84% (351) • 5 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Bowen
Blackiron
1. Blackiron
98%
(507)
66km from Bowen · 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$363
/ night
Harbour Lights Caravan Park
2. Harbour Lights Caravan Park
81%
(8)
0.4km from Bowen · 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.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
AU$140
/ night
84% (351) • 5 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Bowen
Blackiron
1. Blackiron
98%
(507)
66km from Bowen · 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$363
/ night
Harbour Lights Caravan Park
2. Harbour Lights Caravan Park
81%
(8)
0.4km from Bowen · 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.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
AU$140
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
J
John
2 weeks ago
2 nights at Blackiron
Nice and quiet spot secluded from the rest of the camp area. We only really had to supply ourselves with food and drinks as everything else such as firewood and cooking supplies was already supplied. Definitely will be back again.
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B
Bree
December 2025
Weekend Trip to Blackiron
This was such a cute set up and great idea! We had a large car and a jet ski so was the perfect stay with needing a large car park (as it is on a big block). Enjoyed the bath and even got to watch pigs run past the river as we were in it. A little warm with no aircon but was totally manageable and loved listening to the outside noises just like camping!
See moreK
Kim
September 2025
2 nights at Blackiron
⸻
We had such a wonderful stay at the Kingfisher Cabin @ Black Iron. From the moment we arrived, it felt like the perfect place to switch off and recharge. With little to no phone reception, we were able to really disconnect from the hustle and bustle and just soak up the peaceful surroundings.
The cabin itself was cosy and comfortable, with everything we needed for a few nights away. We were greeted by friendly sheep wandering around the property, which added such a charming and homely touch. One of the absolute highlights was the outdoor shower and the incredible fire bath, both such unique experiences that made our stay feel extra special. Sitting in the warm bath under the stars is something we’ll always remember.
We loved spending the day by the creek, enjoying the quiet and watching the sunset in the evenings. It was the kind of stay where time slows down, and you get to really appreciate the simple things,fresh air, nature, and a sense of calm.
Overall, it was the perfect getaway spot, and we left feeling relaxed and refreshed. We’d absolutely recommend the Kingfisher Cabin to anyone looking for a peaceful escape, and we can’t wait to come back again!
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Brookelyn
September 2025
1 night at Blackiron
This was hands down the best experience we have ever had! The property was beautiful, well maintained and very easy directions.
They have thought of everything for this glamping experience, what an absolute ripper spot!!!
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E
Ella
September 2025
1 night at Blackiron
Honestly the most amazing experience ever. Ben was so lovely and made our stay very enjoyable! The place is so equipped with beautiful amenities and even their attention to the little details were immaculate. Couldn’t recommend this place more. Thank you!
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T
Trephina
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Blackiron
Great spot for a stress free night away! Access to the creek for afternoon dip and adventure. Everything was thought of - music speaker, card games, mozzie spray & marshmallows! Fire heated bath was unreal at sunset! So quiet and peacefull. Great friendly host!
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Z
Zoe
August 2025
1 night at Blackiron
Are you kidding?! This place sent us to heaven and back. The outdoor tub was sensational, and it kept hot all night long! We sat in there for hours watching the sun set, sipping wine, sending the birds to bed and star gazing. This glorious place has everything you need - we just wished we could stay more than one night! There’s also a little creek that feels like your very own that you can walk down to for a day time dip. Highly recommend 🍃
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P
Philip
August 2025
2 nights at Blackiron
We really enjoyed our stay at Kingfisher, very peaceful, private and such a lovely natural setting. The space was fresh and comfortable and we had everything we needed. The bath was AMAZING !
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S
Sue
August 2025
1 night at Blackiron
The sound of silence aaaahhhhh!!!!
The amazing sunsets magic
The hot tub
To virtually just about sleep under the stars
Totally magic spot to unwind and enjoy 🥰
See moreG
Grant
August 2025
1 night at Blackiron
Cute private little setup next to nice creek, definitely what is considered ‘glamping’
Host was super helpful and accommodating
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L
Leah
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Blackiron
What a magic spot. Ben & Cassie have put so much care into every detail with this gorgeous glamping location.
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Codie
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Blackiron
We were the first lucky campers to stay at the Kingfisher and what a treat it was.
Very welcoming hosts!
Beautiful surroundings and atmosphere.
If you want to get off the grid and unwind, this is your spot. Experienced rain and shine, nothing could spoil the experience.
Favourite features were the fire heated hot tub & waking up to wildlife and nature right outside 🥰
See more
The best river, stream, or creek glamping near Bowen guide
Where to go
Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays
Just south of Bowen, Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsundays islands. Catch the ferry to Hamilton Island or take an island-hopping cruise, jumping off to stroll along Whitehaven Beach, snorkel at the Heart Reef lagoon, or swim at Cedar Creek Falls. Whitsunday Islands National Park has 10 campsites to choose from, either by the beach or in the heart of the bush.
Mackay Region
Further south, the Mackay region has both white-sand beaches and rainforest-blanketed hinterlands. Hike, camp, and spot platypus in Eungella National Park, swim beneath natural waterfalls in Finch Hatton Gorge, or enjoy beachside camping far from the crowds in the Cape Hillsborough National Park.
Townsville Coast
North of Bowen, coves and sleepy beach towns dot one of the less-visited stretches of Queensland coast. Townsville is the region’s primary hub, where you’ll find beaches, palm-lined promenades, and a selection of seaside camping. Take a road trip to Wallaman Falls, cruise out to enjoy wildlife walks on Magnetic Island, or set sail for the Great Barrier Reef islands to snorkel or scuba dive.
When to go
Bowen’s tropical climate means it’s warm enough to swim and enjoy water sports year-round, but each season has its pros and cons. Summers (December through February) can be hot, humid, and wet, with temperatures climbing upwards of 30°C, while the dryer, cooler months of autumn and winter are ideal for outdoor activities. May through November is whale-watching season along the coast, while October through May is “stinger season,” when protective clothing is recommended when swimming.
Know before you go
- Public transport, ferries, and boat cruises run from Bowen and nearby Airlie beach, but having your own transport is useful for exploring the coast.
- Bowen has a selection of shops where you can pick up camping gear and stock up on supplies.
- Fire bans are common in Queensland during summer and dry periods, so check local recommendations.