The best camping near Cardwell with fishing

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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% (96) 9 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Cardwell

Mena Creek River Retreat Camp

1. Mena Creek River Retreat Camp

98%
(128)
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.
Pets
Campfires
Water hookup
from 
AU$55
 / night
Butterfly Valley

2. Butterfly Valley

8.2km from Cardwell · 2 sites
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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
AU$230
 / night
Herbert River Valley PasturesThat S

3. 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.
Pets
Campfires
from 
AU$34
 / night
Twitchers Rest

4. 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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
AU$37
 / night

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% (96) 9 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Cardwell

Mena Creek River Retreat Camp

1. Mena Creek River Retreat Camp

98%
(128)
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.
Pets
Campfires
Water hookup
from 
AU$55
 / night
Butterfly Valley

2. Butterfly Valley

8.2km from Cardwell · 2 sites
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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
AU$230
 / night
Herbert River Valley PasturesThat S

3. 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.
Pets
Campfires
from 
AU$34
 / night
Twitchers Rest

4. 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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
AU$37
 / night

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