The best camping near Cairns with horseback riding

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Cairns is the only place where two World Heritage-listed sites meet. Here, the Wet Tropics Rainforest meets the waters of the Great Barrier Reef, and this tropical city is a great base for campers to see both. Join a day trip to the Outer Reef or laze beside the city’s man-made lagoon on the Cairns esplanade. There’s no beach in Cairns city, but the northern beaches begin just 15 minutes’ drive north of the city centre, one of the loveliest being Palm Cove. Don’t miss a visit to the Cairns Aquarium, a great introduction to the wonders of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.Fitzroy Island is the closest island to Cairns, only 45 minutes by ferry, and camping sites are right next to the beach, a five-minute walk from the jetty. You can hire snorkelling and diving equipment, take glass-bottom boat rides, or hike the rainforest trails or to the old lighthouse. The Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre on the island is also well worth visiting.Kuranda is a rainforest village in the mountains near Barron Gorge National Park. It has two campgrounds, perfect for hikers, birdwatchers and nature lovers. Easy walking trails let you explore the Barron Falls and river and the rainforest. Other attractions will introduce you to koalas, butterflies and birds. A little further away is Davies Creek National Park, with granite boulders and swimming holes.Beach camping with stunning views of the Coral Sea and islands is found at Ellis Beach, about half-way between Cairns and Port Douglas is an hour’s drive north of Cairns, on one of Queensland’s most spectacular coastal roads. Swaying palms surround you, and there are great facilities, including a restaurant across the street. No bookings are required; just turn up and pitch your tent.Cape Tribulation's only national park camping area is near beautiful Noah Beach, where you can pitch your tent in a sheltered site under shady trees. This park is part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, and is closed January to Good Friday. Wildlife abounds: you’re likely to see giant lace monitors (goannas) and perhaps crocodiles as you cross the Daintree River on the ferry.
90% (265)

Top-rated campgrounds near Cairns

1. Tropical Woopen Creek Camping

99%
(373)
63km from Cairns · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
You will have access to our beautiful peaceful surroundings, with adequate shelter under some lovely big trees park your camper or pitch a swag. We also have a nice running creek that you can enjoy watching our many wildlife that are present throughout the creek, fish, eels and turtles. It's truly a very private and relaxing spot to chill out and enjoy camping for a few days or whatever suits your needs while passing the area. Plenty of fantastic swimming holes nearby including Josephine falls and Babinda boulders very popular spots for tourist and the locals. Site 1 right down on the creek large grass flat space big enough for two families to set up camp. The creek runs around the outside so there are a number of viewing points to see the wildlife mentioned above. A set of solar lights hang over the firepit area allowing for more light while cooking on our wonderful swinging hotplate BBQ. Site 2 Our newer spot work in progress not so ideal for camper trailers. your situated under our tree line away from the main creek. A smaller paver firepit, plenty fine for sitting around an open fire while watching the stars at night. Swimming in the creek is not recommended. So please check by internal message before confirming your booking that way we can confirm a spot while discussing your needs to ensure you have a clear view of your camping area. Onsite we have our shared outhouse porta toilet which is positioned in the middle of both camping areas for everyone's convenience. Take note of our extras available when confirming your booking firewood available if in stock on arrival pls ask. Please follow us on either FB or instagram - tropicalwoopencreekcamping
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$34
 / night

2. Tolga Caravan Park

83%
(20)
46km from Cairns · 17 sites · Tents, RVs
Your new hosts at Tolga Caravan Park are Roxanne & John We look forward to welcoming you here as we work to upgrade and update the park along with this website – watch this space ! Tolga Caravan Park is situated on the Kennedy Highway at the northern end of the Tolga Scrub, the last remnants of the endangered Mabi Rainforest in the region. The Scrub is home to an abundant variety of local wildlife, including the Spectacled Flying Fox – with the Scrub being their only permanent camp on the Tablelands. We have easy access, large, grassy, flat sites with some drive through sites available. We offer powered and un-powered sites. We also have onsite cabins – with more accommodation options coming soon. The Rail Trail can be accessed to the rear of the property offering guests a great walking or bike riding trail with direct access to Atherton and to the Tolga Hotel. A few places to explore are Lake Tinaroo, Paronella Park, Yungaburra platypus viewing, Crater Lakes, Herberton Historic Museum, Millaa Millaa Waterfalls, Curtain Fig Tree and Gallo Dairy Farm to name a few. A perfect base for all of your Tablelands exploring. Pets are welcome if you have your own van. The park is walking distance to coffee shops, takeaway, Tolga Hotel, newsagent, bakery, hair salon and The Humpy. Supermarkets and the main town of Atherton are just a 5 minute drive along with a dump point. We hope to see you here soon !
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
AU$45
 / night

4. The Meadow

94%
(8)
59km from Cairns · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Bring your tent, car, caravan or motor home...... there is plenty of room! The Meadow is located in a sleepy little rural area at the end of a road, so there is no through traffic and quite private. There is an abundance of wild life wandering through from the rainforest to the neighboring cattle property including a huge range of birds, numerous wallaby's, and the occasional cassowary. I do have a resident cow on the property. Stewie is extremely friendly and will come to the fence for a pat and will love you even more if you feed him a slice of bread or a carrot. He has no spacial awareness though, so please don’t enter his paddock….. it is pretty scary having a 600kg “puppy” with very big horns bounding toward you wanting to play! The water is tank/bore which is fine for drinking and I am happy for you to fill your water tanks during your stay but I do ask that you use it sparingly…….. no washing of vehicles or vans please 🙏 With only 1 site, you will absolutely not be crowded in. There are no toilet or shower facilities available so you will need to be fully self contained. This is the perfect base to explore all that the Daintree, Port Douglas and Atherton Tablelands areas have on offer. Julatten Hotel is a great spot for a cold drink and a lovely meal, with live music on the weekends. 9 Mile Store is 2km from your site and has fuel, some groceries items and takeaway food if you don’t feel like cooking. Mossman is only 18km away for most other supplies and services.
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Water hookup
from 
AU$31
 / night

5. The Coconut Hut Caravan and RV Park

71%
(17)
50km from Cairns · 4 sites · RVs
Nestled along the scenic passage between Cairns and Port Douglas, The Coconut Hut Caravan & RV Park is the perfect place to stay for self-sufficient travelers seeking a peaceful and convenient base to explore Tropical North Queensland. Just 10 minutes from the vibrant heart of Port Douglas and 35 minutes from the gateway to the Daintree Rainforest, this hidden gem offers a prime location to unwind and discover the region's natural wonders. Our spacious, flat camp field provides a comfortable setting with excellent mobile phone coverage, ensuring you stay connected while embracing the tranquility of nature. While we cater to self-contained campers, fresh water is available on-site, and our lush bamboo provides a natural screen from the nearby highway, offering added privacy and a touch of greenery. Whether you're looking to park up and relax or unhitch and venture out, The Coconut Hut offers a central and convenient launchpad for exploring stunning coastlines, ancient rainforests, and charming local attractions.
Pets
from 
AU$34
 / night

6. KUR-Cow Farm Stay

100%
(5)
21km from Cairns · 7 sites · Lodging
KUR-Cow Farm was once known as Barnwell Farm. Coffee was extensively grown throughout the Kuranda/Myola region in the early 1890's until frosts wiped out large numbers crops in the early 1900's. Robert William Warren purchased portions of the land at Barnwell in the 1890s and established a coffee plantation on the property which was named "Downtown Farm." Dairy cattle were bought to Barnwell by William Henry Barnwell in 1936 and by 1939 he had managed to successfully establish for a dairy farmer and was advertising for a dairy hand with remuneration of 25 shillings per week and keep. Dairy cattle remained on the property until some point following World War II. It has been said that William Henry Barnwell was one of the earliest cattle farmers in the Myola and Kuranda areas to carry Droughtmaster cattle. He was well regarded as a 'cattle man' in the Myola area. Opening to public in August 2018, Barnwell Farm now welcome visitors daily from all over the world. Offering its guests an interactive, Australia cattle experience with a little adventure thrown in also and exquisite cuisine. Our accommodation consist of 2 cabins sleep 2 adult and 2 children, the room is not interconnect but fence with our private court yard for dinning. Price include Petting Zoo entry for 2 adult and 2 children. Guided Horse riding and ATV tour is available daily and minimum age is 4 years old for horse riding and 6 years old for ATV. Lunch is available on Saturday and Sunday. Sunset Wagyu BBQ offer daily.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
AU$393
 / night
Cairns is the only place where two World Heritage-listed sites meet. Here, the Wet Tropics Rainforest meets the waters of the Great Barrier Reef, and this tropical city is a great base for campers to see both. Join a day trip to the Outer Reef or laze beside the city’s man-made lagoon on the Cairns esplanade. There’s no beach in Cairns city, but the northern beaches begin just 15 minutes’ drive north of the city centre, one of the loveliest being Palm Cove. Don’t miss a visit to the Cairns Aquarium, a great introduction to the wonders of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.Fitzroy Island is the closest island to Cairns, only 45 minutes by ferry, and camping sites are right next to the beach, a five-minute walk from the jetty. You can hire snorkelling and diving equipment, take glass-bottom boat rides, or hike the rainforest trails or to the old lighthouse. The Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre on the island is also well worth visiting.Kuranda is a rainforest village in the mountains near Barron Gorge National Park. It has two campgrounds, perfect for hikers, birdwatchers and nature lovers. Easy walking trails let you explore the Barron Falls and river and the rainforest. Other attractions will introduce you to koalas, butterflies and birds. A little further away is Davies Creek National Park, with granite boulders and swimming holes.Beach camping with stunning views of the Coral Sea and islands is found at Ellis Beach, about half-way between Cairns and Port Douglas is an hour’s drive north of Cairns, on one of Queensland’s most spectacular coastal roads. Swaying palms surround you, and there are great facilities, including a restaurant across the street. No bookings are required; just turn up and pitch your tent.Cape Tribulation's only national park camping area is near beautiful Noah Beach, where you can pitch your tent in a sheltered site under shady trees. This park is part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, and is closed January to Good Friday. Wildlife abounds: you’re likely to see giant lace monitors (goannas) and perhaps crocodiles as you cross the Daintree River on the ferry.
90% (265)

Top-rated campgrounds near Cairns

1. Tropical Woopen Creek Camping

99%
(373)
63km from Cairns · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
You will have access to our beautiful peaceful surroundings, with adequate shelter under some lovely big trees park your camper or pitch a swag. We also have a nice running creek that you can enjoy watching our many wildlife that are present throughout the creek, fish, eels and turtles. It's truly a very private and relaxing spot to chill out and enjoy camping for a few days or whatever suits your needs while passing the area. Plenty of fantastic swimming holes nearby including Josephine falls and Babinda boulders very popular spots for tourist and the locals. Site 1 right down on the creek large grass flat space big enough for two families to set up camp. The creek runs around the outside so there are a number of viewing points to see the wildlife mentioned above. A set of solar lights hang over the firepit area allowing for more light while cooking on our wonderful swinging hotplate BBQ. Site 2 Our newer spot work in progress not so ideal for camper trailers. your situated under our tree line away from the main creek. A smaller paver firepit, plenty fine for sitting around an open fire while watching the stars at night. Swimming in the creek is not recommended. So please check by internal message before confirming your booking that way we can confirm a spot while discussing your needs to ensure you have a clear view of your camping area. Onsite we have our shared outhouse porta toilet which is positioned in the middle of both camping areas for everyone's convenience. Take note of our extras available when confirming your booking firewood available if in stock on arrival pls ask. Please follow us on either FB or instagram - tropicalwoopencreekcamping
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$34
 / night

2. Tolga Caravan Park

83%
(20)
46km from Cairns · 17 sites · Tents, RVs
Your new hosts at Tolga Caravan Park are Roxanne & John We look forward to welcoming you here as we work to upgrade and update the park along with this website – watch this space ! Tolga Caravan Park is situated on the Kennedy Highway at the northern end of the Tolga Scrub, the last remnants of the endangered Mabi Rainforest in the region. The Scrub is home to an abundant variety of local wildlife, including the Spectacled Flying Fox – with the Scrub being their only permanent camp on the Tablelands. We have easy access, large, grassy, flat sites with some drive through sites available. We offer powered and un-powered sites. We also have onsite cabins – with more accommodation options coming soon. The Rail Trail can be accessed to the rear of the property offering guests a great walking or bike riding trail with direct access to Atherton and to the Tolga Hotel. A few places to explore are Lake Tinaroo, Paronella Park, Yungaburra platypus viewing, Crater Lakes, Herberton Historic Museum, Millaa Millaa Waterfalls, Curtain Fig Tree and Gallo Dairy Farm to name a few. A perfect base for all of your Tablelands exploring. Pets are welcome if you have your own van. The park is walking distance to coffee shops, takeaway, Tolga Hotel, newsagent, bakery, hair salon and The Humpy. Supermarkets and the main town of Atherton are just a 5 minute drive along with a dump point. We hope to see you here soon !
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
AU$45
 / night

4. The Meadow

94%
(8)
59km from Cairns · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Bring your tent, car, caravan or motor home...... there is plenty of room! The Meadow is located in a sleepy little rural area at the end of a road, so there is no through traffic and quite private. There is an abundance of wild life wandering through from the rainforest to the neighboring cattle property including a huge range of birds, numerous wallaby's, and the occasional cassowary. I do have a resident cow on the property. Stewie is extremely friendly and will come to the fence for a pat and will love you even more if you feed him a slice of bread or a carrot. He has no spacial awareness though, so please don’t enter his paddock….. it is pretty scary having a 600kg “puppy” with very big horns bounding toward you wanting to play! The water is tank/bore which is fine for drinking and I am happy for you to fill your water tanks during your stay but I do ask that you use it sparingly…….. no washing of vehicles or vans please 🙏 With only 1 site, you will absolutely not be crowded in. There are no toilet or shower facilities available so you will need to be fully self contained. This is the perfect base to explore all that the Daintree, Port Douglas and Atherton Tablelands areas have on offer. Julatten Hotel is a great spot for a cold drink and a lovely meal, with live music on the weekends. 9 Mile Store is 2km from your site and has fuel, some groceries items and takeaway food if you don’t feel like cooking. Mossman is only 18km away for most other supplies and services.
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Water hookup
from 
AU$31
 / night

5. The Coconut Hut Caravan and RV Park

71%
(17)
50km from Cairns · 4 sites · RVs
Nestled along the scenic passage between Cairns and Port Douglas, The Coconut Hut Caravan & RV Park is the perfect place to stay for self-sufficient travelers seeking a peaceful and convenient base to explore Tropical North Queensland. Just 10 minutes from the vibrant heart of Port Douglas and 35 minutes from the gateway to the Daintree Rainforest, this hidden gem offers a prime location to unwind and discover the region's natural wonders. Our spacious, flat camp field provides a comfortable setting with excellent mobile phone coverage, ensuring you stay connected while embracing the tranquility of nature. While we cater to self-contained campers, fresh water is available on-site, and our lush bamboo provides a natural screen from the nearby highway, offering added privacy and a touch of greenery. Whether you're looking to park up and relax or unhitch and venture out, The Coconut Hut offers a central and convenient launchpad for exploring stunning coastlines, ancient rainforests, and charming local attractions.
Pets
from 
AU$34
 / night

6. KUR-Cow Farm Stay

100%
(5)
21km from Cairns · 7 sites · Lodging
KUR-Cow Farm was once known as Barnwell Farm. Coffee was extensively grown throughout the Kuranda/Myola region in the early 1890's until frosts wiped out large numbers crops in the early 1900's. Robert William Warren purchased portions of the land at Barnwell in the 1890s and established a coffee plantation on the property which was named "Downtown Farm." Dairy cattle were bought to Barnwell by William Henry Barnwell in 1936 and by 1939 he had managed to successfully establish for a dairy farmer and was advertising for a dairy hand with remuneration of 25 shillings per week and keep. Dairy cattle remained on the property until some point following World War II. It has been said that William Henry Barnwell was one of the earliest cattle farmers in the Myola and Kuranda areas to carry Droughtmaster cattle. He was well regarded as a 'cattle man' in the Myola area. Opening to public in August 2018, Barnwell Farm now welcome visitors daily from all over the world. Offering its guests an interactive, Australia cattle experience with a little adventure thrown in also and exquisite cuisine. Our accommodation consist of 2 cabins sleep 2 adult and 2 children, the room is not interconnect but fence with our private court yard for dinning. Price include Petting Zoo entry for 2 adult and 2 children. Guided Horse riding and ATV tour is available daily and minimum age is 4 years old for horse riding and 6 years old for ATV. Lunch is available on Saturday and Sunday. Sunset Wagyu BBQ offer daily.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
AU$393
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best camping near Cairns with horseback riding guide

When to go

April to November is the best time to visit Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef and the tropical north. Any other time, it’s hot and humid. It’s also the time of year when water visibility for snorkelling and diving is at its best. Summer is less popular, due to the heat, hence camping areas will be less crowded. May to September is the peak camping season.

Know before you go

  • Remember to pack sunscreen; the north Queensland sun can be fierce. Check out sunscreens that won’t damage the coral reefs (those that don’t contain oxybenzone or BP-3).
  • Camping permits are required for all Queensland parks, forest and reserves and must be booked online and paid for before arrival.
  • Despite its name, Nudey Beach on Fitzroy Island isn’t for those who want to bare all. In fact, nude beaches are banned in Queensland.
  • Boat transfers are available to the two free campsites on Russell Island in the Frankland Group National Park, just south of Cairns.