1. Explore
    /
  2. Australia
    /
  3. Queensland
    /
  4. Lakeland
1 / 100
  1. Explore
    /
  2. Australia
    /
  3. Queensland
    /
  4. Lakeland

Lakeland Downs Camping

Hosted by Joy · Lakeland, Queensland
30 sites · RV, Tent
99%
·
174 reviews
Avatar
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Joy is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
Romantic
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is romantic.
Creature comforts
Enjoy the comforts of home—including flush toilets, showers, and a kitchen.
We provide 10 spacious campsites next to Blackburn Dam that has two rock jetties to allow fishing for Barra, Spangled Perch, Eeltailed Catfish and other native fish. There is also Redclaw and Cherabin so bring your Yabby pots and canoes or kayaks. Campers have access to a modern amenities block which has flushing toilets and hot showers. There is a powered camp kitchen for communal use. Big skies that are great for stargazing and abundant birdlife in a peaceful setting provide a backdrop for your next getaway. Cattle graze the property with the occasional donkey guarding the herd as we don't kill our dingoes. There is prolific bird life and 7 types of wallabies and kangaroos as well as other wildlife in several ecosystems. The property is located about 3 hours from Cairns or 1 hour from Cooktown on a sealed road. Once you turn off the highway, access is 4.5kms on a gravel road. The town of Lakeland is just 8kms away with a Hotel, Roadhouse, Coffee shop and 2 well stocked local fresh produce stalls. We are within an hour of Cooktown and Laura if you would like to do a day trip to the historic towns.The camping grounds are about 5 + acres around part of the dam. Very spacious and lots of room for big groups. We don't currently have demarcated camp sites, it's just pick your spot that is appropriate for the number of vehicles/people. If there is a busy time I will allocate groups to areas just to ensure they are spaced out. The amenities block is modern with disabled access toilet and shower, male/female toilets and a shower. There are 2 canoes with 3 paddles and 3 kids life jackets (kept in camp kitchen), please ensure they are dragged out of the water after use. As we are in Cape York and a large body of water, we do not recommend swimming, canoes and kayaks are fine. I have not seen any salt water crocs but in this part of the world it can not be guaranteed The dam is stocked with Barra fingerlings (1000 in 2024) every year so your welcome to try your luck (if you catch one ease send a photo as I'd like to see how they are growing). There is some firewood available on the driveway in, the heaps are signposted with "firewood", so you can collect your own, if you have a chainsaw there are some logs at the front of the campgrounds to cut up and the dead trees within the campgrounds. The are 3 Donkeys and their babies that you are welcome to scratch, cuddle and get photos with but please DO NOT feed them as it causes them to bite and kick and be naughty.

Select a site

Filter by

Vehicle/tent sites

1 site
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site
Instant book

Lakeland Downs Camping

99%
(229)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 50 · Vehicles under 20 m
The camping grounds are about 5 + acres around part of the dam. Very spacious and lots of room for big groups. We don't currently have demarcated camp sites, it's just pick your spot that is appropriate for the number of vehicles/people. If there is a busy time I will allocate groups to areas just to ensure they are spaced out. The amenities block is modern with disabled access toilet and shower, male/female toilets and a shower. There are 2 canoes with 3 paddles and 3 kids life jackets (kept in camp kitchen), please ensure they are dragged out of the water after use. As we are in Cape York and a large body of water, we do not recommend swimming, canoes and kayaks are fine. I have not seen any salt water crocs but in this part of the world it can not be guaranteed The dam is stocked with Barra fingerlings (1000 in 2024) every year so your welcome to try your luck (if you catch one ease send a photo as I'd like to see how they are growing). There is some firewood available on the driveway in, the heaps are signposted with "firewood", so you can collect your own, if you have a chainsaw there are some logs at the front of the campgrounds to cut up and the dead trees within the campgrounds. The are 3 Donkeys and their babies that you are welcome to scratch, cuddle and get photos with but please DO NOT feed them as it causes them to bite and kick and be naughty.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
from
AU$25
/ night
for 1 guest

Reviews

99% Recommend229 Ratings · 174 reviews
Recommends
· January 2026
7 m travel trailer · With kids ·
Lakeland Downs Camping
had an awesome time, both dogs loved the freedom, the donkeys, horses, cattle, birds, possums, fish, and some insects made for an outstanding time. there was rain, but the ground was solid, the toilets are very clean and new, shower was great. can't wait to come back and sit by the fire pit and hopefully get another massive lightning storm over the dam, it is wet season.
T
Tracy J.
2 reviews
Recommends
· January 2026
A great place to relax & switch off
Tent ·
Lakeland Downs Camping
What a beautiful property ! We loved our stay, even though it was short due to the weather (it’s wet season after all). There are lots of beautiful grassy spots to choose from & the dam was a great spot to take a dip & cool off in. The toilets & showers were handy, very clean only a short stroll from where we camped. We enjoyed walking around & seeing all the cows, horses & donkeys. Joys dogs were also very friendly & playful. We even had a cute duck come & join us for breakfast 😂 Had a quick paddle in one of the canoes provided next to the dam which was fun. We will definitely be back when the weather behaves 👍🏼
Avatar
Angela J.
5 reviews
Recommends
· December 2025
Tent ·
Lakeland Downs Camping
We had great stay at Lakeland camping ground on Christmas Day. We got in late, meet joy & she was super friendly, we had the place to ourselves. The amenities were good & clean & handy camp kitchen. There dog end up staying with us at our camp set up which was super cute. Could easy of stayed few days & spent more time relaxing or fishing in the lake. Definitely would say again if out that way.
J
Jacinta D.
3 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2025
7 m Class B · With pets ·
Lakeland Downs Camping
Joy has created a lovely haven for campers Good facilities and plenty of room Great interaction with animals Would highly recommend staying here Kenny
M
Michael M.
2 reviews
Recommends
· November 2025
5 m pop-up camper · With pets ·
Lakeland Downs Camping
Perfect setting with no one else here and wonderful Kelpie to keep us company
J
Jennifer I.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Tent ·
Lakeland Downs Camping
What a beautiful spot .. we were there mid week and had the place to ourselves .. lots of shady spots with campfires accessible.. great to have a toilet and shower block and camp kitchen well maintained . The campsites all close to the lake to enjoy fishing and birdlife. We loved having the local characters .. Wolf the retired kelpie hanging out with us .. “Bird” the local duck who adopted us after our morning fishing .. and the horses and cattle who were curious but delightful having them so tame to not fear us invading there territory. Joy a great host ..location perfect from Cairns .. if night skies, campfire and time out is what your seeking .. this is the perfect spot .. had a great time and look forward to taking my family back here .
Avatar
Megan M.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2025
5 m car ·
Lakeland Downs Camping
What a magical place, wish we could have spent more time! Thank you for having us
Avatar
Sarah C.
3 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
15 m travel trailer · Group trip ·
Lakeland Downs Camping
This place is a hidden gem, big open space with fire pits to cater for all sized groups. The campground was spotless and well set out. The dam was great for a paddle in the canoes and also a walk around if feeling energetic. Will definitely put on the list to come back… thanks Joy
S
Salvador L.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
6 m travel trailer · With kids ·
Lakeland Downs Camping
We have stayed here twice now and would definitely come back. Joy is an awesome host and is always popping in and out to make sure the place is spotless and all campers are happy and catered for.
C
Chris R.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Amazing spot...
Tent · With kids ·
Lakeland Downs Camping
We had a great time camping at Joys property over the long weekend. The toilets and hot showers were well maintained and clean and the camp kitchen was equipped with a microwave and kettle which was very handy. The kids had an absolute ball out in the canoes fishing on the dam. The campgrounds were busy but everyone was spaced out with plenty of room. Highly recommend staying here, we will definitely be back 😀🎣🐾
A
Andi G.
3 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
15 m Class B · With pets ·
Lakeland Downs Camping
Nicely set up by the lagoon, lots of friendly animals, cows, donkeys, horses.ect. Joy is a very nice person easy to get along with, comes and sees everyone in the afternoon to see if all is good, plenty of camping spots, lots of canoes for you to use. Very nice spot
J
Jamie M.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2025
6 m pop-up camper · With kids ·
Lakeland Downs Camping
Easily accessible, beautiful space to camp having a fire looking over the lake. Able to fish and use canoes which was a wonderful bonus!
J
Julia H.
4 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Cattle, donkey, horses and dams 🥰
5 m pop-up camper · With pets ·
Lakeland Downs Camping
Great little stop on the way back, kids had a ball and the amenities were perfect for what we intended on, Joy and her family have done a great job on the station to suit us visitors and we really appreciate it... thank you
D
David S.
3 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Station living, but with perks
5 m pop-up camper · With kids ·
Lakeland Downs Camping
Beautiful stop by during the trip, kids went canoeing and the amenities were enough for what we needed
D
David S.
3 reviews
Recommends
· October 2025
Great spot :-)
7 m Class A · With pets ·
Lakeland Downs Camping
Really enjoyed our 2-night stay. Would be easy to stay for longer and we’ll definitely be back. Thanks to Joy for being such a great host.
D
David G.
2 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
Tent ·
Lakeland Downs Camping
The hospitality of Joy was unsurpassed. The camping ground was clean and well maintained. The shower and faculty’s were well and truly above standard The animals being horses , donkeys , cows that freely roamed were all friendly, we even had a the cattle dog sleep in the camping spot and felt like he was looking after us . Recommend the spot highly
N
Nathan L.
6 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
6 m travel trailer · With pets ·
Lakeland Downs Camping
WHAT A GREAT PLACE. So peacefully. Joy and family are lovely.
F
Francoise P.
6 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
5 m Class B · With pets ·
Lakeland Downs Camping
We loved our stay at Lakeland Downs! Beautiful location, heaps of space, grassed areas to set up with fire pits and firewood provided. Joy and her daughter were extremely friendly and came to check everything was going well. Friendly dogs and animals for our little pup to play with. Canoeing on the lake was fun. Facilities clean and practical. Highly recommend staying!
Avatar
Essie M.
5 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Lakeland Downs Camping
Absolutely gorgeous spot with great facilities but a bit overpriced.
M
Maree G.
6 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
Great spot for so R n R
Tent · Group trip ·
Lakeland Downs Camping
Beautiful spot to kick back and unwind for a few days. Lovely facilities including super hot showers!
J
Jessica W.
7 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
Fantastic
Tent · With kids ·
Lakeland Downs Camping
Great place to stay with excellent amenities and a great host to boot. Would definitely stay there again, thank you
Avatar
Andrew F.
2 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
7 m pop-up camper ·
Lakeland Downs Camping
Lovely un crowded farm style camping. Fire places with best ever wind shelter in the form of rain water tank corrugated iron half shells. Hot showers and we'll equipped camp kitchen. Canoes provided for paddling around the lake. Tame donkey Winston and tame cows and Brahman bull wandering about. Lots of birds and Barra in the lake (we caught and ate one...delicious, not muddy at all....). Lovely off grid alternative to a caravan park.
D
Daryl C.
4 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
Tent ·
Lakeland Downs Camping
I loved the lake and all the camping sites that are available, Joy is a wonderful host and very welcoming and each afternoon would stop by to say a quick hello, toilets showers and even a washing machine all available for use, the surrounding camp grounds kept well maintained with beautiful grassy areas, all up i loved my 3 night stay and would definitely recommend a stay for a night or even a few, so peaceful, also there are canoes provided if you like to go for a paddle, it's a credit to Joy and her daughter on such a beautiful peace of paradise 🙂
M
Marnie C.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
6 m travel trailer ·
Lakeland Downs Camping
Lovely view of the lake from my van. Lots of bird life. Clean toilets and showers. Even managed to hook my first barra, didn't land it though as it threw the hook when it jumped. Had a great stay!
N
Nadine S.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
12 m travel trailer · With pets ·
Lakeland Downs Camping
Exactly what we were chasing after a long few weeks at the Cape! Relaxing and peaceful!
S
Sarah C.
4 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
Second stay as good as our first!
Tent · With pets ·
Lakeland Downs Camping
This was our second stay in a couple of weeks, once in the way up to Cape York and this one on the way back. Another great stay. Our dogs enjoyed the grass, we enjoyed the facilities, especially a nice hot shower and being able to wash our clothes. Highly recommend!
M
Michael U.
18 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
5 m Class B ·
Lakeland Downs Camping
Great place to relax. Very Peaceful by the water. Recommend for vans or camping.
Avatar
Rosemarie B.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
5 m travel trailer · With pets ·
Lakeland Downs Camping
It was absolutely amazing won of the best places I’ve ever stayed joy and her dourter
S
Stephen M.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
Tent ·
Lakeland Downs Camping
This is a good place to camp. Beautiful place and relaxing with nature ,
O
Owyn J.
2 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
Great stay
16 m travel trailer ·
Lakeland Downs Camping
Lovely quite place, their retired working dog comes around for a bit of company -she’s beautiful
G
Gail B.
2 reviews

Location

Lakeland, Queensland, AustraliaTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Avatar

Hosted by Joy M.

Joined in October 2023

Things to do nearby

    Similar campgrounds nearby

      Popular searches in Queensland

      Caravan sites
      Farm camping
      Dog-friendly camping
      Luxury camping
      River, stream, or creek camping
      Mountainous camping
      Camping with campfires
      Camping with hiking

      About us

      Gift cardsGeneral storeJournalCareersPressHipcamper FAQ

      Hosting

      Becoming a HostIs my land a fit?Professional campgroundsInsuranceStandardsHosting FAQ

      Everywhere You Want To Camp™

      Hipcamp is the #1 camping app to find and book campsites. Explore our collection of over 500,000 well-equipped caravan resorts, holiday parks, and private sites you won't find anywhere else. Browse our comprehensive maps, filter by your camping style, read millions of real reviews. Hipcamp is the simplest way to find yourself outside under the stars. Camp Your Way®

      Get Hipcamp, the #1 camping app.

      Terms of ServicePrivacy PolicySitemapLLMS
      © 2026 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved.
      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.