The best river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Bluewater, Queensland

In Bluewater, riverside camping means waking up to bird calls and watching wallabies graze at dawn. With over 120 riverside campsites, you’ll find spots shaded by paperbarks or just steps from the water’s edge—some for as little as $15 a night. Most sites offer toilets, showers, and let you light a campfire after sunset. Hike nearby bush tracks, swim in freshwater creeks, and keep an eye out for turtles or kingfishers. Locals rate Crystal Creek Nywaigi Camp Grounds (629 reviews), Crystal Ridge (236 reviews), and Coothara Farm (88 reviews) for their river access and friendly hosts. Average price per night sits at $30, but you can often snag a quieter patch for less. Bring your swimmers, a torch, and rubbish bags—this part of Queensland rewards campers who come prepared.

93% (1.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds

In Bluewater, riverside camping means waking up to bird calls and watching wallabies graze at dawn. With over 120 riverside campsites, you’ll find spots shaded by paperbarks or just steps from the water’s edge—some for as little as $15 a night. Most sites offer toilets, showers, and let you light a campfire after sunset. Hike nearby bush tracks, swim in freshwater creeks, and keep an eye out for turtles or kingfishers. Locals rate Crystal Creek Nywaigi Camp Grounds (629 reviews), Crystal Ridge (236 reviews), and Coothara Farm (88 reviews) for their river access and friendly hosts. Average price per night sits at $30, but you can often snag a quieter patch for less. Bring your swimmers, a torch, and rubbish bags—this part of Queensland rewards campers who come prepared.

93% (1.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Crystal Creek Nywaigi Camp Grounds

88%

(1156)

37km from Bluewater · 27 sites · Tents, RVs · 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). Fires allowed Caretaker Number is 0498 692 998 Stephen. Campers MUST provide car registration details at time of booking and display booking number on their windscreens. 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. Please read all information, rule and directions (provided once you have a confirmed booking)

2. Crystal Ridge

97%

(562)

36km from Bluewater · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · 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. You will need to get gate code day before you arrive. Either text or on the hipcamp site.

3. WillowVale Park

95%

(115)

73km from Bluewater · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Reid River, QLD

“WillowVale Park” is 200 acres set on the banks of the Reid River, QLD 4816. Half way between Townsville and Charters Towers on the Flinders Highway. Private area suitable for camping, caravans, RV’s right on the river bank. All year swimming, fishing, kayaking and canoeing. - Camp fires permitted. - Pets welcome but contained or restrained at all times. - No toilets so must have own toilet. - Groups bookings or up to two seperate camps at any one time. - Push bike riding and Hiking areas available. - Plenty of room to run for the kids.

4. Magnetic Island Retreat campsite

83%

(27)

30km from Bluewater · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Picnic Bay, QLD

Our property on Magnetic Island in beautiful Picnic Bay is a stunning, flat, block of land, located just 400m from the beaches, restaurants and hotel. The block is private and secluded, with NO amenities, but just metres from everything! The Golf course is located right behind us and a bus stop is within 50m walk, that will take you all around the island. There are several glorious camp spots shaded by mature paperbark trees, overlooking Butler's Creek, which often runs during the wet season. The block is large and flat, perfectly suitable for campervans, tents, caravans and large motorhomes. There is a water available onsite for campers' use. You are able to fill your tank but are asked not to 'connect up', as it is for the use of ALL guests. To stay with us, you MUST be FULLY SELF-CONTAINED with your own toilet/shower facilities and power. Please leave no waste on the property and NO trace of your stay. The property is located in a wildlife corridor and we have koalas, kookaburras, curlews, wallabies and other animal residents nearby. Your dog is welcome onsite but must be on a leash at all times so as not to disturb guests or upset our wildlife. Please pick up it's waste at all times. IMPORTANT NOTE: If your dog disrupts other guests or neighbours by barking, or is threatening in anyway, you will be asked to leave the property without refund. Magnetic Island is located 8km offshore from Townsville and is accessed via a passenger ferry that operates every hour from the city and a vehicle barge that operates several times a day. Book via the 'Sealink' website. "Maggie" as the island is affectionately known, has a permanent population of about 3000 people. There are a two supermarkets, a medical centre, several resorts, dozens of restaurants and many other amenities to cater for residents and tourists. There are spectacular beaches, bush walks, koala spotting, boat tours, reef dive operators, art galleries, homeware shops, restaurants, coffee shops, a brewery, pubs and a bus stop nearby. Whilst here, be sure to feed the wild rock wallabies in Arcadia, go to the Toad Races at Arcadia Hotel, enjoy the Forts Walk to learn about the region's history, and take a boat tour on Aquascene cruises. It is the perfect spot for a relaxing getaway!!

5. Mungalla Station

94%

(125)

63km from Bluewater · 20 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.

6. Crystal Creek Caravan Park

97%

(59)

37km from Bluewater · 59 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Coolbie, QLD

Our beautiful 5-hectare, family-owned caravan park, is located near the renowned and beautiful Crystal Creek in the North Queensland region of Hinchinbrook. A spacious, tropical park, with grassy green gardens and palm trees dotted throughout. Enjoy access to the caravan park's amenities block which includes toilets and showers, a camp kitchen, and a laundry. This park is right across the road from the Paluma National Park, little Crystal Creek, Big Crystal Creek, and numerous natural swimming holes. Right behind the park 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!

7. Our little peace of country

95%

(11)

10km from Bluewater · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Black River, QLD

Peace and quiet in the country, sit by the water to watch the wildlife. Black River is only 10 minutes to Bushland Beach or Saunders Beach, boating, great pubs, walk on the beach, coles or Woolworths shopping centre and takeaways. Only 30 minutes to Townsville City to access airport, shops, Magnetic Island, Cowboy's stadium. Drive 4 hours north to Cairns, Tablelands or south to Proserpine, Airlie Beach and Mackay.

8. Coothara Farm

94%

(136)

10km from Bluewater · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.

9. Mount Elliot Park

96%

(114)

69km from Bluewater · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Shirbourne, QLD

We are now open after the weather event closure. We look forward to welcoming you! Mount Elliot Park is a working cattle property that offers a bush experience to approved individuals. Located in the Burdekin Shire we are based in one of Australia’s best Barra fishing and bird watching areas. Sites are based on a slashed grassed paddock with access to a clear flowing creek. Campers can relax with open fire and surrounded by the beautiful mountain backdrop.

10. Mam Easy Stay

84%

(25)

27km from Bluewater · 13 sites · Tents, RVs · Townsville, QLD

Aprox an acre of vacant land with creek access, flowing in wet season. Fruit trees, natural wildlife including kangaroos, black cockatoos and kookaburras plus Luci longdog, pool access, games room, access to shower and toilet if needed. Outdoor kitchen and weekend share meals, such as pizza, ribs, BBQ , seafood and homemade sausage rolls and pasties. Friendly family hosts welcome to join for music and drinks by the fire pit in cooler months with a camp stew. NRL games on big screen in bar area every weekend during season.

11. Crumpy's Place

99%

(36)

1.5km from Bluewater · 6 sites · RVs · Bluewater, QLD

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!

12. Cuddle Creek Homestead

91%

(11)

4.2km from Bluewater · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.

13. Hinchinbrook View

100%

(12)

74km from Bluewater · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Macknade, QLD

Park up amongst the Mango Tree orchard on manicured lawn with views to Hinchinbrook Island. Ideal spot to base yourself while exploring Lucinda, The Palm Islands and Wallaman Falls or for a quick over nighter. Plenty of room to spread out.

Camper favorites near Bluewater

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Our little peace of country

95%

(11)

10km from Bluewater · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Black River, QLD

Peace and quiet in the country, sit by the water to watch the wildlife. Black River is only 10 minutes to Bushland Beach or Saunders Beach, boating, great pubs, walk on the beach, coles or Woolworths shopping centre and takeaways. Only 30 minutes to Townsville City to access airport, shops, Magnetic Island, Cowboy's stadium. Drive 4 hours north to Cairns, Tablelands or south to Proserpine, Airlie Beach and Mackay.

Coothara Farm

94%

(136)

10km from Bluewater · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.

Mount Elliot Park

96%

(114)

69km from Bluewater · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Shirbourne, QLD

We are now open after the weather event closure. We look forward to welcoming you! Mount Elliot Park is a working cattle property that offers a bush experience to approved individuals. Located in the Burdekin Shire we are based in one of Australia’s best Barra fishing and bird watching areas. Sites are based on a slashed grassed paddock with access to a clear flowing creek. Campers can relax with open fire and surrounded by the beautiful mountain backdrop.

Mam Easy Stay

84%

(25)

27km from Bluewater · 13 sites · Tents, RVs · Townsville, QLD

Aprox an acre of vacant land with creek access, flowing in wet season. Fruit trees, natural wildlife including kangaroos, black cockatoos and kookaburras plus Luci longdog, pool access, games room, access to shower and toilet if needed. Outdoor kitchen and weekend share meals, such as pizza, ribs, BBQ , seafood and homemade sausage rolls and pasties. Friendly family hosts welcome to join for music and drinks by the fire pit in cooler months with a camp stew. NRL games on big screen in bar area every weekend during season.

Crumpy's Place

99%

(36)

1.5km from Bluewater · 6 sites · RVs · Bluewater, QLD

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!

Cuddle Creek Homestead

91%

(11)

4.2km from Bluewater · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.

Hinchinbrook View

100%

(12)

74km from Bluewater · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Macknade, QLD

Park up amongst the Mango Tree orchard on manicured lawn with views to Hinchinbrook Island. Ideal spot to base yourself while exploring Lucinda, The Palm Islands and Wallaman Falls or for a quick over nighter. Plenty of room to spread out.

Stories from the community

A

Anne

3 weeks ago

6 m travel trailer

1 night at Crystal Creek Caravan Park

We loved this place. Definitely our favourite campsite so far. Beautifully kept, totally tranquil and spotlessly clean.

C

Chris

3 weeks ago

5 m pop-up camper

With pets

3 nights at Crystal Ridge

A beautiful peaceful place to camp, right on the edge of the creek.

C

Chris

3 weeks ago

5 m pop-up camper

With pets

3 nights at Crystal Ridge

Yet again Crystal Ridge did not disappoint. Absolutely relaxing, creek was a little low but was still deep enough to have a nice cool down. Michael is a great host, with great communication. Looking forward to our next visit. 10 out of 10.

Dam on site to enjoy or watch the wildlife go by

R

Rowan

3 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Our little peace of country

Jenny is an excellent host. She is super friendly and the property is lovely. We have returned for a second time because our first experience was so good. The kids love going down to the river which is just nearby the campsites. Definitely will return at some point maybe after the weather has cooled down.

A

Aimee

November 2025

8 m Class B

With kids

1 night at Crystal Ridge

Lovely spot right on the water. Only 2 sites to choose from, we were lucky to be the only ones there but I definitely recommend booking the whole place to yourself if you want privacy as the sites are right next to each other. Not as well kept as other camps we have been to but overall would recommend. The concrete pad on site 1 was useful.

K

Kristy

November 2025

9 m travel trailer

With kids

1 night at Crumpy's Place

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!

S

Steve

October 2025

8 m travel trailer

1 night at Crumpy's Place

The location was very convienent for us on travel home. It was very quiet and we enjoyed the wandering Geese and Chooks.

M

Melissa

October 2025

8 m Class A

1 night at Crystal Ridge

The site was really gorgeous! Very private and the stream is lovely. The only drawback is that the host isn't the best communicator... I had to send two messages, one at 9am and another at 1:30ish because I hadn't heard back from him, to find out what the code for the gate was before he responded. I also asked him some detailed questions about our stay which were answered with two short, unhelpful messages! The details on the website are not accurate either, so we found it confusing and irritating to locate the site, after a long drive. There was rubbish from other campers left in the fire pit which should have been removed before we arrived as well.

Leo

October 2025

5 m pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Mount Elliot Park

We have stayed here a couple of times. Close to Townsville with a great little creek. We will be back again

Keita

October 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Crystal Creek Nywaigi Camp Grounds

Beautiful creek (although a little low currently), and nice wide open campground. Unfortunately some rubbish left from previous campers. Facilities fairly standard (2 female showers functional). You can hear some road noise throughout the night but easily tuned out. Outstanding sunsets.

D

Damian

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Crystal Creek Nywaigi Camp Grounds

Absolutely stunning spot with hot showers toilets. Woke up to the birds singing wildlife all around and got to see some water running through the creek. Definitely will be back

Jayden

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Crystal Creek Nywaigi Camp Grounds

Had a okay stay, not horrible but not amazing either. Campsite is decently large, but at max capacity it’d be somewhat uncomfortable. Fortunately, there were few there. The site is in relatively poor condition, and campers demonstrate a severe lack of standard camp etiquette. For example, a dozen campfire spots that are half arsed, not offical, and ruin the availability of where you can chuck a swag. Many fire ‘pits’ had plastics, or other rubbish shoved in there during or post burn. The BBQs are all basically unusable. Bathrooms work but are in bad condition, lots of webs, no locks on the doors, but the water was hot and toilets flushed. Sink taps didn’t work well. There was a high about of foot traffic during the day, which was a bit annoying given that we paid for access. Not sure if it’s local mob, which would make sense and be acceptable, but if it’s randoms just pulling in for a day, then that sucks. Those that were there left a lot of rubbish on the banks and in the water. Dogs were offlead multiple times during our stay and we observed three dogs get into a fight as two were offlead. Another day tripper managed to get their POS explorer hung up on rocks, driving down and onto the river bank (that’s allowed?!). They wrecked part of the track trying to recover the vehicle which took two hours. Overall, nice spot with a lot of great potential but poorly managed and maintained. I wouldn’t say the pictures were particularly accurate this time.

R

Ryan

October 2025

7 m travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Crystal Ridge

Unreal spot , would recommend needs to be 2 - 3 night minimum booking as people have booked just for one night and that takes up the possibility of a whole weekend booking something to think about as it’s such a beautiful spot, will be back 😁

r

robert

October 2025

5 m car

Weekend Trip to Crystal Ridge

Close to Townsville and Ingham, with lots to do in the area. Quite open (good solar) location next to Crystal Creek. Decent shade in the afternoon. Not the best swimming this time of year, but to be expected at the end of the dry season. That being said, we still say I. The creek and enjoyed a drink. Our neighbours kids were having a fantastic time in a canoe. Creek access is best from site 1 but still easily accessible from site 2. Quiet, relaxing, a fire and clear sky’s. Would definitely stay here again.

Amazing vantage points right across the island.

F

Fiona

October 2025

5 m pop-up camper

With pets

5 nights at Magnetic Island Retreat campsite

Close to shops, beach. Clean space. Quiet, with only one other group sharing the space.

D

Dot

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Crystal Ridge

Excellent camping site on the river. Very quite and great swimming Would highly recommend this camp to everyone

D

Davo

October 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Crystal Ridge

Great camp site. River nice and close to camp. Host was easy to get in contact with. Fantastic spot will be back again

t

tiffany

October 2025

6 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Crumpy's Place

Great communication and amenities for the price. We would stay here again!

D

David

October 2025

6 m pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Crystal Ridge

The camp ground was good, clean and mowed as usual, Micheal always has it nice and clean But the creek was wrecked from the February/March floods, the rock slides from up the range at Crystal creek have really damaged the whole Crystal creek, the creek was only about knee deep where as before it was six to eight feet deep and it was not flowing at all, but that’s Mother Nature But the camping are was good, rock fire pit areas set up and it looks like a lot of work has gone into repairing it after the floods to make it clean and level and nice

C

Cathy

October 2025

6 m travel trailer

3 nights at Crystal Ridge

What a peaceful and serene place. Having booked both sites, we had the place to ourselves. It was picturesque and we lived wading and cooling off in the creek. The breeze was beautiful. We will definitely return.