19 Free Camps You Need To Know About In The Capricorn Region

The Capricorn Region is home to various unique sites, national parks, rivers full of fish, and award-winning resorts. What distinguishes this region from the rest is the number of hidden treasures on a significantly smaller territory. Tropical rainforests, grand eucalyptus forest, and the largest artificial dam are just a couple of the exciting places to visit- and camp at! Let’s check out the best free places to spend your nights in the Capricon Region.

1. Kershaw Gardens

Marvelous gardens in the backyard of Rockhampton, open for camping year-round. Settled in the north of Rockhampton, a walking distance from the city, this campsite can accommodate up to 35 fully self-contained vehicles. With eye-capturing birdlife everywhere, a playground for the little ones, and a friendly ranger, you’ll be more than pleased to stay here!

Where: Rockhampton, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 24 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located in Rockhampton, off the Bruce Highway at Moores Creek Road.

Image: Instagram (@chippieb)

2. Meteor Park Road Site

Quiet and peaceful roadside overnight camp with no facilities but beautiful nature around. Flat, spacious gravel pit with three different exits. If you want to get away from the crowds, get more privacy, and less noise, this is a great stop.

Where: Near Springsure, Queensland
Toilets: No
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located along the Dawson Highway, accessible via Meteor Park Road.

Image: Instagram (@shiny.cream.cart)

3. Alligator Creek

Campground along Fitzroy River in Milman with clear and leveled sites that can accommodate up to two campers at a time. Secluded, with plenty of firewood and no road noise. The area is a known crocodile habitat, so beware!

Where: Near Mackay, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: Yes (Designated areas only)
Pet-friendly: No
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Big Rig Access: No
Getting There: Located within Cape Hillsborough National Park, accessible via the Bruce Highway.

Image: Instagram (@fayleonard)

4. Yaamba Bushcamp

Located right off Floor Road outside of Yaamba, this bush camp offers plenty of camp spots. The area is a dirt road but leveled, with many shades due to the abundance of gum trees. There are 4WD tracks that will take you to the bank of Fitzroy River.

Where: Yaamba, Queensland
Toilets: No
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located off the Bruce Highway, north of Rockhampton, near Yaamba.

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Image: Instagram (@raissazoccal)

5. Joan Tierney Park

Excellent, safe overnight stop along the highway with everything you need. Car and truck parking, a grassy area for relaxation and dog walking. There’s a grocery store within a short walking distance where you can get some cooked meals too.

Where: Marlborough, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 48 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located in Marlborough, accessible via the Bruce Highway.

Image: Instagram (@rveethereyet)

6. Stanage Bay Camping Area

This beachside camp can be accessed via an hour-long 4WD track, making it less crowded and secluded. Incredible views and a fantastic beach to spend your days at. No open fires since this is an endangered ecological community. If you can, please leave a donation at the Plumtree Store – where you can also find coin-operated showers!

Where: Stanage Bay, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Big Rig Access: No
Getting There: Located near Stanage Bay, accessible via Stanage Bay Road, 4WD recommended.

Image: Instagram (@stanage_bay)

7. Endeavour Park Camping Area

Endeavour Park offers plenty of room for camping but can get crowded on holidays and weekends. Perfect for travelers with boats since the area has a lot to explore and some awesome fishing spots. Please be mindful with water since Stanage relies solely on rainwater and can provide you with some upon a donation.

Where: Rockhampton, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 48 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located within Rockhampton, accessible via Denison Street.

Image: Instagram (@pirate_of_stanage_bay)

8. Duaringa Rest Area

One of the best free campgrounds in the Capricorn Region. Located in MacKenzie Park with many facilities, fitting for a picnic or a two-day stay. Open spaces, tidy, enough entertainment provided for all ages, and a short distance to Duaringa.

Where: Duaringa, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 48 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located along the Capricorn Highway, west of Rockhampton.

Image: Instagram (@little_red.1)

9. Mackenzie River Crossing

It’s a lovely riverside camping along a flowing, crystal clear river, with sandy spots and a good 4WD drive to reach it. Amazing birdlife, good fishing, and an abundance of wildlife- emus, kangaroos, dingoes, dragonflies! Hint – some of the best camp spots are in front of the bridge.

Where: Near Middlemount, Queensland
Toilets: No
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Big Rig Access: No
Getting There: Located near Middlemount, accessible via dirt tracks off Dysart Road.

Image: Instagram (@attica13)

10. Dingo Shell Roadhouse

Overnight stop right off Capricorn Highway, behind a servo. Mainly a truck stop but plenty of free amenities you can use and a comfortable place to rest before continuing your drive. The on-site Roadhouse is great to sit down for a meal as a sign of support for all the other free facilities.

Where: Dingo, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 24 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located along the Capricorn Highway at Dingo.

Image: Instagram (@dingo.roadhouse)

11. McKenzie Riverside

Not easily accessible, isolated campsite only for the bravest of heart. Down an exclusively 4WD road and hard to find leveled spaces. Since many are not up for a challenge, it’s not rare to have the place all to yourselves. The river is perfect for catching some dinner, swimming, or kayaking.

Where: Near Blackwater, Queensland
Toilets: No
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Big Rig Access: No
Getting There: Accessible via local tracks near the Mackenzie River, off the Capricorn Highway.

Image: Instagram (@embermaeve)

12. Botanic Gardens Emerald

Located next to the Emerald Botanical Gardens under the Emerald Railway Bridge. Good place to stop at for a walk in the gardens and visiting Emerald Town. Can get quite noisy during the day, but there are no trains at night.

Where: Emerald, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 24 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located within Emerald, accessible via Opal Street.

Image: Instagram (@slicks_ben)

13. Sapphire Reserve

Pleasant campground for a short stay with limited leveled sites. If you plan on exploring the small town, this is a solid location to set up. For only $1.50 entrance, you can use the swimming pool and showers right next door to the camp. Water is available across the road for 10 cents per 20 litres.

Where: Sapphire, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located off the Capricorn Highway, near the township of Sapphire.

Image: Instagram (@vikulka62)

14. Lilyvale Waterhole

Isolated, generous flat area, surrounded by mines from three sides but surprisingly no disturbing noise. You can find sheltered areas and self-built fire pits from previous visitors around the place. The waterhole is just a short walk from the camp, but it’s overgrown and not in use. This place holds a lot of history; walk around to find out more.

Where: Near Blackwater, Queensland
Toilets: No
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Big Rig Access: No
Getting There: Located near Blackwater, accessible via Lilyvale Road.

Image: Instagram (@slicks_ben)

15. Junee Road Rest Area

The only free camp with toilets on the road from Dingo to Nebo; good to know if you’re not self-contained. A sizable camp area, so you’re guaranteed a spot anytime. Recommended as an overnight stopover with a breathtaking view of the sunset.

Where: Near Longreach, Queensland
Toilets: No
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located along the Landsborough Highway, west of Longreach.

Image: Instagram (@wayne_proudfoot)

16. Isaac River

Hidden camp spot with a Jurassic Park feeling to it, trees hanging on the river, and plenty of firewood around. It’s tranquil and private, the perfect spot for stargazing at night. You’ll be fascinated by the colourful butterflies during the day.

Where: Near Moranbah, Queensland
Toilets: No
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Big Rig Access: No
Getting There: Located near Moranbah, accessible via the Peak Downs Highway.

Image: Instagram (@peata_munro)

17. Marlborough Roadhouse

A much-needed stopover site for the night, with basic amenities and a gas station nearby. Enough room so you can distance yourselves from others. The roadhouse has great meals if you’re too tired to cook something.

Image: Instagram (@bettypixels)

18. Theresa Creek Bridge

Beautiful location right on Theresa Creek, with flat and wide camp spots. Best to visit after rain when the river has filled up and is perfect for some fishing and a swim. No facilities but it’s near Clermont for everything you might need. Not suitable for low vans and only a few sites, so check out before you get in.

Where: Near Clermont, Queensland
Toilets: No
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located near Clermont, accessible via Theresa Creek Road.

Image: Instagram (@kateausburn)

19. Virgin Rock – Lions Park

Fabulous mountain view campsite near the national park and very close to Springsure. The rock formations are lit up, so it’s quite the sight at night. Basic amenities and a large campground that can accommodate over 15 vehicles. A courtesy bus stops at the camp and takes you to a local pub, convenient if you’re in for a night out on the town. A lovely local gentleman stops by to share his knowledge about the region with you.

Where: Springsure, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 48 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located off the Dawson Highway, near Springsure’s Virgin Rock Lookout.

Image: Instagram (@thelovinwanderer)