18 Free Camps You Need To Know About In Southern Country Queensland

Southern Queensland Country is a real treat for all your senses. From magnificent national parks to delicious local produce and exquisite wineries. The landscape will leave you speechless, no matter the season you decide to visit. Luckily the proximity to the large commercial centres has not destroyed the beauty of the country. With so many great spots, it isn’t easy to choose where to stop for the night. Save your money for more local food and wine by staying at these awesome free camps!

1. Federation Park

Small and safe campground for up to 7 vehicles, right next to the road. Toowoomba City Council does a great job of maintaining this space clean and providing outstanding facilities. The right spot for a break while exploring the Toowoomba Region.

Where: Clifton, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 48 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located along the New England Highway in Clifton.

Image: Instagram (@localtourist101)

2. James Hedges Park

Clean, flat campground with a few shady spots if you need a break from the sun. Close to a busy road, so you can expect a little road noise. A good place to stop at for the night when you feel too tired to continue driving.

Where: Near Pittsworth, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 48 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located in Pittsworth, off Yandilla Street.

Image: Instagram (@australia_shotz)

3. Chapman Park

Designated rest area near Hampton National Park with necessary facilities and very informative info center on-site. Clean space with flat spots, shades, a fenced playground, a sheltered area with tables and lights, and enough space, so it doesn’t get overcrowded.

Where: Boonah, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 48 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located near the Fassifern District Historical Society, accessible from Park Street.

Image: Instagram (@_justin.russell_)

4. The Farmers Arms Tavern

Farmers Arms Tavern is the oldest licensed pub in Queensland, with showgrounds behind it being offered as free campsites. Support the pub by having a meal or join in on trivia night. Friendly staff and a lot to see and do in the area!

Where: Cabarlah, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 48 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located next to the Farmers Arms Tavern, on the New England Highway.

Image: Instagram (@blair_gill)

5. Yarramalong Weir Reserve

Spacious campground east of Millmerran on the banks of Condamine River. The weir is not always flowing, but you might get lucky to find it full, take a dip or spot some pelicans. Bring your own firewood if you want to use the fire pits.

Where: Near Dalby, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located near Yarramalong Road, off Dalby-Cecil Plains Road.

Image: Instagram (@qld_country)

6. Heifer Creek Thiess Memorial

An overnight stopover located in a quiet area, right off the road and next to Thiess Memorial. It’s full of greenery, birdlife, plenty of shady and sunny spots. Please respect the 20-hour stay limit, or you’ll be facing a hefty fine.

Where: Heifer Creek, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 48 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located along Heifer Creek Road, accessible via Gatton-Clifton Road.

Image: Instagram (@chippieb)

7. Dalrymple Creek Park

Small campground on Dalrymple Creek, with an abundance of birdlife and clean facilities. Close to Allora, just a 10-minute walk to the city centre, where you can meet friendly locals and stock up on everything you need.

Where: Allora, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 48 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located along Warwick-Allora Road, near Dalrymple Creek.

Image: Instagram (@capitain_adams)

8. Koehler Park (Yamsion)

A tremendous birdwatching campground with well-maintained facilities and very little traffic. Close to Bunya Mountains, it’s a great place to leave your van and explore. Firewood is available on site.

Where: Yamsion, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located near the Bunya Mountains, off Yamsion-Macalister Road.

Image: Instagram (@gravesy67)

9. The Maryanne

Located on Maryanne Creek, the campground is the large open area behind the windmill and leftover old farming machinery. There’s a dam nearby that’s a beautiful site during the wet season. No time limit so you can admire nature as long as you like. A real treat for amateur geologists plenty of petrified wood, opal, and agate.

Where: Jandowae, Queensland
Toilets: No
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located off Jandowae Connection Road, near Jandowae Dam.

Image: Instagram (@pomeroys)

10. Caliguel Lagoon

Witness the stunning sunsets over the lagoon by camping at Caliguel Lagoon, just 7km south of Condamine. When in good season, the lagoon attracts many visitors, water sports lovers, and fishermen. The number of facilities and closeness to the road add to the beauty and practicality of the camp.

Where: Condamine, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located along the Leichhardt Highway, near Condamine.

Image: Instagram (@seanscottphotography)

11. Warroo Bridge on the Balonne River

Get in touch with nature at the campground on the banks of the Balonne River. Good leveled waterfront sites and occasional visits from kangaroos and cows. Perfect stargazing site, very private and tranquil.

Where: Surat, Queensland
Toilets: No
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located off Surat Development Road, near Warroo Bridge.

Image: Instagram (@rmbakeryoung)

12. Walpole Park

Popular motorist campground with green leveled sites, close to the main street and airport in Millmerran. You’ll find many shops and bakeries within walking distance. This spot is correctly managed and sustained by the city council, and only self-contained vehicles are permitted. Stock up on everything you need in town and place the bills in the box on-site to show your support for this free camp.

Where: Millmerran, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 48 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located in Millmerran, near the intersection of Gore Highway and Mary Street.

Image: Instagram (@chippieb)

13. Maidenwell – JA Gorton Oval

It’s a large camp with clean facilities, enough room to find a private spot, and entertainment for all ages. Good base for exploring Bunya Mountains, or hit Coomba Falls for a refreshing dip. A friendly pub nearby where you can chill after a long day.

Where: Maidenwell, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 48 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located near the Maidenwell Hotel, off Maidenwell-Cooyar Road.

Image: Instagram (@andyroyz)

14. Chinchilla Weir Campground

Just 10km of Chinchilla, you’ll find this popular campground next to the weir. It’s frequented by travelers and locals who love swimming, canoeing, waterskiing, or just birdwatching. Fishermen must obtain a fishing permit. Ten powered sites are available on the first-come, first-served method. This place is subject to flooding, so beware if visiting in the wet season.

Where: Chinchilla, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 48 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located off Chinchilla-Tara Road, near Chinchilla Weir.

Image: Instagram (@westerndownsrc)

15. Lake Clarendon Reserve

Campground on the Clarendon dam with large flat camping area. Quiet and secluded so you won’t be fighting for a spot. Very little shaded spots but there’s a nice breeze.

Where: Near Gatton, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Big Rig Access: No
Getting There: Located near Lake Clarendon, off Gatton-Laidley Road.

Image: Instagram (@markat.jpg)

16. Narda Lagoon Laidley

Close to the road but peaceful grassy camp just a walking distance from Laidley. A good place to stop and rest your eyes, looking at the lovely landscape over the lagoon. Birds are singing all day, turtles walking around in the grass, and a great track to have a long walk in the evening.

Where: Laidley, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 48 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located near Patrick Street, in the heart of Laidley.

Image: Instagram (@chippieb)

17. Jim Mitchell Park

Small camping area with only a few level spots but very well kept up. Great for an overnight stop with clean toilets and drinking water available. A shop and post office on-site for necessities. The nearby hall has some delicious and affordable meals, so check it out.

Where: Kilcoy, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 48 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located in Kilcoy, near Yowie Park, off William Street.

Image: Instagram (@fitness.compound)

18. Kingsley Grove Vineyard & Winery

If camping in a vineyard is on your Southern Country bucket list, this is the perfect spot. Free 48 hour stay at a self-sustaining, berry-to-bottle winery with fantastic hosts. Kingsley Grove provides a large camping area for self-contained vehicles, but you must book in advance. Walk to the cellar door and indulge in various wines, wine ice cream, and wood-fire pizzas.

Where: Near Kingaroy, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: Yes (Designated areas)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 48 hours
Big Rig Access: No
Getting There: Located along Stuart Valley Drive, near Kingaroy.

Image: Instagram (@b.harrisphotography)