The best camping near Cooktown with swimming

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In Cooktown, you’ll find over 25 campsites where swimming is the main event. Expect clear creeks, swimming holes, and bush backdrops instead of packed resort pools. Sites like Zazen Permaculture Farm (58 reviews) put you next to freshwater dips, while Scrubby Creek Trevethan Falls (39 reviews) and Gap Creek Camping Bloomfield (38 reviews) offer easy access to local falls and shaded swimming spots. Most sites welcome pets, allow campfires, and provide toilets. Prices start at $15 a night, with the average hovering around $21. Bring swimmers, a good hat, and a sense of adventure—the water’s clear, the vibe’s relaxed, and you’ll leave the outback dust behind.

97% (211) 17 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Cooktown

Zazen Permaculture Farm

1. Zazen Permaculture Farm

94%
(77)
15km from Cooktown · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
AU$31
 / night
Scrubby Creek Trevethan Falls

2. 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
Showers
from 
AU$25
 / night
Rossville Retreat Lodges & Camping

3. 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$43
 / night
Gap Creek Camping Bloomfield

4. 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
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
Nourishing Gardens and Bird Haven

6. Nourishing Gardens and Bird Haven

100%
(2)
3.1km from Cooktown · 5 sites
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.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
from 
AU$38
 / night
Hill Top Farm Camping

7. Hill Top Farm Camping

90%
(5)
19km from Cooktown · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Private Orchard Escape at Award-Winning Hill Top Farm Experience the peace of a world-class organic farm without the crowds. As an award-winning destination for environmentally-friendly accommodation, Hill Top Farm offers a unique blend of sustainable living and total privacy. We only host one group at a time, meaning you’ll have our entire permaculture-designed orchard all to yourself. The Space: Our level orchard site (22m×13m) is a lush, shaded haven perfect for camper trailers and caravans (up to 9m/29ft). Guests have exclusive access to our high-standard, council-approved compost toilets and showers, alongside a private fire pit for those iconic starry nights. An Educational Oasis: As the home of Learning from Nature, we are more than just a campsite—we are a working education center. We regularly host interns and students from around the world, all dedicated to permaculture and food security. While you're here, you can swim in our Olympic-sized farm dam, book a practical farm tour, or simply relax and watch the geese. Explore the Region: Located just 15 minutes from historic Cooktown, we provide the perfect, quiet base for exploring the local landscape before returning to your own private corner of our organic paradise. Pets are welcome! We just ask that they don’t chase our resident chickens and geese.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
AU$55
 / night
Helenvale Farm - Van/Camper Stay

8. Helenvale Farm - Van/Camper Stay

100%
(8)
26km from Cooktown · 37 sites
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.
from 
AU$37
 / night

In Cooktown, you’ll find over 25 campsites where swimming is the main event. Expect clear creeks, swimming holes, and bush backdrops instead of packed resort pools. Sites like Zazen Permaculture Farm (58 reviews) put you next to freshwater dips, while Scrubby Creek Trevethan Falls (39 reviews) and Gap Creek Camping Bloomfield (38 reviews) offer easy access to local falls and shaded swimming spots. Most sites welcome pets, allow campfires, and provide toilets. Prices start at $15 a night, with the average hovering around $21. Bring swimmers, a good hat, and a sense of adventure—the water’s clear, the vibe’s relaxed, and you’ll leave the outback dust behind.

97% (211) 17 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Cooktown

Zazen Permaculture Farm

1. Zazen Permaculture Farm

94%
(77)
15km from Cooktown · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
AU$31
 / night
Scrubby Creek Trevethan Falls

2. 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
Showers
from 
AU$25
 / night
Rossville Retreat Lodges & Camping

3. 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$43
 / night
Gap Creek Camping Bloomfield

4. 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
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
Nourishing Gardens and Bird Haven

6. Nourishing Gardens and Bird Haven

100%
(2)
3.1km from Cooktown · 5 sites
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.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
from 
AU$38
 / night
Hill Top Farm Camping

7. Hill Top Farm Camping

90%
(5)
19km from Cooktown · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Private Orchard Escape at Award-Winning Hill Top Farm Experience the peace of a world-class organic farm without the crowds. As an award-winning destination for environmentally-friendly accommodation, Hill Top Farm offers a unique blend of sustainable living and total privacy. We only host one group at a time, meaning you’ll have our entire permaculture-designed orchard all to yourself. The Space: Our level orchard site (22m×13m) is a lush, shaded haven perfect for camper trailers and caravans (up to 9m/29ft). Guests have exclusive access to our high-standard, council-approved compost toilets and showers, alongside a private fire pit for those iconic starry nights. An Educational Oasis: As the home of Learning from Nature, we are more than just a campsite—we are a working education center. We regularly host interns and students from around the world, all dedicated to permaculture and food security. While you're here, you can swim in our Olympic-sized farm dam, book a practical farm tour, or simply relax and watch the geese. Explore the Region: Located just 15 minutes from historic Cooktown, we provide the perfect, quiet base for exploring the local landscape before returning to your own private corner of our organic paradise. Pets are welcome! We just ask that they don’t chase our resident chickens and geese.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
AU$55
 / night
Helenvale Farm - Van/Camper Stay

8. Helenvale Farm - Van/Camper Stay

100%
(8)
26km from Cooktown · 37 sites
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.
from 
AU$37
 / night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field