The best campgrounds near Nelly Bay, Queensland with fishing

Looking to go camping near Nelly Bay, Queensland in Australia? Hipcamp has over 112 options available just for you. With prices starting as low as $15 per night and an average price of $30 per night, there's something for every budget. Check out the top campsites with rave reviews: Crystal Creek (424 reviews), Bee Haven (196 reviews), and Crystal Ridge (112 reviews). Enjoy popular amenities like campfires, rubbish facilities, and cooking equipment. Plus, indulge in activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing. Get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

94% (818)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking to go camping near Nelly Bay, Queensland in Australia? Hipcamp has over 112 options available just for you. With prices starting as low as $15 per night and an average price of $30 per night, there's something for every budget. Check out the top campsites with rave reviews: Crystal Creek (424 reviews), Bee Haven (196 reviews), and Crystal Ridge (112 reviews). Enjoy popular amenities like campfires, rubbish facilities, and cooking equipment. Plus, indulge in activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing. Get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

94% (818)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. The Forts

96%

(156)

3.2km from Nelly Bay · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Horseshoe Bay, QLD

We are in the perfect location in Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Island, and your camp spot is located a short walk to the beach, right on the walking tracks, WWII-era forts, and access to exploring more than 36 kilometres of bushwalking trails with plenty of wildlife watching opportunities. ..... The Great Barrier Reef, is at our door step so taking to the water is a must— hire a canoe, kayak or jetski and start exploring the wonderlands of spy dugongs and sea turtles or go on a boat cruise, and dive in to snorkel along colourful coral reefs. .... Then there's the action of a buzzy seaside town with cafes and bars and skatepark, tennis courts all within a 5 minutes gentle walk! .... Welcome to The Forts of Magnetic Island, it's truly magic your views are the National Park. ..... We offer easy access sites for: CARAVAN up to 22ft. ROOF vehicle tent MOTORHOME up to 22ft. VAN campervan Tent- your tent can be pitched on a tucked away haven in the bush surrounded by natural boulders. * Please be SELF CONTAINED ...... Please allow for some slight slope sites, come and enjoy your relaxed bushcamp stay. ... BOOK FERRY CROSSING Please prepare to "prebook your ferry" if travelling with a vehicle. ... OUR OPENING HOURS -come to your campsite during the "daytime" DAYLIGHT HOURS please. ... ARRIVE - between 8am to 4 pm ONLY .... Great bus service on Magnetic Island runs every hour. Abundance of wildlife, kangaroos, wallabies, kookaburra, superb sunsets and so much more. Beach✔️ Cafes✔️ Spacious Sites✔️ Walking tracks✔️ The perfect paradise.

2. Crystal Ridge

97%

(562)

62km from Nelly Bay · 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. WillowVale Park

95%

(115)

69km from Nelly Bay · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Reid River, QLD

“WillowVale Park” is 200 acres set on the banks of the Reid River, QLD 4816. Half way between Townsville and Charters Towers on the Flinders Highway. Private area suitable for camping, caravans, RV’s right on the river bank. All year swimming, fishing, kayaking and canoeing. - Camp fires permitted. - Pets welcome but contained or restrained at all times. - No toilets so must have own toilet. - Groups bookings or up to two seperate camps at any one time. - Push bike riding and Hiking areas available. - Plenty of room to run for the kids.

4. Coothara Farm

94%

(136)

23km from Nelly Bay · 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.

5. Mount Elliot Park

96%

(114)

52km from Nelly Bay · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Shirbourne, QLD

We are now open after the weather event closure. We look forward to welcoming you! Mount Elliot Park is a working cattle property that offers a bush experience to approved individuals. Located in the Burdekin Shire we are based in one of Australia’s best Barra fishing and bird watching areas. Sites are based on a slashed grassed paddock with access to a clear flowing creek. Campers can relax with open fire and surrounded by the beautiful mountain backdrop.

6. Hidden Corner Magnetic Island

99%

(100)

3.1km from Nelly Bay · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Horseshoe Bay, QLD

Magnetic Island Private fully fenced block of land one kilometre to Horseshoe Bay beachfront. The perfect base to enjoy all the wonderful activities that Magnetic Island has to offer including swimming, bushwalking, birdwatching and wildlife spotting. Water is a tap and a hose. Limited electricity is available. There are no bathroom facilities so you need to be self contained. We are one kilometre from the nearest bus stop so you need to have your own transport. Please do not book this property if you do not have your own transport. PLEASE NOTE: ***As the barge gets very busy, I suggest you book the barge before booking the site. Contact me and I am happy to hold the site for a short time while you make your barge booking.*** Check in arrangement will be sent when you have a confirmation of your barge booking.

7. Mam Easy Stay

84%

(25)

28km from Nelly Bay · 13 sites · Tents, RVs · Townsville, QLD

Aprox an acre of vacant land with creek access, flowing in wet season. Fruit trees, natural wildlife including kangaroos, black cockatoos and kookaburras plus Luci longdog, pool access, games room, access to shower and toilet if needed. Outdoor kitchen and weekend share meals, such as pizza, ribs, BBQ , seafood and homemade sausage rolls and pasties. Friendly family hosts welcome to join for music and drinks by the fire pit in cooler months with a camp stew. NRL games on big screen in bar area every weekend during season.

8. BE Magnetic Island

92%

(25)

3.2km from Nelly Bay · 1 site · RV · Horseshoe Bay, QLD

BE🌴 WELCOME to Magnetic Island . Tucked away bordering the National Park is your campsite a quiet oasis. . Wildlife bouncing, exotic birds chirping, koalas roaming, cute chickens and a spacious tiered entertainment area to totally relax. . Just a 2second walk to the track to take you on the famous FORTS walk. . Beaches, sunsets, and incredible views are just moments away from your campsite. . Plenty of watersports! Hire ocean kayaks and paddle off the beaten track. Go on a sailing trip. Do a Dive Course. Go on a Fishing trip. Book a snorkeling tour. Book a Island Bay exploring experience . Hire a paddle board from Horseshoe Bay Hire jet ski Hire a scooter Hire a cute car . Do a Art Class Yoga Class Mediation Workshop . See butterfly, birds, kangaroo, koalas, wallabies, and much more from your camp . Cafes, bars, shops and bustop just a moment away. . Don't forget we are a true natural eco STAY PLEASE bring your own toilet,cooking facilities. SELF CONTAINED REQUIRED . ARRIVE at campsite Between 8am to 4pm . Looking forward to seeing YOU 👣

9. Cuddle Creek Homestead

91%

(11)

27km from Nelly Bay · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Yabulu, QLD

28 acres of bliss in the bush. Not too far from town, but far enough for peace and quiet. Kids or adults can ride bikes around our tracks through the property. You can go fishing off the bank from the back of the block, or alternatively you can put a boat in the creek with a boat ramp accessible only about 1 klm down the road.

10. Country Camping Dam Site BlackRiver

95%

(66)

25km from Nelly Bay · 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.

11. Mykitoville

83%

(3)

26km from Nelly Bay · 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.

12. Morris Creek Camp

83%

(3)

51km from Nelly Bay · 6 sites · RVs · Giru, QLD

Our property is an excellent choice for those wanting peace and quiet. The property is a safe and secure place to unhook vans so you can visit the surrounding area,. Townsville is located 50kms north, where you can accsess the stunning Magnetic Island. The Historic town of Charters Towers is just 80kms away, the gateway to the West. It's a fantastic area for fishing and boating enthusiasts - Morris Estuary provides a plethora of fish varieties including Barramundi and crabbing opportunities.

13. Magnetic Naturally Island Cabin

100%

(2)

3.5km from Nelly Bay · 1 site · Lodging · Horseshoe Bay, QLD

On Magnetic Island in Queenslands tropical north, you'll find our secluded island cabin. Set within a private resort style property, it is purpose built for guests and is fully self contained. Comfortable queen bed, lounge, kitchen, bathroom with a beautiful under cover outdoor shower, fans, air-conditioning and washing machine. Free wifi. There is a covered deck attached to cabin and a paved area to relax in by outdoor BBQ. There is only one guest cabin on the property, completely separate to the main home but you are welcome to share the large outdoor pool. The cabin is very private, surrounded by native flora and fauna and growing gardens. It is a truely peaceful spot with the beach less than a kilometre away. Horseshoe Bay is the gateway to many of our beautiful bays and tracks including the famous Forts walk. There are water activities and a life guard patrolled swim area. Several little cafes restaurants and a local pub are also in the bay. There is a great bus service on the island and nearest bus stop is less than 2 km away. Rental cars are also available at good rates.

Camper favorites near Nelly Bay

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Mam Easy Stay

84%

(25)

28km from Nelly Bay · 13 sites · Tents, RVs · Townsville, QLD

Aprox an acre of vacant land with creek access, flowing in wet season. Fruit trees, natural wildlife including kangaroos, black cockatoos and kookaburras plus Luci longdog, pool access, games room, access to shower and toilet if needed. Outdoor kitchen and weekend share meals, such as pizza, ribs, BBQ , seafood and homemade sausage rolls and pasties. Friendly family hosts welcome to join for music and drinks by the fire pit in cooler months with a camp stew. NRL games on big screen in bar area every weekend during season.

BE Magnetic Island

92%

(25)

3.2km from Nelly Bay · 1 site · RV · Horseshoe Bay, QLD

BE🌴 WELCOME to Magnetic Island . Tucked away bordering the National Park is your campsite a quiet oasis. . Wildlife bouncing, exotic birds chirping, koalas roaming, cute chickens and a spacious tiered entertainment area to totally relax. . Just a 2second walk to the track to take you on the famous FORTS walk. . Beaches, sunsets, and incredible views are just moments away from your campsite. . Plenty of watersports! Hire ocean kayaks and paddle off the beaten track. Go on a sailing trip. Do a Dive Course. Go on a Fishing trip. Book a snorkeling tour. Book a Island Bay exploring experience . Hire a paddle board from Horseshoe Bay Hire jet ski Hire a scooter Hire a cute car . Do a Art Class Yoga Class Mediation Workshop . See butterfly, birds, kangaroo, koalas, wallabies, and much more from your camp . Cafes, bars, shops and bustop just a moment away. . Don't forget we are a true natural eco STAY PLEASE bring your own toilet,cooking facilities. SELF CONTAINED REQUIRED . ARRIVE at campsite Between 8am to 4pm . Looking forward to seeing YOU 👣

Cuddle Creek Homestead

91%

(11)

27km from Nelly Bay · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Yabulu, QLD

28 acres of bliss in the bush. Not too far from town, but far enough for peace and quiet. Kids or adults can ride bikes around our tracks through the property. You can go fishing off the bank from the back of the block, or alternatively you can put a boat in the creek with a boat ramp accessible only about 1 klm down the road.

Country Camping Dam Site BlackRiver

95%

(66)

25km from Nelly Bay · 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.

Mykitoville

83%

(3)

26km from Nelly Bay · 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.

Morris Creek Camp

83%

(3)

51km from Nelly Bay · 6 sites · RVs · Giru, QLD

Our property is an excellent choice for those wanting peace and quiet. The property is a safe and secure place to unhook vans so you can visit the surrounding area,. Townsville is located 50kms north, where you can accsess the stunning Magnetic Island. The Historic town of Charters Towers is just 80kms away, the gateway to the West. It's a fantastic area for fishing and boating enthusiasts - Morris Estuary provides a plethora of fish varieties including Barramundi and crabbing opportunities.

Magnetic Naturally Island Cabin

100%

(2)

3.5km from Nelly Bay · 1 site · Lodging · Horseshoe Bay, QLD

On Magnetic Island in Queenslands tropical north, you'll find our secluded island cabin. Set within a private resort style property, it is purpose built for guests and is fully self contained. Comfortable queen bed, lounge, kitchen, bathroom with a beautiful under cover outdoor shower, fans, air-conditioning and washing machine. Free wifi. There is a covered deck attached to cabin and a paved area to relax in by outdoor BBQ. There is only one guest cabin on the property, completely separate to the main home but you are welcome to share the large outdoor pool. The cabin is very private, surrounded by native flora and fauna and growing gardens. It is a truely peaceful spot with the beach less than a kilometre away. Horseshoe Bay is the gateway to many of our beautiful bays and tracks including the famous Forts walk. There are water activities and a life guard patrolled swim area. Several little cafes restaurants and a local pub are also in the bay. There is a great bus service on the island and nearest bus stop is less than 2 km away. Rental cars are also available at good rates.

Stories from the community

We didn’t see even one mozzie the whole time we were camped.

B

Bronwyn

5 days ago

8 m Class B

8 nights at The Forts

Tee's place is an absolute gem. From the moment I drove off the barge onto the island and was greeted by Tee, I knew I was going to have the perfect island getaway. A special mention to Neil, who welcomed me and showed me around Tee's place while they were on the mainland. Five stars Neil! The place itself is quiet, private and an easy walk to Horseshoe Bay, the start of walks and the bus stops. Native birds and wildlife are everywhere and I loved sharing their space. Not to mention the little ladies (The chickens), who made me feel right at home. The bush shower is divine, private and surrounded by native plants. A blessing in the heat. And then of course there is Tee and Steve. Well, they are the most wonderful, down to earth, fun and genourus people. They have a knack for making you feel like you're home on their beautiful slice of heavenly bush. I couldn't have imagined a more perfect place to be for the 10 days I was there. Thank you superstars.... I will be back, Bronnie😊❤️

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.

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 .

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.

D

Dorothee

October 2025

6 m Class B

Weekend Trip to The Forts

Great place for camping with tandem you can lend. High chance for seeing koalas nearby. We really enjoyed our stay here.

J

John & Kylie

October 2025

7 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to WillowVale Park

Lovely and quiet, we liked that there is only 2 sites available, nice outlook over the dry river bed from our site.

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.

T

Travis

October 2025

9 m travel trailer

With kids

9 nights at The Forts

We really enjoyed our selves we had a large 23.6 ft van and travelling with 2 kids. Plenty of space. The kids loved putting the chickens away every evening. The hosts were very helpful with local information and general advice.

T

Trudi

October 2025

6 m Class B

3 nights at The Forts

Excellent base camp for exploring the island. Great communication from the host.

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!

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.