Camping near Cooktown

Soak up the tropics while camping near Cooktown, gateway to Queensland’s Cape York Peninsula.

96% (188 reviews)
96% (188 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Cooktown

Available this weekend

Under $50

12 top campgrounds near Cooktown

98%
(63)

Lakeland Downs Camping

10 sites · RVs, Tents12000 acres · Lakeland, QLD
We provide 10 spacious campsites next to Blackburn Dam that has two rock jetties to allow fishing for Barra, Spangled Perch, Eeltailed Catfish and other native fish. There is also Redclaw and Cherabin so bring your Yabby pots. Campers have access to a modern amenities block which has flushing toilets and hot showers. There is a powered camp kitchen for communal use. Big skies that are great for stargazing and abundant birdlife in a peaceful setting provide a backdrop for your next getaway. Cattle graze the property with the occasional donkey guarding the herd as we don't kill our dingoes. There is prolific bird life and 7 types of wallabies and kangaroos as well as other wildlife in several ecosystems. The property is located about 3 hours from Cairns or 1 hour from Cooktown on a sealed road. Once you turn off the highway, access is 4.5kms on a gravel road. The town of Lakeland is just 8kms away with a Hotel, Roadhouse and Coffee shop. We are within an hour of Cooktown and Laura if you would like to do a day trip to the historic towns.
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AU$20
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(48)

Gap Creek Retreat

3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Cooktown, QLD
We are a tropical fruit botanical garden started 50 years ago on the banks of Gap Creek situated on the edge of the Cedar Bay National Park Queensland. We have fruit in season, cows, chickens and ducks.It is 7km to the beach and 8km to the shop.It is also possible to hike to Cedar Bay from this location. Safe swimming in the creek. Limited mobile reception.
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AU$14
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(31)

Scrubby Creek Trevethan Falls

7 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Rossville, QLD
Discover beautiful rainforests and open pastures at Scrubby Creek Trevethan Falls, a very special property just 30 minutes from Cooktown. We offer various grass and bush sites spread out over 160 acres, each peaceful and secluded, within walking distance of amazing natural waterfalls, the clear-running creek dotted with swimming holes, as well as established hiking trails. There is a variety of bird life and wildlife. Trevethan Falls is just a short walk away. Finish the day around your open campfire. You cut or collect your wood from around the property just contact your host. The property has had changes to 3 sites which happened on December the 17th 2023 at around 6am in the Morning we were awoken to the sounds of timber and dirt hitting the house and in a matter of 2 hrs sites 1 /2 and 3 were totally destroyed and the Trevethan Creek was directed through our property, This event was a Landslide from the top of the Moutain which went through the Trevethan Falls and the trees and dirt got caught up in a bottle neck down from the falls. We already had 3 .5 Meters of rain in 4 days! the bottle neck broke out at 6 am hitting us like a freight train and the rest is a good story to tell around a fireplace. We are working hard to clean up sites 1 /2 and 3 which I can see results. Site 1 is open and is very good with water running by the site/ Site 2 is open and we are currently doing work on the new site 2 / Site 3 is currently moved until we clean up the old site. We have a new Site which is Site7 on the creek and very private and Site 4 on the dam and Sites 5 and 6 are bush camps and are very Private. We are hoping to see the tree Kangaroos coming back as well which are good viewing from Midnight on wards to 3 am. Please come and stay we have more sites planed for the future. Please be sure to read the descriptions carefully Pets are welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times. There is also a hobby farm in operation on the property, so you may hear and see the workings of the farm as you explore. We are confident that once you discover this place, you'll return time and time again.
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AU$18
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
94%
(62)

Zazen Permaculture Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Cooktown, QLD
We are 100% committed to sustainable living and do our best to do this. We have a 40-acre property with only about 10 acres cleared and the rest is natural rainforest. We have only been living here since September 2011 so everything is still a work in progress, but it is all coming together really great. We have cows, pigs, guinea fowl, a cat and a brilliant Border Collie dog called Buddy who is everybody's mate. I love woodwork and furniture making, have my owned timber mill and built my owned house with every piece of wood coming of the mill, The bush bath is a feature with most guests taking advantage of a hot bath in the moonlight. We have a substantial vegie garden with a large variety of plants and also about 100 fruit trees in our orchard. Everything is done on Permaculture and Bio Dynamic (Demeter) principles. I am not doing Hipcamping for the money, my main goal is to share with visitors a different lifestyle based on health, happiness, self responsibility and freedom, I am very easy to talk to and look forward to having a chat.
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AU$25
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(23)

Rossville Retreat Lodges & Camping

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents210 acres · Rossville, QLD
Escape from the hustle and bustle of life and reconnect with nature in the beauty of Rossville Retreat, perfectly located and overlooked by Black Mountain, only 20 minutes from Cooktown and 2kms from the historic Lion’s Den pub. Close enough for day trips, yet far enough from Cooktown to enjoy the incredible wildlife and scenery during the daytime and the most amazing star gazing opportunities while sitting around your campfire in the evenings.
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AU$30
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(3)

Bridge Ck Bush Camp Didge Workshop

6 sites · RVs, TentsLaura, QLD
Located off the infamous Battlecamp Road via Cooktown in South East Cape York you will find Bridge Creek Bush Camp on Balnggarrawarra country. Visit for a day or stay and camp. Didgeridoo workshop bookings are visible once you have made a day use or camp booking. You can make a didgeridoo as an individual or a group. The cost of $100 per didgeridoo includes all tools and tuition. Guests will have access to toilet and showers throughout their stay. Pets are welcome but please ensure they are kept under control and cleaned up after as our property borders a nature refuge and national park. Campfires are permitted outside of any fire restrictions. This area has been managed by the traditional owners since the handover in 2006 with the property being managed in three parts, Aboriginal Freehold, National Park and Nature Refuge. Book a tour - Self drive and guided walk to choose a didgeridoo to cut and make into a playing instrument with the traditional owner tuition.
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AU$5
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
Booked 6 times

Can't Remember Hotel

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Cooktown, QLD
The Can't Remember Hotel is an off grid camping area, surrounded by Mango trees and three creeks. Guests are required to be fully self sufficient with their own toilet/shower facilities and must take all waste and rubbish with them on departure. The property has a lot of history associated with it, it is the 1st Cob and Co horse change and remains of a Black Smith shop, hotel and Chinese well.​ Lots of shady trees and wildlife on the property. Check to make sure creeks are down in the area so you can get out there. ​Pets are welcome but must be kept under control at all times whilst on the property. The morning sounds of the wild life is incredible.
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AU$6
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
88%
(4)

Hill Top Farm Camping

1 site · RV, Tent24 acres · Cooktown, QLD
We provide award-winning, environmentally-friendly accommodation on our organic and permaculture-designed farm. We only have one camping area - so you'll have our orchard to yourselves! Guests have access to our council-approved compost toilets, showers and washing machine throughout their stay. A fire pit is also available for guests to enjoy in the evening. Hill Top Farm is the education centre for Learning from Nature. We regularly host intern students and 'Willing Workers on Organic Farms.' We run farm tours and practical courses. To grow food ecologically, we use organic practices and apply permaculture design. For more details, watch this video on the farm (https://youtu.be/ngYv9YpySt0?si=kJi3nsqA1D7uxgpV) and see our website - learningfromnature.com.au. The camping space in our orchard (approximately 22 x 13m) is suitable for campers and guests with camper trailers and small to medium-sized caravans. Max caravan length 9 m (29 ft) Explore our farm, swim in our Olympic-size farm dam, arrange a farm tour, and relax, enjoying the privacy, peace, and quiet. Fifteen minutes from Cooktown, our Hipcamp is the perfect base for exploring the historic town and surrounding landscapes. Pets are welcome, so long as they don't chase our chickens and geese! FARM TOUR - Discover how to grow food eco-logically! Our tours generally take 60 - 90 minutes, depending on our discussions! Each tour costs $110. We don't charge per person.
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AU$33
 / night
* Before taxes and fees

Dans Place

2 sites · RVs, Tents75 acres · Cooktown, QLD
75 acre elevated river frontage, access to shower , toilet and washing facilities. Mixture of open and rainforest. Multiple campsites. Stunning views . Very secluded. Freshwater rainforest creeks . Multiple fruit trees you’re welcome to harvest. Nature lover’s paradise with hundreds of bird species and native animals. Set in 1km off quiet road . Small fires only . Pets allowed on request.
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AU$24
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(1)

Nourishing Gardens and Bird Haven

5 sites · RVs2 acres · Cooktown, QLD
Welcome to our tropical paradise of beautiful birdsongs and nourishing nature at the entrance to Cooktown, Cape York. This charming town is known for its famous Captain Cook Wharf, Historical Museum, abundant opportunities for fishing, crabbing, exotic fruits and wildlife, explore natures wild abundance and beauty along offbeat tracks, enjoy bush creek picnics and pristine swimming holes. Immerse yourself in the vibrant multicultural markets, indulge in the rich indigenous arts and cultural experiences, and embark on scenic bushwalking trails. Don't miss the chance to explore the diverse range of local crafts and immerse yourself in the captivating atmosphere of Cooktown. Guests must be fully self contained with their own toilet/shower facilities and must take all waste with them on departure. No pets or children under 12 are allowed, sorry.  Thank you.
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AU$27
 / night
* Before taxes and fees

Bourgamba Nursery

2 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Bloomfield, QLD
Located at (Buru) China Camp, on Eastern Kuku-Yalanji freehold land in the upper daintree, this picturesque property has lots to offer backing onto Baird's creek, croc free swimming, organic farming, and plenty of things to stay busy. Located 2.0 km away is the top of meg Falls. We are a family run organic nursery. Pitch your tent on our beautiful picturesque property, enjoy the beautiful but secluded location we live in. Wake up each morning to the native birds and wildlife, enjoy a fresh dip in our mountain creeks. We are on the edge of the Daintree Rainbelt about 15 kilometres north of McDowell range, come and enjoy this peaceful retreat. Pets are not allowed.
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AU$40
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
Saved 3 times

Rainforest & River Camp

15 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Cooktown, QLD
***FOR VETERANS AND FIRST RESPONDERS ONLY*** There are bitumen roads right up to the property gate, drive in & park in a drive through spot wherever you feel comfy. There is 240volts mains power to the big bush camp kitchen & a big fridge. The Zen garden of big giant rocks surrounded with river pebbles has the campfire all ready to go. Campers must be self sufficient with their own toilet/shower facilities and must take all waste and rubbish with them on departure. There is a huge plastic water tank with a bore that is 57 meters deep & intersects where two fresh water springs cross paths, it's beautiful water & your welcome to as much of it as you like. The jungle surrounds the clearing, you can enjoy the place, kitchen & camp fire as you wish to. The stars at night from our camp are spectacular & you may well see shooting stars as you enjoy the flames of our camp fire. Early in the morning you will hear nature's majestic orchestra of the rainforest birds. You may well see amazing views & glimpses of some rare animals & birds as you stroll down to the Endeavour River to maybe flick a lure & catch a barra or jungle perch maybe a big fresh water prawn. WARNING CROCODILES LIVE HERE! BE AWARE! DO STAND NEAR THE WATERS EDGE! BE CROC AWARE! (If you do stand too close to the water & a croc grabs you, please be considerate of the others fishing with you & drop the bait so the others can keep fishing). For those of you new to the North of Australia here are some helpful tips- If a big Snake wraps you! Don't breathe out!!! If a Crocodile grabs you! Stick your fist down it's throat!!!! If a Shark grabs you! Stick your thumb in its eye!!!! If a mad dog grabs you, stick your thumb in its bum!!!! An even bigger tip is don't get the previous tips mixed up, This camp is your place to chill out & revitalise (just stay out of the water)It's a nature reserve type camp where the wild life is magical, For those with dogs an awesome family just a minute down the road run great dog kennels & your beautiful pet will have its own chill out & rest & not be eaten by the crocodiles in that gorgeous looking river that dogs can not resist to jump in & splash around, call 0427149968 to speak with Jodi Cooktown dog kennels. If you're going to the Cape you will pass our camp just 20minutes north of Cooktown. If you're a fisherman with a boat I know where some big red fish are at night out on the Great Barrier Reef when the wind is calm. This camp clearing being very flat & level with lots of easy turning area is really ideal for those with boats too. To chill out around this rainforest area is like bliss on earth!
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AU$20
 / night
* Before taxes and fees

Dog-friendly getaways

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Camping near Cooktown guide

Overview

At the mouth of the Endeavour River, about 328 km (204 miles) north of Cairns, Cooktown is the gateway to Queensland’s remote and rugged Cape York Peninsula. Named for the British explorer Captain James Cook, who beached his ship Endeavour off the coast in 1770, the sleepy tropical town is rich in history with an excellent museum, rock art galleries, a lighthouse, and local markets. It’s also within striking distance of plenty of fishing, hiking, and camping options, including caravan parks, farms, and beachfront sites in the townships of Laura, Hope Vale, and Elim Beach. 

Where to go

Mount Cook

The 231-metre (758-foot) Mount Cook provides a dramatic backdrop to town as part of the Mount Cook National Park. Camping is not allowed in the park, but two walking tracks to lookouts lead to spectacular views over Cooktown, the Great Barrier Reef, and area coastline. The easier Mungurru lookout track is a 1.8-km return trip on the lower slopes of Mount Cook, while the 1.6-km Waymbuurr track is more challenging, requiring some navigational skills and a good level of fitness to reach the lookout. Take binoculars for birdwatching, and watch for pythons and northern quolls. 

Keatings Lagooon

Just eight kilometres south of Cooktown, the freshwater Keatings Lagoon Conservation Park is a sanctuary for wildlife and migratory birds. A wooden boardwalk follows the edge of the lagoon through melaleuca forest, leading to a bird-hide and picnic area. For thousands of years the Gungarde Aboriginal people have used the natural resources of the lagoon—which they call Mulbabidgee—for food and medicine. 

Hope Islands National Park

Four low-lying coral cays make up Hope Islands National Park. Get there from Cooktown by charter boat for camping on East Hope Island, a sandy cay with great snorkelling and diving, or on Snapper Island, a popular spot for sea kayakers. Campers must be self-sufficient, as the campsites only feature toilets. Each island has four campsites, with up to four campers allowed at each on East Hope Island and up to six at each site on Snapper Island. 

When to go

The cool months of the year, from May to October, are best for Cape York Peninsula travel. Many roads and tracks become impassable during the hotter, wet months of late November to April, when cyclones can occur.

Know before you go

  • Cooktown has good facilities for stocking up before you go camping, including a post office, pharmacy, visitor information centre, bank, and car hire. 
  • Dangerous stinging jellyfish may be present in coastal waters in the warmer months, when ocean swimming should be avoided. Their toxic stings can cause serious illness.
  • Camping permits are required for all Queensland parks, forests, and reserves. Reserve your spot online and in advance, ideally as early as possible.

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