The best campgrounds near Cooktown, Queensland with fishing

In Cooktown, fishing draws campers to riverbanks and creeks where barramundi and mangrove jack test your line. You’ll find over 20 fishing-friendly campsites here, with average nightly prices around $27 and budget spots dipping as low as $15. Campfires are allowed at most sites, and you get the basics—flushing toilets and hot showers—without fuss. Favourites like Zazen Permaculture Farm (58 reviews), Gap Creek Camping Bloomfield (38 reviews), and Rossville Retreat Lodges & Camping (20 reviews) put you close to the action—think shady trees, creek swims, and early-morning casts. Off the water, you can ride horseback or stretch your legs on hiking tracks. Cooktown’s fishing camps keep it practical and laid-back, just how locals like it.

99% (148)

Top-rated campgrounds

In Cooktown, fishing draws campers to riverbanks and creeks where barramundi and mangrove jack test your line. You’ll find over 20 fishing-friendly campsites here, with average nightly prices around $27 and budget spots dipping as low as $15. Campfires are allowed at most sites, and you get the basics—flushing toilets and hot showers—without fuss. Favourites like Zazen Permaculture Farm (58 reviews), Gap Creek Camping Bloomfield (38 reviews), and Rossville Retreat Lodges & Camping (20 reviews) put you close to the action—think shady trees, creek swims, and early-morning casts. Off the water, you can ride horseback or stretch your legs on hiking tracks. Cooktown’s fishing camps keep it practical and laid-back, just how locals like it.

99% (148)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Gap Creek Camping Bloomfield

98%

(61)

42km from Cooktown · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Cooktown, QLD

We are a tropical fruit botanical garden established 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, and cows. 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. Some mobile reception. Check in after 3pm.

2. Rossville Retreat Lodges & Camping

97%

(33)

24km from Cooktown · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Rossville, QLD

Connect with nature, abundant wildlife and the shining stars above! Immerse yourself in nature and culture in private, eco-friendly lodges or unpowered camp sites and an Indigenous guided bush tour with world renowned bush medicine expert, Mooks. Set in the bush backing on to the Little Annan River, Rossville Retreat offers a riverside picnic area, a private airstrip and bush walks, all overlooked by magical Kalkajaka (Black Mountain), only 20 minutes from Cooktown and 2kms from the iconic Lion’s Den Hotel. At the base of Cape York, just off the Mulligan highway at Black Mountain, Rossville Retreat is perfectly located on the Bloomfield Track, 70kms north of Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest.

3. Zazen Permaculture Farm

94%

(77)

15km from Cooktown · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.

4. Idriess Creek

100%

(1)

53km from Cooktown · 1 site · Lodging · Daintree, QLD

Directly opposite the public boat ramp access to the Great Barrier Reef, I have a fenced camping area that includes one cabin (which has an outside flush toilet and a hot/cold shower), Campsites includes, one site with water only and three sites with water and power. Telstra phone reception is available. It is a fisherman's dream location. Pets are allowed but has to be on leash at all times. 4WD only as access is difficult for 2WD vehicles.

5. Helenvale Farm - Van/Camper Stay

100%

(8)

26km from Cooktown · 37 sites · RVs · Rossville, QLD

Helenvale Farm offers sites for campers with their own toilet at $ 30.00/night per vehicle and is located directly next door to the historic Lion’s Den Hotel which is within a 1-5 minute walk from all of the campsites and has a private gate access from the farm to the pub. There is also 300 metres of water frontage alongside the Little Annan River that flows all year around and is within walking distance from the campsites which are located on 25 acres of flat farmland giving plenty of space, peace and quite. There are multiple campsites available at Helenvale Farm including: Sunny sites for those requiring solar power. River views from river frontage sites. Easy access to wide open spaces with plenty of room for big rigs. Semi-shaded, tree lined campsites that offer either secluded, or family sized areas. Shaded enclosed areas for those wanting cool areas. Pub Crawl, Fig Tree, Sunnyside Up and River Views are all fenced so kids can roam free. Good wifi coverage if you have your own wifi. Boar water is available on request. Helenvale Farm is centrally located to numerous tourist spots including: Cape Tribulation (caravans not encouraged) 2-2.5 hours South. Wujal Wujal Falls all tar sealed (40 mins South). Bloomfield all tar sealed (30 mins South). Cedar Bay National Park (20 mins South). Black Mountain National Park (10 mins North). Trevathan Falls (20 mins North). Archer Point lighthouse ( 20 mins). Historic Cooktown (25 mins North). There is array of sights and activities to indulge in while staying at Helenvale Farm including: Watching the lambs and sheep grazing and playing or chickens scratching in their pen. Enjoy a fish in the river. Indulge in your own campfire with plenty of wood for free. Nature walks with an abundance of bird, fauna and wildlife. Star gazing, sunrises and sunsets. Or you can just relax on the sandy riverside beaches. You can spend quality time with friends and family relaxing in the beauty of nature while enjoying the peace and quiet of farm life on sites that are not overcrowded. If you wish to have an unforgettable stay at Helenvale Farm please contact us by phoning or texting: 0488 007 739 or 0429 832 314 Email us: helenvale.farmstay@gmail.com Channel Nine UHF within a 4 kms range.

6. Nourishing Gardens and Bird Haven

100%

(2)

3.1km from Cooktown · 5 sites · RVs · 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.

7. Twin Rivers Orchard

100%

(4)

46km from Cooktown · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Hope Vale, QLD

Camp in the front paddock near the hoestead for quick road access to Cape Flattery or Starke River and surrounds. Stop in for a break after completing or before starting the Wakooka 4WD track to cape Melville or camp down by the McIvor river for an excellent bird watching rainforest camping experience. Just don't go swimming as our usually shy local local Crocs might come and say hello. Registered Kitchen available for purchases fri-sunday 8:30am to sunset.

8. Kaiteri Farm

27km from Cooktown · 1 site · Tent, RV · Cooktown, QLD

Welcome to Kaiteri, a tropical outback farm 30 km from the historic coastal town of Cooktown. Get a personalised experience with your hosts only take one booking at a time and have a lovely spot down by the creek for campers! The site suits tent campers only (no caravans or trailers), and you need 4WD access to take the track that leads to the creek. The farm has cattle, pet pigs, chickens, horses and dogs. A well behaved medium size dog or a couple of tiny dogs are welcome. Definitely no cats unless kept in a locked area. We have a picnic table and rubbish/recycling facilities but you will need to be self-contained with your own camping toilet and shower. Campfires are allowed (subject to firebans). The small community of Hopevale is just up the road with access to the famous Coloured Sands. Endeavour Valley Road is the gateway access to the rest of the Cape. There is also a beautiful secret waterfall and picnic spot within walking distance of the farm. Camp in an open field or find a spot in the rainforest. Fresh water is available at the farm hut 70 metres away.

Camper favorites near Cooktown

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Idriess Creek

100%

(1)

53km from Cooktown · 1 site · Lodging · Daintree, QLD

Directly opposite the public boat ramp access to the Great Barrier Reef, I have a fenced camping area that includes one cabin (which has an outside flush toilet and a hot/cold shower), Campsites includes, one site with water only and three sites with water and power. Telstra phone reception is available. It is a fisherman's dream location. Pets are allowed but has to be on leash at all times. 4WD only as access is difficult for 2WD vehicles.

Helenvale Farm - Van/Camper Stay

100%

(8)

26km from Cooktown · 37 sites · RVs · Rossville, QLD

Helenvale Farm offers sites for campers with their own toilet at $ 30.00/night per vehicle and is located directly next door to the historic Lion’s Den Hotel which is within a 1-5 minute walk from all of the campsites and has a private gate access from the farm to the pub. There is also 300 metres of water frontage alongside the Little Annan River that flows all year around and is within walking distance from the campsites which are located on 25 acres of flat farmland giving plenty of space, peace and quite. There are multiple campsites available at Helenvale Farm including: Sunny sites for those requiring solar power. River views from river frontage sites. Easy access to wide open spaces with plenty of room for big rigs. Semi-shaded, tree lined campsites that offer either secluded, or family sized areas. Shaded enclosed areas for those wanting cool areas. Pub Crawl, Fig Tree, Sunnyside Up and River Views are all fenced so kids can roam free. Good wifi coverage if you have your own wifi. Boar water is available on request. Helenvale Farm is centrally located to numerous tourist spots including: Cape Tribulation (caravans not encouraged) 2-2.5 hours South. Wujal Wujal Falls all tar sealed (40 mins South). Bloomfield all tar sealed (30 mins South). Cedar Bay National Park (20 mins South). Black Mountain National Park (10 mins North). Trevathan Falls (20 mins North). Archer Point lighthouse ( 20 mins). Historic Cooktown (25 mins North). There is array of sights and activities to indulge in while staying at Helenvale Farm including: Watching the lambs and sheep grazing and playing or chickens scratching in their pen. Enjoy a fish in the river. Indulge in your own campfire with plenty of wood for free. Nature walks with an abundance of bird, fauna and wildlife. Star gazing, sunrises and sunsets. Or you can just relax on the sandy riverside beaches. You can spend quality time with friends and family relaxing in the beauty of nature while enjoying the peace and quiet of farm life on sites that are not overcrowded. If you wish to have an unforgettable stay at Helenvale Farm please contact us by phoning or texting: 0488 007 739 or 0429 832 314 Email us: helenvale.farmstay@gmail.com Channel Nine UHF within a 4 kms range.

Nourishing Gardens and Bird Haven

100%

(2)

3.1km from Cooktown · 5 sites · RVs · 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.

Twin Rivers Orchard

100%

(4)

46km from Cooktown · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Hope Vale, QLD

Camp in the front paddock near the hoestead for quick road access to Cape Flattery or Starke River and surrounds. Stop in for a break after completing or before starting the Wakooka 4WD track to cape Melville or camp down by the McIvor river for an excellent bird watching rainforest camping experience. Just don't go swimming as our usually shy local local Crocs might come and say hello. Registered Kitchen available for purchases fri-sunday 8:30am to sunset.

Kaiteri Farm

27km from Cooktown · 1 site · Tent, RV · Cooktown, QLD

Welcome to Kaiteri, a tropical outback farm 30 km from the historic coastal town of Cooktown. Get a personalised experience with your hosts only take one booking at a time and have a lovely spot down by the creek for campers! The site suits tent campers only (no caravans or trailers), and you need 4WD access to take the track that leads to the creek. The farm has cattle, pet pigs, chickens, horses and dogs. A well behaved medium size dog or a couple of tiny dogs are welcome. Definitely no cats unless kept in a locked area. We have a picnic table and rubbish/recycling facilities but you will need to be self-contained with your own camping toilet and shower. Campfires are allowed (subject to firebans). The small community of Hopevale is just up the road with access to the famous Coloured Sands. Endeavour Valley Road is the gateway access to the rest of the Cape. There is also a beautiful secret waterfall and picnic spot within walking distance of the farm. Camp in an open field or find a spot in the rainforest. Fresh water is available at the farm hut 70 metres away.

Stories from the community

L

Lorenzo

3 weeks ago

Tent

2 nights at Zazen Permaculture Farm

Our stay with Pete and Rose was lovely. They created such a beautiful home for themselves and showed us the whole place. In the evening, we had a fire and some drinks together which was very nice! The cherry on the cake is their puppy Mate who loves people. Glad they want to share their home with travelers. Would love to come back again. Thank you for showing us around!

S

Simon

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Twin Rivers Orchard

Friendly host. Great clean camp close to Cape flattery. Will visit again.

P

Philip

October 2025

5 m car

Weekend Trip to Gap Creek Camping Bloomfield

A lovely, unique, private campsite. Would return in a heartbeat.

T

Tina

October 2025

4 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Zazen Permaculture Farm

Beautiful place! So quiet and peaceful, full of bird life and close to Cooktown! Loved being here with my border collies who enjoyed their freedom and other campers’ company 😇 Dave was extremely helpful and full of local knowledge!! we will be back next year!

Kellie

October 2025

10 m travel trailer

With kids

2 nights at Zazen Permaculture Farm

We had a great stay. Nothing was a problem. Great quiet camp close to Cooktown. Beautiful bird life. Would definitely stay again

P

Pranav

September 2025

6 m Class B

With kids

1 night at Zazen Permaculture Farm

Peter and Rose were the most gracious and lovely hosts. Zazen quickly became one of favourite spots that we camped during our family trip to Cairns and surrounds. The camp site has basic amenities, but is completely surrounded by rainforest and established fruit trees. Peter gave us a tour around the farm in morning, showing us their farm and beautiful timber home that he had built himself. We were even gifted a lovely bunch of sugar bananas and an exotic black sapote! Feeding passionfruits to the cows was a fun little experience for us. We would definitely stay here again on our travels. Thanks for sharing this beautiful little part of the world with us! 😊

J

Jackson

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Zazen Permaculture Farm

A lovely spot 15 minutes from the centre of Cooktown. Peter and Rose are awesome hosts and provided a bunch of firewood for us during our 2 night stay. We spent a couple hours on one night sitting round the fire having a beer with them, learning more about the area and trading stories. A great trip. We can’t wait to visit again.

Brigitte

September 2025

5 m car

Weekend Trip to Gap Creek Camping Bloomfield

Pretty spot with the orchid and animals! Amos was a lovely host:)

N

Nicola

September 2025

8 m travel trailer

2 nights at Rossville Retreat Lodges & Camping

Wonderful place to stay close to Cooktown, lots of space.. Host were very friendly and helpful.

C

Caroline

August 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Gap Creek Camping Bloomfield

Loved it, stayed 2 nights total. Amos is very welcoming. Great spot, dog was happy and I was rested! Creek crossing to get in and cows, dogs, chickens and native wildlife to keep you occupied. Beautiful place to refresh after/before Cape York!

C

Caroline

August 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Gap Creek Camping Bloomfield

Really lovely and secluded orchard with mature fruiting trees, fragrant flowers, and lush green grass - a welcome stay on my way from Cape York to unwind before Bloomfield track home, accompanied by my dog. The road here is also really scenic and well worth the drive. Bonus for the crystal clear safe creek, very good for drinking & swimming. Amos & his mum made Xena and I very welcome in their slice of paradise, that is also home to Cricket & Toby (the pig defender), chickens and cows. Thank you so much for the pleasure of staying here, I'm so lucky that I got the place to myself - Xena had a ball! Recommend site 3 for most privacy, great tree to camp under, and for solar dependent campers.

J

Jazmin

August 2025

10 m travel trailer

With kids

4 nights at Zazen Permaculture Farm

This place is absolutely beautiful, only about 15 minutes from Cooktown. The hosts, Peter and Rose, were incredibly welcoming and genuinely lovely, which made the stay even more special. The property is spacious, affordable, and has such a peaceful atmosphere. I’ll definitely be recommending it to family and friends—it’s a hidden gem worth experiencing!

D

Derek-Richard

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Gap Creek Camping Bloomfield

Such a great spot amongst the rainforest. So many different varieties of fruit in the orchard. Host was really kind and let us take a few different fruits to try. The rainforest is so close and you get to hear and see alot of wildlife. Great spot and would recommend for those trying to get away from the busier campsites.

Sharon

August 2025

13 m travel trailer

3 nights at Zazen Permaculture Farm

Great camp grounds, friendly hosts. Enjoyed our time there.

P

Paula

August 2025

15 m pop-up camper

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Twin Rivers Orchard

Super friendly host who was very helpful indeed. Great location to visit Cape Flattery or Lakefield national park.

Daan

August 2025

5 m Class B

With pets

2 nights at Gap Creek Camping Bloomfield

Beautiful spot to camp, good facilities and very friendly host. Fun drive to Cape Tribulation via Bloomsfield track, would defenitly recommend.

Our sons special creation for “Mooks” ❤️ the first time he drew in 6 months ❤️

S

Simon

July 2025

13 m pop-up camper

With kids

2 nights at Rossville Retreat Lodges & Camping

Hipcamp .. this is the real deal🙈🤙🏕️ Australia the land the respect to the First Nation people the pride of the hosts and the story of their journey to Rossvile. It isn’t just a place to drive through.. it’s a place to connect and learn more about yourself than anywhere else ❤️

a

arnaud

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Idriess Creek

Brad had a great comunication with us, he was easy going and accurate The donga was very clean and well appointed with air con ,TV, wifi , he also landed us a lighter to start the fire. He has a beatifull garden with chickens and lots of birds in the trees . The place is quiet and peacefull. Thank you Brad for letting us staying there. we will come back for sure .

Pub Crawl sites are literally a 1 minute walk to the Lions Den Hotel and also have plenty of sun for solar.

A

Alissa

July 2025

9 m travel trailer

With kids

1 night at Helenvale Farm - Van/Camper Stay

Convenient location right next door to the Lions Den for a fraction of the price you just need to be fully self contained. However we used the pubs toilets when we went for dinner that night and coffee in the morning. Lovely green grass and creek down the back

R

Rob

June 2025

5 m car

1 night at Zazen Permaculture Farm

Had a great time camping at Zazen! Peter and Rose (and buddy the border collie) were very friendly and accommodating, showing us around the garden and treating us to some produce that was in season. We were able to help ourselves to firewood and had a great yarn around the fire. It was very quiet and peaceful, we'd love to come back again!