Camping near Cooktown

Soak up the tropics while camping near Cooktown, gateway to Queensland’s Cape York Peninsula.

97% (145 reviews)
97% (145 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Cooktown

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Dog-friendly getaways

12 top campgrounds near Cooktown

100%
(16)

Scrubby Creek Trevethan Falls

7 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Rossville, QLD
Discover beautiful rainforests and open pastures at Scrubby Creek Trevethan Falls, a very special property just 30 minutes from Cooktown. We offer various grass and bush sites spread out over 160 acres, each peaceful and secluded, within walking distance of amazing natural waterfalls, the clear-running creek dotted with swimming holes, as well as established hiking trails. There is a variety of bird life and wildlife. Trevethan Falls is just a short walk away. Finish the day around your open campfire. You cut or collect your wood from around the property just contact your host Some of the sites are within walking distance of the pit toilet and shower, whereas others are for self-contained campers. Please be sure to read the descriptions carefully. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times. There is also a hobby farm in operation on the property, so you may hear and see the workings of the farm as you explore. We are confident that once you discover this place, you'll return time and time again.
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from 
AU$20
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(33)

Cooktown Campout

4 sites · RVs, Tents60 acres · Cooktown, QLD
Cooktown Campout, a charming campground nestled in the heart of nature, just a stone's throw away from town. Our campground offers a perfect blend of tranquility and convenience, providing you with a memorable outdoor experience. Situated amidst a picturesque native bushland, Cooktown Campout offers private campsites that allow you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the surrounding environment. Each campsite is carefully positioned to provide ample space and privacy, ensuring a peaceful retreat for you and your loved ones. One of the highlights of Cooktown Campout is our delightful petting farm, which is sure to captivate visitors of all ages. Step into a world of furry friends and gentle farm animals as you interact with our charming residents. From bottle fed poddy calves and curious goats to friendly chickens and fluffy duckies, you'll have the opportunity to get up close and personal with a variety of loveable creatures. Whether you're seeking a relaxing getaway or an exciting outdoor adventure, Cooktown Campout offers something for everyone. And when you're ready to venture beyond the campground, you'll find yourself just a short distance from the vibrant town of Cooktown. Immerse yourself in the local culture, visit historical sites, indulge in delicious local cuisine. At Cooktown Campout, we strive to provide an unforgettable camping experience that combines the tranquility of nature with the convenience of nearby amenities. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a family seeking adventure, or simply looking to unwind amidst the beauty of the Australian bushland, our campground is the perfect destination for your next outdoor getaway.
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AU$25
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
Booked 1 time

Gamaay Dreaming Track

13 sites · TentsHope Vale, QLD
Road into 4wd campsite is only for highly experienced 4wd drivers with recovery gear and high clearance 4wd. No Camping trailers.  Bring own water and take all rubbish out with you. The campsite is closed to all other campers and cars due to severe erosion of the road from 2019 Wet Season. However walking track still open.“Wanhtharra Nyundu”. On behalf of the Gamaay Warra clan, Erica & Bradley Deeral welcome you to the land of our ancestors. Gamaay Warra is the name of our clan whose country stretches from the Endeavour River in the south to Nob Point in the north. We are pleased to announce the opening of The Gamaay Dreaming Track, which is a 15km class 5 walking track & adventure 4WD campsite on the Gamaay clans land just north of Cooktown. The beginning of the walking track can be accessed from Cooktown via a boat transfer or by a rugged 4WD track (7 campsites to choose from).Experienced campers, 4WD operators and bush walkers. Book permits for the walk only (from Cooktown) or book to camp then walk (4WD in to camp).See Property Rules & Safety Notices for more information or send an enquiry.
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AU$50
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(1)

Nourishing Gardens and Bird Haven

2 sites · RVs2 acres · Cooktown, QLD
Welcome to our tropical paradise of beautiful birdsongs and nourishing nature at the entrance to Cooktown, Cape York. This charming town is known for its famous Captain Cook Wharf, Historical Museum, abundant opportunities for fishing, crabbing, exotic fruits and wildlife, explore natures wild abundance and beauty along offbeat tracks, enjoy bush creek picnics and pristine swimming holes. Immerse yourself in the vibrant multicultural markets, indulge in the rich indigenous arts and cultural experiences, and embark on scenic bushwalking trails. Don't miss the chance to explore the diverse range of local crafts and immerse yourself in the captivating atmosphere of Cooktown. Guests must be fully self contained with their own toilet/shower facilities and must take all waste with them on departure. No pets or children under 12 are allowed, sorry.  Thank you.
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AU$30
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(22)

Rossville Retreat

10 sites · RVs, Tents210 acres · Rossville, QLD
Escape from the hustle and bustle of life and reconnect with nature in the beauty of Rossville Retreat, perfectly located next to Black Mountain National Park, only 20 minutes from Cooktown and 2kms from the historic Lion’s Den pub. Close enough for day trips, yet far enough from Cooktown to enjoy the incredible wildlife and scenery during the daytime and the most amazing star gazing opportunities while sitting around your campfire in the evenings.
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AU$35
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
94%
(58)

Zazen Permaculture Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Cooktown, QLD
We are 100% committed to sustainable living and do our best to do this. We have a 40-acre property with only about 10 acres cleared and the rest is natural rainforest. We have only been living here since September 2011 so everything is still a work in progress, but it is all coming together really great. We have cows, pigs, guinea fowl, a cat and a brilliant Border Collie dog called Buddy who is everybody's mate. I love woodwork and furniture making, have my owned timber mill and built my owned house with every piece of wood coming of the mill, The bush bath is a feature with most guests taking advantage of a hot bath in the moonlight. We have a substantial vegie garden with a large variety of plants and also about 100 fruit trees in our orchard. Everything is done on Permaculture and Bio Dynamic (Demeter) principles. I am not doing Hipcamping for the money, my main goal is to share with visitors a different lifestyle based on health, happiness, self responsibility and freedom, I am very easy to talk to and look forward to having a chat.
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from 
AU$25
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
Booked 4 times

Helenvale Farm Stay

17 sites · RVs25 acres · Rossville, QLD
Helenvale Farm Stay offers accommodation for self-contained caravans from $30.00/night or short-term caravan storage. It is also a small hobby farm located beside the Little Annan River which offers a permanently flowing river for swimming all year around and is and within close walking distance to the camping areas. There are lambs, sheep, and miniature pigs on the farm as well as abundance of wildlife, and native animals. Helenvale Farm Stay is located directly next door to the historic Lion’s Den Hotel and is in easy walking distance from the campsites without having to cross any roads. There are several campsites available at Helenvale Farm Stay including wide open spaces with plenty of room and sun for those requiring solar power or tree lined campsites that offer either secluded, or family sized group areas. Other activities that you can indulge in while staying at Helenvale Farm Stay include fishing, nature walks, bird, and wildlife watching, star gazing, or you can just relax on the riverside beaches. Helenvale Farm Stay is in close distance to both Black Mountain National Park, and Cedar Bay National Park, Trevathan, Home Rule and Wujal Wujal Falls, and of course historic Cooktown or Bloomsfield. Campsites have separate campfires and firewood can be purchased an extra cost, and boar water is available on request. Helenvale Farm Stay can also be contacted on Channel Nine UHF within a 4 kms range.
Potable water
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from 
AU$30
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
Saved 3 times

Rainforest & River Camp

15 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Cooktown, QLD
***FOR VETERANS AND FIRST RESPONDERS ONLY*** There are bitumen roads right up to the property gate, drive in & park in a drive through spot wherever you feel comfy. There is 240volts mains power to the big bush camp kitchen & a big fridge. The Zen garden of big giant rocks surrounded with river pebbles has the campfire all ready to go. Campers must be self sufficient with their own toilet/shower facilities and must take all waste and rubbish with them on departure. There is a huge plastic water tank with a bore that is 57 meters deep & intersects where two fresh water springs cross paths, it's beautiful water & your welcome to as much of it as you like. The jungle surrounds the clearing, you can enjoy the place, kitchen & camp fire as you wish to. The stars at night from our camp are spectacular & you may well see shooting stars as you enjoy the flames of our camp fire. Early in the morning you will hear nature's majestic orchestra of the rainforest birds. You may well see amazing views & glimpses of some rare animals & birds as you stroll down to the Endeavour River to maybe flick a lure & catch a barra or jungle perch maybe a big fresh water prawn. WARNING CROCODILES LIVE HERE! BE AWARE! DO STAND NEAR THE WATERS EDGE! BE CROC AWARE! (If you do stand too close to the water & a croc grabs you, please be considerate of the others fishing with you & drop the bait so the others can keep fishing). For those of you new to the North of Australia here are some helpful tips- If a big Snake wraps you! Don't breathe out!!! If a Crocodile grabs you! Stick your fist down it's throat!!!! If a Shark grabs you! Stick your thumb in its eye!!!! If a mad dog grabs you, stick your thumb in its bum!!!! An even bigger tip is don't get the previous tips mixed up, This camp is your place to chill out & revitalise (just stay out of the water)It's a nature reserve type camp where the wild life is magical, For those with dogs an awesome family just a minute down the road run great dog kennels & your beautiful pet will have its own chill out & rest & not be eaten by the crocodiles in that gorgeous looking river that dogs can not resist to jump in & splash around, call 0427149968 to speak with Jodi Cooktown dog kennels. If you're going to the Cape you will pass our camp just 20minutes north of Cooktown. If you're a fisherman with a boat I know where some big red fish are at night out on the Great Barrier Reef when the wind is calm. This camp clearing being very flat & level with lots of easy turning area is really ideal for those with boats too. To chill out around this rainforest area is like bliss on earth!
Potable water
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AU$20
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
88%
(4)

Hill Top Farm Camping

1 site · RV, Tent24 acres · Cooktown, QLD
We provide award-winning, environmentally-friendly accommodation on our organic and permaculture-designed farm. We only have one camping area - so you'll have our orchard to yourselves! Guests have access to our council-approved compost toilets, showers and washing machine throughout their stay. A fire pit is also available for guests to enjoy in the evening. Hill Top Farm is the education centre for Learning from Nature. We regularly host intern students and 'Willing Workers on Organic Farms.' We run farm tours and practical courses. To grow food ecologically, we use organic practices and apply permaculture design. For more details, watch this video on the farm (https://youtu.be/ngYv9YpySt0?si=kJi3nsqA1D7uxgpV) and see our website - learningfromnature.com.au. The camping space in our orchard (approximately 22 x 13m) is suitable for campers and guests with camper trailers and small to medium-sized caravans. Max caravan length 9 m (29 ft) Explore our farm, swim in our Olympic-size farm dam, arrange a farm tour, and relax, enjoying the privacy, peace, and quiet. Fifteen minutes from Cooktown, our Hipcamp is the perfect base for exploring the historic town and surrounding landscapes. Pets are welcome, so long as they don't chase our chickens and geese! FARM TOUR - Discover how to grow food eco-logically! Our tours generally take 60 - 90 minutes, depending on our discussions! Each tour costs $110. We don't charge per person.
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AU$33
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(9)

HomeRule Campgrounds

10 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Cooktown, QLD
Over 50 acres of lush spacious campgrounds, deep inside a World Heritage Rainforest, surrounded by a pristine croc free river. TENTS CARAVANS CAMPER VANS CAMPER TRAILERS We are located just outside Rossville Home Rule Rainforest Lodge is the ideal place to explore the rainforest of the Northern Wet Tropics. Our facilities include hot showers, toilets, and fully equipped self-cook kitchen. Activities include crocodile free swimming in the river or dams, rainforest walks to Home Rule Falls and access to Cedar Bay.
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AU$18
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
Booked 6 times

Can't Remember Hotel

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Cooktown, QLD
The Can't Remember Hotel is an off grid camping area, surrounded by Mango trees and three creeks. 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. The property has a lot of history associated with it, it is the 1st Cob and Co horse change and remains of a Black Smith shop, hotel and Chinese well.​ Lots of shady trees and wildlife on the property. Check to make sure creeks are down in the area so you can get out there. ​Pets are welcome but must be kept under control at all times whilst on the property. The morning sounds of the wild life is incredible.
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AU$6
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(40)

Gap Creek Retreat

3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Cooktown, QLD
We are a tropical fruit botanical garden started 50 years ago on the banks of Gap Creek situated on the edge of the Cedar Bay National Park Queensland. We have fruit in season, cows, chickens and ducks.It is 7km to the beach and 8km to the shop.It is also possible to hike to Cedar Bay from this location. Safe swimming in the creek. Limited mobile reception.
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from 
AU$14
 / night
* Before taxes and fees

Available this weekend

Under $50

Value Prop
Value Prop

Camping near Cooktown guide

Overview

At the mouth of the Endeavour River, about 328 km (204 miles) north of Cairns, Cooktown is the gateway to Queensland’s remote and rugged Cape York Peninsula. Named for the British explorer Captain James Cook, who beached his ship Endeavour off the coast in 1770, the sleepy tropical town is rich in history with an excellent museum, rock art galleries, a lighthouse, and local markets. It’s also within striking distance of plenty of fishing, hiking, and camping options, including caravan parks, farms, and beachfront sites in the townships of Laura, Hope Vale, and Elim Beach. 

Where to go

Mount Cook

The 231-metre (758-foot) Mount Cook provides a dramatic backdrop to town as part of the Mount Cook National Park. Camping is not allowed in the park, but two walking tracks to lookouts lead to spectacular views over Cooktown, the Great Barrier Reef, and area coastline. The easier Mungurru lookout track is a 1.8-km return trip on the lower slopes of Mount Cook, while the 1.6-km Waymbuurr track is more challenging, requiring some navigational skills and a good level of fitness to reach the lookout. Take binoculars for birdwatching, and watch for pythons and northern quolls. 

Keatings Lagooon

Just eight kilometres south of Cooktown, the freshwater Keatings Lagoon Conservation Park is a sanctuary for wildlife and migratory birds. A wooden boardwalk follows the edge of the lagoon through melaleuca forest, leading to a bird-hide and picnic area. For thousands of years the Gungarde Aboriginal people have used the natural resources of the lagoon—which they call Mulbabidgee—for food and medicine. 

Hope Islands National Park

Four low-lying coral cays make up Hope Islands National Park. Get there from Cooktown by charter boat for camping on East Hope Island, a sandy cay with great snorkelling and diving, or on Snapper Island, a popular spot for sea kayakers. Campers must be self-sufficient, as the campsites only feature toilets. Each island has four campsites, with up to four campers allowed at each on East Hope Island and up to six at each site on Snapper Island. 

When to go

The cool months of the year, from May to October, are best for Cape York Peninsula travel. Many roads and tracks become impassable during the hotter, wet months of late November to April, when cyclones can occur.

Know before you go

  • Cooktown has good facilities for stocking up before you go camping, including a post office, pharmacy, visitor information centre, bank, and car hire. 
  • Dangerous stinging jellyfish may be present in coastal waters in the warmer months, when ocean swimming should be avoided. Their toxic stings can cause serious illness.
  • Camping permits are required for all Queensland parks, forests, and reserves. Reserve your spot online and in advance, ideally as early as possible.

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