming, as well as river fishing—boaties can cross to nearby Palm Island or explore Orpheus Island National Park and its three campaign areas. In addition to private Hipcamp and campgrounds in the surrounding area, campers can find free but wildly popular beachfront camping areas run by the local council.
Where to go
Paluma Range National Park
This park offers remote bush camping for the self-sufficient, but there is also the Waterview Creek campground, close to the park entrance about 24 km south of Ingham and 91 km north of Townsville. The 3-km return Jourama Falls Lookout Walk leads through a lovely forest of poplar gum, bloodwood, and Moreton Bay ash trees. Birdwatchers may see the azure kingfisher, satin flycatcher, and northern fantail during the day, plus the southern boobook, large-tailed nightjar and tawny frogmouth by night.
Palm Island Group
For those wishing to explore deeper and head out to the Great Barrier Reef, Balgal Beach provides excellent boat ramp facilities and easy access to the Palm Island Group. There is also a ferry to Palm Island, for those who enjoy hiking or other simple pleasures.
Abergowrie State Forest
Abergowrie State Forest is about 45 km west of Ingham, in the Herbert River Valley. The 1.6-km return Rainforest Walk and the 3-km return Creek Walk take you to Broadwater Creek, a great place to camp in the eucalypt forest. Wildlife includes the vulnerable rufous owl and the endangered and unpredictable southern cassowary—keep your distance! A boardwalk leads to the enormous Broadwater fig tree.
When to go
The cooler months of the year, from April to September, are the best times to visit Balgal Beach, as summer daytime temperatures can hit 35°C and higher. Daytime temperatures and humidity can be high at any time of the year and nights can be cool. Cyclones can occur between November and April.
Know before you go
- From November to May, always swim within the “stinger” enclosures off the beach. These are designed to protect swimmers from harmful marine jellyfish.
- If you are lucky enough to see cassowaries, keep your distance. These giant flightless “dinosaur” birds can deliver lethal blows with their razor-sharp talons.
- Balgal Beach has a general store and café. Otherwise, Townsville has excellent facilities for stocking up before you go camping, plus all standard town services like a post office, pharmacy, visitor information centre, bank, and car hire companies.
- Camping permits are required for all Queensland parks, forests, and reserves—these must be booked online and paid for in advance of arrival. Make camping bookings as early as possible.
Top cities near Balgal Beach
Safety at Hipcamp
Hipcamp acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.