The best campgrounds near Ingham, Queensland with hiking

In Ingham, hiking takes centre stage, with over 20 camping options that get you close to the region's wild tracks and rainforest gullies. Expect sites that welcome pets, allow campfires, and offer toilets—essentials sorted, so you can focus on the trails. You’ll find options from just $28 a night, with the average around $38. Local favourites include Crystal Creek Nywaigi Camp Grounds (629 reviews)—a spot known for its freshwater swimming holes and easy access to mountain walks, Crystal Ridge (236 reviews) with its sweeping valley views, and Coothara Farm (88 reviews), where birdlife and fishing on quiet mornings are the draw. After a day on foot, cool off with a swim, keep an eye out for wallabies, or try your luck casting a line. These campsites keep it simple—real bush camping with just enough comfort to make it easy.

93% (1.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Ingham

In Ingham, hiking takes centre stage, with over 20 camping options that get you close to the region's wild tracks and rainforest gullies. Expect sites that welcome pets, allow campfires, and offer toilets—essentials sorted, so you can focus on the trails. You’ll find options from just $28 a night, with the average around $38. Local favourites include Crystal Creek Nywaigi Camp Grounds (629 reviews)—a spot known for its freshwater swimming holes and easy access to mountain walks, Crystal Ridge (236 reviews) with its sweeping valley views, and Coothara Farm (88 reviews), where birdlife and fishing on quiet mornings are the draw. After a day on foot, cool off with a swim, keep an eye out for wallabies, or try your luck casting a line. These campsites keep it simple—real bush camping with just enough comfort to make it easy.

93% (1.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Ingham

1. Crystal Creek Nywaigi Camp Grounds

88%

(1160)

38km from Ingham · 27 sites · Tents, RVs

Crystal Creek Campsite is a large camp area with private access to the creek. Large area with plenty of shade. Dog friendly (on a lead). Fires allowed Caretaker Number is 0498 692 998 Stephen. Campers MUST provide car registration details at time of booking and display booking number on their windscreens. Close walk to natural swimming pools which are absolutely picturesque. We offer large shady spots with a few BBQ's, fire pits and amenities. Plenty of fishing and swimming to enjoy. Amenities include hot showers (10 MINS ONLY PLEASE). Access to campsite passes our school so please drive very slowly if your accessing campsite during school hours. Children under 6 stay for free. Do not include them at time of booking. Please read all information, rule and directions (provided once you have a confirmed booking)

2. Crystal Ridge

97%

(565)

38km from Ingham · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Welcome to Crystal Ridge, a peaceful location where you can enjoy peace and privacy. Campers can fish, swim, bird watch or just relax by the water and watch the cows grazing around the property. Nearby you'll find Mount Spec, Paluma Range National Park straddles the summit and escarpment of the Paluma Range, rising 1,000m above the Big Crystal Creek floodplain. This is the most southerly national park in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Located approximately 45 minutes north of Townsville on the Bruce Highway, Mutarnee is a small peaceful hamlet nestled on the banks of beautiful Crystal Creek. At the local caravan park there's a small shop and service station and just a minute down the road you'll find the Crystal Creek boat ramp. There is great bushwalks in the area and place to mountain bike. Any camping set up is welcome to pull up on the flat, grassy site. You are welcome to bring your pet, but please ensure they are kept on a leash and under control. You will need to get gate code day before you arrive. Either text or on the hipcamp site.

3. Coothara Farm

94%

(137)

80km from Ingham · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

Located just outside Townsville, this rural farm setting features lots of wildlife. There is a dam in a shaded paddock next to the camping area. You can hang out with the horses, cows, chickens and many other animals. The campsite is quiet, peaceful and relaxing. We even have a MH therapy cow, Nemoo! (bring your camera!) Enjoy a yarn around the campfire (firewood available depending on season) or a swim in the dam! This campsite suits self-contained campers who bring their own toilet/shower amenities and can run off grid. The Townsville region has much to offer. There's a free swimming pool on the esplanade. If you're up for a walk or bike ride the esplanade takes you through the gardens on the water's edge. You can also take a cruise out to Magnetic Island. Pets on leashes are welcome.

4. Butterfly Valley

36km from Ingham · 2 sites · Lodging

Butterfly Valley Holiday Accommodation is situated on a 160 acre property, that is surrounded by thousands of acres of pristine National Park. Situated just 2.8 km from the Bruce Highway, 10 minutes from the seaside township of Cardwell and close to Hinchinbrook Island, here you can escape the hustle and bustle of life to the peace and quiet of lush natural surrounds. Enjoy private swimming holes and a waterfall that is only 300 meters from your front door, as well as a lookout over Hinchinbrook Island. There is abundant wildlife, and of course you will see many butterflies – watch it all from your private deck overlooking the creek. Our campsites are beside Five Mile creek on Butterfly Island and only accessible by off road vehicles.

5. Cullen Guesthouse & and Rest Stop

100%

(20)

0.4km from Ingham · 1 site · Tent, RV

Park alongside Inghams 100 year old fully restored historical Villa. Shower and toilet facilities, power and water provided within. The property is located 30 seconds off the Bruce Highway. A great stop for the weary traveller. Overnight or longer if needed. An excellent stop for exploring the region, the Wallerman Falls etc. Close to all town amenities.

6. Herbert River Valley PasturesThat S

90%

(5)

46km from Ingham · 12 sites · Tents, RVs

The serene and beautiful Herbert River awaits your visit to enjoy the breathtaking views the valley offers. Base yourself with us and explore the Yammanie National Park along the Herbert River. Gowerie creek has never stopped running in 60 years fed from the Mountains back towards Cardwell this creek presents beauty in every aspect.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

L

Leigh

2 weeks ago

5 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Crystal Creek Nywaigi Camp Grounds

Absolutely beautiful location. Very quiet and well kept.

C

Christopher

2 weeks ago

6 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Crystal Creek Nywaigi Camp Grounds

It's so peaceful and serene. We camped at the top (water and powered sites), and it was perfect. The booking process is very simple and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

J

Jackie

2 weeks ago

4 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Crystal Creek Nywaigi Camp Grounds

Perfect directions. We booked powered sites, unfortunately no shaded area for powered sites but luckily we had bought our own gazebo’s for shade. Bathroom amenities were clean, sensor light inside was great, so you didn't have to find light switch. Fresh water creek was nice for a quick dip. Will be on our list of places to return. Thank you

Mimi

2 weeks ago

9 m pop-up camper

3 nights at Crystal Ridge

★★★★★ I recently had the pleasure of staying at this beautiful site, located just 45 minutes north of Townsville, in the peaceful hamlet of Mutarnee. The location along the banks of Crystal Creek made for a perfect escape from the heat and everyday life in suburbia. Getting there was straightforward through the single locked gate at entry and the track was easy to follow to our site. Our host Michael was super responsive with the gate code and other communication. I stayed at Site 1 for three nights with my husky, Mia and we both absolutely loved it. The site is incredibly well-maintained, with a solid concrete slab that made setting up camp a breeze. The flat surrounds and easy access to the creek were perfect for us – we both enjoyed splashing around in the clear, refreshingly cool water. It’s a great spot if you’re after some relaxation in nature with the sounds of the birds to keep you company. The peacefulness and privacy of the area is one of its biggest pros. It’s far enough from the highway to ensure background noise pollution is only from occasional local traffic, but little enough to not detract from the serenity. We met the super friendly cows – Mia had her first cow kiss and even the bull came up to the fence for a friendly pat. There’s a rooster in residence as well, but we beat him up every morning for our sunrise walk. I’ll definitely be returning and I highly recommend to anyone looking for a peaceful camping experience by a beautiful crystal clear creek.

J

Justin

3 weeks ago

7 m Class A

With kids

1 night at Coothara Farm

5 star experience! We really appreciated the chance to see a little glimpse of life on the property, and the kids absolutely loved helping with the animals. Meeting all animals was such a special experience for them — and for us as well.

C

Chris

November 2025

5 m pop-up camper

With pets

3 nights at Crystal Ridge

A beautiful peaceful place to camp, right on the edge of the creek.

C

Chris

November 2025

5 m pop-up camper

With pets

3 nights at Crystal Ridge

Yet again Crystal Ridge did not disappoint. Absolutely relaxing, creek was a little low but was still deep enough to have a nice cool down. Michael is a great host, with great communication. Looking forward to our next visit. 10 out of 10.

A

Aimee

November 2025

8 m Class B

With kids

1 night at Crystal Ridge

Lovely spot right on the water. Only 2 sites to choose from, we were lucky to be the only ones there but I definitely recommend booking the whole place to yourself if you want privacy as the sites are right next to each other. Not as well kept as other camps we have been to but overall would recommend. The concrete pad on site 1 was useful.

M

Melissa

October 2025

8 m Class A

1 night at Crystal Ridge

The site was really gorgeous! Very private and the stream is lovely. The only drawback is that the host isn't the best communicator... I had to send two messages, one at 9am and another at 1:30ish because I hadn't heard back from him, to find out what the code for the gate was before he responded. I also asked him some detailed questions about our stay which were answered with two short, unhelpful messages! The details on the website are not accurate either, so we found it confusing and irritating to locate the site, after a long drive. There was rubbish from other campers left in the fire pit which should have been removed before we arrived as well.

R

Ryan

October 2025

7 m travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Crystal Ridge

Unreal spot , would recommend needs to be 2 - 3 night minimum booking as people have booked just for one night and that takes up the possibility of a whole weekend booking something to think about as it’s such a beautiful spot, will be back 😁

r

robert

October 2025

5 m car

Weekend Trip to Crystal Ridge

Close to Townsville and Ingham, with lots to do in the area. Quite open (good solar) location next to Crystal Creek. Decent shade in the afternoon. Not the best swimming this time of year, but to be expected at the end of the dry season. That being said, we still say I. The creek and enjoyed a drink. Our neighbours kids were having a fantastic time in a canoe. Creek access is best from site 1 but still easily accessible from site 2. Quiet, relaxing, a fire and clear sky’s. Would definitely stay here again.

D

Dot

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Crystal Ridge

Excellent camping site on the river. Very quite and great swimming Would highly recommend this camp to everyone

D

Davo

October 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Crystal Ridge

Great camp site. River nice and close to camp. Host was easy to get in contact with. Fantastic spot will be back again

D

David

October 2025

6 m pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Crystal Ridge

The camp ground was good, clean and mowed as usual, Micheal always has it nice and clean But the creek was wrecked from the February/March floods, the rock slides from up the range at Crystal creek have really damaged the whole Crystal creek, the creek was only about knee deep where as before it was six to eight feet deep and it was not flowing at all, but that’s Mother Nature But the camping are was good, rock fire pit areas set up and it looks like a lot of work has gone into repairing it after the floods to make it clean and level and nice

C

Cathy

October 2025

6 m travel trailer

3 nights at Crystal Ridge

What a peaceful and serene place. Having booked both sites, we had the place to ourselves. It was picturesque and we lived wading and cooling off in the creek. The breeze was beautiful. We will definitely return.

K

Kate

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Crystal Ridge

Great private spot, Michael was very helpful. Watched the NRL grand final under the stars. Large area to set up.

Maree

October 2025

6 m pop-up camper

With pets

2 nights at Crystal Ridge

We absolutely LOVE this place! The creek is amazing and can let the grandson go do his thing (with supervision of course) swim, kayak etc as the water right now isn’t too deep. Highly recommend booking both camp sites so you have the whole place to yourself. Will definitely be a regular spot for us, the grandkid and the dogs.

J

Joshua

October 2025

9 m pop-up camper

With pets

2 nights at Herbert River Valley PasturesThat S

One of our favourite stops this trip! Just a short drive from Wallaman Falls, with picturesque views and rolling green paddocks dotted with the most curious cows, a donkey, a pony and other friendly animals. The hosts are absolute gems and made our experience even better. If you go, bring a couple of extra dollars to grab some of their local Bullock Creek grassfed Beef — Its well worth it!