The best camping near Carnarvon National Park

Forested bluffs, sandstone cliffs, and rocky creeks make up the ancient landscapes of Carnarvon National Park. There are seven areas to explore, most notably the Carnarvon Gorge, Ka Ka Mundi, Salvator Rosa, and Mount Moffatt sections. Explorers make a beeline for the headline act—Carnarvon Gorge—where you can hike beneath towering rock faces, climb Boolimba Bluff for a view over the gorge, and pitch your tent by the creek. Discover the natural wonders and Aboriginal rock art along the Carnarvon Great Walk, venture off-road in a 4WD at Mount Moffat, or enjoy bird-watching along the creeks.

• Best for backcountry camping: Big Bend Camping Area has tent-only pitches along the banks of Carnarvon Creek—it’s a 10-kilometre hike to reach the campsite but worth it for the views. 
• Best for escaping the crowds: Bunbuncundoo Springs in the Ka Ka Mundi section of the park has secluded bush camping for tents or off-road camper trailers.
• Best for family camping: The Carnarvon Gorge camping area has well-shaded pitches for tents and camper trailers, plus wifi and BBQ areas.

1. Camping permits are required for all the park’s campsites, and campsites must be reserved in advance. A tag with your booking number must be displayed on your tent at all times. 
2. Space is limited at some campsites (Big Bend has just 10 pitches), so book at least three months in advance, especially if visiting during Queensland holidays. 
3. Check access to campsites before booking—some campsites are accessible on foot only; others are along unsealed roads and may be reachable only by 4WD.
4. Seasonal opening and closing dates vary by campsite. The Carnarvon Gorge Camping Area is open during Queensland school holidays only, while others stay open year-round.

The most pleasant weather for hiking is from April through June, with daytime temperatures between 18°-25°C. The busiest periods are during Queensland school holidays (Easter, June-July, and September-October), so expect crowds at popular spots. The wet season runs from October through March, when flooding is common, and the heat is intense (temperatures can run upwards of 35°C), so come prepared if visiting at this time. Temperatures drop at night year-round, so pack warm clothes for camping.

• Carnarvon has multiple entry points. The easiest to access is the Carnarvon Gorge section, about a 3-hour drive north of Roma or south from Emerald. The Mount Moffat section is accessible only by high-clearance 4WD, and a 4WD is recommended for access to the Salvator Rosa and Ka Ka Mundi sections.
• There is limited cell phone and 4G reception throughout the park, and the Carnarvon Gorge Visitor Area is the only area with reliable wifi.
• The area is remote with limited facilities, so you must be a self-sufficient camper. The last fuel stations on route to the gorge area are in Injune (for visitors arriving from Roma) or Rolleston (for visitors arriving from Emerald), where you can also stock up on supplies. 
• Bring sturdy hiking boots and take care when hiking—creek crossings can be slippery, and cliff edges are sometimes unstable. Stick to the trails and avoid hiking in extreme weather when flash floods and rock falls can occur. 
• Open fires and generators are prohibited at many campsites.
• The Carnarvon Gorge Visitor Area is accessible for wheelchairs. Access is limited in the other sections of the park, and there are no accessible trails.