Southern Queensland Country is a real treat for all your senses. From magnificent national parks to delicious local produce and exquisite wineries. The landscape will leave you speechless, no matter the season you decide to visit. Luckily the proximity to the large commercial centres has not destroyed the beauty of the country. With so many great spots, it isn’t easy to choose where to stop for the night. Save your money for more local food and wine by staying at these awesome free camps!
- Federation Park
- James Hedges Park
- Chapman Park
- The Farmers Arms Tavern
- Yarramalong Weir Reserve
- Heifer Creek Thiess Memorial
- Dalrymple Creek Park
- Koehler Park (Yamsion)
- The Maryanne
- Caliguel Lagoon
- Warroo Bridge on the Balonne River
- Walpole Park
- Maidenwell – JA Gorton Oval
- Chinchilla Weir Campground
- Lake Clarendon Reserve
- Narda Lagoon Laidley
- Jim Mitchell Park
- Kingsley Grove Vineyard & Winery
Read Next: Everything You Need To Know About Free Camping In Australia
Federation Park
Small and safe campground for up to 7 vehicles, right next to the road. Toowoomba City Council does a great job of maintaining this space clean and providing outstanding facilities. The right spot for a break while exploring the Toowoomba Region.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 2WD.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Wheelchair Accessible; Non-drinking water; Dog-friendly; Wildlife; Hiking Tracks; Cycling Tracks; BBQ Area; Playground.
Time Limit: 24 hours in a 7 day period.
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James Hedges Park
Clean, flat campground with a few shady spots if you need a break from the sun. Close to a busy road, so you can expect a little road noise. A good place to stop at for the night when you feel too tired to continue driving.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 2WD.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Wheelchair Accessible; Non-drinking water; BBQ Area.
Time Limit: 20 hours.
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Chapman Park
Designated rest area near Hampton National Park with necessary facilities and very informative info center on-site. Clean space with flat spots, shades, a fenced playground, a sheltered area with tables and lights, and enough space, so it doesn’t get overcrowded.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 2WD; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Playground; Tables; 24-hour WiFi Hotspot.
Time Limit: 24 hours.
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The Farmers Arms Tavern
Farmers Arms Tavern is the oldest licensed pub in Queensland, with showgrounds behind it being offered as free campsites. Support the pub by having a meal or join in on trivia night. Friendly staff and a lot to see and do in the area!
Showers/Toilets: Paid toilets and showers.
Access: 2WD.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Tables; Pub; Dog-friendly.
Time Limit: None.
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Yarramalong Weir Reserve
Spacious campground east of Millmerran on the banks of Condamine River. The weir is not always flowing, but you might get lucky to find it full, take a dip or spot some pelicans. Bring your own firewood if you want to use the fire pits.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 2WD; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Telstra.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Non-drinking water; Dogs allowed on a leash; Wildlife; BBQ Area; TV Reception; Open Fire Pits; Boat Ramp.
Time Limit: 72 hours.
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Heifer Creek Thiess Memorial
An overnight stopover located in a quiet area, right off the road and next to Thiess Memorial. It’s full of greenery, birdlife, plenty of shady and sunny spots. Please respect the 20-hour stay limit, or you’ll be facing a hefty fine.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 2WD; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: No.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Generators Allowed; Wildlife; Open Fire Pits; Tables.
Time Limit: 20 hours.
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Dalrymple Creek Park
Small campground on Dalrymple Creek, with an abundance of birdlife and clean facilities. Close to Allora, just a 10-minute walk to the city centre, where you can meet friendly locals and stock up on everything you need.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 2WD; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Drinking Fountain; Tables; Hiking Tracks; Cycling Tracks; Playground; TV Reception.
Time Limit: 24 hours.
Read Next: 6 Incredible Southern Country Queensland Experiences To Have On Your Big Lap
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Koehler Park (Yamsion)
A tremendous birdwatching campground with well-maintained facilities and very little traffic. Close to Bunya Mountains, it’s a great place to leave your van and explore. Firewood is available on site.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 2WD; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Telstra.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Pet-friendly; Open Fire Pits; BBQ Area; Wildlife; TV Reception.
Time Limit: 20 hours.
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The Maryanne
Located on Maryanne Creek, the campground is the large open area behind the windmill and leftover old farming machinery. There’s a dam nearby that’s a beautiful site during the wet season. No time limit so you can admire nature as long as you like. A real treat for amateur geologists plenty of petrified wood, opal, and agate.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 2WD; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Telstra.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Open Fire Pits.
Time Limit: No.
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Caliguel Lagoon
Witness the stunning sunsets over the lagoon by camping at Caliguel Lagoon, just 7km south of Condamine. When in good season, the lagoon attracts many visitors, water sports lovers, and fishermen. The number of facilities and closeness to the road add to the beauty and practicality of the camp.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 2WD; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Wheelchair accessible; Non-drinking water; Dog-friendly; Open Fire Pits; Tables; Wildlife; Fishing; Swimming; Boat Ramp.
Time Limit: None.
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Warroo Bridge on the Balonne River
Get in touch with nature at the campground on the banks of the Balonne River. Good leveled waterfront sites and occasional visits from kangaroos and cows. Perfect stargazing site, very private and tranquil.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 2WD; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Telstra.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Wildlife; Fishing; Boat Ramp.
Time Limit: None.
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Walpole Park
Popular motorist campground with green leveled sites, close to the main street and airport in Millmerran. You’ll find many shops and bakeries within walking distance. This spot is correctly managed and sustained by the city council, and only self-contained vehicles are permitted. Stock up on everything you need in town and place the bills in the box on-site to show your support for this free camp.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 2WD; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Telstra.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Drinking Water; Dogs allowed on a leash; Picnic Tables; Dump Spot; Wildlife; TV Reception.
Time Limit: 72 hours.
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Maidenwell – JA Gorton Oval
It’s a large camp with clean facilities, enough room to find a private spot, and entertainment for all ages. Good base for exploring Bunya Mountains, or hit Coomba Falls for a refreshing dip. A friendly pub nearby where you can chill after a long day.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets and $2 hot showers.
Access: 2WD; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Generators Allowed; Non-drinking water; BBQ Area; Playground; TV Reception; Fuel and Gas available; Pub; Dump Spot; Wildlife.
Time Limit: 48 hours.
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Chinchilla Weir Campground
Just 10km of Chinchilla, you’ll find this popular campground next to the weir. It’s frequented by travelers and locals who love swimming, canoeing, waterskiing, or just birdwatching. Fishermen must obtain a fishing permit. Ten powered sites are available on the first-come, first-served method. This place is subject to flooding, so beware if visiting in the wet season.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 2WD; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Non-drinking Water; Dog-friendly; Power Available; BBQ Area; Wildlife; TV Reception; Picnic Tables.
Time Limit: 48 hours.
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Lake Clarendon Reserve
Campground on the Clarendon dam with large flat camping area. Quiet and secluded so you won’t be fighting for a spot. Very little shaded spots but there’s a nice breeze.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 2WD; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Wheelchair accessible; Dog-friendly; Generators allowed; BBQ Area; Picnic tables; Wildlife; TV Reception.
Time Limit: 48 hours.
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Narda Lagoon Laidley
Close to the road but peaceful grassy camp just a walking distance from Laidley. A good place to stop and rest your eyes, looking at the lovely landscape over the lagoon. Birds are singing all day, turtles walking around in the grass, and a great track to have a long walk in the evening.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 2WD; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; BBQ Area; Picnic Tables; Hiking Tracks; Wildlife.
Time Limit: 48 hours.
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Jim Mitchell Park
Small camping area with only a few level spots but very well kept up. Great for an overnight stop with clean toilets and drinking water available. A shop and post office on-site for necessities. The nearby hall has some delicious and affordable meals, so check it out.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 2WD; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Telstra.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Drinking Water; Dog-friendly; TV Reception; Dump Spot.
Time Limit: 24 hours.
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Kingsley Grove Vineyard & Winery
If camping in a vineyard is on your Southern Country bucket list, this is the perfect spot. Free 48 hour stay at a self-sustaining, berry-to-bottle winery with fantastic hosts. Kingsley Grove provides a large camping area for self-contained vehicles, but you must book in advance. Walk to the cellar door and indulge in various wines, wine ice cream, and wood-fire pizzas.
Showers/Toilets: None.
Access: 2WD; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Yes.
Booking Required: Yes, hit them up at 0414 230 128 or contact@kingsleygrove.com.
Other Amenities: Pet-friendly; Generators Allowed; Open Fire Pits; Wildlife; Pull-through Bays; WiFi; TV Reception.
Time Limit: 48 hours.
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