Top-rated campgrounds near Balgal Beach
Crumpy's Place
1. Crumpy's Place
99%
(37)
24km from Balgal Beach · 6 sites · RVs
Welcome to Crumpy's Place!
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578169520135
Nothing fancy, just a safe and secure, friendly, and quiet place to stay for 1 night through to a couple of weeks. Set on 20 acres and based in Bluewater, just north of Townsville, we are semi-screened from the road and have easy RV or Campervan access assuming you don't mind using a simple gate. We cater to fully Self Contained guests only but we do have some basic services available depending on what spots are already taken, but generally access to:
- Water
- Power (at some sites only via leads at an additional charge)
- Common fire pit area
- Recyclable disposal only (no general rubbish or black water disposal - suggest empty before arrival at the free dump point only 1.5km away)
- Free firewood readily available if you have a saw/chainsaw and a willingness to use it!
- Pets on leashes allowed at some sites and may depend on breed/ other guests at the time to avoid conflict)
- There is a beach and boat ramp just a couple of minutes down the end of the road, and only 15 minutes or so to a variety of shops including Groceries, Bunnings, Supercheap Auto, and BCF
- You are welcome to pat the horses and say g'day to Angus, our humongous cow, all under the watchful remaining eye of Milo the Pug, the true Lord of our Manor!!
Bookings are essential so you don't miss out, but please feel free to call or email us for any further information, and we will be happy to help. Once booked please call 0481002100 5 or 10 minutes in advance of arrival so we can greet and guide you in. If we are unable to take your call don't worry about leaving a message - please just text and we'll come back to you as fast as possible.
We look forward to joining you around the fire pit at some point for a cold one and a yarn. Cheers, and Safe Travels all!
Water hookup
Pets
from
AU$25
/ night
Gorge Creek Bushcamp
2. Gorge Creek Bushcamp
100%
(14)
48km from Balgal Beach · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Private sites in amongst the trees on the outskirts of Horseshoe Bay. Safe and secure camping at the bottom of the block separate from the owner's residence. Two sites offering power and water suitable for vehicles, camper trailers, campervans and motorhomes. Caravans under tow up to 5.3m. Outside shower available. No toileting facilities currently available onsite. Shared picnic and BBQ area. 400m from the beach and 2km from the centre of Horseshoe Bay. Surrounded by wildlife including wallabies, echidnas, curlews, plovers, black cockatoos to name a few. Walking distance to shops, restaurants, patrolled swimming area, and local bus. Bushwalks, secluded beaches, island tours, beach hire, snorkelling and many more.
Please make sure to book the Magnetic Island Ferries barge transfer across from Townsville. The barge books out in holidays and maybe subject to tides for larger vehicles.
This property suits tents, campervans, camper trailers, motorhomes and small to mid-size caravans. Contact Derek directly for larger vehicle options.
Electrical hookup
Showers
Water hookup
from
AU$61
/ night
Top-rated campgrounds near Balgal Beach
Crumpy's Place
1. Crumpy's Place
99%
(37)
24km from Balgal Beach · 6 sites · RVs
Welcome to Crumpy's Place!
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578169520135
Nothing fancy, just a safe and secure, friendly, and quiet place to stay for 1 night through to a couple of weeks. Set on 20 acres and based in Bluewater, just north of Townsville, we are semi-screened from the road and have easy RV or Campervan access assuming you don't mind using a simple gate. We cater to fully Self Contained guests only but we do have some basic services available depending on what spots are already taken, but generally access to:
- Water
- Power (at some sites only via leads at an additional charge)
- Common fire pit area
- Recyclable disposal only (no general rubbish or black water disposal - suggest empty before arrival at the free dump point only 1.5km away)
- Free firewood readily available if you have a saw/chainsaw and a willingness to use it!
- Pets on leashes allowed at some sites and may depend on breed/ other guests at the time to avoid conflict)
- There is a beach and boat ramp just a couple of minutes down the end of the road, and only 15 minutes or so to a variety of shops including Groceries, Bunnings, Supercheap Auto, and BCF
- You are welcome to pat the horses and say g'day to Angus, our humongous cow, all under the watchful remaining eye of Milo the Pug, the true Lord of our Manor!!
Bookings are essential so you don't miss out, but please feel free to call or email us for any further information, and we will be happy to help. Once booked please call 0481002100 5 or 10 minutes in advance of arrival so we can greet and guide you in. If we are unable to take your call don't worry about leaving a message - please just text and we'll come back to you as fast as possible.
We look forward to joining you around the fire pit at some point for a cold one and a yarn. Cheers, and Safe Travels all!
Water hookup
Pets
from
AU$25
/ night
Gorge Creek Bushcamp
2. Gorge Creek Bushcamp
100%
(14)
48km from Balgal Beach · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Private sites in amongst the trees on the outskirts of Horseshoe Bay. Safe and secure camping at the bottom of the block separate from the owner's residence. Two sites offering power and water suitable for vehicles, camper trailers, campervans and motorhomes. Caravans under tow up to 5.3m. Outside shower available. No toileting facilities currently available onsite. Shared picnic and BBQ area. 400m from the beach and 2km from the centre of Horseshoe Bay. Surrounded by wildlife including wallabies, echidnas, curlews, plovers, black cockatoos to name a few. Walking distance to shops, restaurants, patrolled swimming area, and local bus. Bushwalks, secluded beaches, island tours, beach hire, snorkelling and many more.
Please make sure to book the Magnetic Island Ferries barge transfer across from Townsville. The barge books out in holidays and maybe subject to tides for larger vehicles.
This property suits tents, campervans, camper trailers, motorhomes and small to mid-size caravans. Contact Derek directly for larger vehicle options.
Electrical hookup
Showers
Water hookup
from
AU$61
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
J
Jeff
3 weeks ago
Tent
I had a great experience at Gorge Creek. Derek was kind enough to great me as I drove in and give me the tour. He was very friendly and accommodating; even set me up with a nice picnic area to enjoy with lights. This was a last minute stop but one I'm glad I did!
See more
B
Ben
December 2025
K
Kristy
November 2025
9 m travel trailer
With kids
Toni & Andrew were so lovely and made us feel very welcome.
We have a 22ft van and two little kids and this stop was great for us.
Flat enough land that we could stay hitched for our one night stop, also!
Thanks guys!
See moreS
Steve
October 2025
8 m travel trailer
The location was very convienent for us on travel home. It was very quiet and we enjoyed the wandering Geese and Chooks.
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Amelia Beth
October 2025
6 m Class B
Peaceful and tranquil - lovely shower and host! Definitely a relaxing night on Maggie and only a short drive from horseshoe bay / dining.
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t
tiffany
October 2025
6 m Class B
Great communication and amenities for the price. We would stay here again!
See more
S
Sharnah
October 2025
15 m travel trailer
Awesome camping place. Very welcoming and very kids friendly. Hope to go back there again.
See moreS
Sharnah
September 2025
15 m travel trailer
With kids
Beautiful spot to camp. Kids loved it and are already asking to go back.
See moreG
Gen
September 2025
7 m travel trailer
Great location and good stop for a couple of nights. Super friendly, thanks!
See more
E
Eanna
September 2025
7 m Class B
Group trip
Derek was very friendly as soon as we arrived and gave us great tips for exploring the island.
See moreD
Damien
August 2025
7 m travel trailer
With kids
Great area that Derik has set up, communicated very well and we had a great time, thanks for having us
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J
Javier
August 2025
6 m Class B
With kids
It was an amazing experience. Both Derek and Sabine are kind and gave us very good advice on the island. The place is unique, a confortable and quiet spot sorrounded by a beautiful part of bush were you have a cozy set of a table and some confortable chairs below some beautiful bulblights among the trees, where having your dinner or spending some time is so nice.
See moreS
Stephanie
August 2025
6 m Class B
With kids
Super endroit !!! Derek et sa femme son adorable et de bon conseil pour sur place. Ils sont très accueillant ! Leurs très grand terrain est vraiment agréable, au calme , nature . Il y a des wallabis partout un plaisir à observer chaque jours.
Encore merci pour votre accueil nous avons adoré votre endroit.
See moreG
George
August 2025
5 m car
We camped at campsite 2. It was quite and out the way. The hosts were very nice and gave us lots of information about the local area. There were also quite a few Wallabies foraging around the area which was nice to see
See morea
adele
July 2025
7 m Class B
Beautiful quiet campsite, right in the nature, very close to town, beautiful area. Very nice hosts
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A
Alison
July 2025
9 m travel trailer
With kids
We had a great time at Crumpy’s Place. Toni & Andrew were super helpful and friendly. Great location, plenty of space, quiet and safe. Would definitely recommend.
See more
K
Kathryn
July 2025
5 m travel trailer
Toni and Andrew were lovely hosts. Great location and beautiful grassed area. Would definitely recommend.
See moreL
Liv
July 2025
Tent
Lovely campsite - you could see a group of wallabies in the area in the day! Even had an outdoor seating/dining area lit with warm LED lights, made cooking so much easier and so vibey! The outdoor shower was really nice and sufficient for us. Derek and Sabine are also such lovely people, can’t wait for any future exciting upgrades, we will definitely stay here again. Thank you for having us ! xx
See moreL
Leanne
June 2025
9 m travel trailer
We enjoyed our night.
Andrew greeted us at the gate and guided us to our site . The fire pit area looked nice though we didn’t use it . The little pony in the yard was cute .
The ground was flat . I would happily leave my van here to go exploring.
See moreD
David
June 2025
7 m Class B
Group trip
Derek's place was perfect for our family of 6 in a 7.6 meter Maui campervan. He is a super friendly host. About a 30 minute walk from the Horseshoe Bay beach or the koala experience.
Don't miss eating at his family restaurant, Cafe Nourish either. Great for breakfast fare or yummy curry at lunch!
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The best private sites caravan parks near Balgal Beach guide
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.