Are you thinking about hitting the open road and heading to Longreach? You’ll be pleased to learn that there’s no need to spend a fortune on accommodation! There are a few great free camping sites where you can experience this beautiful part of Queensland without a big price tag. Here’s where you can find them.
Longreach Free Camping Spots
While each of these camping spots is free to stay at, some are in remote areas and tent camping is prohibited. With this in mind, you’ll need to be in a reliable campervan to visit them. Check out our campervan hire rates in Brisbane for our latest offers, and hit the road knowing you’ll be safe, comfortable and able to stay at whichever appeals to you most.
Macsland Rest Area
Landsborough Highway, Longreach, QLD 4730
- Drop Toilets
- Rubbish Bins
- Picnic Tables
Set just off Landsborough Highway, Macsland Rest Area is just 20 minutes from Longreach and is a very convenient overnight stop with some good amenities on offer, including drop toilets and picnic tables. The only things to note here are that you’re limited to a maximum stay of 20 hours and, as it’s so close to the highway, it might be a bit noisy at certain times of the day.
Packsaddle Creek Rest Area
Landsborough Highway, Longreach, QLD 4730
- Drop Toilets
Another great free camping spot along the Landsborough Highway, Packsaddle Creek is a no-frill site with drop toilets but no other amenities. However, if you’re looking for an easy-access spot to pull up and rest your head before hitting the road again the following day, it’s a very good option. Note that it’s a little further away from Longreach (50 minutes) but only 20 minutes from the town of Barcadline.
Morella Creek Rest Stop
Landsborough Highway, Morella, Longreach, QLD 4730
- Toilets
- Picnic Tables
- Pet-Friendly
If you’re looking for a break after travelling a long stretch of the Landsborough Highway, Morella Creek Rest Stop – just 45 minutes from Longreach – will pull you slightly away from the road while giving you easy access to get back to your drive the following day. There isn’t a lot here in terms of amenities, with just toilets and picnic tables on offer, but this still means you’ll have everything you need to relax and unwind for an evening – just don’t outstay the maximum 20-hour stopover.
Find Other Free Camping Spots in Queensland
Interested in exploring other parts of Queensland? Check out these QLD camping spots.
Get the Best Rates on Campervan Hire for Your Trip to Longreach
Before heading to any of the free Longreach camping sites we’ve detailed above, you’ll want to make sure you have the right campervan for your road trip. At Travellers Autobarn, we have a fleet of affordable campervans in Brisbane for all kinds of travellers, from solo journeys to group trips. And, since all our rentals come with unlimited kilometres, you can explore Longreach and discover all the other free camping Australia has to offer without worrying about extra costs.
FAQs about free camping in Longreach
Yes, free camping is allowed in Longreach, Australia, but only in designated areas like parks, forests, and rest areas, as mentioned above.
No, sleeping in your campervan on the streets of Longreach isn’t allowed. You would need to find one of the designated areas for free camping mentioned above.
In Longreach, you’re limited to a 24 to 72 hour stay depending on the campground. We recommend checking this before setting out.
Free campsites, like Packsaddle Creek Rest Area, offer a lovely stay, but lack amenities. On the other hand, Macsland Rest area offers more like drop toilets and picnic tables; aside from that, you shouldn’t expect much more.
Yes! However, different campsites tend to differ in the rules they enforce. We suggest doing some research on the rules beforehand.
Rest areas like Macsland, Morella Creek, and Packsaddle Creek don’t offer designated areas for fires, so you may need to take a portable BBQ with you. However, be sure to check the site rules before lighting any fires.
Yes! There are a bunch of different free campgrounds that are great for families. While Macsland, Morella Creek, and Packsaddle Creek offer basic facilities, there is still enough open space for children to amuse themselves and have fun. Morella Creek has picnic tables and is even pet-friendly if you’d like to bring your pets along. We recommend comparing different sites, like those found in our guide, before heading off so you can book the most suitable option for your family.
You won’t find drinking water or running water at any of these free campsites, so we’d say it would be in your best interest to bring some along.
Most of the free campgrounds we’ve mentioned function on a first-come, first-served basis. You simply rock up, park off, and spend the night. Some may require you to book, especially in peak seasons, so it’s best just to call ahead anyway.
Bring the basics, water, insect spray, backup power, a decent torch, and anything else that could make your stay more comfortable.
April to September is generally the best time to free camp in Australia. During this time there’s little rain and fairer weather, making your camping experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
DISCLAIMER: All information provided, including prices, availability, and site details, is correct at the time of publishing. We recommend contacting campsites or caravan parks directly to confirm the latest details before planning your visit. Please review our Terms and Conditions for additional information.
SEE OUR CAMPERVANSAbout the Author
Bastian Graf
Bastian is the Sales & Marketing Manager here at Travellers Autobarn. He holds a Master of Commerce in Marketing and International Business Management, and 20+ years experience in campervan hire, road trips and travel.
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