River, stream, or creek and dog-friendly camping near Townsville
Explore a tropical city on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef to camp in lush national parks.
96% (1116 reviews)
- Townsville
96% (1116 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Townsville
Dog-friendly getaways
9 top river, stream, or creek and dog-friendly campgrounds near Townsville
90%
(860)
Crystal Creek
25 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · 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). Campers must be self contained with their own toilet/shower facilities and take all waste with them. Our current facilities are unable to be regularly cleaned so will be closed to guests.Campers MUST provide car registration details at time of booking.This is a privately run camp (Operated by Mungulla Station). It is not part of the National Park. 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.DUE TO CORONAVIRUS PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN TOILET PAPERPlease read all information, rule and directions (provided once you have a confirmed booking) carefully before contacting your host. We have done out best to provide all the information for you so messages should not be required.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Cooking equipment
from
AU$25
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
95%
(382)
Bee Haven
11 sites · RVs, Tents22 acres · Oak Valley, QLD
Semi-rural property set on 22 acres. We offer a camping ground it is not a caravan park. Limited numbers, no crowding. Oak Valley is only 20 minutes from Townsville CBD and 10 minutes to the nearest major shopping centre. The campsites are nestled along a shady tree-lined creek looking out over native flora and fauna.
Relax in the afternoon with a beverage as the sun rays move across the mountain tops. Sit by a warm fire in complete darkness with the sky lit up by stars. During the day explore the creek line and Billabongs.
The property is surrounded by wildlife, therefor you will see large areas of land that are unspoilt with long native grasses . Also some friendly farm animals. Suitable for RVs camper trailers and tents. Groups are welcome. There is plenty of room for push bike riding and outdoor games. Property is home to bush turkeys, kangaroos, wallabies possums reptiles and many bird species and fish life.
Dog friendly. Flushing toilet available. Plenty of firewood to gather your own, bring a saw as large logs.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$20
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(18)
Black River Bush Retreat
4 sites · RVs, Tents60 acres · Black River, QLD
A perfect spot to relax under the stars! A quiet, private, bush camp experience with a seasonal creek, mango orchard and dam.
Pitch your tent or set up your caravan either down near the dam, in a secluded bush setting, or closer to the house yard depending on what you prefer.
Enjoy a bush walk around the property, taking in the natural Australian bush environment and enjoy the native wildlife. You may find kookaburras, king fishers, kangaroos, goannas and wallabies while exploring and can relax by a crackling fire at night.
Each camp site is private with no other campers booked in the space on the same day.
Guests are required to be fully self sufficient with their own toilet/shower facilities and must take all waste and rubbish with them on departure.
Property has secure key pad access.
Potable water
Campfires
from
AU$30
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
94%
(105)
Coothara Farm
4 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · 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.
Potable water
Campfires
from
AU$34
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(3)
Mam Easy Stay
10 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · 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.
If required 2 bedroom granny flat but must share bathroom with other campers. NRL games on big screen in bar area every weekend during season.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from
AU$41
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
Booked 8 times
Crystal Creek Camp
8 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Coolbie, QLD
We have over 12 acres of private, tropical parkland, that runs right along the Crystal Creek in Mutarnee, QLD. 2 hectares of this land is between the Crystal Creek Caravan Park and the Crystal Creek itself. This area has it's own amenities block (toilets and showers) and access to water.
There is a large communal campfire in the middle, and plenty of space for a perfect getaway! Should you require it, there is also access to the caravan park's amenities block which includes more toilets and showers, a camp kitchen, and a laundry.
This camp is right across the road from the Paluma National Park, little Crystal Creek, Big Crystal Creek, and numerous natural swimming holes. Right behind the camp is a boat ramp, and the beach is 10 minutes away. You will have access to walking tracks, mountain bike trails, bird-watching, swimming, fishing, crabbing... the list is endless!
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from
AU$30
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(429)
Crystal Ridge
2 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · 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.
Campfires
Trash
from
AU$40
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
94%
(31)
Mount Elliot Park
4 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Shirbourne, QLD
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.
Campfires
from
AU$30
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
93%
(61)
WillowVale Park
2 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · Nome, 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.
Campfires
from
AU$35
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
Under $50
River, stream, or creek and dog-friendly camping near Townsville guide
Overview
Against the backdrop of the dramatic Castle Hill, Townsville is a tropical city with a strong military history and great diving opportunities on the Great Barrier Reef. The Strand is Townsville’s waterfront promenade, lined with cafes and restaurants and popular for its water park, playgrounds and swimming pools. Among the city’s major attractions is Jezzine Barracks, a parkland dotted with outdoor sculptures and memorials honoring the city’s wartime history and the American forces who served here in World War II, but outside of town, caravan parks and campgrounds await. Cruises depart from Townsville harbor for the Great Barrier Reef, about 2.5 hours away. Experienced divers can also tackle the Yongala shipwreck.
Where to go
Magnetic Island
Take a day trip—or longer—to Magnetic Island, just five miles offshore. an hour’s ferry ride from Townsville. Much of the island is National Park (where camping is banned) and there are plenty of beautiful bays to snorkel, swim or tackle various watersports. A highlight is koala-spotting along the Forts Walk, which features ruins of World War II fortification.
Charters Towers
Charters Towers is a charming Outback town with a fascinating gold mining history, about 90 minutes’ drive west of Townsville. Among its attractions is the Venus Gold Battery, the largest surviving battery in Australia, and some elegant and impressive colonial buildings. There are two large camping and caravan parks in town.
Paluma Range National Park
Jourama Falls is the highlight of a visit to Paluma Range National Park, about 90 minutes’ drive northwest of Townsville. There is a popular camping area at Jourama Falls on the banks of Waterview Creek, walking tracks and day-use facilities including picnic tables, barbecues and toilets.
When to go
Claiming more than 300 days of sunshine a year, Townsville’s average temperature is 28°F. The best time to visit is April to November. Summers (December to February) are hot, humid and sticky, and marine stingers inhabit coastal waters from November to April, when it is best to swim in netted zones or wear a “stinger suit.” Summer is also a time when Townsville can sometimes be in the path of cyclones.
Know before you go
- Remember to pack sunscreen; the tropical Queensland sun can be fierce. If you are heading to the Great Barrier Reef, check out sunscreens that won’t damage the coral reefs (those that don’t contain oxybenzone or BP-3).
- Camping permits are required for all Queensland parks, forest and reserves and must be booked online and paid for before arrival. Make camping books as early as possible, especially in holiday periods.
- Townsville is a great place to stock up before you go camping, with everything you’d expect of a major city, a post office, pharmacy, visitor information centre, bank, and car hire companies.
- Townsville can be reached by road, air and rail. Townsville Airport is a seven-minute drive from the city centre, and Queensland Rail’s Spirit of Queensland long-distance train travels to Townsville several times a week from Brisbane and Cairns.
Safety at Hipcamp
Hipcamp acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.