The best camping near Bowling Green Bay National Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Bowling Green Bay National Park adventure.

Discover the diverse landscapes of Bowling Green Bay National Park.  

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Community favorites near Bowling Green Bay National Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Bowling Green Bay National Park

99%
(282)

Mountain View Holiday Park

27 sites · RVs, Tents90 acres · Mount Surround, QLD
Former home of the Palm Creek Folk Festival. Relax in this peaceful, family friendly campground, nestled in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range and nearby Mount Elliot. Pick a spot and set up camp. Enjoy the 70 acres of shady grounds with plenty of wildlife, including pretty face wallabies and abundant birdlife. The 20-acre dam is great for non-motorised water sports where you can paddle about on your kayak, canoe or SUP. Please be aware entry to the dam is a very muddy and there is a lot of weed at the moment. However, the water is beautiful and fresh once you get further in. Bring Mosquito/sandfly spray especially if camping by the lake. Settle down of an evening sit back and enjoy the spectacular starry night sky. Campfires allowed. Fire rings are available scattered about the site, just roll one to your camp site. Wood for sale at $10 cash per milk crate, from camp kitchen. Please place cash in the honesty box. Thankyou. Located conveniently 45 km South from Townsville and Magnetic Island ferry terminal, 45km north of Ayr, 8km north of Giru. Pet friendly (on a lead and under owners' control at all times please). Powered and unpowered sites available. Separate men and women's toilets and hot showers. Camp kitchen with shared fridges, gas rings x2, large gas BBQ, toaster, kettle, microwave and picnic tables. BYO cooking gear, plates, cups, utensils. Washing up sinks x2 -cold water only. Laundry tubs have hot water that can be used in kitchen sink. Coin washing machines available. ($2 x 2, BYO coins)
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AU$25
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(88)

The Forts

3 sites · RVs3 acres · Horseshoe Bay, QLD
We are in the perfect location in Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Island, and your camp spot is located a short walk to the beach, right on the walking tracks, WWII-era forts, and access to exploring more than 36 kilometres of bushwalking trails with plenty of wildlife watching opportunities. ..... The Great Barrier Reef, is at our door step so taking to the water is a must— hire a canoe, kayak or jetski and start exploring the wonderlands of spy dugongs and sea turtles or go on a boat cruise, and dive in to snorkel along colourful coral reefs. .... Then there's the action of a buzzy seaside town with cafes and bars and skatepark, tennis courts all within a 5 minutes gentle walk! .... Welcome to The Forts of Magnetic Island, it's truly magic your views are the National Park. ..... We offer easy access sites for: CARAVAN up to 18ft. ROOF vehicle tent MOTORHOME up to 20ft. VAN loads of room. Tent- your tent can be pitched on a tucked away haven in the bush surrounded by natural boulders. Please be SELF CONTAINED ...... Please allow for some slight slope sites, come and enjoy your relaxed bushcamp stay. ... FERRY crossing BOOK to arrive at your campsite during the "daytime" please. Please prepare to "prebook your ferry" if travelling with a vehicle. .... Walking passenger or with your bicycle you do not need to prebook your ferry. Great bus service on Magnetic Island runs every hour. Abundance of wildlife, kangaroos, wallabies, kookaburra, superb sunsets and so much more. Beach✔️ Cafes✔️ Spacious Sites✔️ Walking tracks✔️ The perfect paradise.
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AU$25
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(2)

Mountview Farm Stay and Poodles

11 sites · Lodging, RVs50 acres · Toonpan, QLD
Welcome to our idyllic farm stay, where the best of both worlds awaits you just 15 minutes away from Kmart Idalia and a mere 25 minutes from the bustling Townsville city centre. Nestled in nature's embrace, our farm offers a serene escape with breathtaking views of majestic mountains and a constant, refreshing breeze that sweeps across the landscape. Our farm stay is a haven for both nature enthusiasts and city dwellers seeking a peaceful retreat. Picture waking up to the sight of rolling hills and the sounds of chirping birds, mooing cows, baaaing sheep all while being conveniently close to urban amenities. if your lucky enough the farm animals will come up to say hello at the fence lines For those traveling with furry companions, our dog-friendly farm stay features a securely fenced-off area, ensuring a worry-free environment for your four-legged friends. We also provide the option of dog day pens, allowing your pets to roam and play freely. Caravanning enthusiasts will find our farm to be an ideal stop, for those with fully self-contained setups. Embrace the freedom of the open road while enjoying the comforts of a well-equipped farm stay. Our camp kitchen is available for your culinary needs, and fresh water is readily accessible to enhance your stay. Escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in the tranquility of our farm stay. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple seeking a getaway, or a family on an adventure, our welcoming retreat promises an unforgettable experience. Come unwind, connect with nature, and create lasting memories at our Mountview farm stay oasis.
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AU$10
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
90%
(20)

BE Magnetic Island

1 site · RV2 acres · Horseshoe Bay, QLD
BE🌴 WELCOME to Magnetic Island . Tucked away bordering the National Park is your campsite a quiet oasis. . Wildlife bouncing, exotic birds chirping, koalas roaming, cute chickens and a spacious tiered entertainment area to totally relax. . Just a 2second walk to the track to take you on the famous FORTS walk. . Beaches, sunsets, and incredible views are just moments away from your campsite. . Plenty of watersports! Hire kayaks from your campsite Go on a sailing trip, extra fees and weather dependent. . Hire jet ski Hire a scooter Hire a cute car . See butterfly, birds, kangaroo, koalas, wallabies, and much more from your camp . Cafes, bars, shops and bustop just a moment away. . Don't forget we are a true natural eco STAY bring your own toilet,cooking facilities. Looking forward to seeing YOU 👣
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AU$32
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
86%
(14)

Pete’s Lookout

6 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · Townsville, QLD
Located on the Eastern foothills of Mt Stuart, Pete’s lookout consists of six separate campsites, each with a spectacular view. The panorama stretches from Cape Bowling Green, through to Castle Hill and Magnetic Island, all the way to Pallaranda and Many Peaks. Relax in the idealic open Eucalyptus forest as you enjoy the views. You will feel like you are 1000 miles away, but only have a short 25 minute drive from Townsville to get here.
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AU$15
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
96%
(24)

Hidden Corner Magnetic Island

2 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Horseshoe Bay, QLD
Magnetic Island Private fully fenced 751 square metre block of land one kilometre to Horseshoe Bay beachfront. The perfect base to enjoy all the wonderful activities that Magnetic Island has to offer including swimming, bushwalking, birdwatching and wildlife spotting. Water and very limited electricity is available. There are no bathroom facilities so you need to be self contained. We are one kilometre from the nearest bus stop so you need to have your own transport. Please do not book this property if you do not have your own transport. As the barge gets very busy, I suggest you book the barge before booking the site. Contact me and I am happy to hold the site for a short time while you make your barge booking.
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AU$30
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(111)

THE BLOCK

9 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Brookhill, QLD
Welcome to The Block Located just 20Kms from Townsville. Dump Point on site. 8 sites available to relax in the Bush. Overnight or long term available. Enjoy this tucked away location set on a 160 acre property running a few head of Cattle, Horses and a small Mango Farm. The sites are set in a Bush setting with Iron Bark & Ghost Gums with relaxing Mountain views, then sit back and take in the night sky. Each site has a wood burner, ideal for camp oven cooking and to sit around at night. Firewood for sale. No Drinking water. All rubbish to be removed.
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from 
AU$30
 / 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.
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AU$20
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
95%
(28)

Black River Dam Camp Site

4 sites · Lodging150 acres · Black River, QLD
We are located in the Townsville region, 25 kms from the city centre and only 10 kms to Coles and BWS but close to the coast. The campsite is set on a private 150 acres with 3 swimming dams, portable toilet on site and motorcycle tracks including enduro. Camping and campfires are allowed near the dams in fire pits. Fish for metre long barra and jade perch (catch and release please). In Townsville itself you will find the headland at the north end featuring the military exhibits of Jezzine Barracks and a wide promenade which is great for walks as it heads south past the safe swimming zones. On the other end, at Ross Creek, you can catch the ferry to the Great Barrier Reef or take a 20-minute ferry ride to Magnetic Island, with its beautiful bays, bushland hikes, and wild koalas. Country Vows wedding reception centre is located on 5 acres at the front of the property.
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AU$36
 / 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.
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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.
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AU$34
 / 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.
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AU$30
 / night
* Before taxes and fees

The best camping near Bowling Green Bay National Park guide

Overview

About

Embark on an adventure at Bowling Green Bay National Park, where rugged mountains meet coastal wetlands. Traverse scenic trails, witness cascading waterfalls at Alligator Creek, and explore the rich habitats that support a plethora of birdlife. With a variety of camping options available, from bush camping to remote sites, the park offers an immersive experience for every nature enthusiast.

Notable campgrounds

  • Cocoa Creek camping area, Cape Cleveland: Accessible by four-wheel drive, offering a rustic bush camping experience amid coastal woodlands.
  • Salmon Creek camping area, Cape Cleveland: A remote getaway for seasoned campers, with access to fishing and boating opportunities.
  • Alligator Falls camping area, Mount Elliot: Perfect for hikers looking to camp near the mesmerizing waterfalls and lush rainforest.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book online in advance to secure your preferred camping spot, as sites can fill up quickly during peak seasons.
  • Consider visiting during off-peak times for a better chance at snagging a reservation and a more tranquil experience.
  • Keep an eye on park alerts for any updates on campground availability and potential closures.
  • Explore nearby camping options if your desired campground is fully booked, as the park offers several alternatives.

When to go

The best time to visit Bowling Green Bay National Park is during the dry season, from May to September, when the weather is cooler and trails are accessible. The wet season, from December to April, can bring heavy rains, making some areas of the park inaccessible due to flooding.

Know before you go

  • Check the latest park alerts for any closures or safety information before planning your visit.
  • Be Crocwise: Estuarine crocodiles inhabit the park's waterways, so always stay vigilant near the water.
  • Prepare for remote hiking with adequate supplies, a first-aid kit, and reliable communication equipment.
  • Wheelchair-accessible facilities are available at the Alligator Creek day-use area.
  • Remember to pack out all your trash, as bins are not provided within the park.

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