Our Top National Parks to Camp at in the Sunshine Coast
Only an hour’s drive north of Queensland’s capital you’ll join the laid-back lifestyle of the Sunshine Coast, a subtropical paradise brimming with action, culture, wildlife, lush hinterland and more. While there are a wide range of activities to do in the Sunshine Coast, nothing quite compares to the experience of camping and immersing yourself in all that Mother Nature has to offer.
For those who want to live it up in the Sunshine Coast camp-style, you’ll want to keep reading on. Our team has put together our top national parks to camp at in this subtropical paradise, including information on how to get to the campsite and nearby attractions!
Located about 180km north of Brisbane, inland from the Sunshine Coast, is Amamoor State Forest and National Park. Featuring dry forests, riverine rainforests, stunning waterfalls and wildlife, plus TWO camping sites, this national park is an absolute must for all camping enthusiasts.
To get here, you will need to turn off the Bruce Highway 20km south of Gympie and follow the signs to Amamoor township. The forest is 10km west of Amamoor along the Amamoor Creek Road.
If you’re looking to stay a few nights, you’ll be able to choose from two camping areas: Cedar Grove and Amamoor Creek. Both are accessed by unsealed roads that are suitable for conventional vehicles, including vehicles towing caravans. Please remember that if you are wanting to camp at this national park, you will need to book a camping permit in advance and display it while you are camping.
Some safety/packing tips for Amamoor State Forest & National Park
Bring a first aid kit, sunscreen, insect repellent, sturdy shoes, hat and raincoat.
Rubbish bins are not provided so be sure to pack rubbish bags or sealable containers.
Mobile phone coverage is not available in this national park.
Treat all water: boil water for approximately 3 minutes to kill most pathogens or use water treatment tablets. If you have an ORCA RV model, you will already have access to a water pump and water tank storage!
It is recommended to bring and use fuel/gas stoves. If you do wish to use the barbecues provided, please bring your own clean, milled firewood. All ORCA RV models come with a gas stove so you will not need to pack one yourself.
Bring suitable clothing: temperatures in the area reach 40°C in summer and drop below zero in winter. Nights can be cool at any time.
For a central location to rainforest walks and refreshing swim holes, you’ll want to set up camp at Cedar Grove. Just about 8km from the park entrance, Cedar Grove camping area is open and grassy, and is suitable for tent camping beside your car, walk-in camping, caravans, camper trailers, campervans and motor homes.
It’s also a great place to camp if you want to explore the forestry tracks by 4WD or mountain bike, or if you want to avoid the Gympie Music Muster (late July - early September) held at Amamoor Creek camping area.
Nearby attractions:
Rainforest circuit walk (start at the southern side of the camping area; Grade 3 walking track): explore the subtropical rainforest of large blue gums, tall forest oaks and a breathtaking palm grove. This circuit is only 1km and is ideal for photographers wanting to capture the native wildlife.
Cedar Grove hiking trail (branches off the rainforest circuit walk; Grade 4 walking track): This is a challenging and steep 4.6km circuit walk, but rewards you with views of large open woodlands, and a hoop pine plantation.
Large waterhole: easily accessible through the gate near the camping area.
Facilities:
Campfires allowed (individual fire rings, please bring your own clean-milled firewood)
Toilets (flush)
Water (not suitable for drinking)
Trail bike riding
Amamoor Creek camping area
Nestled beside the Amamoor Creek, this spacious grassy camping area is popular for all kinds of group sizes and also allows you to bring your furry friend(s) along for the adventure. It is located near the far boundary of the park, 12km along Amamoor Creek Road from the park entrance. We do recommend using caution when there is wet weather as the creek can rise quickly during heavy rainfall.
The Amamoor Creek camping area is also most notably known for its connection to the Gympie Music Muster. This year the muster will be held during 25-28th August, so if you’d like to join in on the fun, you can make camping bookings and enquiries through the Gympie Muster website. We do highly recommend this experience if you’re a lover of camping and country, blues, rock, folk, and roots music.
Nearby attractions:
Amama day-use area: perfect for barbecues and picnics beside the Amamoor Creek.
Amama walk (start across the road from the day-use area; Grade 4 walking track): this challenging walk allows you to take in lush rainforest, small birds, and a cascading waterfall. It also has waterholes for you to cool off in!
Facilities:
Campfires allowed (individual fire rings, please bring your own clean-milled firewood)
Toilets (flush)
Water (not suitable for drinking)
Dogs permitted (must be on a leash at all times, and you must pick up faeces and dispose of it responsibly)
If you’re on the hunt for a deluxe weekend of camping without compromising on your favourite comforts, the lush Imbil State Forest is just for you. Located about 150km north of Brisbane and inland from the Sunshine Coast, Imbil State Forest is best known for its luxuriant rainforest, mosaics of plantation forest, waterfalls, creeks, spectacular views, and its variety of wildlife (including more than 120 species of birds and mammals).
There is only one camping area available within Imbil State Forest and it’s the Charlie Moreland camping area. To get here from Brisbane, please follow the Bruce Highway north, take the Landsborough exit and travel to Maleny. Travel along the Maleny Kenilworth Road and turn into Sunday Creek Road (13.5km north of Conondale township). The Charlie Moreland camping area is 5km along Sunday Creek Road.
Alternative access is via the Eumundi Kenilworth Road, off the Bruce Highway. Kenilworth is about 28km from the highway. The turnoff into Sunday Creek Road is about 7km past Kenilworth.
Between Maleny-Kenilworth Road junction and Charlie Moreland camping area, Sunday Creek Road is a gravel road that is suitable for conventional, two-wheel-drive vehicles, however caution is required during wet weather. Beyond Charlie Moreland camping and day-use area, Sunday Creek Road is suitable for high clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles and off-road motorbikes only.
Some safety/packing tips for Imbil State Forest
High clearance 4WD vehicles and off-road motorbikes are recommended.
Flood waters in this area rise and fall quickly so please remain attentive and wait out weather conditions.
A wheelchair-accessible toilet and camping site is located at Charlie Moreland camping area. Assistance is required when negotiating the grassed areas. The Fig Tree walk with wayside interpretive signs is wheelchair-accessible.
Natural areas have hazards with which children are unfamiliar: creeks, cliff edges, stinging plants and defensive wildlife.
Bring a well-equpped first aid kit, sunscreen, insect repellent, sturdy shoes, hat and raincoat.
Rubbish bins are not provided so be sure to pack rubbish bags or sealable containers. The nearest refuse transfer station is at the end of Cambroon Lane, 1km north of Kenilworth township, off the Kenilworth–Brooloo Road. Open Saturday and Sunday 8 am to 1pm.
Mobile phone coverage is not available in this national park.
Treat all water: boil water for approximately 3 minutes to kill most pathogens or use water treatment tablets. If you have an ORCA RV model, you will already have access to a water pump and water tank storage!
It is recommended to bring and use fuel/gas stoves. If you do wish to use the barbecues provided, please bring your own clean-cut firewood. All ORCA RV models come with a gas stove so you will not need to pack one yourself.
Fuel and supplies are available at Kenilworth, Conondale and Maleny.
This scenic campsite is situated beside Little Yabba Creek and features open, grassy spaces for you and your loved ones to utilise. It is suitable for tent camping beside your car, walk-in camping, caravans, camper trailers, campervans and motor homes.
Please note that domestic animals, including horses, are not permitted in this camping area. Horses are only permitted on shared trails and roads in the State forest, and in the large enclosed paddock provided beside the camping area.
Nearby attractions:
Mount Allan shared trail (start at the Charlie Moreland day-use area; Grade 4 walking track): whether you choose to hike, cycle or horseride on Mount Allan shared trail, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking 360 degree views of Mary Valley and surrounding ranges. For amazing photos, feel free to climb the 9.6m high fire tower at the top of Mount Allan and experience uninterrupted views of the Mary Valley and surrounding ranges. The final 300m is for those travelling on foot only, so leave your bike or horse at the hitching rail before walking to the fire tower.
Charlie Moreland day-use area: accessible by conventional vehicles, this day-use area is perfect for winding down. Enjoy picnics and barbecues, flush toilets, entrances to several walking tracks, and a swimming hole.
Little Yabba circuit (start at the Charlie Moreland day-use area; Grade 3 walking track): this circuit is perfect for those who enjoy birdwatching or for those who just want to take a dip in a rainforest swimming hole.
Piccabeen circuit (an extension of the Little Yabba circuit; Grade 3 walking track): discover hidden wonders of the Imbil State Forest on this circuit, and enjoy cool rainforest, exotic pine plantations and more.
Facilities:
Campfires allowed (individual fire rings, please bring your own clean-cut firewood)
Last but definitely not least, the Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area is one of Queensland’s best-loved camping areas and is an absolute must for anyone wanting to make the most out of their Sunshine Coast getaway - especially if you consider yourself a keen fisher. It is a little further north than the other national parks (about 250km north of Brisbane), but considering the fact that it’s a gateway to the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island, you know you’ll be spoilt with adventure.
Get here by 4WD along the beach from Tewantin, or by 2WD by road from Rainbow Beach. If you have a 2WD vehicle, there are limited camp sites suitable for your vehicle, small caravans and camper trailers, so we do strongly recommend driving a 4WD so that you are not limited in choice. Full information regarding possible danger points and access restrictions for 4WD and 2WD vehicles can be found here.
Some safety/packing tips for Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area
For a full list of safety tips, please visit this website.
Be aware of weather conditions as most camp sites are very close to sea level.
Prepare an emergency kit: portable transistor radio and spare batteries, torch and spare baeries, extra warm clothing, first-aid kit.
Generators up to 2.0Kva are permitted but can only be used between 7am-9pm.
Clean all camping and personal gear before entering the recreation area. Insects, weed seeds and soil pathogens can stick to boots and camping equipment.
Portable toilets are preferred; the nearest toilet waste disposal facility is on Clarkson Drive just outside Rainbow Beach. If bush toileting is necessary, please watch this video prior to your trip. Our ORCA 13 and ORCA 15 hybrid caravans are self-sufficient and have their own toilet facilities.
It is recommended to bring and use fuel/gas stoves. If you do wish to have a campfire, please bring your own clean-cut firewood and only use pre-existing campfire sites. All ORCA RV models come with a gas stove so you will not need to pack one yourself.
No drinking water or shower facilities are provided in the camping areas. Drinking water is available at the council service facility just outside Rainbow Beach on Clarkson Drive. This facility is about 15 minutes drive from the camping areas. Bring clean water containers. All our ORCA RV models have large water storage tanks so you will not need to worry.
Exposed sand dunes and sand cliffs along Inskip and Rainbow Beach are unstable and can collapse without warning. Climbing on, sliding down or digging into them is dangerous and can lead to serious injury or death. Do not park close to dunes. Never allow children to play near or on sand dunes and sand cliffs.
Ensure your vehicle is mechanically sound and ready for beach driving and conditions.
There are a total of seven camping areas available in the Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area. Based on accessibility and facilities available at each site, we do recommend the following:
MV Beagle camping area
This intimate seaside base flaunts endless ocean views and a central point to the marine park and recreation area. Located behind the foredunes off Inskip Point Road, this is the fourth camping area from the entrance of the recreation area and it is only accessible with a high clearance 4WD. If you have a small camping structure, we recommend this camping site for you and your group as it’s suitable for tent camping, tent camping beside your car, caravans, and camper trailers.
One of our favourite things to do here is explore the surrounding Great Sandy Marine Park, where you’re able to enjoy boating, canoeing and kayaking, fishing, scuba diving and snorkelling. If water activities don’t float your boat, you can spend your days enjoying a drive around your designated camping area.
Facilities:
Toilets (non-flush)
Campfires allowed (please bring your own clean, untreated firewood such as milled timber off-cuts)
Generators allowed (Only low decibel generators up to 2.0Kva are permitted. Turn generators off after 9pm)
Known as the largest and most popular camping area in Inskip, the MV Sarawak camping area is the second last camping area from the entrance of the recreation area, and is accessible with a conventional vehicle. You’ll be able to enjoy tent camping, tent camping beside your car, caravan camping, camper trailer camping, and motor home camping here.
It’s also the perfect camping area to enjoy quality relaxation time, fishing, and time with your furry best friend (dogs are permitted provided they are on a leash)! There is no beach access for vehicles into or out of this camping area so please keep this in mind if you wish to get to this spot.
Facilities:
Toilets (non-flush); hybrid toilet blocks provided, one with a wheelchair access ramp
Campfires allowed (please bring your own clean, untreated firewood such as milled timber off-cuts)
Generators allowed (Only low decibel generators up to 2.0Kva are permitted. Turn generators off after 9pm)
Wheelchair accessible
Dogs permitted (must be on leash)
Fishing
Ready to camp at a National Park in the Sunshine Coast? Don’t forget to book your camp site online and also check conditions before heading off. If you’re looking to get your hands on a free-camping certified ORCA RV model, be sure to visit one of our dealers.
