18 Free Camps You Need To Know About In The Sunshine Coast

The dreamy Sunshine Coast is conveniently located next to the large commercial centers of South Queensland. What you can expect to find here are not only pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear ocean, and national parks, but a relaxed lifestyle at a top-notch holiday destination. Due to the masses of tourists choosing the Sunshine Coast as their yearly vacation destination, reliable, free, and no overcrowded campgrounds are harder to find. Here are some that are well worth the visit!

1. Carters Ridge RV Camp

A lovely green campground with shaded and a few sunny spots that can accommodate about four caravans. It’s located opposite Mary Fereday Park. You can find toilets and a playground in the park. There are a small shop and a cafe next to the camp that offers free WiFi. It’s calm and peaceful for a camp near the road.

Where: Carters Ridge, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 48 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located near the Bruce Highway, accessible from Mary Valley Road.

Image: Instagram (@dronaiku)

2. Amamoor Bridge Rest Stop

A fantastic small spot next to Amamoor town suitable for camper vans and self-contained vehicles. Within walking distance, you can find public toilets and reach the city centre. You can find a well-supplied general store nearby. Generally quiet, albeit the cows and wildlife cruising around.

Where: Amamoor, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 48 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located near the Mary Valley Link Road, close to Amamoor State Forest.

Image: Instagram (@lillieontheroad)

3. Kinbombi Falls

An exceptional camp located near Kinbombi Falls with different sized campsites. Some excellent walking tracks to choose from that take you down to the creek. During the wet season, the falls are a splendid nature sight. During the week, you’ll have no trouble finding a spot, but it tends to get crowded on weekends and holidays.

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

Image: Instagram (@vecoventures)

4. Cruice Park

A small camp that serves as the perfect base for exploring various localities on Glass House Mountains. Relatively quiet, close to the road, and clean amenities on site. The city council classifies this site as a rest area, so don’t overstay the time limit.

Where: Mount Mee, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 48 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located along Mount Mee Road, near Mount Mee State Forest.

Image: Instagram (@mel_lawrence)

5. Little Yabba Park West

A clean and tidy grassy campground for an overnight stay, located on Little Yabba Creek banks near Cambroon. From here, you can take the picturesque Fig Tree Walk or drive off to Booloumba Falls. Kenilworth is also close enough to stock up on some local produce.

Where: Kenilworth, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 48 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located near Kenilworth on Maleny-Kenilworth Road, adjacent to the Little Yabba Creek.

Image: Instagram (@jovi_dawg)

6. Marg MacIntosh Park

Lovely green area with plenty of level camp spots and secluded, so it’s never busy. Stunning scenery, magpies, and friendly horses nearby. This site gives you the feeling of serenity and carelessness, so it’s a shame there’s a 20-hour stay limit. A short walk will take you to town.

Where: Imbil, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located near Imbil State Forest, accessible from Yabba Road.

Image: Instagram (@c_a_s_s_ii)

7. Fat Hen Creek

Good place for an overnight stop, situated on the edges of Fat Hen Creek. Close to the road so it’s easy to access, but there’s no traffic noise after 7 PM. The camp provides basic facilities, but you can find a dump spot just 5km away in Kilkivan. Great sunset views over the creek.

Where: Near Gympie, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located off Bruce Highway, south of Gympie.

Image: Instagram (@debborahsmith01)

8. Chatsworth Rest Area

Located in Chatsworth Park, this overnight rest area is full of greenery, level shady camp spots, and clean facilities. Only 50 metres off Bruce Highway, it’s easy to access and suitable for families. You can leave your caravan and go explore Gympie.

Where: Chatsworth, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 48 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located along Bruce Highway, near Chatsworth.

Image: Instagram (@localtourist101)

9. Six Mile Creek Rest Area

A decent rest area along Bruce Highway, with drinking water and a dump spot available. Make a detour here if you’re looking for a quiet place to rest for the night before continuing your journey. A hidden walking track at the end of the campground takes you through the forest to a nice waterbody.

Where: Near Cooroy, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 48 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located along Bruce Highway, near Cooroy.

Image: Instagram (@seqwater)

10. Ross Creek Store

Ross Creek Store offers a free overnight rest area with power, water, toilets, home-cooked meals, and local produce. As you roll in, go to the store and ask if there’s an available spot for the night before setting up. Friendly staff and locals will make you feel at home!

Where: Gympie, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: Yes (Designated areas)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located near the intersection of Ross Creek and Tin Can Bay Road.

Image: Instagram (@wake_n_wander)

11. Broadwater Camping Reserve

Witness some of the most incredible sunsets on the Sunshine Coast over Barker Creek at this fabulous spot. Plenty of room and easy access, an abundance of birdlife and turtles. Ideal for self-contained travelers since there are no facilities on site.

Where: Mary Valley, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located near Brooloo, along Brooloo Road.

Image: Instagram (@cluck_cottage)

12. Gunalda Rest Area

A real gem right off the Bruce Highway with shaded and flat spots. Close to Gympie, fantastic views overlooking the nearby paddocks. It’s a popular area among locals, but it’s a large area, so it doesn’t get crowded even on weekends.

Where: Gunalda, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 48 hours
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located along Bruce Highway, near Gunalda.

Image: Instagram (@do_it_dont_dream_it)

13. Lawless Park

A small secluded bush camp next to the road with plenty of room and grassy areas. Well-maintained ground, sheltered spot, and large trees that provide shade. You can expect slight road noise, but nothing overwhelming since it’s a local road.

Where: Near Conondale, Queensland
Toilets: No
Camp Fires: Yes (BYO wood)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Big Rig Access: No
Getting There: Located near Conondale National Park, accessible from Maleny-Kenilworth Road.

Image: Instagram (@iamcalebdempsey)

14. Linville/Brisbane River

Great campground next to Linville Village on Monsildale Creek Road. If you’re keen on camping in the wilderness this is the place. It’s best for self-sufficient vehicles. A short walk to the river and only 10 minutes to Linville Village.

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

Image: Instagram (@benjaminhester)

15. Kilcoy Seib St

Beautiful camp away from the road with heaps of camp spots. A café, pub, and supermarket are available within walking distance. A quiet, peaceful place for an overnight stop for self-contained vehicles only.

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

Image: Instagram (@russell.gollshewsky)

16. Kandanga RV Park – Donation based

A camp spot for self-contained vehicles such as motorhomes, caravans, and campervans. A group of volunteers maintains this campground, so donations are much appreciated. You can leave them in the donation box on site. Right up the road, you can find a pub, public toilets, paid showers, and a swimming pool.

Where: Kandanga, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: Yes (Designated areas)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Located in Kandanga, near the Mary Valley Link Road.

Image: Instagram (@travelgrump57)

17. Mary Valley Koolewong – Donation based

Situated a 5-minute drive from Imbil, a unique site for golf and nature lovers. Small place for camping suitable for around six vehicles, but a large property to explore. Friendly owners, resident dogs, and golf games for only $10.

Image: Instagram (@vanhaula_vanhalla_adventures)

18. Winya Wines – Donation based

Free camping next to Winya Winery is available for self-sufficient campers upon wine purchase (with bottles starting at $17). The winery is managed by a lovely couple eager to attend to your needs and a cellar door serving exquisite food. Superb hospitality, fantastic wines, stunning scenery, and a large open area at your disposal.

Where: Near Kilcoy, Queensland
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: Yes (Designated areas)
Pet-friendly: Yes
Maximum Stay: 48 hours
Big Rig Access: No
Getting There: Located along Western Branch Road, near Kilcoy.

Image: Instagram (@karlandjacqui)