The best campgrounds near Cooktown, Queensland with swimming

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)

Top-rated campgrounds

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)

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. Scrubby Creek Trevethan Falls

97%

(55)

23km from Cooktown · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Rossville, QLD

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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

from

AU$37

/ night

7. Hill Top Farm Camping

90%

(5)

19km from Cooktown · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Cooktown, QLD

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.

8. 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.

Camper favorites near Cooktown

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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.

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.

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.

from

AU$37

/ night

Hill Top Farm Camping

90%

(5)

19km from Cooktown · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Cooktown, QLD

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.

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.

Stories from the community

L

Lorenzo

November 2025

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!

P

Philip

October 2025

5 m car

Weekend Trip to Gap Creek Camping Bloomfield

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

Campsite No.2 spot after Cyclone Jasper and Flooded

Steve

October 2025

4 m pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Scrubby Creek Trevethan Falls

Great spot, nice and peaceful. Enough water to sit in and relax

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

Jamie

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Scrubby Creek Trevethan Falls

We were given camp 1 instead of 2. The devastation from the floods were obvious,great spot even so on a 450m hike to the stunning Trevarthan Falls. Great swimming spots along the way to the Falls. Thanks for having us highly recommend.

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:)

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.

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!

Stijn

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hill Top Farm Camping

We loved the calm and rustic environment of Wendy’s campsite. Wendy was a very friendly host and was helpful and enthusiastic about her farm. We can definitely recommend if you’re looking to connect with nature.

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.

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 ❤️