The best campgrounds near Cardwell, Queensland with fishing

Cardwell is a magnet for anglers, and with over 50 fishing-focused campsites in the area, there’s no shortage of spots to cast a line. You’ll find places tucked along rivers and close to tidal creeks, where barra and mangrove jack bite early in the morning. Expect sites where pets are welcome, campfires are allowed, and toilets are on hand—practical touches after a day on the water. Swimming holes and hiking tracks cut through the rainforest, and some sites even put you right near rock faces if you fancy a climb. Prices range from as low as $28 up to an average of $135 a night, so there’s something for every budget. The pick of the bunch? Mena Creek River Retreat Camp (80 reviews) offers riverbank camping and easy access to fishing. Twitchers Rest (4 reviews) and Herbert River Valley PasturesThat S (3 reviews) are quieter choices, perfect for those who prefer a laid-back bush setting. Bring your own gear, pack for all weather, and keep an eye out for crocs near the water’s edge—locals know it pays to stay alert here.

88% (95)

Top-rated campgrounds near Cardwell

Cardwell is a magnet for anglers, and with over 50 fishing-focused campsites in the area, there’s no shortage of spots to cast a line. You’ll find places tucked along rivers and close to tidal creeks, where barra and mangrove jack bite early in the morning. Expect sites where pets are welcome, campfires are allowed, and toilets are on hand—practical touches after a day on the water. Swimming holes and hiking tracks cut through the rainforest, and some sites even put you right near rock faces if you fancy a climb. Prices range from as low as $28 up to an average of $135 a night, so there’s something for every budget. The pick of the bunch? Mena Creek River Retreat Camp (80 reviews) offers riverbank camping and easy access to fishing. Twitchers Rest (4 reviews) and Herbert River Valley PasturesThat S (3 reviews) are quieter choices, perfect for those who prefer a laid-back bush setting. Bring your own gear, pack for all weather, and keep an eye out for crocs near the water’s edge—locals know it pays to stay alert here.

88% (95)

Top-rated campgrounds near Cardwell

1. Mena Creek River Retreat Camp

98%

(125)

69km from Cardwell · 11 sites · Tents, RVs

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.

2. Herbert River Valley PasturesThat S

90%

(5)

31km from Cardwell · 12 sites · Tents, RVs

The serene and beautiful Herbert River awaits your visit to enjoy the breathtaking views the valley offers. Base yourself with us and explore the Yammanie National Park along the Herbert River. Gowerie creek has never stopped running in 60 years fed from the Mountains back towards Cardwell this creek presents beauty in every aspect.

3. Twitchers Rest

80%

(5)

50km from Cardwell · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

Nestled in the mountains is a little grove with beautiful views and fresh crisp air. This property is set on 5 acres of flat and sloping ground. The campsite is part rainforest and has a creek on one side. There is also lots of open forest. I find the rainforest good for enjoying the birds. If you're up for an adventure bring your mountain bike and go riding, or head of for walks along the creek. It's very peaceful. You will find the Wallaman Falls, Mt Fox and National Parks nearby. This campsite is located about half an hour from town. This campsite suits self-contained campers who bring their own camping toilet/shower. There is a picnic table for meals, access to water, power and wifi as well as rubbish facilities.

4. Butterfly Valley

8.2km from Cardwell · 2 sites · Lodging

Butterfly Valley Holiday Accommodation is situated on a 160 acre property, that is surrounded by thousands of acres of pristine National Park. Situated just 2.8 km from the Bruce Highway, 10 minutes from the seaside township of Cardwell and close to Hinchinbrook Island, here you can escape the hustle and bustle of life to the peace and quiet of lush natural surrounds. Enjoy private swimming holes and a waterfall that is only 300 meters from your front door, as well as a lookout over Hinchinbrook Island. There is abundant wildlife, and of course you will see many butterflies – watch it all from your private deck overlooking the creek. Our campsites are beside Five Mile creek on Butterfly Island and only accessible by off road vehicles.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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.

J

Joshua

October 2025

9 m pop-up camper

With pets

2 nights at Herbert River Valley PasturesThat S

One of our favourite stops this trip! Just a short drive from Wallaman Falls, with picturesque views and rolling green paddocks dotted with the most curious cows, a donkey, a pony and other friendly animals. The hosts are absolute gems and made our experience even better. If you go, bring a couple of extra dollars to grab some of their local Bullock Creek grassfed Beef — Its well worth it!

B

Brad

September 2025

6 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Herbert River Valley PasturesThat S

Nice quiet secluded site, cattle roaming around the paddocks. Host Colin was fantastic.

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

Tracey

July 2025

7 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Mena Creek River Retreat Camp

Awesome private bush camp! We loved this place spotted some big barra n jungle perch in the river and a super cute echidna, our 16ft caravan n 4wd made it in easy. Wouldnt recommend if its wet as its a steep drive down n out and would suggest talking to Rowan if in doubt who is a awesome host.

J

Jamaiya

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Mena Creek River Retreat Camp

My fiancé and I will definitely be back. This camping ground is truely magical and it was the perfect escape! Would highly recommend.

Prue

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Mena Creek River Retreat Camp

Camping here was absolutely wonderful! Host was helpful, happy and chatty. Beautiful piece of land with no one nearby! Loved the cows roaming throughout the paddock and the spectacular views!