The best forest campgrounds near Cooktown, Queensland

Set up your tent under towering gums and dense canopy—Cooktown’s forest campsites put you right in the heart of Far North Queensland’s wild side. With seven forest camping spots in the area, you’ll find sites where the sound of birds at dawn is your alarm and the track to a swimming hole starts steps from your camp chair. Expect average nightly rates around $19, with a few gems dropping to just $15. Showers, campfires, and toilets are standard, so you won’t have to rough it. Top picks include Gap Creek Camping Bloomfield (38 reviews), where platypus sightings are almost routine, Rossville Retreat Lodges & Camping (20 reviews) for easy walks straight into rainforest, and Helenvale Farm - Van/Camper Stay (5 reviews) with creek access and prime wildlife-watching. Pack sturdy boots—the hikes can get muddy—and don’t forget your swimmers.

99% (98)

Top-rated campgrounds

Set up your tent under towering gums and dense canopy—Cooktown’s forest campsites put you right in the heart of Far North Queensland’s wild side. With seven forest camping spots in the area, you’ll find sites where the sound of birds at dawn is your alarm and the track to a swimming hole starts steps from your camp chair. Expect average nightly rates around $19, with a few gems dropping to just $15. Showers, campfires, and toilets are standard, so you won’t have to rough it. Top picks include Gap Creek Camping Bloomfield (38 reviews), where platypus sightings are almost routine, Rossville Retreat Lodges & Camping (20 reviews) for easy walks straight into rainforest, and Helenvale Farm - Van/Camper Stay (5 reviews) with creek access and prime wildlife-watching. Pack sturdy boots—the hikes can get muddy—and don’t forget your swimmers.

99% (98)

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. Yindilli Camping and Guided Walks

98%

(27)

65km from Cooktown · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · Daintree, QLD

Yindilli Camping Ground is set amongst some of the most beautiful open eucalypt forests and rainforests of north Queensland and is located on the CREB Track, a popular 4WD tourist route. Nearby is the iconic Roaring Meg Falls. The track is not suitable for towing caravans. We are 38klms from Daintree Village on the CREB Track (also known as Upper Daintree Rd) and it will take about 2.5hrs to drive as the road is unsealed, steep in sections and narrow. Be aware of weather conditions before travelling on this road as minimal rainfall can make the track slippery. An alternative route to Yindilli Camping ground is from the northern end of the track from Bloomfield via the China Camp Rd or the Zig Zag Track - both meet up with the CREB Track. We are 27klms from Bloomfield or 1 hour to drive, this section is graded regularly and easy to traverse in the dry season.The campsites have access to a freshwater creek for swimming and relaxing. The birdlife is abundant, including the occasional glimpse of a Cassowary. Camp sites are on 2.5ha of lush green lawns, lots of shade and within metres of a fresh water creek for swimming and relaxing. Facilities include: septic toilets, showers, dry firewood (on request) and spacious sites Children and pet friendly. Guests are advised to only light fires in designated areas and these must be fully extinguished before departure.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

Stories from the community

S

Simon

November 2025

Tent

2 nights at Twin Rivers Orchard

Top spot, lots of bush sites spread throughout the property offering plenty of space and privacy for your own group. Plenty to see and do along with some history to learn about as well.

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.

Adam

September 2025

6 m pop-up camper

2 nights at Twin Rivers Orchard

Great spot to stay, plenty of flat area to setup. Ideal camp for exploring cape flattery for the day. The owners were very welcoming and let us explore the property and new sites they were pushing in, We will definitely be back again. Thanks for having us.

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:)

L

Luke

September 2025

5 m pop-up camper

3 nights at Yindilli Camping and Guided Walks

Me and my wife enjoyed some much needed relaxation and connection to earth here. The camp hosts Helen and CJ treated us like family. We enjoyed experiencing a smoking ceremony, followed by enjoying home made damper, tea and coffee. We were then led on an amazing rainforest walk, being taught about local plants and culture along the way. If you want to experience a land full of good energy, peace and quiet, this is the place.

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.

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.

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.