Big Volcano® Visitor Guide

Business Spotlight

Hosanna Farmstay
Photo © courtesy of Hosanna Farm Stay

Camping Grounds

Campgrounds, tent sites accommodation and drive in camper grounds in the Byron Bay, Tweed Heads, Upper Clarence region of New South Wales and Gold Coast hinterland and Scenic Rim region of Queensland, Australia.

Camping in this region can range from camp sites at primitive camp grounds on a farm bush block, through to private tourist parks and council run holiday parks with all the mod cons.

You'll also find car camping, tent camping and walk-in camping available in many of the World Heritage listed national parks of the region.

We've split the category into five sections as shown in "On this page" links section just below.  They're pretty self explanatory, but with the exception of the Glamping, Tipis and Yurts, they all have camp site options where you can pitch your own tent.

Tariff shown is indicative only (per night/off peak).

Camping Grounds

Dedicated campgrounds are becoming less common, and most beachside holiday parks and tourist parks with camp sites, will by run by the local council, while private campgrounds can be located near the beach or national parks and nature reserves.

Camping grounds and tent camping sites may also be available at country resorts and farmstays, with on-site adventure and nature activities available. Like beachside tourist and holiday parks, most private campgrounds usually provide a campers kitchen and clean, modern amenities.

Please note: There is no beach camping permitted in Ballina, Byron or Tweed Shires, and beach camping is not allowed on Gold Coast beaches.  Council rangers do regular patrols of beach parking areas and dunes.  If your are illegally camping, you will be fined.  (Check out South Stradbroke Island - "Straddie", in Moreton Bay for beach camping options.)

booking.com online reservations Check availability and book accommodation below.
Disclosure:  Our carefully chosen Booking.com links below are affiliate links.
If you book and stay via these links, we receive a commission. Thank you.  :-)
This helps us to keep providing this information to you for free.

Binna Burra Rainforest Campsite
Binna Burra Rainforest Campsite - Beechmont

Choose from powered drive-on campsites, unpowered campsites and Family Safari camping tents.

Featuring a restaurant, Binna Burra Rainforest Campsite, the camping offers a children's playground, a garden with a barbecue, and guests can go hiking nearby.

Locality
Beechmont, Gold Coast
Nobby Beach Holiday Village tent sites
Nobby Beach Holiday Village New

Located in the heart of the Gold Coast, at Nobby Beach Holiday Village you can choose from standard, grass and premium concrete pad sites, suitable for tents, campers, and caravans, with shared bathroom available.

Onsite park facilities include a swimming pool with a waterslide, wading pool, children's playground, BBQ area, convenience store, and self-service laundry facilities, along with board games, DVD rentals and bicycle hire.

Locality
Mermaid Waters, Gold Coast
Lanikai Camping Ground
Lanikai Camping Ground New

Escape the madding crowd and get away to Northern New South Wales country, on a large rural property.  Enjoy a back to nature experience, in our tent accommodation.  Well behaved dogs are allowed.

Ideal for birdwatchers.  Undercover camp kitchen with wood stove, and separate shower and toilet available.

Locality
Tabulam, Northern NSW

The free listings below are provided to ensure the most comprehensive local directory possible.
  When you contact folks listed here, please mention that you found them via Big Volcano.  Thanks.

Flat Rock Tent Park
Ballina
(02) 6686 4848
Ballina Beach Nature Resort
South Ballina, NSW
(02) 5631 8187
Binna Burra Mountain Campsites - Lamington National Park
via Beechmont, QLD
(07) 5533 3622
Burleigh Beach Tourist Park
Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast
(07) 5667 2750
The Arts Factory Lodge
Byron Bay
(02) 6685 7709
Belongil Fields
Byron Bay
(02) 6680 8999
Beaches of Byron
Broken Head via Byron Bay
(02) 6685 6751
Suffolk Park Holiday Park
Suffolk Park via Byron Bay
(02) 6685 3353
The Hideaway
Cabarita Beach
1300 611 392
River Bend Country Bush Camping
Canungra, QLD
0409 550 745
Spring Gully Stays
via Canungra, QLD
(07) 5543 4490
Tweed Coast Holiday Parks - Fingal
Fingal Head
(07) 5524 2208
Hidden Valley Camping & Teagarden
Grady's Creek via Kyogle
0408 768 403
Tweed Coast Holiday Parks - Hastings Point
Hastings Point
(02) 6676 1049
Tasman Holiday Parks – North Star Updated
Hastings Point
(02) 6676 1234
Queen Mary Falls Caravan Park
Killarney, QLD
(07) 4664 7151
Ingenia Holidays Kingscliff
Kingscliff
(02) 6674 2505
Tweed Coast Holiday Parks - Kingscliff Beach
Kingscliff
(02) 6674 1311
Tweed Coast Holiday Parks - Kingscliff North
Kingscliff
(02) 6674 1071
Kirra Beach Tourist Park
Kirra, Gold Coast
(07) 5667 2740
Rainforest Gateway Caravan Park
via Kyogle
(02) 6636 6114
Camp Lake Fire
Maroon via Rathdowney, QLD
(07) 5463 6121
Lake Maroon Holiday Park
Maroon via Rathdowney, QLD
(07) 5463 6256
Ocean Beach Tourist Park
Miami, Gold Coast
(07) 5667 2710
Hosanna Farm Stay
Stokers Siding via Murwillumbah
(02) 6677 9023
Maca's Camping Ground
Mullumbimby
(02) 6684 5211
Mount Burrell Camping Ground
Mount Burrell
(02) 6679 7170
Mount Warning Rainforest Park
Mount Warning
(02) 6679 5120
Palm Beach Tourist Park
Palm Beach, Gold Coast
(07) 5535 3359
Tweed Coast Holiday Parks - Pottsville North
Pottsville
(02) 6676 1221
Tweed Coast Holiday Parks - Pottsville South
Pottsville
(02) 6676 1050
Bigriggen Park
via Rathdowney, QLD
(07) 5463 6190
Mount Barney Lodge Country Retreat
via Rathdowney, QLD
(07) 5544 3233
Clarence River Wilderness Lodge
Tabulam
(02) 6665 1337
Lanikai Campsites
Tabulam
(02) 6666 1272
Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park
Tallebudgera, Gold Coast
(07) 5667 2700
Tamborine Mountain Caravan Camping
Tamborine Mountain, QLD
(07) 5545 0034
Thunderbird Park
Tamborine Mountain, QLD
(07) 5545 1468
Channon Village Campground 10 only unpowered sites
The Channon
(02) 6688 6204
Pyramid Holiday Park
Tweed Heads
(07) 5536 3666
Tweed Coast Holiday Parks - Boyds Bay
Tweed Heads South
(07) 5524 3306
Levuka 4WD Park
Urbenville
(02) 6634 1338
Wadeville Woolies
Wadeville
(02) 6689 7285
Wooyung Beach Holiday Park
Wooyung
(02) 6677 1300

Glamping, Tipis and Yurts

What is glamping?  "Glamorous camping" usually provides safari style luxury tents on raised platforms, or unique and quirky wooden huts, with some or all of the mod cons, including power, real beds and linen, private bathroom (with or without a spa/bath), and outdoor dining with a BBQ, on a verandah with views.

Booking.com online reservations Book selected "Glamping tents" below via Booking.com* or search for more options.
Disclosure:  Our Booking.com links below are affiliate links. If you book and stay via a link, we receive a commission.  It helps us to maintain this website.  Thank you. 

Clouds Safari
Clouds Safari

Offering studio style accommodation with kitchenette, separate bathroom w/ shower, and soaking tub positioned for views across the rolling hills and valleys.

Verandah with outdoor furniture and BBQ Minimum 2 night stay.

Locality
Beechmont
The Hideaway Cabarita
The Hideaway Cabarita

Located in the beach side village of Cabarita Beach, this idyllic property offers a secure & private space with accommodation options suitable for couples and families.

Communal areas includes en-suite amenities block, a fully equipped kitchen and preparation area, lounge areas with bean bags, fire pit, BBQ areas & “chill” zones, with Wi-Fi available right across the property.

Locality
Cabarita Beach
Tuckers Retreat
Tuckers Retreat

Take a dip in your private hot tub or crawl into your bed and enjoy beautiful mountain views.

Each adult only eco-friendly, luxury tent is equipped with a kitchenette and a bathroom.  Guests can have a relaxing meal with friends and family on their private terrace.

Locality
Via Canungra
Silk Pavilions Glamping
Silk Pavilions Glamping

Nestled amongst native bush, lakes and rainforest, guests can enjoy beautiful views of Mount Warning from their private deck.

Set on 40 hecrates (100 acres), this luxurious retreat offers Thai villas and tented suites with wooden floors and Asian-style furnishings. Tents are equipped with chandelier, barbecue, hammock and patio seating.

Locality
Mount Burrell
Glamping Byron Bay
Glamping Byron Bay

Set in Rosebank in the Byron hinterland, this tent is set in a garden with a year-round outdoor pool.

Guests have free WiFi and private parking available on site. Towels and bed linen are featured in this self-catering accommodation.

Locality
Rosebank via Federal
Glamping Byron Bay
Southern Sky Glamping New

Glamping tents set around a seasonal pool on 4 acres of park like grounds on Tamborine Mountain.

Enjoy the quiet surrounds and local birdlife.  Sleeping upto 5 people, each tent has private entrance, wardrobe, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. Some come with a fully equipped kitchen.  BYO bed linen, or hire available.

Locality
Tamborine Mountain

National Parks Campgrounds

Camping in the World Heritage listed national parks of the region is very popular on weekends and during school holidays, with some locations being walk-in bush camping only.

Booking online in advance for QLD National Parks is preferred and recommended.  See Camping bookings and fees.

In NSW national parks, pre booking is now required. Book online or call the National Parks Contact Centre.  Park entry fees may also apply and are not included in camping fees.

Please note; firearms and pets are not permitted in national parks*.

*Caravanners please note: Composting toilets are common in most national parks.  Please DON'T empty your portaloo waste into them, as the chemicals in portaloos destroy natural processes that make composting toilets an effective eco-friendly option in these places.

Check for NSW park alerts here before your visit.   Gold Coast and Scenic Rim parks alerts are here.

Forest Tops Camping Area - NSW National Parks. $ + Park entry fees apply. Sites: 3. Suitable for Tent, a short walk from vehicle
1300 072 757
Sheepstation Creek Camping Area - NSW National Parks $ + Park entry fees apply. Sites: 26. Suitable for Tent, Camper trailer, Caravan, Camping beside vehicle
1300 072 757
Koreelah Creek Campground - NSW National Parks. $ - Free park entry.  Tent, Camper trailer, Caravan, Camping beside vehicle
1300 072 757
Green Mountains Parks Camp - QLD  National Parks booking online preferred
13 74 68
Manna Gum Camping Area, Goomburra - QLD  National Parks booking online preferred
13 74 68
Poplar Flat Camping Area, Goomburra - QLD  National Parks booking online preferred
13 74 68
Spicers Gap Camping Area - QLD  National Parks booking online preferred
13 74 68
Cutters Camp Camping Area - NSW National Parks. $ + Park entry fees apply.  Suitable for Tent, Camper trailer, Caravan, Camping beside vehicle
1300 072 757
Mount Barney National Park, limited walk-in bush camping only advance booking essential
13 74 68
Rummery Park Camping Area, Whian Whian SCA - NSW National Parks. $ + Free park entry.  18 sites. Suitable for: Tent, Camper trailer, Caravan, Camping beside vehicle
1300 072 757
Peacock Creek Camping Area - NSW National ToonumbarParks.  $ + Free park entry.  Suitable for: Tent, Camper trailer, Caravan, Camping beside vehicle
1300 072 757
"The Settlement" Camp - QLD  National Parks booking online preferred
13 74 68
Iron Pot Creek Camping Area - NSW National Parks.  $ + Free park entry. Sites 10. Suitable for Tent, a short walk from vehicle
1300 072 757

Public Reserves and Showground camp sites

Camping in public reserves is usually operated by local community showground trust, progress association or overseen by the general store or garage owner/manager in the local village. There maybe a standard "gold coin" donation for those places with "primative" or no facilities, but most now have a fee of around $20 per night, to cover upgraded toilet blocks and camp kitchens.

Depending on the management, it will either be "first come - best dressed" or you may need to book in advance.  Like national parks, some locations are popular with the locals on weekends and during school holidays, so you should enquire in advance to avoid disppointment.

Free camp sites are not common in our region, see State Forests below for legal free camping areas.  And while it might be tempting to set up camp for a night or two, in a secluded reserve or suburban back street, please note it is against local bylaws in our region, especially the popular coastal locations of Ballina, Byron And Tweed LGAs. Council rangers conduct regular patrols, and you'll be asked to pack up and leave.  You might also get fined.

Please check out reserves listed below, campgrounds listed above, and see our Caravan Parks and Holiday Parks directory for more tourist parks in beach and bush localities.

Alstonville Showground
Alstonville
(02) 6628 0358
Flanagan Reserve
Barney View, Scenic Rim, QLD
(07) 5544 3128
Bonalbo Caravan Park
Bonalbo
0417 502 723
Canungra Creek Reserve Canungra Showgrounds
Canungra, QLD
(07) 5543 5904
Darlington Park, Lost World Valley
via Kerry, QLD
(07) 5544 8120
Kyogle Showground Reserve Trust
Kyogle
0459 537 601
Burgess Park
Lamington, QLD
(07) 5544 8120
Stinson Park, Christmas Creek
via Lamington, QLD
(07) 5544 8008
Mallanganee Campground
Mallanganee
(02) 6664 5266
Murwillumbah Showground Trust
Murwillumbah
0423 600 478
Waterfall Creek Reserve
Mount Barney via Rathdowney, QLD
(07) 5540 5111
Nimbin Showground
Nimbin Open for camping
0477 503 932
Andrew Drynan Park - Lions Road
Running Creek via Rathdowney, QLD
(07) 5544 1281
Bells Bay - Toonumbar Dam
via Kyogle Closed until further notice
-
Tyalgum Camping Ground
Tyalgum
0490 780 181 or (02) 6679 3569
Tooloom Falls Aboriginal Place Tooloom National Park
Kyogle Currently closed
1300 072 757
Woodenbong Camping Ground
Woodenbong
(02) 6635 1306

State Forests

State Forests are now few and far between in our region, however free camping is available in State Forest parks shown below, where facilities are available.

Please note.  Free camping sites are not common in our region, and in popular coastal locations, it is against local bylaws.  In Tweed and Byron Shires in particular, rangers conduct regular patrols, especially along beaches and in nature reserves.  If you're found camping in a prohibited place, you will be asked to pack up and move on, and you may also get a fine.

Please check out state forests reserves listed below, campgrounds listed above, and also see our Caravan Parks and Holiday Parks directory for more tourist parks in beach and bush localities.

State Forestry Service of NSW HQ 
West Pennant Hills
1300 655 687 Visiting State forests enquiries
Beaury State Forest - Tooloom Forest Drive.
Grafton
(02) 6644 7001
Ellangowan State Forest - Braemar roadside rest area.
Grafton
(02) 6644 7001
Girard State Forest - Crooked Creek Picnic area.
Grafton
(02) 6644 7001

Google Ads

Visit us on:
Facebook logo Flickr logo Instagram YouTube logo