97% (307) • 18 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Cooktown
Lakeland Downs Camping
1. Lakeland Downs Camping
99%
(227)
54km from Cooktown · 41 sites · Tents, RVs
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 and canoes or kayaks.
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, Coffee shop and 2 well stocked local fresh produce stalls.
We are within an hour of Cooktown and Laura if you would like to do a day trip to the historic towns.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$25
/ night
Gap Creek Camping Bloomfield
2. Gap Creek Camping Bloomfield
98%
(62)
42km from Cooktown · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$19
/ night
Scrubby Creek Trevethan Falls
3. Scrubby Creek Trevethan Falls
97%
(55)
23km from Cooktown · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Campfires
Water hookup
from
AU$26
/ night
Cooktown Holiday Park
4. Cooktown Holiday Park
100%
(1)
1km from Cooktown · 108 sites · RVs, Lodging
Historic Cooktown is the Gateway to Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland, and an easy 3.5 - 4 hour drive North of Cairns.
Cooktown Holiday Park is just a short stroll into town and is set amongst 8 acres of tropical award-winning gardens and beautiful surroundings, comfortable fully self-contained 1 and 2 bedroom cabins, motel-style units, budget cabins, and roomy caravan and camping sites that can accommodate large motorhomes/RV's - FREE WIFI available to all Accommodation and Sites.
It is a great base in which to explore Cooktown local attractions. Must-do's include the Cooktown Museum (formerly James Cook Museum), take in the 360 degree views from Grassy Hill, stroll down the main street and see some of the old Historical Buildings, try your luck at catching a fish off the Wharf, and visit the Botanical Gardens.
Surrounding area drives out to Archer Point, Black Mountain and numerous waterfalls are all within easy reach.
Make it your starting point for your Cape York Adventure.
SORRY, NO PETS
Toilets
Potable water
Full hookups
from
AU$70
/ night
Yindilli Camping and Guided Walks
5. Yindilli Camping and Guided Walks
98%
(27)
65km from Cooktown · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$37
/ night
Rossville Retreat Lodges & Camping
6. Rossville Retreat Lodges & Camping
97%
(33)
24km from Cooktown · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$303
/ night
Hill Top Farm Camping
7. Hill Top Farm Camping
90%
(5)
19km from Cooktown · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
AU$55
/ night
Idriess Creek
8. Idriess Creek
100%
(1)
53km from Cooktown · 1 site · Lodging
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.
Toilets
Campfires
Wifi
from
AU$91
/ night
Kaiteri Farm
9. Kaiteri Farm
27km from Cooktown · 1 site · Tent, RV
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.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
AU$23
/ night
97% (307) • 18 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Cooktown
Lakeland Downs Camping
1. Lakeland Downs Camping
99%
(227)
54km from Cooktown · 41 sites · Tents, RVs
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 and canoes or kayaks.
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, Coffee shop and 2 well stocked local fresh produce stalls.
We are within an hour of Cooktown and Laura if you would like to do a day trip to the historic towns.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$25
/ night
Gap Creek Camping Bloomfield
2. Gap Creek Camping Bloomfield
98%
(62)
42km from Cooktown · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$19
/ night
Scrubby Creek Trevethan Falls
3. Scrubby Creek Trevethan Falls
97%
(55)
23km from Cooktown · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Campfires
Water hookup
from
AU$26
/ night
Cooktown Holiday Park
4. Cooktown Holiday Park
100%
(1)
1km from Cooktown · 108 sites · RVs, Lodging
Historic Cooktown is the Gateway to Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland, and an easy 3.5 - 4 hour drive North of Cairns.
Cooktown Holiday Park is just a short stroll into town and is set amongst 8 acres of tropical award-winning gardens and beautiful surroundings, comfortable fully self-contained 1 and 2 bedroom cabins, motel-style units, budget cabins, and roomy caravan and camping sites that can accommodate large motorhomes/RV's - FREE WIFI available to all Accommodation and Sites.
It is a great base in which to explore Cooktown local attractions. Must-do's include the Cooktown Museum (formerly James Cook Museum), take in the 360 degree views from Grassy Hill, stroll down the main street and see some of the old Historical Buildings, try your luck at catching a fish off the Wharf, and visit the Botanical Gardens.
Surrounding area drives out to Archer Point, Black Mountain and numerous waterfalls are all within easy reach.
Make it your starting point for your Cape York Adventure.
SORRY, NO PETS
Toilets
Potable water
Full hookups
from
AU$70
/ night
Yindilli Camping and Guided Walks
5. Yindilli Camping and Guided Walks
98%
(27)
65km from Cooktown · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$37
/ night
Rossville Retreat Lodges & Camping
6. Rossville Retreat Lodges & Camping
97%
(33)
24km from Cooktown · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$303
/ night
Hill Top Farm Camping
7. Hill Top Farm Camping
90%
(5)
19km from Cooktown · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
AU$55
/ night
Idriess Creek
8. Idriess Creek
100%
(1)
53km from Cooktown · 1 site · Lodging
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.
Toilets
Campfires
Wifi
from
AU$91
/ night
Kaiteri Farm
9. Kaiteri Farm
27km from Cooktown · 1 site · Tent, RV
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.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
AU$23
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
J
Jacinta
3 weeks ago
Tent
We had great stay at Lakeland camping ground on Christmas Day. We got in late, meet joy & she was super friendly, we had the place to ourselves. The amenities were good & clean & handy camp kitchen. There dog end up staying with us at our camp set up which was super cute. Could easy of stayed few days & spent more time relaxing or fishing in the lake. Definitely would say again if out that way.
See more
M
Michael
November 2025
7 m Class B
With pets
Joy has created a lovely haven for campers
Good facilities and plenty of room
Great interaction with animals
Would highly recommend staying here
Kenny
See more
Megan
October 2025
Tent
What a beautiful spot .. we were there mid week
and had the place to ourselves .. lots of shady spots with campfires accessible.. great to have a toilet and shower block and camp kitchen well maintained . The campsites all close to the lake to enjoy fishing and birdlife. We loved having the local characters .. Wolf the retired kelpie hanging out with us .. “Bird” the local duck who adopted us after our morning fishing .. and the horses and cattle who were curious but delightful having them so tame to not fear us invading there territory. Joy a great host ..location perfect from Cairns .. if night skies, campfire and time out is what your seeking .. this is the perfect spot .. had a great time and look forward to taking my family back here .
See moreJ
Jennifer
October 2025
5 m pop-up camper
With pets
Perfect setting with no one else here and wonderful Kelpie to keep us company
See more
P
Philip
October 2025
5 m car
A lovely, unique, private campsite. Would return in a heartbeat.
See more
Sarah
October 2025
5 m car
What a magical place, wish we could have spent more time! Thank you for having us
See moreC
Chris
October 2025
6 m travel trailer
With kids
We have stayed here twice now and would definitely come back. Joy is an awesome host and is always popping in and out to make sure the place is spotless and all campers are happy and catered for.
See moreJ
Jamie
October 2025
15 m Class B
With pets
Nicely set up by the lagoon, lots of friendly animals, cows, donkeys, horses.ect. Joy is a very nice person easy to get along with, comes and sees everyone in the afternoon to see if all is good, plenty of camping spots, lots of canoes for you to use. Very nice spot
See moreS
Salvador
October 2025
15 m travel trailer
Group trip
This place is a hidden gem, big open space with fire pits to cater for all sized groups. The campground was spotless and well set out. The dam was great for a paddle in the canoes and also a walk around if feeling energetic. Will definitely put on the list to come back… thanks Joy
See moreA
Andi
October 2025
Tent
With kids
We had a great time camping at Joys property over the long weekend. The toilets and hot showers were well maintained and clean and the camp kitchen was equipped with a microwave and kettle which was very handy. The kids had an absolute ball out in the canoes fishing on the dam. The campgrounds were busy but everyone was spaced out with plenty of room. Highly recommend staying here, we will definitely be back 😀🎣🐾
See moreD
David
October 2025
7 m Class A
With pets
Really enjoyed our 2-night stay. Would be easy to stay for longer and we’ll definitely be back. Thanks to Joy for being such a great host.
See more
J
Julia
October 2025
6 m pop-up camper
With kids
Easily accessible, beautiful space to camp having a fire looking over the lake.
Able to fish and use canoes which was a wonderful bonus!
See more
D
David
October 2025
5 m pop-up camper
With pets
Great little stop on the way back, kids had a ball and the amenities were perfect for what we intended on, Joy and her family have done a great job on the station to suit us visitors and we really appreciate it... thank you
See more
D
David
October 2025
5 m pop-up camper
With kids
Beautiful stop by during the trip, kids went canoeing and the amenities were enough for what we needed
See moreF
Francoise
September 2025
6 m travel trailer
With pets
WHAT A GREAT PLACE.
So peacefully.
Joy and family are lovely.
See moren
nathan
September 2025
Tent
The hospitality of Joy was unsurpassed. The camping ground was clean and well maintained. The shower and faculty’s were well and truly above standard
The animals being horses , donkeys , cows that freely roamed were all friendly, we even had a the cattle dog sleep in the camping spot and felt like he was looking after us .
Recommend the spot highly
See more
Andrew
September 2025
Tent
With kids
Great place to stay with excellent amenities and a great host to boot. Would definitely stay there again, thank you
See moreD
Daryl
September 2025
7 m pop-up camper
Lovely un crowded farm style camping. Fire places with best ever wind shelter in the form of rain water tank corrugated iron half shells. Hot showers and we'll equipped camp kitchen. Canoes provided for paddling around the lake. Tame donkey Winston and tame cows and Brahman bull wandering about. Lots of birds and Barra in the lake (we caught and ate one...delicious, not muddy at all....). Lovely off grid alternative to a caravan park.
See more
J
Jessica
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
Beautiful spot to kick back and unwind for a few days. Lovely facilities including super hot showers!
See more
M
Marnie
September 2025
Tent
I loved the lake and all the camping sites that are available, Joy is a wonderful host and very welcoming and each afternoon would stop by to say a quick hello, toilets showers and even a washing machine all available for use, the surrounding camp grounds kept well maintained with beautiful grassy areas, all up i loved my 3 night stay and would definitely recommend a stay for a night or even a few, so peaceful, also there are canoes provided if you like to go for a paddle, it's a credit to Joy and her daughter on such a beautiful peace of paradise 🙂
See more
The best camping near Cooktown with showers guide
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.