The best waterfall campgrounds near Gatton, Queensland

Chasing waterfalls near Gatton? You’ll find over 60 campsites made for it, each with a clear view or easy walk to local falls. Expect a mix of shady bushland and rocky creek beds—some sites even let you fall asleep to the sound of running water. Top picks include Misty Gullies (137 reviews), Mount Castle Valleys (83 reviews), and Pointro Bunkhouse and Campground (27 reviews). Most sites allow campfires and offer hot showers and toilets—essentials after a long day hiking, fishing, or swimming under a cascade. Prices start at just $15 a night, with the average around $35. Bring sturdy boots and swimmers. The trails here are worth the mud, and the plunge pools stay refreshingly cold, even in summer.

96% (347)

Top-rated campgrounds

Chasing waterfalls near Gatton? You’ll find over 60 campsites made for it, each with a clear view or easy walk to local falls. Expect a mix of shady bushland and rocky creek beds—some sites even let you fall asleep to the sound of running water. Top picks include Misty Gullies (137 reviews), Mount Castle Valleys (83 reviews), and Pointro Bunkhouse and Campground (27 reviews). Most sites allow campfires and offer hot showers and toilets—essentials after a long day hiking, fishing, or swimming under a cascade. Prices start at just $15 a night, with the average around $35. Bring sturdy boots and swimmers. The trails here are worth the mud, and the plunge pools stay refreshingly cold, even in summer.

96% (347)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Moogerah Lakeside Bush Retreat

88%

(80)

58km from Gatton · 47 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Moogerah, QLD

Moogerah Lakeside Bush Retreat is a small family owned and operated campground on the shores of Beautiful lake Moogerah in the heart of the Scenic Rim, SEQLD. We are conveniently located only 2km from the Cunningham Hwy and are set in a quiet bush location surrounded by the spectacular scenery of the Scenic Rim. We have a range of accommodation including powered and unpowered camp sites, group camp areas, bunk style cabins and a fully self-contained cabin. There is never a shortage of things to do, you can take a canoe or boat out for a cruise on the lake or try your luck at some fishing. Moogerah is well known for its large Bass & Yellow belly. There is a good bushwalk at the property that takes you out to Striker point and into the gorge waterfall with spectacular views along the way. If you have a 4wd you can take a short drive up to Spicers Gap National Park. Here there is a short walk out to the Governors Chair lookout with spectacular views of the Fassifern Valley and beyond. We currently don't have a boat ramp however once you have launched your boat at the public boat ramp we have a nice bay in front of the campground where you can anchor your boat.

2. Pointro Bunkhouse and Campground

98%

(82)

79km from Gatton · 13 sites · Tents, RVs · Maroon, QLD

ABOUT Looking for a quiet, no-frills camping experience? Pointro Campsite offers spacious sites on the scenic banks of Maroon Dam in Queensland. With basic amenities—toilets, hot showers, and firepits—Pointro is perfect for those who want to reconnect with nature. Enjoy fishing, hiking, water sports, or simply relax in the peaceful surroundings. Our bunkhouse sleeps up to 36, ideal for youth camps and group retreats. No distractions. No crowds. Just the essentials—and the beauty of the outdoors. BOOKINGS Please note you cannot book out the entire campground. WATER There is no potable water at any of the sites. Bring your own. BOATS Boat launch locations are available for campers at designated areas within the campsite and to comply with our SEQ Water licence: * No parking within 20 metres of the water. * Vehicles must stay on the designated road and cannot drive down to the boat ramp. * After launching, vehicles and trailers must be parked back up the hill within the Pointro boundary. * Marquees and similar structures must be at least 6 metres from the water’s edge. * Boats may be moored during the day but must be removed overnight. Breaches may result in fines from SEQ Water, which will be passed on to the responsible party. RULES - NO dogs allowed - NO travelling in the back of boats, trailers, jet skis being towed - NO travelling in the in the back of utes. - NO trail bikes. - NO Smoking. - NO excessive noise and no noise after 10pm. - NO parties. - Do Not Empty waste water on the Ground. - Max 1 Caravan per Site - Report any damage, Incidents or Hazards immediately We reserve the right to ask guests to leave the property without refund if you or they fail to follow the rules or provide false or misleading information in their booking. CONTACT You can contact the caretaker on phone on 0439 709 726.

3. Mount Castle Valleys

100%

(126)

41km from Gatton · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Townson, QLD

Located in the Lockyer Valley less than 2 hours from Brisbane, Mt Castle Valleys consists of over 8000 acres of Australian bushland bordering world heritage national park and Gondwana Rainforest. Stay at a beautiful creekside campsite and have access to over 100km of walking trails ranging in difficulty from beginner level to experienced. During the wet season, cool off in the waterfalls and naturally occuring swimming holes located on the property. Have a chance to spot the local wildlife including koalas, brushtail rock wallabies and a huge range of native bird species. Visitors are welcome to bring their own bicycle and cycle on all established tracks. The Valleys campsite is surrounded on all sides with native bushland. Pitch your tent on a grassy field beside the creek and keep an eye out for wildlife, including koalas, wallabies and a huge range of native bird species. Digitally unplug, with no phone coverage at the site, but retain peace of mind with phone coverage available within a 15 minute drive if you need to reconnect with the outside world. On your way here, consider visiting Pioneer Village in Laidley and the local lavender farm. IMPORTANT NOTE: There are no amenities at the campsites and bush toileting or burying waste is strictly prohibited. You must being a camping toilet and toilet waste must be disposed of off site at an appropriate facility.

4. Misty Gullies

99%

(194)

40km from Gatton · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Groomsville, QLD

A Great place to have your own private and secluded campsite, away from the holiday crowds. A bird watchers paradise. From Wedtailed Eagles to Fairy Wrens. Check out our photography extra. 160 acres of working goat and alpaca farm on the highlands of the Darling Downs, only 8 km from the New England Highway. All sites are private and secluded with great views, great sunsets, and starry night skies. There is an abundance of birds and wildlife including Red Necked Wallabies, Possums, Rufus Batongs, Bandicoots and Echidnas. There are seasonal creeks and waterfalls and wildflowers. Campers may occasionally be visited by a herd of friendly goats that like soft drink and chips. We often have baby goats and alpacas that are being hand reared which are popular with kids and adults alike. Dogs are permitted but have to be quiet and restrained. Campfires permitted at our discretion (please ask first - depending on weather conditions). You'll need to BYO wood. Campers MUST have their own toilet. The standard "Pack it in. Pack it out" rules apply. All sites are accessible by STANDARD HEIGHT 2WD however 4WD may be required if towing. There is a 'special' site reserved for Larger RVs and Caravans. Cooby Dam is only minutes away for fishing, bird watching, Kayaking and canoeing

5. The Cubby House Archerfalls

100%

(2)

75km from Gatton · 1 site · Lodging · Mount Archer, QLD

Once a vineyard and winery, this property is now a private airfield and contains one little cubby house for guests to relax, unwind and soak up nature. This 150-acre property encompasses the northern face of Mount Archer and flatlands to the north. It hosts an abundance of native wildlife along with beautiful creeks and waterfalls after rain. You can fly or drive into the Cubby House. It is tucked away at the foot of the hills with views of the valley to the north with no man-made structures in sight. It is on the cabin on the property and the main residence is a few minute drive away. You feel like you're in your own world. If the smell of the freshly cut runway grass gets you excited, give the team from sticknrudder.com a call to check out this beautiful area from above. They'll taxi a plane right up to your front door and if you wish they'll let you take control under the guidance of one of their instructors!

Stories from the community

Ehntheng

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Pointro Bunkhouse and Campground

Great place to stay. The simplicity of it and the beautiful view lake.

Theresa

October 2025

6 m Class B

4 nights at Pointro Bunkhouse and Campground

Camping at Pointo (Lake Maroon) was perfect. It's a such quiet spot and the sites are a fair distance apart. Getting our small boat on to the lake was easy. Having a few kangaroos around was a bonus. I can imagine overseas visitors loving that aspect! We will definitely be back 😊

T

Thomas

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Pointro Bunkhouse and Campground

Secret site was nice and private. Still very close to the dam. The Showers and toilets access very appreciated. Would stay again if adventuring nearby.

S

Sara

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Pointro Bunkhouse and Campground

Such a beautiful location. We’ll definitely be back. The lake is gorgeous. Only downside was that the bathrooms weren’t regularly cleaned over a busy long weekend but very nice to have a toilet & shower there.

J

Julie

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Pointro Bunkhouse and Campground

This was a gorgeous, private site offering peace and tranquility. Just what my hubby and I need after busy work lives … lovely dam views, lots of birdlife and the odd cheeky kangaroo coming past to say ‘Hi’! We will be back. The only small suggestion would be to make sure you take your own loo paper. Amenities were not serviced during our three day stay.

L

Lucia

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Pointro Bunkhouse and Campground

Loved the place, even if there were quite a few people it still felt intimate. Highly recommend

T

Thomas

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Pointro Bunkhouse and Campground

Great camping site with access to the Maroon lake. Working and we'll maintained facilities with toilets and showers. Also good communication with the hosts. Nothing to complain about, would recommend 🙂.

S

Sajith

October 2025

7 m Class A

With kids

Weekend Trip to Moogerah Lakeside Bush Retreat

Great peaceful place to camp. Used Powered site. Clean toilet facilities. Canoe available if needed.

Greenber

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Pointro Bunkhouse and Campground

This area was okay the view was t bad but it still as really nice campsite. Lot of kangaroo, harmless very cute.

Greenber

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Pointro Bunkhouse and Campground

The campsite was beautiful, overlooking a lake. I recommend coming to visit this area! I booked the iron view and it was the best idea.

L

Leo

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Pointro Bunkhouse and Campground

We had an awesome weekend away and it was so quiet despite being school holidays. There are so many unique hikes nearby and the views are just amazing everyday. Would definitely recommend and like to come back.

M

Michelle

September 2025

5 m travel trailer

5 nights at Mount Castle Valleys

We loved camping with our hybrid caravan at Mt Castle Valleys at the mountain view site. Our plans changed & Laura kindly removed the 48hr notice peroid so we could stay last minute. We spent a total of 5 days on the property. It was very peaceful & quiet. There is only one other campsite and its so far away you can't hear or see anyone only if you walk past it to access the walking tracks. We got to meet both Laura & Glynn who kindly shared some history of the property & were kind enough to give us additional information about the walking tracks. We did book this thinking this was closer to Tarome/ Aratula after only glancing at the map but it sits on the other side of Mt Castle and requires travel through Laidley. It is the perfect location if you're completely self sufficient and want to setup and stay in the one spot to explore for a couple of days. We managed to get enough reception to send an sms only with the new iPhone satellite feature. We are planning to return soon and look forward to completing some of the other walking tracks!

L

Luke

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Moogerah Lakeside Bush Retreat

Tidy, good facilities and great little spot to launch a boat or just fish from the shore.

T

Tiffany

September 2025

6 m pop-up camper

With kids

Weekend Trip to Moogerah Lakeside Bush Retreat

Beautiful part of the world to visit. So clean and looked after!

M

Michael

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Pointro Bunkhouse and Campground

Clean, flat, great view, good amenities. Will return

C

Camila

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Moogerah Lakeside Bush Retreat

Amazing place ! I'll be back to enjoy this place again! Very beautiful, kangaroos and a wonderful view

T

Terry

September 2025

4 m pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Moogerah Lakeside Bush Retreat

Great view of the lake from the lower unpowered sites, make sure to get in early as the spots fill up late Friday and through Saturday. Hot showers are awesome and included in booking fees. Some more flat areas for trailers and caravans would be good 😊

A

Andy

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Pointro Bunkhouse and Campground

We booked Iron Bark which was a fantastic camping spot. It is a bit slopey but it’s not an issue.

G

Greg

September 2025

12 m pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Moogerah Lakeside Bush Retreat

Awesome place, clean, quiet at night, we has a lake front unpowered spot which was amazing with great views. We went kayaking, had great weather for the weekend. The place seems to attract friendly, respectful people, is dog friendly and well facilitated with kitchen, bench seating microwave, fridge etc. and clean toilets and hot showers. We loved our short stay which was only 1 hr from brisbane. We will defineatly be back soon for a longer stay when we have time. Thank you

L

Laura

September 2025

5 m travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Pointro Bunkhouse and Campground

Very well kept site. Lake was lovely and great view.