Beach Camping Near Cardwell, Queensland, AU: 12 Best Beach Campsites 2025

If you're looking to go camping near Cardwell, Queensland, Hipcamp has over 280 options for you to choose from. With campsites like Crystal Creek (424 reviews), Bee Haven (196 reviews), and Crystal Ridge (112 reviews), you're guaranteed to find a great spot. Whether you're into fishing, autumn fun, or off-roading (OHV), you'll have plenty to keep you entertained. Plus, popular facilities like pets, campfires, and toilets make your camping experience even more enjoyable. Prices start as low as $15 per night, with an average price of $30 per night. Happy camping!

88% (189)

Top-rated campgrounds

If you're looking to go camping near Cardwell, Queensland, Hipcamp has over 280 options for you to choose from. With campsites like Crystal Creek (424 reviews), Bee Haven (196 reviews), and Crystal Ridge (112 reviews), you're guaranteed to find a great spot. Whether you're into fishing, autumn fun, or off-roading (OHV), you'll have plenty to keep you entertained. Plus, popular facilities like pets, campfires, and toilets make your camping experience even more enjoyable. Prices start as low as $15 per night, with an average price of $30 per night. Happy camping!

88% (189)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Tropical Hibiscus Caravan Park

97%

(36)

42km from Cardwell · 60 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Wongaling Beach, QLD

Our boutique park is small in size but big on comfort, with a large pool, gym, TV room, camp kitchen and clean, well-kept amenities. We are a pet friendly park that suit families, couples, or solo travellers. Whether you’re rolling in with a caravan, motorhome, or a campervan, our powered sites are ready for you. Mission Beach is famous for cassowaries along with the stunning blue Ulysses butterfly. For a little town, it has all the essentials you’ll need, plus those holiday extras that make life easy. Of course, the beaches are the star – Wongaling and the greater Mission Beach stretch are perfect for a stroll, a swim, or just watching the sunrise. But if you’re keen to explore, there’s fishing (solo or on charter), rainforest walks, local tours, and for the adventurous, white-water rafting and skydiving. Best of all, our park is within walking distance to shops, cafes, and more – so you can park up, relax, and enjoy your slice of paradise.

2. Mungalla Station

94%

(125)

52km from Cardwell · 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.

3. Mena Creek River Retreat Camp

98%

(125)

69km from Cardwell · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · Germantown, QLD

Our campsites are on a private horse property with pristine creek access and a beautiful spring. We are dog friendly.Enjoy beautiful grassed areas overlooking the property, or down by the creek, accessible to all campers.Please note that property access is generally suited to 4WDs, with some areas ok if you're towing a camping trailer with high clearance. Please check with us if unsure or if the weather has not been favourable.Please be mindful of our neighbours when driving to our property as there is a short distance of dirt, please drive slow not to kick up dust past the neighbouring houses. When you arrive at our property please be mindful of small children and animals roaming the grounds. There are pristine creek views from most of the camp sites, meaning you will be waking to the lovely sound of running water. There is also a beautiful spring for swimming. We are dog friendly, and can offer pet sitting. We ask you to please text us your arrival times the night before you are coming to make sure your arrival time will suit and to check on the weather for access.Children under 7 stay for free.

4. BIG4 Lucinda Wanderers Holiday Park

43km from Cardwell · 138 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Lucinda, QLD

BIG4 Lucinda Wanderers Holiday Park is a nature-lover’s tropical beachside holiday park. Take in the stunning palm trees and birds while you unwind and enjoy all the beauty of the tropical North Queensland coast. Enjoy the best of Lucinda when you stay at Lucinda Wanderers Holiday Park. Hike Thorsborne trail, fish the Hinchinbrook Channel, take a walk to the wharf and take in the gorgeous Coral Sea views.

5. Forrest Beach Hotel Caravan Park

67%

(6)

57km from Cardwell · 85 sites · Tents, RVs · Allingham, QLD

Nestled between the beach and tropical rainforest, FBH Caravan Park has 52 shady powered Caravan sites and unpowered campsites for up to 200 campers. Watch the sunrise over the Coral Sea and Palm Islands, or go fishing on the 14km of sandy beach, just metres from your caravan. The park has a fully equipped Amenities block, with hot showers, toilets and a coin operated laundry. Unlike most Caravan Parks, there is also a fully licenced Hotel, with Bottleshop, Poker Machines and a beachfront Bar and Bistro, to keep guests entertained.

6. Castaway at Cowley

65km from Cardwell · 1 site · Lodging · Cowley Beach, QLD

Wake to the sound of waves at this absolute beachfront 4-bedroom retreat in Cowley Beach. With 2 queen rooms and 2 double bunk rooms, it’s perfect for two families. Relax on the covered patio, enjoy the lush backyard, and soak in tropical privacy surrounded by nature. Romantic sunsets, breathtaking sunrises, and the feeling of an island paradise make this coastal haven the ideal escape for relaxation, fishing, and unforgettable family memories. Escape to paradise at 37 Inarlinga Road, Cowley Beach — a serene, self-contained coastal home with direct access to the beach. This single-story retreat features a spacious covered patio, lush backyard with beach access, and full privacy thanks to surrounding tropical greenery. Inside, guests enjoy air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, secure screened windows, and the conveniences of a fully functional house. With two queen bedrooms and two double bunk rooms, the property comfortably hosts up to two families, making it perfect for group getaways or extended stays. Fully refreshed and spacious, it offers a relaxed home base for all ages. Adventure seekers will love the easy access to local boat ramps (500m) and Liverpool Creek (1.9km), a popular launch point for fishing and crabbing. From here, explore nearby islands like Barnard, Dunk and Bedarra, or venture out to the Great Barrier Reef for unforgettable fishing, snorkeling and diving experiences. Whether you're chasing sunrises, casting lines, spearfishing, diving, or enjoying quiet evenings under the stars, this Cowley Beach haven delivers the perfect blend of relaxation and discovery. PETS: On agreement only (small dogs considered). CHECK OUT: Late check out can be arranged, particularly for Sundays, to allow you a complete day to enjoy the property and local area. When we stay, we leave at 4:00PM and comfortable return to Cairns to be ready for the week ahead. The entire house is available to guests. Essentials within the pantry are available for use within reason, please notify if you run out so we can restock. Laundry powder and cleaning products are all available for use. We use this as our own beach house and escape also, so we understand what's required for your stay.

Stories from the community

S

Sophie

October 2025

5 m Class B

2 nights at Tropical Hibiscus Caravan Park

Very nice caravan park with great, clean amenities. Staff were friendly and helpful and the park is in a good location.

Alexandre

October 2025

4 m Class B

1 night at Tropical Hibiscus Caravan Park

It was amazing. The reception was friendly, helpful and very smiling! Highly recommended! 😊 We paid for a powered site. Very simple to park, and facilities are great!

Mikaela

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Tropical Hibiscus Caravan Park

Great spot, not too busy which was nice. The hosts were very friendly and helpful! Great amenities, all kept clean and tidy. Would visit again!

P

Peter

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Mena Creek River Retreat Camp

We really enjoyed our stay here. The property is beautiful, with a lovely creek and plenty of space to explore. We especially liked the cows wandering past our site in the late afternoon – they made for very welcome company. The campsites are well spaced apart, so it felt private and peaceful (we really saw or heard other campers). Everything was very well maintained and the host was warm and welcoming. Highly recommend!

G

Guy

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Mena Creek River Retreat Camp

Great spot. Private sites and a lot of wildlife and fishing opportunities.

L

Lauren

October 2025

5 m Class B

1 night at Tropical Hibiscus Caravan Park

Lovely wee site- staff are so welcoming and accommodating. Toilets and showers are really clean. Camp kitchen is large with BBQ, utensils and there is also a pizza oven and fridge and freezer. The pool is nice and cold.

O

Océane

September 2025

5 m car

Weekend Trip to Tropical Hibiscus Caravan Park

This place was perfect, the common areas were very clean, the location is convenient and we were very well received. Thank’sss ! Oceane

Kazmau

September 2025

4 m travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Tropical Hibiscus Caravan Park

Neat and tidy all it needs to be.....................

R

Rob

September 2025

6 m pop-up camper

With kids

Weekend Trip to Tropical Hibiscus Caravan Park

Nice and quiet location very close to where we needed to be. Incredibly clean and tidy amenities and very friendly staff.

TomTom

September 2025

5 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Tropical Hibiscus Caravan Park

Really cute caravan park, very clean facilities, close to town

N

Nicolas

August 2025

4 m Class B

1 night at Tropical Hibiscus Caravan Park

We were there for a night with a campervan. It had everything we needed. Clean toilets and showers a large kitchen area with possibilities to cook and make a barbie. The host was also very friendly.

H

Hannah

August 2025

7 m Class A

With kids

1 night at Tropical Hibiscus Caravan Park

We were greeted by a very friendly receptionist who explained where to park up and all the attractions in the local area. The showers and toilets were clean and the facilities great. We used the pool, even if it was a little refreshing. A great visit, thank you.

S

Sandra

August 2025

6 m travel trailer

2 nights at Mungalla Station

Very quiet location beside a lovely billabong full of birdlife. Cattle wandered by occasionally to mix it up. Fifteen minutes to Ingham and 25 to the coast. Great spot.

L

Lasse

August 2025

6 m Class A

Weekend Trip to Tropical Hibiscus Caravan Park

Very nice stay, nice and clean facilities, and nice stay

T

Tracy

August 2025

Tent

6 nights at Tropical Hibiscus Caravan Park

The park has a very warm feeling, owners and staff very friendly and helpful. Great location in between North & South Mission Beach.

J

Julia

July 2025

Tent

2 nights at Mena Creek River Retreat Camp

Great location, very peaceful surroundings. The stream for swimming was a highlight.

L

Lili

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Mena Creek River Retreat Camp

Great camp spot! Private, well maintained and a short walk to a clear creek for a cool off. Our aussie shepherd had the time of his life aswell! Highly recommend

A

Anthony

July 2025

5 m Class B

1 night at Tropical Hibiscus Caravan Park

Only had a very brief stay but would go again. All the facilities you need, supermarket and petrol station near by.

S

Sharon

July 2025

4 m travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Forrest Beach Hotel Caravan Park

This is a regular caravan park not subi,s property we had no booking their and they do not go through hipcamp ppl that book through hipcamp have to pay again on arrival if their is any vacancies often their is not any the caravan park ppl have had enough of hipcamp but the park is a nice enough place

C

Chris

July 2025

7 m travel trailer

5 nights at Tropical Hibiscus Caravan Park

We stayed at Tropical Hibiscus Caravan Park for a week and absolutely loved every minute of it. The park is clean, peaceful, and full of lush tropical gardens that make you feel like you're in your own little slice of paradise. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, always happy to offer local tips or just have a friendly chat. The amenities were spotless and well maintained, and the pool was a perfect way to cool off after a day of exploring. Our powered site was spacious, shady, and well laid out, with easy access for our van and great privacy thanks to the beautiful landscaping. We especially appreciated the dog-friendly atmosphere—our furry travel mates felt just as welcome as we did. It's close to Mission Beach and other attractions, but quiet enough to unwind and relax. We honestly didn't want to leave. Highly recommend this park to anyone looking for a relaxing, friendly, and well-run spot to stay in the area. We'll definitely be back!