Camping near Bowen

Choose between eight beaches and dozens of island getaways at this coastal paradise.

99% (829 reviews)

Australia
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Queensland
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Bowen

99% (829 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Bowen

Under $50

Gully Getaway

17 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Proserpine, QLD

Bush camping along the banks of a seasonal Gully that is lined with huge, majestic paperbark trees. There are 10 separate camp spots and all have a slashed track to the pit toilet. 3 in shady areas away from the gully that are suitable for Caravans. 3 located near the Gully, suitable for Caravans and larger groups and 4 that are located near the Gully but only suitable for camp trailers, roof top tents and smaller groups. Enjoy nature and feel free to explore the gully with it's many natural bridges and hidden animal habitats. As this is a working family farm, cattle from the remaining property will graze this Gully block from time to time so all gates must remain closed. We also ask that children are supervised at all times and advise that the Gully is not suitable for swimming. Kelsey Creek is a cane farming district and a small gauge train line goes past the property which makes for a lovely rural experience. Keep an eye out for the glow in the sky and you might get to witness a cane fire also. Being only 7 minutes west of Proserpine it is well located to take in the beauty of the Whitsundays. Gully Getaway is in an Environmental Protection Zone that restricts trees being felled and the removal of debris in the watercourse, so please do not use for firewood.

* Before taxes and fees

Blackiron

12 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Andromache, QLD

Situated on the bank of the Andromache River, setup camp at one of our cozy camp spots and enjoy the quiet of the bush. We have sites available in our grassy paddock which are accessible by all vehicles. Sand camping is available for 4x4's with tent/swag set ups during the dry seasons. No trailers or vans are permitted on the sand due to bogging. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of a campfire and visual displays of local wildlife, try your hand at fishing in the river or just enjoy a cool swim just a few meters from our grassy sites. Guests are required to be fully self-sufficient with their own toilet/shower facilities and must take all waste and rubbish with them on departure. Only a short distance from Airlie Beach and the islands for those interested in the local tourist attractions. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash and cleaned up after.

* Before taxes and fees

Ben Lomond Station

6 sites · RVs, Tents1800 acres · Hideaway Bay, QLD

Ben Lomond Station is an 1800 acre working cattle station 25 minutes south of Bowen and 35 minutes north of Airlie Beach on the Whitsundays. We border onto Eden Lassie Creek which has tidal ocean access for saltwater fishing and there is an abundance of estuary fishing and crab spots available. We are a nature based camping area. Cleared shady camping spots are available for fully self contained campers as there are currently no facilities available so you must have own camping toilet and leave no trace. Access to the camping area is for 4WD only with caravans off road and high clearance. Firewood is available for a small fee or you can collect any fallen timber yourself. There is a ban on cutting down any standing timber even it is dead. There is plenty of room to run for the kids and dogs though we do ask that your pet not annoy our cattle or other campers. Ben Lomond station has an abundance of flora and fauna such as burdekin plum trees, mango trees, wallabies, kangaroos and bird and fish species.

* Before taxes and fees

Serenity Eco Retreat

1 site · RV, Tent22 acres · Riordanvale, QLD

Nestled at the end of a short gravel road that sets the ambience for peaceful tranquility with park like acreage reflective of a rural lifestyle. Only 10 minutes' drive to Airlie Beach the gateway to the Whitsundays and a variety of tour operators that can help you explore the picturesque Whitehaven Beach, Great Barrier Reef and the surrounding islands.

* Before taxes and fees

Harbour Lights Caravan Park

87 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Bowen, QLD

Harbour Lights Caravan Park is ideally located adjacent to the Harbour and Front beach. This small Top Tourist Park has lots of shady trees, is extremely quiet with great views and the friendly hospitality of a country town by the sea. Adjacent to the park, Bowen’s foreshore area has been transformed into a recreational area that includes a “Water Park” a first class Skate park, a children’s playground, shared walking & cycle tracks, public barbecues, grassy picnic areas, an amphitheatre and interpretive centre. The park is just a short stroll (300m) to clubs, restaurants, cafes and a large variety of speciality shops including banks, post offices, supermarkets, pharmacies and many more in the town centre.

* Before taxes and fees

Top camping destinations

Eungella National Park

Eungella National Park

Magnetic Island National Park

Magnetic Island National Park

112 campgrounds

Our campsite on the water.

Cape Hillsborough National Park

Cape Hillsborough National Park

Cape Palmerston National Park

Cape Palmerston National Park

119 campgrounds

Our campsite on the water.

Star Hosts in Bowen

Ben Lomond Station

6 sites · RVs, Tents1800 acres · Hideaway Bay, QLD

Ben Lomond Station is an 1800 acre working cattle station 25 minutes south of Bowen and 35 minutes north of Airlie Beach on the Whitsundays. We border onto Eden Lassie Creek which has tidal ocean access for saltwater fishing and there is an abundance of estuary fishing and crab spots available. We are a nature based camping area. Cleared shady camping spots are available for fully self contained campers as there are currently no facilities available so you must have own camping toilet and leave no trace. Access to the camping area is for 4WD only with caravans off road and high clearance. Firewood is available for a small fee or you can collect any fallen timber yourself. There is a ban on cutting down any standing timber even it is dead. There is plenty of room to run for the kids and dogs though we do ask that your pet not annoy our cattle or other campers. Ben Lomond station has an abundance of flora and fauna such as burdekin plum trees, mango trees, wallabies, kangaroos and bird and fish species.

* Before taxes and fees

Brindabella

1 site · RV4 acres · Airlie Beach, QLD

We are situated on 4 acres only mins to Airlie Beach and a part of the beautiful Whitsunday s. 74 Islands around and great boating and fishing . Restaurants and taverns near by also taxis and courtesy vans available. Day trip s to local islands, Bredyls Animal farm and so so much more. Come visit paradise!!

* Before taxes and fees

Blackiron

12 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Andromache, QLD

Situated on the bank of the Andromache River, setup camp at one of our cozy camp spots and enjoy the quiet of the bush. We have sites available in our grassy paddock which are accessible by all vehicles. Sand camping is available for 4x4's with tent/swag set ups during the dry seasons. No trailers or vans are permitted on the sand due to bogging. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of a campfire and visual displays of local wildlife, try your hand at fishing in the river or just enjoy a cool swim just a few meters from our grassy sites. Guests are required to be fully self-sufficient with their own toilet/shower facilities and must take all waste and rubbish with them on departure. Only a short distance from Airlie Beach and the islands for those interested in the local tourist attractions. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash and cleaned up after.

* Before taxes and fees

Jenkins Farm

6 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Bowen, QLD

Situated only 10 minutes drive from the beautiful town of Bowen with its amazing beaches, our 10 acre hobby farm with sheep, cattle and pigs has 1 acre set aside for fully contained travellers. Our block is flat with easy access, amazing sunsets and situated in a quiet, peaceful location off the Collinsville rd. The Don River is very close by with easy access to a great viewing area for the upcoming Don River dash. Our open block is ideal for self contained caravans and camper vans with individual or group bookings welcome. Kayaks available to hire upon request. Fireplaces also supplied with firewood available. We look forward to seeing you soon.

* Before taxes and fees

Gully Getaway

17 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Proserpine, QLD

Bush camping along the banks of a seasonal Gully that is lined with huge, majestic paperbark trees. There are 10 separate camp spots and all have a slashed track to the pit toilet. 3 in shady areas away from the gully that are suitable for Caravans. 3 located near the Gully, suitable for Caravans and larger groups and 4 that are located near the Gully but only suitable for camp trailers, roof top tents and smaller groups. Enjoy nature and feel free to explore the gully with it's many natural bridges and hidden animal habitats. As this is a working family farm, cattle from the remaining property will graze this Gully block from time to time so all gates must remain closed. We also ask that children are supervised at all times and advise that the Gully is not suitable for swimming. Kelsey Creek is a cane farming district and a small gauge train line goes past the property which makes for a lovely rural experience. Keep an eye out for the glow in the sky and you might get to witness a cane fire also. Being only 7 minutes west of Proserpine it is well located to take in the beauty of the Whitsundays. Gully Getaway is in an Environmental Protection Zone that restricts trees being felled and the removal of debris in the watercourse, so please do not use for firewood.

* Before taxes and fees

12 top campgrounds near Bowen

Blackiron

12 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Andromache, QLD

Situated on the bank of the Andromache River, setup camp at one of our cozy camp spots and enjoy the quiet of the bush. We have sites available in our grassy paddock which are accessible by all vehicles. Sand camping is available for 4x4's with tent/swag set ups during the dry seasons. No trailers or vans are permitted on the sand due to bogging. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of a campfire and visual displays of local wildlife, try your hand at fishing in the river or just enjoy a cool swim just a few meters from our grassy sites. Guests are required to be fully self-sufficient with their own toilet/shower facilities and must take all waste and rubbish with them on departure. Only a short distance from Airlie Beach and the islands for those interested in the local tourist attractions. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash and cleaned up after.

* Before taxes and fees

Ben Lomond Station

6 sites · RVs, Tents1800 acres · Hideaway Bay, QLD

Ben Lomond Station is an 1800 acre working cattle station 25 minutes south of Bowen and 35 minutes north of Airlie Beach on the Whitsundays. We border onto Eden Lassie Creek which has tidal ocean access for saltwater fishing and there is an abundance of estuary fishing and crab spots available. We are a nature based camping area. Cleared shady camping spots are available for fully self contained campers as there are currently no facilities available so you must have own camping toilet and leave no trace. Access to the camping area is for 4WD only with caravans off road and high clearance. Firewood is available for a small fee or you can collect any fallen timber yourself. There is a ban on cutting down any standing timber even it is dead. There is plenty of room to run for the kids and dogs though we do ask that your pet not annoy our cattle or other campers. Ben Lomond station has an abundance of flora and fauna such as burdekin plum trees, mango trees, wallabies, kangaroos and bird and fish species.

* Before taxes and fees

Harbour Lights Caravan Park

87 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Bowen, QLD

Harbour Lights Caravan Park is ideally located adjacent to the Harbour and Front beach. This small Top Tourist Park has lots of shady trees, is extremely quiet with great views and the friendly hospitality of a country town by the sea. Adjacent to the park, Bowen’s foreshore area has been transformed into a recreational area that includes a “Water Park” a first class Skate park, a children’s playground, shared walking & cycle tracks, public barbecues, grassy picnic areas, an amphitheatre and interpretive centre. The park is just a short stroll (300m) to clubs, restaurants, cafes and a large variety of speciality shops including banks, post offices, supermarkets, pharmacies and many more in the town centre.

* Before taxes and fees

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort

193 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · Cannonvale, QLD

Looking for Airlie Beach accommodation with a whole lot of activities?! BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort in Airlie Beach is one big Whitsunday holiday destination in itself. Nowhere in the Whitsundays will you find so much fun in one place. You’ll probably spend hours on the BIG, HUGE, MEGA waterslide park and in our resort lagoon-style pool, the biggest in Airlie Beach. Then you can choose from tennis, mini golf, jumping pillows, pedal karts, Kids Craft Club, outdoor cinema, poolside massages, our Animal Park… the list goes on! As one of Queensland’s leading resort holiday parks, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort offers a range of accommodations from tropical landscaped campsites and purpose-built dormitory style accommodation for groups, to self-contained studios, one, two and three-bedroom cabins, offering the ultimate holiday escape.

Cooking equipment

* Before taxes and fees

Serenity Eco Retreat

1 site · RV, Tent22 acres · Riordanvale, QLD

Nestled at the end of a short gravel road that sets the ambience for peaceful tranquility with park like acreage reflective of a rural lifestyle. Only 10 minutes' drive to Airlie Beach the gateway to the Whitsundays and a variety of tour operators that can help you explore the picturesque Whitehaven Beach, Great Barrier Reef and the surrounding islands.

* Before taxes and fees

Gully Getaway

17 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Proserpine, QLD

Bush camping along the banks of a seasonal Gully that is lined with huge, majestic paperbark trees. There are 10 separate camp spots and all have a slashed track to the pit toilet. 3 in shady areas away from the gully that are suitable for Caravans. 3 located near the Gully, suitable for Caravans and larger groups and 4 that are located near the Gully but only suitable for camp trailers, roof top tents and smaller groups. Enjoy nature and feel free to explore the gully with it's many natural bridges and hidden animal habitats. As this is a working family farm, cattle from the remaining property will graze this Gully block from time to time so all gates must remain closed. We also ask that children are supervised at all times and advise that the Gully is not suitable for swimming. Kelsey Creek is a cane farming district and a small gauge train line goes past the property which makes for a lovely rural experience. Keep an eye out for the glow in the sky and you might get to witness a cane fire also. Being only 7 minutes west of Proserpine it is well located to take in the beauty of the Whitsundays. Gully Getaway is in an Environmental Protection Zone that restricts trees being felled and the removal of debris in the watercourse, so please do not use for firewood.

* Before taxes and fees

Normanby Rd Nature Bush Camp

35 sites · RVs, Tents22 acres · Bogie, QLD

Normanby Rd Nature Bush Camp is a 22 acre property on the Bogie River, located 1.3 km off Peter Delemonthe Road, a short 35 minute drive from Bowen and close to Collinsville in the Whitsunday Region of North Queensland. - Tents, Caravans, Camper Trailers, RV’s all welcome, 2wd accessible - Camp Kitchen - Campfires allowed - Portable water available - Showers - Toilets - Must be self sufficient as we do not have toilet facilities at present - Pet Friendly - dogs to be on a leash or in an enclosure at all times - Children under 16 free - PM your host Paul for more information Camp in nature and enjoy the sights and sounds of the local wildlife.

* Before taxes and fees

Crystal Brook Camping

5 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Crystal Brook, QLD

This campsite is ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. It's a peaceful spot with basic amenities, perfect for a weekend getaway. Located just 1km from Proserpine Dam, the campsite offers easy access to serene water views and activities. For those willing to explore further, Girraween National Park is about an hour's drive from Crystal Brook. This national park is renowned for its spectacular granite landscapes, wildflowers, and walking trails. The Bald Rock Creek camping area within the park is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts. The campsite is pet-friendly and caters to self-sufficient campers only, as there are no toilets or showers available. Enjoy a truly off-the-grid experience in this beautiful natural setting.

* Before taxes and fees

Brindabella

1 site · RV4 acres · Airlie Beach, QLD

We are situated on 4 acres only mins to Airlie Beach and a part of the beautiful Whitsunday s. 74 Islands around and great boating and fishing . Restaurants and taverns near by also taxis and courtesy vans available. Day trip s to local islands, Bredyls Animal farm and so so much more. Come visit paradise!!

* Before taxes and fees

Jenkins Farm

6 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Bowen, QLD

Situated only 10 minutes drive from the beautiful town of Bowen with its amazing beaches, our 10 acre hobby farm with sheep, cattle and pigs has 1 acre set aside for fully contained travellers. Our block is flat with easy access, amazing sunsets and situated in a quiet, peaceful location off the Collinsville rd. The Don River is very close by with easy access to a great viewing area for the upcoming Don River dash. Our open block is ideal for self contained caravans and camper vans with individual or group bookings welcome. Kayaks available to hire upon request. Fireplaces also supplied with firewood available. We look forward to seeing you soon.

* Before taxes and fees

Bowen Base Camp

8 sites · RVs10 acres · Bowen, QLD

Welcome to the Whitsundays. Relax in country surroundings. We are located 10 minutes from the Don River where you can go 4WD driving and find some top swimming holes. Conveniently we are also 10 minutes into Bowen business centre for all your supply needs. Bowen is a relaxed town with old architecture and wide streets. The coastline is postcard perfect with turquoise water and white sandy beaches. There are beautiful beaches all around Bowen for swimming and snorkelling - checking out the small reefs close to shore is a must. Or just relax in front of the campfire with your dog.Explore Horseshoe Bay, Murrays Bay, Rose Bay, Grays, Kings and Queens Beaches, the Town Beach and Dalrymple Point. The local pubs offer great meals in beer gardens.You will need to be self-contained with own camping toilet/shower, water and supplies.

* Before taxes and fees

Sugar Shack

Sugar Shack

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Riordanvale, QLD

happy to take short/ long term workers.

* Before taxes and fees

Available this weekend

Serenity Eco Retreat

1 site · RV, Tent22 acres · Riordanvale, QLD

Nestled at the end of a short gravel road that sets the ambience for peaceful tranquility with park like acreage reflective of a rural lifestyle. Only 10 minutes' drive to Airlie Beach the gateway to the Whitsundays and a variety of tour operators that can help you explore the picturesque Whitehaven Beach, Great Barrier Reef and the surrounding islands.

* Before taxes and fees

Blackiron

12 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Andromache, QLD

Situated on the bank of the Andromache River, setup camp at one of our cozy camp spots and enjoy the quiet of the bush. We have sites available in our grassy paddock which are accessible by all vehicles. Sand camping is available for 4x4's with tent/swag set ups during the dry seasons. No trailers or vans are permitted on the sand due to bogging. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of a campfire and visual displays of local wildlife, try your hand at fishing in the river or just enjoy a cool swim just a few meters from our grassy sites. Guests are required to be fully self-sufficient with their own toilet/shower facilities and must take all waste and rubbish with them on departure. Only a short distance from Airlie Beach and the islands for those interested in the local tourist attractions. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash and cleaned up after.

* Before taxes and fees

Ben Lomond Station

6 sites · RVs, Tents1800 acres · Hideaway Bay, QLD

Ben Lomond Station is an 1800 acre working cattle station 25 minutes south of Bowen and 35 minutes north of Airlie Beach on the Whitsundays. We border onto Eden Lassie Creek which has tidal ocean access for saltwater fishing and there is an abundance of estuary fishing and crab spots available. We are a nature based camping area. Cleared shady camping spots are available for fully self contained campers as there are currently no facilities available so you must have own camping toilet and leave no trace. Access to the camping area is for 4WD only with caravans off road and high clearance. Firewood is available for a small fee or you can collect any fallen timber yourself. There is a ban on cutting down any standing timber even it is dead. There is plenty of room to run for the kids and dogs though we do ask that your pet not annoy our cattle or other campers. Ben Lomond station has an abundance of flora and fauna such as burdekin plum trees, mango trees, wallabies, kangaroos and bird and fish species.

* Before taxes and fees

Harbour Lights Caravan Park

87 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Bowen, QLD

Harbour Lights Caravan Park is ideally located adjacent to the Harbour and Front beach. This small Top Tourist Park has lots of shady trees, is extremely quiet with great views and the friendly hospitality of a country town by the sea. Adjacent to the park, Bowen’s foreshore area has been transformed into a recreational area that includes a “Water Park” a first class Skate park, a children’s playground, shared walking & cycle tracks, public barbecues, grassy picnic areas, an amphitheatre and interpretive centre. The park is just a short stroll (300m) to clubs, restaurants, cafes and a large variety of speciality shops including banks, post offices, supermarkets, pharmacies and many more in the town centre.

* Before taxes and fees

Crystal Brook Camping

5 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Crystal Brook, QLD

This campsite is ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. It's a peaceful spot with basic amenities, perfect for a weekend getaway. Located just 1km from Proserpine Dam, the campsite offers easy access to serene water views and activities. For those willing to explore further, Girraween National Park is about an hour's drive from Crystal Brook. This national park is renowned for its spectacular granite landscapes, wildflowers, and walking trails. The Bald Rock Creek camping area within the park is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts. The campsite is pet-friendly and caters to self-sufficient campers only, as there are no toilets or showers available. Enjoy a truly off-the-grid experience in this beautiful natural setting.

* Before taxes and fees

Dog-friendly getaways

Harbour Lights Caravan Park

87 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Bowen, QLD

Harbour Lights Caravan Park is ideally located adjacent to the Harbour and Front beach. This small Top Tourist Park has lots of shady trees, is extremely quiet with great views and the friendly hospitality of a country town by the sea. Adjacent to the park, Bowen’s foreshore area has been transformed into a recreational area that includes a “Water Park” a first class Skate park, a children’s playground, shared walking & cycle tracks, public barbecues, grassy picnic areas, an amphitheatre and interpretive centre. The park is just a short stroll (300m) to clubs, restaurants, cafes and a large variety of speciality shops including banks, post offices, supermarkets, pharmacies and many more in the town centre.

* Before taxes and fees

Gully Getaway

17 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Proserpine, QLD

Bush camping along the banks of a seasonal Gully that is lined with huge, majestic paperbark trees. There are 10 separate camp spots and all have a slashed track to the pit toilet. 3 in shady areas away from the gully that are suitable for Caravans. 3 located near the Gully, suitable for Caravans and larger groups and 4 that are located near the Gully but only suitable for camp trailers, roof top tents and smaller groups. Enjoy nature and feel free to explore the gully with it's many natural bridges and hidden animal habitats. As this is a working family farm, cattle from the remaining property will graze this Gully block from time to time so all gates must remain closed. We also ask that children are supervised at all times and advise that the Gully is not suitable for swimming. Kelsey Creek is a cane farming district and a small gauge train line goes past the property which makes for a lovely rural experience. Keep an eye out for the glow in the sky and you might get to witness a cane fire also. Being only 7 minutes west of Proserpine it is well located to take in the beauty of the Whitsundays. Gully Getaway is in an Environmental Protection Zone that restricts trees being felled and the removal of debris in the watercourse, so please do not use for firewood.

* Before taxes and fees

Blackiron

12 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Andromache, QLD

Situated on the bank of the Andromache River, setup camp at one of our cozy camp spots and enjoy the quiet of the bush. We have sites available in our grassy paddock which are accessible by all vehicles. Sand camping is available for 4x4's with tent/swag set ups during the dry seasons. No trailers or vans are permitted on the sand due to bogging. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of a campfire and visual displays of local wildlife, try your hand at fishing in the river or just enjoy a cool swim just a few meters from our grassy sites. Guests are required to be fully self-sufficient with their own toilet/shower facilities and must take all waste and rubbish with them on departure. Only a short distance from Airlie Beach and the islands for those interested in the local tourist attractions. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash and cleaned up after.

* Before taxes and fees

Ben Lomond Station

6 sites · RVs, Tents1800 acres · Hideaway Bay, QLD

Ben Lomond Station is an 1800 acre working cattle station 25 minutes south of Bowen and 35 minutes north of Airlie Beach on the Whitsundays. We border onto Eden Lassie Creek which has tidal ocean access for saltwater fishing and there is an abundance of estuary fishing and crab spots available. We are a nature based camping area. Cleared shady camping spots are available for fully self contained campers as there are currently no facilities available so you must have own camping toilet and leave no trace. Access to the camping area is for 4WD only with caravans off road and high clearance. Firewood is available for a small fee or you can collect any fallen timber yourself. There is a ban on cutting down any standing timber even it is dead. There is plenty of room to run for the kids and dogs though we do ask that your pet not annoy our cattle or other campers. Ben Lomond station has an abundance of flora and fauna such as burdekin plum trees, mango trees, wallabies, kangaroos and bird and fish species.

* Before taxes and fees

Normanby Rd Nature Bush Camp

35 sites · RVs, Tents22 acres · Bogie, QLD

Normanby Rd Nature Bush Camp is a 22 acre property on the Bogie River, located 1.3 km off Peter Delemonthe Road, a short 35 minute drive from Bowen and close to Collinsville in the Whitsunday Region of North Queensland. - Tents, Caravans, Camper Trailers, RV’s all welcome, 2wd accessible - Camp Kitchen - Campfires allowed - Portable water available - Showers - Toilets - Must be self sufficient as we do not have toilet facilities at present - Pet Friendly - dogs to be on a leash or in an enclosure at all times - Children under 16 free - PM your host Paul for more information Camp in nature and enjoy the sights and sounds of the local wildlife.

* Before taxes and fees

Value Prop

Value Prop

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Bowen guide

Overview

Palm-fringed beaches, tropical islands, and coral reefs line the shores of Bowen, a beach town all about getting on the water. Swim and snorkel Horseshoe Bay, zip around Gray’s Bay on a jet ski, or enjoy a seaside barbecue at Queen’s Beach. Tear yourself away from the beach long enough to snap a selfie by Bowen’s giant mango and grab a mango sorbet (Bowen is famous for the fruit), then take in the views from Flagstaff Hill. Camping options include beachside holiday parks and tranquil farmstays, and there are often fewer crowds here than in neighboring Airlie Beach.

Where to go

Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays

Just south of Bowen, Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsundays islands. Catch the ferry to Hamilton Island or take an island-hopping cruise, jumping off to stroll along Whitehaven Beach, snorkel at the Heart Reef lagoon, or swim at Cedar Creek Falls. Whitsunday Islands National Park has 10 campsites to choose from, either by the beach or in the heart of the bush.

Mackay Region

Further south, the Mackay region has both white-sand beaches and rainforest-blanketed hinterlands. Hike, camp, and spot platypus in Eungella National Park, swim beneath natural waterfalls in Finch Hatton Gorge, or enjoy beachside camping far from the crowds in the Cape Hillsborough National Park.

Townsville Coast

North of Bowen, coves and sleepy beach towns dot one of the less-visited stretches of Queensland coast. Townsville is the region’s primary hub, where you’ll find beaches, palm-lined promenades, and a selection of seaside camping. Take a road trip to Wallaman Falls, cruise out to enjoy wildlife walks on Magnetic Island, or set sail for the Great Barrier Reef islands to snorkel or scuba dive.

When to go

Bowen’s tropical climate means it’s warm enough to swim and enjoy water sports year-round, but each season has its pros and cons. Summers (December through February) can be hot, humid, and wet, with temperatures climbing upwards of 30°C, while the dryer, cooler months of autumn and winter are ideal for outdoor activities. May through November is whale-watching season along the coast, while October through May is “stinger season,” when protective clothing is recommended when swimming.

Know before you go

Public transport, ferries, and boat cruises run from Bowen and nearby Airlie beach, but having your own transport is useful for exploring the coast.

Bowen has a selection of shops where you can pick up camping gear and stock up on supplies.
Fire bans are common in Queensland during summer and dry periods, so check local recommendations.

Popular Bowen holidays

Camping with fishing

River, stream, or creek camping

Coastal camping

River, stream, or creek caravan parks & camping

Coastal caravan parks & camping

Caravan parks & camping

Top parks near Bowen

Cape Hillsborough National Park

Eungella National Park

Magnetic Island National Park

Gloucester Island National Park

Mount Etna Caves National Park

Undara Volcanic National Park

Halifax Bay Wetlands National Park

Blackdown Tableland National Park

Top cities near Bowen

Best camping near me

Best tent camping near me

Hipcamp campgrounds near me

Best caravan camping near me

Hipcamps ready for caravans near me

Best glamping near me

Cabins, yurts, treehouses and more

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy

Inclusion Policy

Inclusion Policy

Hipcamp Hand

Hosting Standards

Hosting Standards

Hosting Standards

Hipcamper Standards

Hipcamper Standards

Hipcamper Standards

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

Leave No Trace

Hipcamp acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.