The Best Places to go Camping in Brisbane

Camping is a hate-it or love-it pastime for Aussies. Now, you might think that going camping is easy, and you are right, it can be easy. But it also can be difficult because the best camping comes with its own rules, or should we say – its own camping checklist which will help you to find the best places to go camping in Brisbane – or thereabouts.

Before you have even thought about the easily forgettable tasks like packing the tent (don’t forget to air it out first!), you need to find those tried and tested places to go camping. We have everything covered for you, with our list of great spots for your next trip to Brisbane’s best-camping sites.

What is Camping like in Australia?

Camping in Australia is a unique experience of a lifetime. With the distinct natural flora and fauna and the full range of natural habitats, camping grounds in Australia give campers truly ideal camping spots that are not too far off the beaten track. They also provide a taste of the bush and easy access to water for cooling off and plenty of activities to stay busy with.

What is Brisbane Weather like for Camping?

Firstly, it is always a good time of year to visit Queensland and the great camping spots around Brisbane – which is the capital city of Queensland.

Brisbane weather is excellent for camping and follows the usual Australian climate seasons that all of Australia experience. Except for the northern parts of Australia which are different, (as the tropics only have two seasons – the wet and dry), the climate seasons for Brisbane weather are much like the following, but don’t forget that weather in Australia can be unpredictable.

Summer – December to February

Summertime in Brisbane is hot and humid. The average temperature during summer is 29°C with warmer temperatures throughout the night, around 22°C.

Summer is a popular time of year for tourists and locals to get out and about because of the sunshine and warm weather, although it is also is the time of year that has the most rainfall.

Autumn – March to May

Autumn in Brisbane is an excellent time of year for camping, the average temperatures are around 23°C, but the chance of rain and the humidity are lower.

Winter – June to August

Winter in Brisbane is not like Winter in Europe or the Americas. While it does get colder, especially in the evenings and overnight – the average temperature for Brisbane weather is a crisp 18°C, peaking at about 22°C during the day.

Spring – September to November

Spring is one of the best times of the year to go camping around Brisbane. As we head into summer, the temperatures begin to rise, with an average between 24°C to 27°C. The beauty of spring is the flowers, and the bushes start to come to life – meaning more wildlife on the move, and the warm and cold days tend to alternate and break up any extended periods of difficult weather.

Where to go camping in Brisbane

You won’t need a pimped out four-wheel-drive to get to the great camping spots we have listed. In fact, the best places to go camping in Brisbane are very accessible!

When it comes to finding your own list of the best places to go camping in Brisbane, follow these simple four rules:

1. Is the camping spot within a short two-hour drive of Brisbane?
2. Is there at least one hiking trail or a national park to trek or bike ride through?
3. Is there a flushable toilet on at the camping spot?
4. Does the camping spot have wood-fired barbeques or an open fire pit in case you run out of gas on the barbie?

Keeping these 4 rules in mind will give you the best camping experiences in Brisbane. Otherwise, you can check out the best places to go camping in Brisbane, handpicked by us!

Lake Moogerah, Scenic Rim

Camping at Lake Moogerah will have you kicking back; taking in the scenery of mountains as far as the eye can see. This camping spot is just outside of Boonah and has plenty of excellent hikes like Governor’s Chair at Spicers Gap Road.

Take note: this camping site is a private spot along the lakeshore, packed with powered and unpowered sites, and a vast green space for you to pick a lovely place to call a temporary home.

There is not much in the way of shade, as the site is very open. But what it lacks for in the shade it makes up for in opportunity. The lake makes this camping spot very popular because fisherman and water sports junkies are a dime a dozen.

The amenities are a letdown when compared to the cost of camping here, but the massive range of activities to do during the day is what brings campers in numbers.

Bigriggen Park, Scenic Rim

Bigriggen is every bit big. It covers 100 acres of hills, gum trees, soft grassy sites, and river streams.

Getting to Bigriggen Park is accessible with a regular car, and it is situated along the Scenic Rim. It’s a Brisbane camping site which gives you the choice of powered or non-powered sites that are also dog-friendly.

The toilet facilities are always well-maintained and for folks camping in winter – hot showers are available if campers choose to pay-by-the-minute for the luxury.

There is plenty of wildlife at Bigriggen, and the nearby national parks are within a short drive for extra hiking tracks, the little store on site sells all the basics and nice, cold ice creams.

Beware of the possums though, they are cheeky and will take off with anything that somewhat resembles food!

Cedar Creek Camping at Amamoor Creek, Sunshine Coast

Cedar Creek Camping is just a couple of kilometres inland, right off the highway. Near the town of Gympie which everyone loves to hate, is genuine camping gold in the form of a camping spot.

The site is very cheap, less than $7 per person, per night and has large grassy spots to pitch a tent and a small creek perfect for cooling off from the heat. There is always something to do with all the hiking tracks to follow, complete with birds and lizards everywhere – the big monitor lizards love to sneak into the showers.

Beware though as Cedar Creek gets very busy over the school holidays.

For tourists who want that little extra, head into Gympie and grab a pie from ‘Beefy’s’ and check out the Gold Mining Museum just outside of town and revel in the town that saved Queensland during their period of bankruptcy in 1867. Gympie legend James Nash found gold here which in turn brought 25,000 gold rush mad folks into the area.

Charlie Moreland, Sunshine Coast

Charlie Moreland is one of our favourite spots thanks to the open eucalypt forest and picturesque views, not to mention the 8.8 kilometre round trip hike to the Mount Allan fire tower. It offers 360° views across the Conondale Ranges and the small town of Kenilworth – which has a locally-famous bakery and a host of secondhand shops with bargains for everyone.

If the fire tower hike is too daunting, there is also a host of other mid-range hikes to Booloumba Falls and even a nifty gold mine.

The downside to Charlie Moreland is that it is real camping – there are no showers, and you will need to pack your own drinking water. The benefit of this is that there is always plenty of room at this great spot, just make sure to focus on your camping essentials checklist so that you don’t forget to pack anything- including the first aid kit!