The best campgrounds near Cardwell, Queensland with swimming

Cardwell’s swimming spots are hard to beat, and with over 30 campsites in the area tailored for a dip, you’re spoilt for choice. Most sites sit close to rivers and swimming holes—perfect for cooling off after a hike or a sweaty afternoon climbing. Prices start at $30 a night, with an average around $135, so you can keep it simple or splash out. Camps like Mena Creek River Retreat Camp (80 reviews), Tully Mountain Views (62 reviews), and Cullen Guesthouse & and Rest Stop (11 reviews) come up again and again in traveller recommendations. Expect toilets, pet-friendly spots, and campfires allowed, but don’t count on luxury—most sites keep it practical. You’ll find plenty of opportunities for hiking, climbing, and wildlife-watching in the Cardwell region, with swimming never far from reach.

93% (259)

Top-rated campgrounds

Cardwell’s swimming spots are hard to beat, and with over 30 campsites in the area tailored for a dip, you’re spoilt for choice. Most sites sit close to rivers and swimming holes—perfect for cooling off after a hike or a sweaty afternoon climbing. Prices start at $30 a night, with an average around $135, so you can keep it simple or splash out. Camps like Mena Creek River Retreat Camp (80 reviews), Tully Mountain Views (62 reviews), and Cullen Guesthouse & and Rest Stop (11 reviews) come up again and again in traveller recommendations. Expect toilets, pet-friendly spots, and campfires allowed, but don’t count on luxury—most sites keep it practical. You’ll find plenty of opportunities for hiking, climbing, and wildlife-watching in the Cardwell region, with swimming never far from reach.

93% (259)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Tully Mountain ⛰️ Views

99%

(193)

46km from Cardwell · 6 sites · RVs · Djarawong, QLD

Just 10 minutes north of Tully and 15 minutes to the beautiful Mission Beach, we are close to the highway so traveler’s can rest and enjoy our views, this peaceful rainforest retreat is the perfect base for your next adventure. Camp sites are located around the dam and waterfall with views of the Tully mountains and Tully town with the mill stacks in the far distance. Come and enjoy our peaceful spot. It is a 5 minute drive to Alligators Nest which is the local swimming hole with crystal clear water but with no alligators, or try our local Feluga Pub for a coldie or a great pub meal a few minutes up the road. Or why not check out the great little town of Tully and that giant gumboot. So come breathe in the fresh air and wake up the sounds of our beautiful bush birds. Fire wood available for a small fee. Please take all rubbish with you on departure.

2. 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.

3. Cullen Guesthouse & and Rest Stop

100%

(20)

44km from Cardwell · 1 site · Tent, RV · Ingham, QLD

Park alongside Inghams 100 year old fully restored historical Villa. Shower and toilet facilities, power and water provided within. The property is located 30 seconds off the Bruce Highway. A great stop for the weary traveller. Overnight or longer if needed. An excellent stop for exploring the region, the Wallerman Falls etc. Close to all town amenities.

4. Butterfly Valley

8.2km from Cardwell · 2 sites · Lodging · Damper Creek, QLD

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.

5. Twitchers Rest

80%

(5)

50km from Cardwell · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Upper Stone, QLD

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.

Stories from the community

R

Robyn

October 2025

5 m car

1 night at Tully Mountain ⛰️ Views

Lovely private little escape with great views and close to Alligators Nest. Sheree was wonderful and very helpful. Recommend a stay here.

Plenty of room for a camper trailer and vehicle.

Pedro

October 2025

4 m pop-up camper

2 nights at Tully Mountain ⛰️ Views

We enjoyed the privacy of Site 3. We reversed out camper trailer in and there was sufficient room to open our awning. The convenience of the shower and toilet at the shed was an added bonus. We also enjoyed the short but well maintained walking track.

M

Matt

October 2025

4 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Tully Mountain ⛰️ Views

Awesome spot with great views, only ones on the site that night. Showers clean and close to top pitches, owner Cherie very friendly. Had Sweet the horse in the field next to us and she was a week overdue, hoping she’s got a healthy foal!

M

Mia

October 2025

5 m car

Weekend Trip to Tully Mountain ⛰️ Views

Loved camping at the Dam Site. Beautiful scenery and lovely, clean amenities. Sheree was very friendly and welcoming.

J

Jeffrey

October 2025

5 m car

2 nights at Tully Mountain ⛰️ Views

Site #3 was a great campsite over looking the horse paddock and Tully sugar mill in the distance. Mill lit up at night below a starry sky was nice. Waterfall was nice to fall asleep listening to. Close to Tully and Mission Beach! Clean full bathroom a short distance from all campsites.

T

Trudy

September 2025

5 m car

Weekend Trip to Tully Mountain ⛰️ Views

Such a nice property. The waterfall site had great privacy.

J

Julie

September 2025

7 m travel trailer

With kids

2 nights at Tully Mountain ⛰️ Views

Sheree's camping spot is lovely. Great view and a gentle creek and waterfall. Close to Tully and so quiet. We loved it.

c

christina

September 2025

5 m car

Weekend Trip to Tully Mountain ⛰️ Views

I had such a great time at Tully Mountain Views! The mountain views were amazing, and having a fire pit at night was the perfect way to chill out. The facilities were really clean, and Sheree, the owner, was super helpful with clear directions. Definitely a spot I’d go back to!

M

Michael

September 2025

5 m car

3 nights at Tully Mountain ⛰️ Views

Beautiful spot with the sound of the waterfall, very peaceful.

A

Alex

September 2025

5 m car

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Tully Mountain ⛰️ Views

Very nice camp site, with nearby amenities. Responsive hosts

Y

Yvonne

August 2025

7 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Tully Mountain ⛰️ Views

I loved my private and secluded camp spot at Site 3 - Waterfall camp. Views looking down into the Tully valley are great, especially at sunrise and sunset. Finding the place is easy and the signs lead you to your camp. Sheree came down and introduced herself and was very thoughtful and nice. The spot is shaded, so might not suit those that need solar. I had a 17ft caravan and was able to get into the spot. If you are a bigger rig, you might find site 2 more suitable. Recommend this stay.

Colette

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Cullen Guesthouse & and Rest Stop

Amazing grand home. Beautiful gardens. Although the price was a bit more than other camp spots we had our own bathroom which made it quite reasonable. We had the use of the full kitchen. There was a laundry which we were welcome to use. There were about 12 other guests staying there and everybody was very friendly. 3 cute dogs. A short walk to the shops and restaurants. I would happily live there permanently.

J

Juliane

August 2025

8 m Class A

With kids

1 night at Tully Mountain ⛰️ Views

It is such a really beautiful location. It rained all day and night but we enjoyed the stay there. Sheree was very nice and gave us a short visit. We loved the nature there and would recommend it 100%.

C

Chloe

August 2025

12 m travel trailer

1 night at Tully Mountain ⛰️ Views

We loved our Waterfall stay, peaceful and quiet. The little bush walk around the dam was a nice addition. Sheree was great and dropped off the fire wood for us and very helpful. We were in a 20+m set up caravan/car. Although it rained over night we still got out with out an issue. High recommend for traveling looking to get out of the caravan parks for a bit. :)

L

Luke

August 2025

7 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Tully Mountain ⛰️ Views

Beautiful spot. Stunning little waterfall. Will be back.

K

Karen

July 2025

11 m pop-up camper

3 nights at Tully Mountain ⛰️ Views

We had a beautiful spot to camp by the waterfall. It felt very private and we enjoyed a fire by the creek. Sheree was very friendly and helpful. We hope to be back one day.

D

Deborah

July 2025

6 m pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Cullen Guesthouse & and Rest Stop

We had a lovely stop over at Cullen’s Guest House. A flat grassy spot in the lush gardens of a beautiful heritage building. Bathroom facilities and use of guest house kitchen were a bonus. Would definitely recommend.

C

Charlotte

July 2025

5 m car

3 nights at Tully Mountain ⛰️ Views

Beautiful spot, the host was super quick to reply to any enquires, clean bathroom a short stroll with beautiful scenery

G

Glenys

July 2025

9 m pop-up camper

2 nights at Tully Mountain ⛰️ Views

Very friendly host. Beautiful site 3 with waterfall. Very unique…like we had our own private oasis, even though we had wet conditions. A long hose for cleaning was provided. Site 1 Dam and Site 2 Dam sites were also beautiful, private spots. We strongly recommend Sheree’s Hip Camp.

Nikolai

July 2025

4 m Class A

Group trip

1 night at Tully Mountain ⛰️ Views

Very beautiful and quiet place. Toilet and shower facility was very clean and nice! The waterfall site was so cozy with the sound of falling water! We loved to stayed here and would like to return. Easy to find also 🙌🏼