The Gold Coast is a surfer and hot climate lovers’ paradise. It’s easy to spend unnumbered days strolling around this tropical heaven, exploring the rainforest hinterlands, admiring the skyscrapers along the coast, or indulging in some nightlife fun. Whether you’re a raw nature lover or keen on commercial centers, the Gold Coast has it all. Due to being a major touristic center, good free camps are sadly a rarity. Here are some picks I would recommend if you’re looking for a free stay along this part of your Big Lap.
- Mt Joyce Base Camp
- Bicentennial Park
- Hugh Muntz Park
- Fassifern Reserve
- Mt Alford Hotel
- Gladfield Rest Area
- Crown Hotel
- Tully Memorial Park
- Dalrymple Creek Park
- Nobby Town Camp
- Passmore Reserve
- Leyburn Recreational Ground
- O’Shanley’s Irish Bar & Restaurant
- Telstra Tower Overnighter
- Sandy Creek Pub
- Victoria Hill Bush Camp
Read Next: Everything You Need To Know About Free Camping In Australia
Mt Joyce Base Camp
One of the best-kept secrets of the Gold Coast is the Ngumbi or Mt Joyce Base Camp. Not your typical campsite – it’s accessible only by foot or kayaking through the dam. It’s located two hours from a car park where you can leave your vehicle. The camp is equipped with all the necessities; you can stay in your tents or at the base house. From here you can reach Mt Joyce summit in an hour, for some unforgettable views. Campfires are forbidden, but nights can get chilly so bring warm clothes.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: Walking or Kayaking.
Phone Service: None.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Non-drinking Water; Picnic Tables; On-site Accommodation; Wildlife; Hiking Tracks; Swimming; Kayaking.
Time Limit: None.
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Bicentennial Park
The city of Boonah offers a small caravan parking spot for up to three vehicles next to the City Informational Centre. It’s a short stay camp with facilities and very close to town. Camping in tents is forbidden as well as fires. Great spot for an overnight stay while you explore the area.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 2WD; Caravans; RVs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Wheelchair Accessible; Drinking Water; BBQ Area; Picnic Tables; Hiking Tracks; TV Reception.
Time Limit: 24 hours.
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Hugh Muntz Park
Hugh Munz Park is settled in the RV-friendly town of Beenleigh, which is conveniently located between the Gold Coast and Brisbane. Right off the Pacific Motorway, this campsite offers three nights stay for self-contained vehicles. Hugh Munz Park is within walking distance of many sites in town that deserve to be visited. Convenience stores and services are right across the street. Roof tents are allowed, but floor tents are not.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 2WD; Caravans; RVs; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Wheelchair Accessible; Drinking Water; Generators Allowed; BBQ Area; Picnic Tables; TV Reception; WiFi; Dump Spot.
Time Limit: 72 hours.
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Fassifern Reserve
A rest area right beside a busy highway with essential, clean facilities ideal for an overnight stay. Large open space with grass and shades. You can stay in a tent or your vehicle. There is no time limit, but due to the location and noise, it’s not the place for an extended stay.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 2WD; Caravans.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Pet-friendly; Non-drinking Water; Picnic Table.
Time Limit: None.
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Mt Alford Hotel
A campground with limited flat campsites in the rear back of Mt Alford Hotel for fully self-contained vehicles. The hotel has an authentic country pub, and it’s located just 10 minutes from Boonah. While camping is free, you should support the pub by purchasing meals or drinks, which are reasonably priced. The park adjacent to the hotel has clean public toilets.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 2WD; Caravans; RVs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: Not required, just check in with the staff before setting up.
Other Amenities: Pets allowed on a leash in the camp area; Wheelchair Accessible; TV Reception; Pub; On-site Accommodation.
Time Limit: None.
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Gladfield Rest Area
Good stop while driving the Allora-Goomburra Road right off the highway; you’ll find this grassy rest area. Driver Reviver is located on-site for a java juice cup to get you going and an excellent spot to stretch your legs. The backside next to the church is quieter if you plan on spending the night.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 2WD; Caravans.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Picnic Tables; BBQ Area.
Time Limit: None.
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Crown Hotel
A highly recommended camp when circulating the Gold Coast region, the Crown Hotel offers its backside for fully self-contained camp vehicles. You can find a green grassy area, helpful, welcoming staff, and excellent pub food on site. The locals will make you feel very welcomed and help you get to know the area!
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 2WD; Caravans; RVs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Power Available; BBQ Area; Playground; Pub; On-site Accommodation.
Time Limit: 48 hours.
Read Next: 42 Things You Need To Know About Living In A Caravan Full Time During Your Big Lap
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Tully Memorial Park
Located only 35km from Brisbane, this can be a popular campsite, but it’s a vast area, so it doesn’t get packed. It only accommodates fully self-contained vehicles. It’s a beautiful place to spend three nights, with shops and markets just 5 kilometers away. It’s close to the road, but the road noise goes down with the sun.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 2WD; Caravans; RVs; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Wheelchair Accessible; Non-drinking Water; Picnic Tables; TV Reception; Open Fire Pits.
Time Limit: 72 hours.
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Dalrymple Creek Park
Dalrymple Creek Park offers a campground for up to eight vehicles for a maximum stay of 24 hours. Due to the limited spots, make sure you arrive early to stay here. Camping in tents is also allowed. Fantastic scenery around, lovely river walks, and cycling trails to fill out your day. Only 10 minutes away and you’re in a town where you can find pubs, a swimming pool, convenience stores, and a golf course.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 2WD; Caravans; RVs; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dogs allowed on a leash; Drinking Fountain; Picnic Tables; Playground; TV Reception; Walking Tracks.
Time Limit: 24 hours.
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Nobby Town Camp
A free camp area opposite, but not related to Rudds Pub in Nobby. Lovely camp area, clean facilities, and a great pub conveniently located for a late-night meal or a beer. Four powered sites are available for a donation of $5. There’s a donation box on-site and a box for receipts for everything you spend in town. Large campground so you can choose the perfect spot.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 2WD; Caravans; RVs; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dogs allowed on a leash; Drinking Water; Power Available; Picnic Tables; BBQ Area; Playground; TV Reception; Pub.
Time Limit: 72 hours.
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Passmore Reserve
Secluded and serene campground with no facilities so ideal for self-sufficient campers, located along the river bank. The river runs seasonally so if you visit in the wet season you can enjoy a swim or catch some fish. Plenty of spots, flat, shaded, or sunny. Perfect for escaping the crowds and relaxing for a few days.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 2WD; Caravans; RVs; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Limited.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Picnic Tables; Open Fire Pits; BBQ Area; Swimming; Fishing; TV Reception.
Time Limit: 72 hours.
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Leyburn Recreational Ground
Campground located on council reserve with basic facilities. Roomy, so you don’t have to rush to get a spot. Situated in a lovely little town with a rich history that will have you intrigued. Convenience store and a pub within walking distance and showers behind the nearby tennis courts. Each Saturday morning, you can buy firewood from a local visiting the camp.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 2WD; Caravans; RVs; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Generators Allowed; Wildlife; Open Fire Pits; Picnic Tables; Swimming; Fishing.
Time Limit: 72 hours.
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O’Shanley’s Irish Bar & Restaurant
A superb spot to camp behind the pub with welcoming staff and a friendly local town. Shady and sunny camp spots available, free power, and 24/7 open toilets. The pub offers some fine traditional Irish stew and the obligatory Guinness. If you support the pub, you get a free shower too!
Showers/Toilets: Toilets; showers available for patrons.
Access: 2WD; RVs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Drinking Water; Power Available; Picnic Tables; TV Reception; On-site Accommodation.
Time Limit: None.
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Telstra Tower Overnighter
A quiet campground on Telstra property with enough space for up to four caravans. Shaded area with unnoticeable road noise and no facilities. Good for an overnight stay. Ironically no phone service since the tower is not a 4G cell.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 2WD; RVs; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: No.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Non-drinking Water; Wildlife; Walking Tracks; TV Reception.
Time Limit: None.
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Sandy Creek Pub
Free camping is available (only for Queenslanders at the moment) at this small country pub. The owner is very friendly and accommodating, as well as the locals. Large level grassy area, great facilities, and excellent food. Camping in tents is permitted.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets and $5 showers.
Access: 2WD; Caravans; RVs; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Wheelchair Accessible; Dogs allowed on a leash; Wildlife; Picnic Tables; Playground; TV Reception; Pub; On-site Accommodation.
Time Limit: 72 hours.
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Victoria Hill Bush Camp
A nice, secluded bush camp on Condamine River with no facilities but fabulous scenery. Ideal for self-sufficient campers and adrenaline seekers. If you’re coming with a 4WD, you can secure yourself a good spot right next to the river. Make sure not to leave a trace behind.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 2WD; 4WD obligatory if wet.
Phone Service: No.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Swimming; Fishing; Boat Ramp; Birdlife.
Time Limit: None.
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Read Next: 96 Things To Know About Your Big Lap
