The best summer camping holiday might be closer than you think. Within about 100 kilometres of Brisbane you can wake up beside a calm lake, swim in a mountain creek, or watch the sun rise over Moreton Bay, all without a long day behind the wheel.
A shorter drive means less time and money spent getting there, and more time doing what summer is all about. We’ve rounded up a mix of lakeside, country, beach and close-to-city parks that suit families looking for a relaxed summer camping escape near Brisbane, without the resort prices.
About an hour’s drive from Brisbane, Lake Wivenhoe is made for lazy summer days on the water. Powered boats aren’t allowed, so the lake stays calm and inviting for kayaking, canoeing and a spot of fishing.
Choose between two campgrounds. Captain Logan puts you right by the water’s edge, while Lumley Hill offers sweeping views across the lake. Both have powered and unpowered sites, and glamping tents are available if you’d rather skip the set-up. Keep an eye out for kangaroos, possums, ducks and plenty of birdlife.
Set along the Stanley River about 20 minutes from Esk, Somerset Park is a relaxed, grassy campground surrounded by natural bushland and wildlife. There are powered and unpowered sites, a kiosk, a playground for the kids and campfires for those long summer evenings.
Cyclists and walkers can also explore nearby sections of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, which follows the old train line through the region.
In the foothills of the Scenic Rim, between Mt Maroon and Mt Barney, Bigriggen is classic Aussie camping at its best. A clear, running creek is right there for swimming and fishing, and the surrounding national parks are full of bushwalks to explore.
After a day outdoors, there are hot showers, a camp kitchen and fire pits, plus a stocked kiosk for an afternoon treat. There’s room for everything from tents to big rigs, with powered and unpowered sites, and the four-legged family members are welcome too.
Nestled between Lake Wivenhoe and Lake Somerset, about an hour north-west of Brisbane, Esk is a handy base for exploring both. The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail runs right past the park, and the town’s cafés and pubs are a short stroll away.
On hot days, the two heated pools will be a hit with the kids, and daily lorikeet feeding is a favourite with younger campers. There’s a camp kitchen with barbecues and pizza ovens, plus live entertainment on Saturday afternoons. Choose from powered, unpowered and ensuite sites, cabins or glamping tents for your stay.
In the hinterland on the road between Maleny and Kenilworth, Kookaburra Park packs a lot into your stay at no extra cost. Included activities cover animal feeding, guinea pig cuddles, a fairy garden and a 2.4-kilometre return hike up to the ridge.
Best of all, a secret tunnel leads down to the Mary River for a swim. Every group gets its own firepit, the park is pet friendly, and you can choose from powered and unpowered sites, or themed cabins and glamping.
On the ocean side of Bribie Island, this park sits just 200 metres from Woorim’s surf beach, with views across Moreton Bay to Moreton and Stradbroke islands. The surf club is a short walk away, and the calm waters of Pumicestone Passage are just across the island for younger swimmers.
Kids are well catered for, with a shaded swimming pool, a playground, mini golf, a games room and a half-size tennis and basketball court. There’s a camp kitchen with barbecues, and you can choose from tourist sites or studio, one and two-bedroom cabins. Woorim’s cafés and shops are minutes away, and Bribie Island National Park is close by for walks and wildlife spotting.
Want a taste of the Gold Coast without the crowds? Jacobs Well Tourist Park sits on the quiet waterways of southern Moreton Bay, about half an hour from Surfers Paradise.
It’s a favourite with boating and fishing families, with a boat ramp next door and a maze of islands to explore. Native wildlife and colourful birds are regular visitors, and there are dog-friendly powered and unpowered sites as well as waterview cabins.
For something a little more adventurous, Tipplers offers beachfront campsites and simple shacks on South Stradbroke Island. There are barbecues, campfires, a playground and a licensed café.
It’s a true nature-based camping experience, and a summer holiday the kids will talk about for years. The island is only accessible by boat, so the campground is strictly limited to tents and on-site walk-in shacks.
Just 15 minutes from the city and 25 minutes from the Gold Coast, this south-side park is an easy base for a family break close to home. Kids can make the most of the large resort-style pool, the fully fenced adventure playground and the full-size tennis court.
There’s a camp kitchen, gas barbecues and undercover eating areas, with powered sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans, plus cabins and holiday homes. Leave the car behind for a day in town, too, with Rochedale busway station directly opposite the resort.
Just south of the CBD, this family-owned park is a great option for a staycation with the kids. There’s a lagoon pool, a kids’ splash pool, a tennis court, a playground and free activities during the school holidays.
Choose from powered and unpowered campsites, caravan sites, cabins or Airstream glamping. Getting into the city is easy, with a bus stop right outside the park.
So pack the esky, grab the beach towels and make this summer one to remember, a little closer to home. Find more parks near Brisbane with Caravanning Queensland.
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