In this articles we have detailed the best camping on the Sunshine Coast options for families who love to get away with a tent to the coast.
Are you looking for the best camping Sunshine Coast spots? We’ve found ten of the best (actually 12!), covering every sense of adventure from bush camping to fully facilitated holiday parks, and even those that welcome your fur-family too!
Camping is the perfect family holiday, and a great way to build treasured family memories. For many of us camping is the opportunity to relive our own childhood experiences with our kids and to continue (or start!) a family tradition.
Nowadays there are so many camping Sunshine Coast options that it really doesn’t matter if you’re new to it or experienced, looking for a back-to-nature bush adventure, an affordable break away with plenty of amenities nearby, or somewhere to go glamping in luxury. The Sunshine Coast has some of the best camping sites around!
We’ve taken a look at some of the best campsites on the Sunshine Coast and gathered our top ten suggestions (plus a few bonus ones!) for the best camping experience, whatever you’re looking for! We even have written about dog friendly camping spot in Queensland here.
Here’s where you can pitch a tent, park a caravan and/or book a cabin… these Queensland school holidays.This map below will help you locate the camping site from where you are!
This map below will help you locate the camping site from where you are!
Mapleton Cabins and Caravan Park
Anyone who’s ever been to Mapleton will tell you it’s gorgeous! Rolling hills, woodlands, shady creeks and streams, rainforest … there’s so much to love about a stay in Mapleton, and camping under the stars is the perfect way to take full advantage of that refreshing Sunshine Coast Hinterland air!
Mapleton Cabins and Caravan Park is set amongst 7 acres of tranquil gardens, close to national parks and waterfalls, and only 30 mins away from the Sunshine Coast beaches if you want the best of both worlds. At Mapleton Cabins and Caravan Park, you can choose to pitch a tent on the grass on an unpowered site, or select a powered site on gravel or slab. Campervans and caravans are welcome, and if you really feel the need for more comfort, then there are cabins, cottages and villas available too.
Facilities at Mapleton Cabins and Caravan Park
Showers and toilets, pizza oven, camp kitchen, BBQ, laundry, free Wi-Fi, picnic tables.
Activities at Mapleton Cabins and Caravan Park
Giant chess onsite, bushwalking, local attractions.
Is Mapleton Cabins and Caravan Park pet friendly?
Yes, dogs and caged birds considered on application, conditions apply.
You’ll find awesome photos and prices at Mapleton Cabins and Caravans accommodation here.
Dicky Beach Holiday Park
This is a large park and perfect for those who are happy to socialise and make lasting friendships. There are powered and unpowered sites catering for tents, campervans and caravans (with some large private sites for group bookings) and a number of basic cabins available for those who like a more solid roof over their heads. The Bunbubah Creek runs right through the centre of the park and out to the beach, and with some sites in a bush setting you’ll have the choice of a lullaby of waves or a morning chorus of bush birdlife to start and end your days.
Dicky Beach Holiday Park is agreat spot for camping Sunshine Coast style as it is well facilitated with a pool, playground, three amenities blocks, camp kitchen, and recreation room and is perfectly located close to shops, cafés and the Surf Life Saving Club.
Facilities at Dicky Beach Holiday Park
Toilets and showers with facilities for the disabled, camp kitchen and BBQs, three coin operated laundries, swimming pool, tennis court, playground, recreation room and TV lounge, gas bottle exchange, free Wi-Fi
Activities at Dicky Beach Holiday Park
Swimming (pool and beach), tennis, arcade style games room, snorkelling, nearby skate park, local attractions.
Is Dicky Beach Holiday Park pet friendly?
No, please leave pets at home.
See the Dicky Beach Holiday Park website for more details.
Noosa Caravan Park
Located close to the Noosa River in Tewantin, Noosa Caravan Park is a great place to pitch a tent safe in the knowledge that all the amenities you need are close by. It’s just a short walk to shops, cafés and restaurants, and a short drive to any of the wonderful attractions that camping Sunshine Coast has to offer. Your holiday park has a great camp kitchen, so why not hire a boat and fishing rod and catch your own dinner fresh from the Noosa River!
At Noosa Caravan Park all the tent and caravan sites are powered for your convenience, and situated amongst shady palm trees.
Facilities at Noosa Caravan Park
Showers and toilets, baby bath, camp kitchen, microwave and BBQs, heated pool and wading pool, playground, games room, coin operated laundry facilities, onsite store for provisions, free Wi-Fi, boat ramp, TV and lounge area, gas bottle refills, accessible for those with special needs.
Activities at Noosa Caravan Park
Swimming, fishing, whale watching (seasonal), beach, table tennis, pool table, local attractions.
Is Noosa Caravan Park pet friendly?
No, please leave pets at home.
Check out more photos and the today’s prices here.
Find the best things to do at Noosa with kids here.
Big4 Rivershore Resort
The Big4 Holiday Parks are famous for creating the best family camping holiday experiences, and a stay at Big4 Rivershore Resort will show you why.
Rivershore Resort offers camping, caravanning and glamping, catering for every level of comfort! You can pitch your own tent on a powered or unpowered site, or arrange to have a “Ready To Go Camping” tent set up for your arrival and furnished for instant convenience – perfect if you want to try out camping without splashing out on all the gear! Sites are flexible enough to cater for any size of tent, camper trailer, caravan or mobile home, even up to bus-sized.
For those looking for a truly luxurious glamping experience, the 5-star rated Safari Tents have proper beds, en-suite with bath, shower, toilet and vanity, kitchenette with fridge freezer, microwave, kettle, toaster and sink, Weber Q, fan, outdoor deck, and even a television with Netflix – how’s that for camping Sunshine Coast in style!
Located on the shore of the Maroochy River, and with its own boat pontoon, Big4 Rivershore has everything you’re looking for in a convenient family break. There’s plenty to keep the kids entertained onsite with a playground, giant jumping pillow, kayaks and canoes, mini golf and swimming pools, plus plenty of lawn area for ball games too.
Big4 Rivershore Resort really has thought of everything!
Facilities at Big4 Rivershore Resort
Heated lap pool with water slides, kids pool, playground, giant jumping pillow, bike hire, stand-up paddle board and kayak hire, boat ramp, pontoon, kiosk, camp kitchen with BBQs, fridges, kettles, toasters and dining area, coin operated laundry facilities, showers and toilet blocks accessible for those with special needs, restaurant, bar, and café with takeaway service, gas bottle refill, car park.
Activities at Big4 Rivershore Resort
Swimming, cycling, watercraft, fishing, mini golf, local attractions.
Is Big4 Rivershore Resort Pet Friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome outside of school holiday periods. Conditions apply.
You’ll find amazing photos and the best prices for the Big4 Rivershore on the Sunshine Coast here.
Big4 Caloundra Waterfront Holiday Park
Another vote for Big4, this time at their Caloundra Waterfront Holiday Park.
A little closer to Brisbane, Big4 Caloundra Waterfront Holiday Park is located right on the ocean front on the edge of the Pumicestone Passage, with a Stockland shopping centre, cafés and restaurants conveniently close by.
The park features well-drained flat grassy areas to pitch your tent, and powered sites for campervans and caravans. The van sites also have a TV aerial connection point for your quiet nighttime viewing. If you’re travelling during school holidays, the park runs a Kids Club to keep the little ones entertained.
If you like more space and comfort, Big4 Caloundra Waterfront Park also has fully equipped cabins available.
Facilities at Big4 Caloundra Waterfront Holiday Park
Camp kitchens and BBQs, picnic tables, boat ramp, toilets and showers with baby facilities, playground, giant jumping pillow, pool with slide, coin operated laundry, free Wi-Fi, book exchange, accessible facilities for those with special needs.
Activities at Big4 Caloundra Waterfront Holiday Park
Swimming, watercraft, fishing, local attractions.
Is Big4 Caloundra pet friendly?
Not stated on their website, contact the park directly for details.
For more info, visit the Big4 Caloundra website here.
Noosa Holiday Parks
Not one, but three fun family-friendly camping grounds around the Noosa area, all offering a slightly different camping experience. At this Sunshine Coast camping location you can choose from riverside, beachside or lakeside campsites to find your perfect fit.
Noosa River Holiday Park
Right on the banks of the Noosa River, Noosa River Holiday Park has a variety of sites to suit any tent, caravan or motor home. Options include powered or unpowered, on the waterfront, or in the shady gardens. There’s a camp kitchen with BBQs, laundry, playground, toilets, showers and facilities for those with disabilities.
Noosa River Holiday Park is the perfect place to relax and watch the sun go down while camping Sunshine Coast.
Facilities at Noosa River Holiday Park
Toilets, showers, facilities for those with disabilities, camp kitchen, BBQs, coin operated laundry, free Wi-Fi, playground, small kiosk for essentials.
Noosa North Shore Beach Campground
Noosa North Shore Beach Campground offers a more basic camping experience, nestled between the beach and a national park. There are only 8 powered sites and the rest are unpowered, but you’re welcome to pitch your tent wherever you want in the unpowered areas.
A hot shower will set you back $1.00, but cold showers are free, and the camp is equipped with flushing toilets. There’s also a small kiosk onsite selling basic provisions. This is a great spot for getting back to nature, gazing at the stars, and spotting wildlife, with plenty of opportunity for the kids to enjoy some old fashioned childhood fun.
Note: Access to Noosa North Shore Beach Campground is by ferry (cash accepted only), though four-wheel drives can get there by driving down Rainbow Beach.
Facilities at Noosa North Shore Beach Campground
Toilets, showers (coin operated for hot water), small kiosk for basic provisions.
Boreen Point Campground
Boreen Point Campground is beautifully situated in bushland on the shores of Lake Cootharaba, offering powered and unpowered sites suitable for tents, campervans and caravans, or free range camping spots in the bushland. The lake is shallow enough for watercraft and there are shops, cafés, and a recreation park with BMX track and basketball hoop in easy walking distance.
Facilities at Boreen Point Campground
Toilets and showers, facilities for those with disabilities, camp kitchen and BBQs, charging station for mobile phones, coin operated laundry.
Activities at the three Noosa Holiday Parks
Swimming (lake, river, or ocean), watercraft, fishing, wildlife spotting, boating, local attractions.
Are Noosa Holiday Parks Pet Friendly?
Dogs are not permitted at Noosa North Shore Beach Campground or Noosa River Holiday Park. Pets are permitted outside of school holiday periods at Boreen Point Campground but only with prior approval, conditions apply.
Are there any restrictions at Noosa Holiday Parks?
Fires and generators are not permitted at any of the Noosa Holiday Park campsites.
You can find out more at the Noosa Holiday Parks website here.
Landsborough Pines Caravan Park
You can find Landsborough Pines Caravan Park on the edge of the Beerwah State Forest and just 3km from Australia Zoo. It’s a beautiful Sunshine Coast Hinterland location set in nine acres of parkland with views to the Glasshouse Mountains and rolling hills.
Landsborough Pines Caravan Park has powered and unpowered sites suitable for tents and caravans, with canvas matting provided for tents and good-sized slabs for vans. There’s a small swimming pool onsite and a dam, and shops and cafés are just a short walk away.
Landsborough Pines is the perfect place to relax and pretend you’re on safari … that’s right, as you sit by your campfire under the stars, you might hear the tigers roar at Australia Zoo!
Facilities at Landsborough Pines Caravan Park
Toilets and spacious showers, camp kitchen and BBQs by the dam, small swimming pool, coin operated laundry, facilities suitable for those with special needs.
Activities at Landsborough Pines Caravan Park
Swimming, hiking, wildlife spotting, local attractions.
Is Landsborough Pines Pet Friendly?
Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome (conditions apply).
You’ll find the Landsborough Pines Caravan Park website here.
Coochin Creek Campite, Beerwah State Forest
Camping at Coochin Creek in the Beerwah State Forest is a back-to-nature experience for those who love to camp old school. This spot for camping Sunshine Coast has facilities that are basic, but the location and tranquillity make up for that. It’s a place to make your own entertainment by swimming or fishing in the creek, paddling your own canoe, reading, relaxing, and perhaps indulging in a few old-fashioned parlour games or lawn games.
In spite of its secluded location, Coochin Creek Campsite is easily accessed by standard vehicle and has 21 sites suitable for tents, campervans and caravans. There’s a BBQ and picnic area but other amenities are basic (no power and no showers), and the water is not suitable for drinking without being boiled first. If you want to get away from it all then Coochin Creek is the perfect location.
Note: because of its creekside location, mozzie repellent is a must for this site!
Facilities at Coochin Creek Campsite
Composting toilets, BBQs, picnic tables, small boat ramp suitable for canoes and kayaks.
Activities at Coochin Creek Campsite
Hiking, swimming, fishing, canoeing (BYO).
Is Coochin Creek Campsite pet friendly?
No. Coochin Creek is located in a state forest so domestic animals are not permitted.
What’s restricted at Coochin Creek Campsite?
Campfires must only be lit within the established fire rings and you must bring your own firewood (fines apply for collecting wood from the state forest). Generators are not permitted.
You’ll find more details about camping in the Beerwah State Forest here.
Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park
Right on the beach, and across the road from the popular attractions of Sea Life Aquarium and the Mooloolabah Wharf, Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park offers an ideal camping Sunshine Coast spot for a family break close to all conveniences.
It’s not huge by holiday park standards, but all sites are powered with tent sites situated right by the beach, and caravan sites on slabs. The park isn’t overwhelmed with facilities, but it’s surrounded by all the shopping and entertainment venues you could possibly need.
A great time to visit would be from May to October when whales play in the bay during their annual migration, and if you want to get a closer look, the whale watching tour boat leaves from the wharf just across the road.
Facilities at Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park
Toilets and showers with baby bath and facilities for those with disabilities, coin operated laundry, BBQ, gas bottle exchange, free Wi-Fi.
Activities at Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park
Swimming, surfing and other beach activities, fishing, whale watching (seasonal) local attractions.
Is Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park pet friendly?
No, please leave pets at home.
You can find out more at the Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park website here.
Alex Beach Cabins and Tourist Park
Centrally located on the Sunshine Coast, Alex Beach Cabins and Tourist Park is within easy reach of beaches, shopping and local attractions. There are no tent-pitching sites at Alex Beach Cabins and Tourist Park, but plenty of powered and non-powered sites for campervans and caravans, some with en-suite.
Facilities at Alex Beach Cabins and Tourist Park
Showers and toilets, baby bathroom, camp kitchen, pizza oven and BBQs, heated pool, playground, games room, coin operated laundry facilities, free Wi-Fi.
Activities at Alex Beach Cabins and Tourist Park
Swimming, surfing, whale watching (seasonal), fishing, beach.
Is Alex Beach Cabins and Tourist Park pet friendly?
No, please leave pets at home.
To find more photos and prices of Alex Beach Cabins and Tourist Park visit here.
Find more dog friendly camping spots in Queensland here.
If you are looking to move to the Sunshine Coast, we have a guide on that too!
The golden rules of camping
- Check local restrictions – are you permitted to camp here? Are there any rules or restrictions?
- Check fire regulations – where and when are campfires permitted? If you build a campfire tend to it responsibly and always put out the embers with water. Buried embers can cause nasty burns to unwary bare feet!
- Keep dogs (where permitted) leashed and under control (note: dogs are generally not allowed in QLD national parks).
- Be mindful of your camping neighbours and don’t blast loud music out into the night, and check that generators are permitted before using. Let the wildlife be the only noisy neighbour!
- Do remove all rubbish when you leave. If bins aren’t available, bag your waste and take it home.
- Be kind to wildlife; this campsite is their home too!
- Don’t poop in the bush! If there are no toilets, dig a hole at least 15cm deep and at least 70 adult steps away from campsite, trails and water sources and bury your creations with the toilet paper! Recycled and bio-degradable toilet paper is recommended if you’re burying it.
- MAKE FRIENDS! This one is easy… the joy of sharing an outdoor adventure experience with your new temporary neighbours is one that can last forever!
