The best campgrounds near Ingham, Queensland with swimming

Ingham is a magnet for campers who want easy access to swimming holes, shady creeks, and water-laced bushland. With over 40 swimming-friendly campsites, you’ll find grassy clearings beside running water, mango orchards steps from swimming spots, and rainforest edges alive with bird calls. The average price per night sits at $35, but you can pitch your tent or park your caravan for as little as $25 if you’re quick. Locals flock to Crystal Creek Nywaigi Camp Grounds (629 reviews) for its freshwater swimming and palm-lined banks. Crystal Ridge (236 reviews) offers clear swimming pools and mountain views, while Coothara Farm (88 reviews) is all about laid-back creekside swims. Pet-friendly policies, campfires, and toilets are common, and fishing and hiking round out the action between dips. Bring your swimmers, a sturdy hat, and your sense of adventure—Ingham’s water is calling.

92% (1.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Ingham is a magnet for campers who want easy access to swimming holes, shady creeks, and water-laced bushland. With over 40 swimming-friendly campsites, you’ll find grassy clearings beside running water, mango orchards steps from swimming spots, and rainforest edges alive with bird calls. The average price per night sits at $35, but you can pitch your tent or park your caravan for as little as $25 if you’re quick. Locals flock to Crystal Creek Nywaigi Camp Grounds (629 reviews) for its freshwater swimming and palm-lined banks. Crystal Ridge (236 reviews) offers clear swimming pools and mountain views, while Coothara Farm (88 reviews) is all about laid-back creekside swims. Pet-friendly policies, campfires, and toilets are common, and fishing and hiking round out the action between dips. Bring your swimmers, a sturdy hat, and your sense of adventure—Ingham’s water is calling.

92% (1.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Crystal Creek Nywaigi Camp Grounds

88%

(1156)

38km from Ingham · 27 sites · Tents, RVs · Mutarnee, QLD

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%

(562)

38km from Ingham · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Mutarnee, QLD

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%

(136)

80km from Ingham · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Black River, QLD

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 · Damper Creek, QLD

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. Country Camping Dam Site BlackRiver

95%

(66)

79km from Ingham · 4 sites · Lodging · Black River, QLD

We are located in the Townsville region, 25 kms from the city centre and only 10 kms to Coles and BWS but close to the coast. The campsite is set on a private 150 acres with 3 swimming dams, portable toilet on site and motorcycle tracks including enduro. Camping and campfires are allowed near the dams in fire pits. Fish for jade perch (catch and release please). In Townsville itself you will find the headland at the north end featuring the military exhibits of Jezzine Barracks and a wide promenade which is great for walks as it heads south past the safe swimming zones. On the other end, at Ross Creek, you can catch the ferry to the Great Barrier Reef or take a 20-minute ferry ride to Magnetic Island, with its beautiful bays, bushland hikes, and wild koalas. Country Vows wedding reception centre is located on 5 acres at the front of the property.

6. Cullen Guesthouse & and Rest Stop

100%

(20)

0.4km from Ingham · 1 site · Tent, RV · Ingham, QLD

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.

7. Mykitoville

83%

(3)

79km from Ingham · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Black River, QLD

Just off the Bruce Highway, just 30 mins north of Townsville. It can be hot, it can be dusty, it can be noisy, it can be quiet, it could get wet. Fun will be had night & day. There are no facilities here, campers must be self contained and leave no trace. Take your waste with you! Pet welcome, on leash. You can have a contained campfire in the fire pit, please bring your own firewood.

8. Twitchers Rest

80%

(5)

25km from Ingham · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Upper Stone, QLD

Nestled in the mountains is a little grove with beautiful views and fresh crisp air. This property is set on 5 acres of flat and sloping ground. The campsite is part rainforest and has a creek on one side. There is also lots of open forest. I find the rainforest good for enjoying the birds. If you're up for an adventure bring your mountain bike and go riding, or head of for walks along the creek. It's very peaceful. You will find the Wallaman Falls, Mt Fox and National Parks nearby. This campsite is located about half an hour from town. This campsite suits self-contained campers who bring their own camping toilet/shower. There is a picnic table for meals, access to water, power and wifi as well as rubbish facilities.

Camper favorites near Ingham

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Butterfly Valley

36km from Ingham · 2 sites · Lodging · Damper Creek, QLD

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.

Country Camping Dam Site BlackRiver

95%

(66)

79km from Ingham · 4 sites · Lodging · Black River, QLD

We are located in the Townsville region, 25 kms from the city centre and only 10 kms to Coles and BWS but close to the coast. The campsite is set on a private 150 acres with 3 swimming dams, portable toilet on site and motorcycle tracks including enduro. Camping and campfires are allowed near the dams in fire pits. Fish for jade perch (catch and release please). In Townsville itself you will find the headland at the north end featuring the military exhibits of Jezzine Barracks and a wide promenade which is great for walks as it heads south past the safe swimming zones. On the other end, at Ross Creek, you can catch the ferry to the Great Barrier Reef or take a 20-minute ferry ride to Magnetic Island, with its beautiful bays, bushland hikes, and wild koalas. Country Vows wedding reception centre is located on 5 acres at the front of the property.

Cullen Guesthouse & and Rest Stop

100%

(20)

0.4km from Ingham · 1 site · Tent, RV · Ingham, QLD

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.

Mykitoville

83%

(3)

79km from Ingham · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Black River, QLD

Just off the Bruce Highway, just 30 mins north of Townsville. It can be hot, it can be dusty, it can be noisy, it can be quiet, it could get wet. Fun will be had night & day. There are no facilities here, campers must be self contained and leave no trace. Take your waste with you! Pet welcome, on leash. You can have a contained campfire in the fire pit, please bring your own firewood.

Twitchers Rest

80%

(5)

25km from Ingham · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Upper Stone, QLD

Nestled in the mountains is a little grove with beautiful views and fresh crisp air. This property is set on 5 acres of flat and sloping ground. The campsite is part rainforest and has a creek on one side. There is also lots of open forest. I find the rainforest good for enjoying the birds. If you're up for an adventure bring your mountain bike and go riding, or head of for walks along the creek. It's very peaceful. You will find the Wallaman Falls, Mt Fox and National Parks nearby. This campsite is located about half an hour from town. This campsite suits self-contained campers who bring their own camping toilet/shower. There is a picnic table for meals, access to water, power and wifi as well as rubbish facilities.

Stories from the community

C

Chris

3 weeks ago

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

3 weeks ago

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.

Keita

October 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Crystal Creek Nywaigi Camp Grounds

Beautiful creek (although a little low currently), and nice wide open campground. Unfortunately some rubbish left from previous campers. Facilities fairly standard (2 female showers functional). You can hear some road noise throughout the night but easily tuned out. Outstanding sunsets.

L

Lisa

October 2025

5 m pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Country Camping Dam Site BlackRiver

The kids had a great time camping around the dam . Toasting marshmallows, fishing & best part riding their dirt bikes around the tracks . Good time had !! Only negative was the porta toilets, disgusting. Lucky there was a shovel on hand . My advice to owners / carers of property maybe more regular checks & changes of porta toilets .

D

Damian

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Crystal Creek Nywaigi Camp Grounds

Absolutely stunning spot with hot showers toilets. Woke up to the birds singing wildlife all around and got to see some water running through the creek. Definitely will be back

Jayden

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Crystal Creek Nywaigi Camp Grounds

Had a okay stay, not horrible but not amazing either. Campsite is decently large, but at max capacity it’d be somewhat uncomfortable. Fortunately, there were few there. The site is in relatively poor condition, and campers demonstrate a severe lack of standard camp etiquette. For example, a dozen campfire spots that are half arsed, not offical, and ruin the availability of where you can chuck a swag. Many fire ‘pits’ had plastics, or other rubbish shoved in there during or post burn. The BBQs are all basically unusable. Bathrooms work but are in bad condition, lots of webs, no locks on the doors, but the water was hot and toilets flushed. Sink taps didn’t work well. There was a high about of foot traffic during the day, which was a bit annoying given that we paid for access. Not sure if it’s local mob, which would make sense and be acceptable, but if it’s randoms just pulling in for a day, then that sucks. Those that were there left a lot of rubbish on the banks and in the water. Dogs were offlead multiple times during our stay and we observed three dogs get into a fight as two were offlead. Another day tripper managed to get their POS explorer hung up on rocks, driving down and onto the river bank (that’s allowed?!). They wrecked part of the track trying to recover the vehicle which took two hours. Overall, nice spot with a lot of great potential but poorly managed and maintained. I wouldn’t say the pictures were particularly accurate this time.

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.

c

christina

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Crystal Creek Nywaigi Camp Grounds

I liked the proximity to the creek, and the amenities were clean and to a good standard. I also enjoyed being able to light a fire.

z

zindzi

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Crystal Creek Nywaigi Camp Grounds

It was absolutely amazing staying at crystal Creek with my fam. The kiddos loves their first experience of camping. Super handy and clean bathroom facilities.

kristina

October 2025

7 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Crystal Creek Nywaigi Camp Grounds

It was a well maintained camp with toilet and shower loved that there was fire area's and short walk to river that was good for cooling off in not very deep but enough for kids.

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.

C

CIndy

October 2025

10 m Class B

2 nights at Crystal Creek Nywaigi Camp Grounds

Stay was great! I didn’t hear anything back from the host unfortunately and the map directions were incorrect.

B

Brandon

October 2025

7 m Class B

With kids

Weekend Trip to Country Camping Dam Site BlackRiver

Cant get much better than this. 10/10 for the thrill seekers. Adults smashed buggys around and the kids couldn't get off the dirtbikes. Beautiful property and Noel and his wife welcomed us with open arms. Will be back for sure!