10 Best Free Spots for Camping – Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast is an ultimate trip destination, known for its gorgeous beaches, scenic drives and lush national parks. If you’re planning a trip along the Sunshine Coast, we’ve put together these free campsites to stop on your way.

From quaint towns to rainforest bushwalks, we’ve found the perfect spots to stay, whether you’re travelling with the family or as a lone adventurer!

With plenty of options for free camping along the Sunshine Coast, let’s have a look at our top 5 best spots to stay with great amenities and scenic surroundings.

Free Sunshine Coast campsites

1. Kandanga RV Park
2. Tiaro Memorial Park
3. Petrie Park
4. Little Yabba Creek Park
5. Simeon Lord Park
6. Great Sandy National Park
7. Marg Macintosh Park
8. Cruice Park
9. Fat Hen Creek
10. Kinbombi Falls

Amamoor State Forest

1. Kandanga RV Park

Kandanga, QLD

Kandanga RV Park is near it all: a swimming pool, bowls club, railway station, and cafés all within walking distance! The 12-site campground is located on a large grass area with lots of shade, and also features showers, BBQ’s and a fire pit. It’s also a great spot to bring along your furry friends!

Kandanga is a quaint village, surrounded by the Kandanga creek. This makes for great picnic spots, as well as lots of spots to swim. If you’re looking for something more active, make sure to check out the Anamoor Walking Trail nearby.

You can stay at this campsite for a maximum of 3 days, making it a perfect spot to stop on your trip along the Sunshine Coast, or for a weekend getaway.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Pet Friendly
• Swimming Pool
• Showers
• BBQ
• Drinking Water

Maryborough, QLD

2. Tiaro Memorial Park

Tiaro, QLD

If you’re looking for a camp spot to take the family, Tiaro Memorial Park is for you! This family-friendly park is located on the Fraser Coast, just off the Bruce Highway. The campsite itself offers a playground and skate rink for the kids, as well as a fitness station for those active travellers.

You also do not want to miss out on the small town of Tiaro. Tiaro is filled with lots of interesting small shops to explore during your stay. Have a look through the different cafés, gift shops and christmas cottage.

Tiaro Memorial Park is a great stop over, allowing travellers to camp up to 48hrs, and provides hot showers, fresh water, and also allows you to bring your pets.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• BBQ
• Kids Playground
• Showers
• Fresh Water
• Pet Friendly

Source. Queensland.com

3. Petrie Park

Nambour, QLD

Ready to find a slice of tranquillity in the heart of Nambour? Welcome to Petrie Park. This family-friendly gem is more than just a park—it’s your own personal escape. With walking tracks, outdoor exercise equipment, and expansive grassy areas, it’s the perfect setting for a relaxing afternoon or an energetic workout.

And the best part? It’s never overcrowded. Bring your furry friend along for some off-leash fun, or explore the nearby attractions after a leisurely picnic. From its charming hinterland vibe to the friendly locals, Petrie Park is more than just a camping spot—it’s a gateway to a memorable adventure.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Caravan / Camper Trailer / Campervan Sites / Campsites
• Boating Facilities
• Barbeque
• Public Toilet
• Picnic Area

Little Yabba Creek

4. Little Yabba Creek Park

Kenilworth, QLD

Little Yabba Creek Park is a beautiful free camp site, surrounded by rainforest. The pet friendly campground is located on a large grassy area that also allows fires and has BBQs.

The campground has its own walking tracks through the pleasant Fig Tree Walk, or for any travellers who love a harder hike should check out the Little Yabba Trail nearby. If you’re travelling during the warmer season, you can also cool off in the Little Yabba Creek, which is in walking distance to the campground. A short walk away will also lead you to the small town of Kenilworth, which is filled with small shops and cafés.

Little Yabba Creek Park is a great spot to stay for a night or two. Make sure to bring your own firewood and drinking water!

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Pet Friendly
• BBQ
• Toilets
• Fires Allowed

5. Simeon Lord Park

Harlin, QLD

Located within the suburb of Harlin, Simeon Lord Park is a lovely spot to stay for an overnight rest. The rest area provides you with the necessary facilities, such as toilets, a water tank, as well as a bonus BBQ area and picnic table.

The camp spot is located along the main road of Harlin, which means you’re within walking distance to a convenience store and a pub. If you’re looking for something to do besides spending time at the grassy Simeon Lord Park, you can take a short drive to Toogoolawah to view various museums and galleries for a bit of local culture!

And – if you’re eager to stretch your legs, make sure to check out the beautiful walking trails around the Brisbane River nearby. If you’re lucky you might even spot the region’s beautiful Christmas Bells wildflower and Flannel Flower.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Picnic Tables
• BBQ
• Toilets
• Drinking Water
• Pet Friendly

6. Great Sandy National Park

Cooloola, QLD

Experience the stunning natural beauty of Great Sandy National Park in Cooloola, Sunshine Coast. The park’s majestic sand structures, towering cliffs, and vast ocean beaches have been masterfully sculpted by wind and water, creating a breathtaking sight that will leave you in awe. Beautiful tall forests, fragrant heaths and paperbark swamps adorn the sands, while numerous water features, including surf, freshwater lakes, and the serene Upper Noosa River, make this park a nature lover’s paradise.

Here, you can explore the historic Double Island Point lighthouse via scenic tracks or hike the rugged Cooloola Wilderness Trail spanning two to four days. Moreover, you can drive along the eastern beach or take the Cooloola Way and Freshwater Road through the open forests and heathlands. Four-wheel drive enthusiasts can drive the sand tracks or beach at low tide while others can paddle peacefully through the serene reaches of the Upper Noosa River.

With an unforgettable camping trip amidst the park’s natural beauty, you can choose from well-appointed camping areas with facilities or walkers’ camps with nothing but birdsong and sea breeze for company. A visit to Great Sandy National Park is sure to be an unforgettable trip of a lifetime!

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Caravan / Camper Trailer / Campervan Sites / Camp sites
• Carpark
• Interpretive Centre
• Lookouts
• Picnic Area
• Public Toilet

7. Marg Macintosh Park

Widgee, QLD

Source: Monument Australia

Looking to shake up your RV travel routine? Marg McIntosh Park in Widgee, QLD, is calling your name. This pet-friendly paradise offers free RV overnights, complete with BBQs, picnic tables, and mobile coverage. Yes, you can ‘gram your adventures in real-time!

The park’s prime location beside a road and water means stunning views are a given. And while it’s a brilliant spot for an overnight stay, the soothing creek and peaceful surroundings might tempt you to linger longer. So pack up your RV, grab your furry friend, and let Marg McIntosh Park show you the true meaning of ‘home away from home’.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Pet Friendly
• Picnic tables
• BBQs
• Shade
• Mobile coverage

8. Cruice Park

Woodford, QLD

Source: Visit Moreton Bay

Need a pit stop that’s more than just a break from the road? Cruice Park, located just 4km west of Woodford, is your perfect retreat. Ideal for families, this park offers a soft-fall playground where kids can channel their inner Spiderman while parents relax under the shade of gum trees.

But the fun doesn’t stop at sunset. With free overnight camping (pets included!), you can let the day’s adventures seep into the night. Watch as the sun sets over Bellthorpe National Park, and let the tranquillity of Cruice Park recharge you for your next day of exploration. Who said pit stops can’t be part of the adventure?

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Bins
• Playground
• Toilets with disability access
• Picnic Tables
• Mobile phone coverage
• Lots of parking for large vehicles and rigs

9. Fat Hen Creek

Kilkivan, QLD

Source: Exploroz

Escape the everyday hustle and nestle into the tranquillity of Fat Hen Creek. Tucked between the majestic Mount Kilkivan and Mount Boo Boo in Queensland, this campsite offers a serene respite off the beaten path. With room for your big rig caravan, you’re all set to park and bask in the sunset views over the creek.

Basic yet beautiful, the site boasts well-maintained toilets, covered picnic tables, and quiet evenings post 7 PM. Be it a peaceful overnight stop or a scenic picnic spot, Fat Hen Creek is simplicity at its best. After all, the greatest memories often come from the simplest pleasures.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Pet-friendly
• Camper Trailers and  Motor Home Access
• Toilet
•  Picnic

10. Kinbombi Falls

Kinbombi, QLD

Prepare yourself to discover the pristine Sunshine Coast by visiting Kinbombi Falls! This 1.0-km track near Kinbombi, Queensland, is moderately challenging and ideal for hiking, walking, and camping enthusiasts. Equally great is the likelihood of encountering a few other adventurers, thus allowing you to enjoy the untouched natural scenery.

The trail leads you to three distinct viewpoints with stunning panoramas of Kinbombi Falls. While the paths are generally easy to navigate, some are steep with no barriers, and a few have potentially slippery steps, so take note if you’re with kids, pets, or someone with limited mobility.

For more daring trekkers, there’s a chance to clamber down to the water for a swim, although it may require some scrambling. After a day’s exploration, there is a fabulous free camping site available with flushing washrooms, pet-friendly. Located conveniently off Kinbombi Road and suitable for all vehicles, Kinbombi Falls is a nature lover’s ultimate destination for an unforgettable experience.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Picnic tables
• BBQ
• Rubbish bins

For anyone travelling through South Queensland, these free camping spots along the Sunshine Coast are not to be missed. Surrounded by culture and nature, each of these free campgrounds has something to offer everyone!

If you’re travelling on a budget, free camping is a perfect option to affordably see the beautiful sights of the Sunshine Coast. Pop in to your nearest Travellers Autobarn to chat to our staff about the best Campervan option for you. Don’t forget to check out our latest deals & specials on campervan hire in Australia.