When you think of Noosa, visions of golden beaches, trendy cafes, and interesting boutique shops might spring to mind. But did you know that Noosa is also an excellent place for campers who want to keep it simple and embrace the outdoors? And, even better, you can do this without emptying your bank account!
How is this possible, though? Well, with a few great campsites near Noosa that are free to stay at, you can explore some amazing areas of natural beauty and stay close to unforgettable trails without having to pay for your overnight spot. And, to make things even easier, we’ve done the research for you. Below, you’ll find a list of the best free campsites near Noosa, along with information about their amenities and what you can do in the immediate vicinity.
Ready to hit the road? Let’s discover some amazing free campgrounds.
Free Noosa Camping Spots
While each of the campgrounds listed above are free to stay at, the important thing to remember is that they are really only suitable for campervans and definitely not for tent camping! Contact Travellers Autobarn today, and we’ll match you with the perfect campervan for your needs, whether you’re taking a much-needed solo break or a family getaway.
Wahpunga School Park Free Camping Area
Kin Kin, QLD
Set just off the beautiful Gympie Kin Kin Road, Wahpunga School Park is perfect for campers who want a peaceful, quiet spot to spend the night. It’s a no-fuss, back-to-basics kind of campground, and there are plenty of spots to set up your campervan and a large grassy area to explore.
However, it isn’t exactly brimming with amenities, so it’s best suited to self-sufficient campers. This doesn’t mean it’s completely without facilities, though. Don’t expect hot showers or a swimming pool, but the basic toilets and picnic tables provide you with everything you need for a couple of nights. Just keep in mind that there is no drinking water on site, so make sure you pack plenty for your stay. Likewise, there are no showers or electricity hookups, but it’s ideal if you’re up for a bit of good old-fashioned camping!
As you’re within a short drive of the small town of Kin Kin, you’re perfectly based for picking up some supplies from the general store or grabbing a coffee and some breakfast from a cafe before heading out to the trails. Speaking of trails, the closest is the Kin Kin Noosa Trail, which offers you stunning views of the Noosa Hinterland and is the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature.
FEATURED AMENITIES
- Toilets
- Picnic Tables
Jowarra Park Rest Area
Glenview, QLD
If you’re looking for a convenient, safe space with free parking to stay as you’re heading along the Bruce Highway, Jowarra Park Rest Area is one of the best free camping sites on offer. There are toilets and picnic tables here, as well as plenty of shaded spots thanks to the tall eucalyptus trees that surround the site, but just like Wahpunga, there’s no drinking water, so you’ll need to come prepared.
There are a couple of things you need to keep in mind before pulling up at Jowarra Park Rest Area. Firstly, it’s a short-stay campsite, and you’re limited to just 24 hours of free camping, so you’ll need to move on the next day. Fires aren’t allowed here either, so you’ll need to bring a camping stove if you want to cook your own food. And, as the site operates with a Leave No Trace policy, you’ll need to take all your rubbish with you when you head off on the next leg of your journey.
Once you are back on the road, you’ll find that you’re close to Glass Mountains National Park, a popular destination where you can tackle some awesome hiking trails like the Tibrogargan Circuit and its incredible mountain views. Also, if you’re a wildlife lover, make sure you stop at the nearby Australia Zoo to spend an afternoon learning more about the animals and even getting the chance to feed some!
FEATURED AMENITIES
- Toilets
- Picnic Tables
Chatsworth Park Rest Area
Chatsworth, QLD
Chatsworth Park Rest Area is a friendly, welcoming spot located along the Bruce Highway, and it is ideal for anyone who wants to break up their drive or explore the surrounding Gympie region. It’s pretty spacious here, and while sites are offered on a first-come-first-served basis, it shouldn’t be too difficult to grab a space, even in the busier seasons.
The amenities here are pretty good, too, and include clean toilets, shaded picnic tables, and a dump point. There isn’t any drinking water or power, though, so make sure you’ve refilled your bottles and charged your devices before arriving! You’re also only limited to a 24-hour stay, and open fires are an absolute no-go, even if you’ve bought your own firewood and fire pit. But stick to these rules, and you’ll have a wonderful place to call home for the night.
If you’re keen to learn a bit about Gympie’s past while you’re here, make sure you stop by the Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum. Or, for more of a scenic adventure, you can hop aboard the Mary Valley Rattler – a heritage train that leaves from the railway station and winds through the Mary Valley. Hiking more your speed? You’ll also find several great hiking trails that range from leisurely strolls to more challenging hikes, and you’re almost guaranteed to spot kangaroos and different bird species as you walk.
FEATURED AMENITIES
- Toilets
- Picnic Tables
- Dump Point
Explore other popular free camping spots in SE Queensland
Check out some of our other popular free camping spots in SE Queensland below:
- Check out Free Camping Spots in Brisbane
- Check out Free Camping Spots in Toowoomba
- Check out Free Camping Spots on the Sunshine Coast
Looking for more inspiration? Check out the best places for free camping in Australia.
Get the cheapest rates on campervan hire in Brisbane for your next road trip
Your perfect road trip starts here. Grab a cheap campervan hire in Brisbane and set off on a journey to experience sun, surf, and stunning national parks – all on a budget.
FAQs about free camping in Noosa
Indeed, free camping is permitted in Noosa, Australia, but this privilege is limited to specific free camping zones, such as parks, forests, and designated rest areas like those found in our guide.
Sleeping in your campervan on the streets of Noosa is not permitted. You’ll need to look for one of the designated free camping areas mentioned earlier.
In Noosa, the duration of your stay at a campground is restricted to between 24 and 72 hours. It’s advisable to verify this information before you head out.
Many free campsites in Noosa offer basic facilities, but can vary a lot, as seen in our guide. For example, Wahpunga School Park Free Camping Area or Jowarra Park Rest Area only have toilets and a picnic area. So, if you want to make sure you stop at a site that is more accommodating, compare them beforehand.
Yes. However, free campsites often have different rules. It’s advisable to research these rules beforehand and pay attention to signage.
Most of the free campgrounds in Noosa don’t offer designated fire pits or BBQ areas, which means you would likely need a portable BBQ or gas cooker to cook. Keep in mind that between July and October, when fire bans may be in effect.
Yes. While most sites, like Jowarra, Chatsworth, and Wahpunga, aren’t packed with facilities to keep your children entertained, there’s enough space and some awesome walking trails that you can do together as a family. It’s best to compare sites before going, so you can see what facilities are offered and you can choose the best ones for your family’s needs.
Unfortunately, not a lot of free campsites offer drinking water. You will need to bring along your own water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Most of the free campgrounds mentioned operate on a first-come, first-served basis. However, during the busy season, they may require reservations. It’s best to call ahead to confirm.
Pack the essentials for your adventure: plenty of fresh water, reliable insect spray, a backup power source, a first aid kit, and a reliable torch. Don’t forget any additional items that could enhance your comfort during your stay!
The best time to go free camping in Noosa is typically from April to September. During these months, you’ll experience minimal rainfall and more pleasant weather, which makes for a more comfortable and enjoyable camping adventure.
DISCLAIMER: Any prices displayed are correct at the time of publishing. We highly recommend contacting any campsite or caravan park prior to booking to confirm prices. Please ensure you review our Terms and Conditions before visiting certain campsites.
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.
Sign up for deals and road trip itineraries.
Other Free Camping Blogs
Our Campervans
