The best forest camping near Cardwell

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Set up camp beneath towering gums and tangled rainforest in Cardwell, where forest sites offer privacy and a soundtrack of birdsong. Hipcamp lists over 70 forest campsites here—some tucked along creeks, others shaded by dense canopy. Prices start at just $18 a night, with the average around $81. Top picks like Mena Creek River Retreat Camp (80 reviews), Mungalla Station (75 reviews), and Clearview (70 reviews) rank high with travellers for their access to trails, swimming holes, and fishing spots. Campfires are allowed at most sites, showers are common, and plenty welcome pets. Cardwell’s forests aren’t just a backdrop—they’re the main event, whether you’re here to hike, cast a line, or just breathe in the eucalyptus-scented air.

94% (269) 14 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Cardwell

Mission Beach Farm Stay

1. Mission Beach Farm Stay

100%
(17)
46km from Cardwell · 1 site
The property is a tropical fruit farm, zoned 'rural' and is nestled amongst other banana farms and small acreages. The property has mountain, rainforest and farm views. We live on a country road. It is very peaceful and quiet at night. Great for star gazing, as there is low light pollution. You can walk to the beach in around 10-15 minutes. Shops are a little further and include post office, tourist information, restaurants and cafes, clothing, massage, Lennie's fruit shop and a small supermarket. You can purchase take away alcohol from The Tavern in the main shopping area. Woolworth supermarket, chemist, banks and bottles-shops are in Wongaling, about 10 a minute drive.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from 
AU$321
 / night
Clearview

2. Clearview

99%
(101)
47km from Cardwell · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
We are a working cattle property with extensive permaculture inspired production gardens. Our goals are towards regenerating the land and being as self sufficient and organic in production as possible. We encourage you leave lasting marks on the farm by being apart of our regeneration, self sufficient projects, we provide the first hand experiences to our farming lifestyle and volunteer our knowledge to encourage everyone to do their part to a more sustainable future. Situated 15 minutes from the North Queensland town of Tully, on record as being the wettest places in Queensland. We also encourage you to explore our 350 acres of bushland, rainforest and open grasslands or used us as a base to explore the surrounding environment including the stunning Tully Gorge National Park or the beautiful Mission Beach and Dunk Island or just chill out and relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of the surrounding farmland. Our campsites have near 300-degree views of the surrounding Tully Valley, down private gullies or open grasslands. Other options in the area include sky diving, white water rafting, bush or coastal walking, swimming in pristine fresh or saltwater or star gazing this region has it all. Pets are welcome but must be under control at all times. We have a passion for the environment, agriculture and reducing the amount of waste created by humans, we try to reuse and repurposing as much of our own and others waste as possible. You can follow our progress to transform our farm on the Facebook page Clearview - Tully. We are fully off-grid, so you will need to be fully self-contained, a dump point and laundry mat is available in Tully if required. Campfires permitted.
Pets
Campfires
from 
AU$22
 / night
Mungalla Station

3. Mungalla Station

94%
(126)
52km from Cardwell · 15 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
AU$25
 / night
Mena Creek River Retreat Camp

4. Mena Creek River Retreat Camp

98%
(128)
69km from Cardwell · 6 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
Wildside camp retreat Mission Beach

5. Wildside camp retreat Mission Beach

100%
(4)
47km from Cardwell · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Wildside Camp Retreat — Rainforest & Reef Escape Tucked away in a clearing surrounded by rainforest just minutes from the reef and the Tully River, Wildside Camp Retreat offers a peaceful base to camp, unwind, and explore. A freshwater creek flows gently through the property, bordered by palms and beautifully maintained green lawns — the perfect setting to relax or set up camp. Wake to the sounds of birdsong, wander beneath tropical palms, and keep an eye out for cassowaries and wallabies that often pass through. With easy access to Mission Beach, Dunk Island, and the Tully Gorge, this private spot is ideal for adventurers, families, and travellers seeking a true North Queensland nature escape. Facilities are simple and rustic, making it best suited for self-sufficient campers. Whether you’re here for rafting, island hopping, or simply relaxing by the creek, Wildside Camp Retreat is your gateway to rainforest and reef. Bitumen road to the gate with flat, easy access to your campsite.
Pets
Campfires
from 
AU$31
 / night
Twitchers Rest

6. 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

Set up camp beneath towering gums and tangled rainforest in Cardwell, where forest sites offer privacy and a soundtrack of birdsong. Hipcamp lists over 70 forest campsites here—some tucked along creeks, others shaded by dense canopy. Prices start at just $18 a night, with the average around $81. Top picks like Mena Creek River Retreat Camp (80 reviews), Mungalla Station (75 reviews), and Clearview (70 reviews) rank high with travellers for their access to trails, swimming holes, and fishing spots. Campfires are allowed at most sites, showers are common, and plenty welcome pets. Cardwell’s forests aren’t just a backdrop—they’re the main event, whether you’re here to hike, cast a line, or just breathe in the eucalyptus-scented air.

94% (269) 14 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Cardwell

Mission Beach Farm Stay

1. Mission Beach Farm Stay

100%
(17)
46km from Cardwell · 1 site
The property is a tropical fruit farm, zoned 'rural' and is nestled amongst other banana farms and small acreages. The property has mountain, rainforest and farm views. We live on a country road. It is very peaceful and quiet at night. Great for star gazing, as there is low light pollution. You can walk to the beach in around 10-15 minutes. Shops are a little further and include post office, tourist information, restaurants and cafes, clothing, massage, Lennie's fruit shop and a small supermarket. You can purchase take away alcohol from The Tavern in the main shopping area. Woolworth supermarket, chemist, banks and bottles-shops are in Wongaling, about 10 a minute drive.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from 
AU$321
 / night
Clearview

2. Clearview

99%
(101)
47km from Cardwell · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
We are a working cattle property with extensive permaculture inspired production gardens. Our goals are towards regenerating the land and being as self sufficient and organic in production as possible. We encourage you leave lasting marks on the farm by being apart of our regeneration, self sufficient projects, we provide the first hand experiences to our farming lifestyle and volunteer our knowledge to encourage everyone to do their part to a more sustainable future. Situated 15 minutes from the North Queensland town of Tully, on record as being the wettest places in Queensland. We also encourage you to explore our 350 acres of bushland, rainforest and open grasslands or used us as a base to explore the surrounding environment including the stunning Tully Gorge National Park or the beautiful Mission Beach and Dunk Island or just chill out and relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of the surrounding farmland. Our campsites have near 300-degree views of the surrounding Tully Valley, down private gullies or open grasslands. Other options in the area include sky diving, white water rafting, bush or coastal walking, swimming in pristine fresh or saltwater or star gazing this region has it all. Pets are welcome but must be under control at all times. We have a passion for the environment, agriculture and reducing the amount of waste created by humans, we try to reuse and repurposing as much of our own and others waste as possible. You can follow our progress to transform our farm on the Facebook page Clearview - Tully. We are fully off-grid, so you will need to be fully self-contained, a dump point and laundry mat is available in Tully if required. Campfires permitted.
Pets
Campfires
from 
AU$22
 / night
Mungalla Station

3. Mungalla Station

94%
(126)
52km from Cardwell · 15 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
AU$25
 / night
Mena Creek River Retreat Camp

4. Mena Creek River Retreat Camp

98%
(128)
69km from Cardwell · 6 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
Wildside camp retreat Mission Beach

5. Wildside camp retreat Mission Beach

100%
(4)
47km from Cardwell · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Wildside Camp Retreat — Rainforest & Reef Escape Tucked away in a clearing surrounded by rainforest just minutes from the reef and the Tully River, Wildside Camp Retreat offers a peaceful base to camp, unwind, and explore. A freshwater creek flows gently through the property, bordered by palms and beautifully maintained green lawns — the perfect setting to relax or set up camp. Wake to the sounds of birdsong, wander beneath tropical palms, and keep an eye out for cassowaries and wallabies that often pass through. With easy access to Mission Beach, Dunk Island, and the Tully Gorge, this private spot is ideal for adventurers, families, and travellers seeking a true North Queensland nature escape. Facilities are simple and rustic, making it best suited for self-sufficient campers. Whether you’re here for rafting, island hopping, or simply relaxing by the creek, Wildside Camp Retreat is your gateway to rainforest and reef. Bitumen road to the gate with flat, easy access to your campsite.
Pets
Campfires
from 
AU$31
 / night
Twitchers Rest

6. 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

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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