Camping near Cooktown with fishing

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

98% (110 reviews)
98% (110 reviews)

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10 top campgrounds near Cooktown with fishing

98%
(47)

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
94%
(61)

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
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
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

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

Idriess Creek

1 site · Lodging5 acres · 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.
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AU$75
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
Booked 1 time

Gamaay Dreaming Track

13 sites · TentsHope Vale, QLD
Road into 4wd campsite is only for highly experienced 4wd drivers with recovery gear and high clearance 4wd. No Camping trailers.  Bring own water and take all rubbish out with you. The campsite is closed to all other campers and cars due to severe erosion of the road from 2019 Wet Season. However walking track still open.“Wanhtharra Nyundu”. On behalf of the Gamaay Warra clan, Erica & Bradley Deeral welcome you to the land of our ancestors. Gamaay Warra is the name of our clan whose country stretches from the Endeavour River in the south to Nob Point in the north. We are pleased to announce the opening of The Gamaay Dreaming Track, which is a 15km class 5 walking track & adventure 4WD campsite on the Gamaay clans land just north of Cooktown. The beginning of the walking track can be accessed from Cooktown via a boat transfer or by a rugged 4WD track (7 campsites to choose from).Experienced campers, 4WD operators and bush walkers. Book permits for the walk only (from Cooktown) or book to camp then walk (4WD in to camp).See Property Rules & Safety Notices for more information or send an enquiry.
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AU$50
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
Booked 1 time

Kaiteri Farm

1 site · RV, Tent60 acres · 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.
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AU$19
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
Value Prop
Value Prop

Camping near Cooktown with fishing 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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