- Waterside Camping
The best lakeside camping near Palm Cove
97% (208) • 18 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Palm Cove
Emerald Escape Camping
1. Emerald Escape Camping
97%
(44)
34km from Palm Cove · 9 sites · Tents, RVs
Offering a small number of private camp sites spread across 5000 acres of diverse landscape. From the 25 acre lake to the refreshing Emerald Creek; from your own billabong & gumtrees to being up in the escarpment with spectacular views, you are sure to find your perfect escape. Guest will have access to a composting toilet during their stay. All guests are required to take all rubbish with them and leave no trace.Ideal for solo adventurers or small to large groups. Some sites are accessible by 2WD and suitable for trailers, small caravans and campervans, others by 4WD only.- Each camp site is for one party only & 100's of meters or even kilometers away from any others. All campers have access to our big lake & creek day areas. Enjoy leisurely walks or challenging hikes, climbing, mountain biking, swimming, canoeing etc.- We are situated right next to the magnificent Emerald Falls, Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and Davies Creek Mountain Bike Park.- Sorry no pets.- Only one hour from Cairns international airport.
Toilets
Campfires
Newell Beach Farm Stay
2. Newell Beach Farm Stay
96%
(54)
45km from Palm Cove · 4 sites
This a chilled back relaxed site with beautiful views of sunsets over the mountain. If you enjoy fishing the Dam is alive with Barra so feel free to test out your luck. You can also cool down for a swim in the dam or use the kayaks available for a little paddle,
Happy hour Hanger is open with picnic tables and camp fires for the campers to use at their disposal.
Located in Newell Beach, central to Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation/Daintree this caravan site is situated around a Dam on a cattle farm surrounded by cane fields. 2 minutes from the beach and boat ramp, 5 minutes from Mossman town and 10 minutes from the Mossman Gorge.
There is drinkable water taps around the sites for caravans to fill their tanks.
Water hookup
Pets
Hectic Valley Farm
3. Hectic Valley Farm
97%
(187)
61km from Palm Cove · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Hectic Valley Farm, tucked away in Mutchilba on the Atherton Tablelands.
This is a working farm with a bit of everything — free range chickens, friendly animals, open space, and a slower pace that’s hard to find.
We’ve recently refreshed the setup to make your stay more comfortable, including a new shower and toilets for campers, plus a farm shop stocked with fresh eggs and local goodies.
We offer simple, rustic bathroom facilities designed to suit the natural farm setting.
There are three long-drop toilets and a separate shower block with two private shower bays, shared between guests.
The setup is off-grid and keeps things low-impact, while still giving you the essentials for a comfortable stay.
It’s not a resort, and that’s exactly the point.
You’ll get real farm life, fresh air, and plenty of space to unwind.
Wake up to animals, wander the property, or just sit back and enjoy the quiet.
We’re a great base if you want to explore the Tablelands, or just stay put and switch off for a bit.
—
Good to know:
• 2WD accessible in dry conditions
• Pet friendly (must be controlled at all times)
• Campfires allowed when conditions permit
• Firewood available onsite
• Family friendly
Farm animal areas are part of our paid tour experience and aren’t included with camping. Bookings are required.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
97% (208) • 18 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Palm Cove
Emerald Escape Camping
1. Emerald Escape Camping
97%
(44)
34km from Palm Cove · 9 sites · Tents, RVs
Offering a small number of private camp sites spread across 5000 acres of diverse landscape. From the 25 acre lake to the refreshing Emerald Creek; from your own billabong & gumtrees to being up in the escarpment with spectacular views, you are sure to find your perfect escape. Guest will have access to a composting toilet during their stay. All guests are required to take all rubbish with them and leave no trace.Ideal for solo adventurers or small to large groups. Some sites are accessible by 2WD and suitable for trailers, small caravans and campervans, others by 4WD only.- Each camp site is for one party only & 100's of meters or even kilometers away from any others. All campers have access to our big lake & creek day areas. Enjoy leisurely walks or challenging hikes, climbing, mountain biking, swimming, canoeing etc.- We are situated right next to the magnificent Emerald Falls, Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and Davies Creek Mountain Bike Park.- Sorry no pets.- Only one hour from Cairns international airport.
Toilets
Campfires
Newell Beach Farm Stay
2. Newell Beach Farm Stay
96%
(54)
45km from Palm Cove · 4 sites
This a chilled back relaxed site with beautiful views of sunsets over the mountain. If you enjoy fishing the Dam is alive with Barra so feel free to test out your luck. You can also cool down for a swim in the dam or use the kayaks available for a little paddle,
Happy hour Hanger is open with picnic tables and camp fires for the campers to use at their disposal.
Located in Newell Beach, central to Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation/Daintree this caravan site is situated around a Dam on a cattle farm surrounded by cane fields. 2 minutes from the beach and boat ramp, 5 minutes from Mossman town and 10 minutes from the Mossman Gorge.
There is drinkable water taps around the sites for caravans to fill their tanks.
Water hookup
Pets
Hectic Valley Farm
3. Hectic Valley Farm
97%
(187)
61km from Palm Cove · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Hectic Valley Farm, tucked away in Mutchilba on the Atherton Tablelands.
This is a working farm with a bit of everything — free range chickens, friendly animals, open space, and a slower pace that’s hard to find.
We’ve recently refreshed the setup to make your stay more comfortable, including a new shower and toilets for campers, plus a farm shop stocked with fresh eggs and local goodies.
We offer simple, rustic bathroom facilities designed to suit the natural farm setting.
There are three long-drop toilets and a separate shower block with two private shower bays, shared between guests.
The setup is off-grid and keeps things low-impact, while still giving you the essentials for a comfortable stay.
It’s not a resort, and that’s exactly the point.
You’ll get real farm life, fresh air, and plenty of space to unwind.
Wake up to animals, wander the property, or just sit back and enjoy the quiet.
We’re a great base if you want to explore the Tablelands, or just stay put and switch off for a bit.
—
Good to know:
• 2WD accessible in dry conditions
• Pet friendly (must be controlled at all times)
• Campfires allowed when conditions permit
• Firewood available onsite
• Family friendly
Farm animal areas are part of our paid tour experience and aren’t included with camping. Bookings are required.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
J
Jessica
1 week ago
Tent
With kids
We loved the secluded campsite during a busy weekend. With the dam for kids to enjoy & creek by the campsite there was plenty to keep everyone busy.
See more
P
Peggy
2 weeks ago
Tent
With kids
Campsite was great, very remote and a good drive in. We went to the 4wd access only spot with a 4wd & Jayco swift (outback/4wd) - got through ok, it was a fair drive in. One river crossing. The campsite was mowed and cleared for our camp in three different spots, so we could camp either up top or down near river. Both with fire pits. Creek was running and nice and shallow for kids and to sit in. Beautiful quiet, surrounded by bush. Toilet always a bonus with kids!
It was a near perfect camp - except the fruit flies or some sort of little flies that hung around your head in droves and were determined to fly into our eyes. I think maybe they been stirred up by the rain so keen to try camp again in dry season as the cold seem to keep them away. Will take a fly screen hat next time! Other than that, beautiful spot. Thanks for having us.
See more
T
Tamara
March 2026
4 m Class B
With kids
We had an amazing stay over the weekend. Such a beautiful spot. Kristy and her family were so lovely and welcoming. The animal feeding was a huge hit with the kids and we enjoyed learning so much from Kristy! Will definitely be back ☺️
See moreT
Taylor
February 2026
Tent
Just a beautiful experience, we stayed at the water Lilly site, close to the dam.
The animal feeding exceeded our expectations, all the animals were so friendly and gorgeous, we had the best time. Will definitely be back
See more
Maddy
January 2026
Tent
Beautiful views very private, toilets was clean Beautiful creeks and lake near by
See more
N
Neil
January 2026
8 m Class A
Here’s a more informal, friendly rewrite:
A really lovely open spot close to the beach. We arrived after some very heavy rain, but the hosts were kind enough to clear a higher, drier area for us as the usual camping spot was flooded.
The small lake is beautiful and attracts lots of birds – the birdsong is constant and really relaxing. We’d love to come back and stay again in better weather!
See moreM
Mc Laws
November 2025
5 m travel trailer
With pets
A really relaxing spot. Lots of bird life. Close to the action but far enough away not to care. Highly recommend.
See more
Peggy
November 2025
Tent
With pets
Hectic Valley is a young and working farm and we really enjoyed our stay! The sites are very generous, with plenty of shady trees (bring your hammock!) and some right next to the dam which hosts many birds and some of the farms poultry. Its dog friendly with lovely scenery and little bush tracks. Campfires allowed and some fire rings are provided. In the booking was the option to include the animal feeding in the morning which I'm so glad we did! We were very warmely welcomed and everyone had a wonderful time feeding and playing with the baby goats, chickens and geese, goats and pigs, camels and water buffalos and many more! Best stay for families with children including groups of families!
See moreN
Nicole
October 2025
7 m Class A
With pets
Was a great camp, we enjoyed our 3 night stay in our self contained motorhome.
See more
Paul
October 2025
9 m travel trailer
Great escape from crowds, huge sites and peace and quiet
See more
Robina
October 2025
5 m travel trailer
With pets
Thus was a great place to stay.Close to Port Douglas and the Daintree. Our dogs favourite spot by far.Great hosts with lots of local knowledge.
See more
S
Sarah
October 2025
3 m pop-up camper
With kids
I loved camping at Hectic Valley farm! My kids loved feeding the animals, giving them scratches and experiencing new things. The hosts are so lonely and we're really excited about showing you around and sharing their love of the animals. The camp site was really beautiful and spacious with enough room for my 2 cars and camper trailer plus a mates car with roof top tent. Would definitely go again.
See more
M
Megan
October 2025
Tent
With kids
Loved camping at Cattle Creek. Large space, flat for a tent, beautiful views of the lake. Swimming was so nice and animals in walking distance. Highly recommend! Can get very hot and you will need to bring shade. But will be returning!
See more
Gavin
October 2025
14 m travel trailer
Great little campsite only a few minutes from Mossman and 2 minutes from the fantastic Newell Beach.
Great location to explore the Daintree, Port Douglas areas and local freshwater swimming holes.
All sites are grass around a small man-made dam with fire pits, surrounded by farm land, with friendly cattle. There's a communal shed to catch up with neighbours at sundown.
Family run property very welcoming. No power or toilet but ideal for self contained camping and vans, with water taps available to top up your own tanks.
Ideal place to explore from or just relax.
See more
C
Cleveland
October 2025
5 m Class B
Awesome camp, kristy is a great host the place is unreal and firewood purchased was good quality and dry we had a ball
See more
Mick
October 2025
6 m travel trailer
With kids
Great camp , very peaceful , campsites spread out so no close neighbours, dam great for the grandkids to kayak on , feeding the animals was great for the grandies
See more
Sophie
September 2025
10 m pop-up camper
With kids
The camp was beautiful, very friendly animals and accommodated my dogs. The kids had a ball feeding the farm animals and kayaking in the dam
See moreK
Kristina
September 2025
Tent
With pets
I loved how easy it was to find our site and how private it was. It is a beautiful spot and we will be back!
See moreC
Clare
September 2025
8 m travel trailer
Loved the site, very friendly host. Bought amazing multicoloured eggs. Farm tours if that’s your thing. Enjoyed a spot of fishing. ☺️
To face the water - if in a caravan, entering via the farm house road and not the signposted route.
See more
Seisha
September 2025
Tent
We had a great time at hectic valley! The area for the waterfront campsite is very big, we were able to let our dogs run around freely. We loved all the animals at the farm as well 😊
See more
