The best camping near Orpheus Island National Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Orpheus Island National Park adventure.

Discover Orpheus Island's secluded bays and vibrant reefs.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Orpheus Island National Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Orpheus Island National Park

89%
(971)

Crystal Creek

25 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Mutarnee, QLD
Crystal Creek Campsite is a large camp area with private access to the creek. Large area with plenty of shade. Dog friendly (on a lead). Campers must be self contained with their own toilet/shower facilities and take all waste with them. Our current facilities are unable to be regularly cleaned so will be closed to guests.Campers MUST provide car registration details at time of booking.This is a privately run camp (Operated by Mungulla Station). It is not part of the National Park. Close walk to natural swimming pools which are absolutely picturesque.We offer large shady spots with a few BBQ's, fire pits and amenities. Plenty of fishing and swimming to enjoy.Amenities include hot showers (10 MINS ONLY PLEASE).Access to campsite passes our school so please drive very slowly if your accessing campsite during school hours.Children under 6 stay for free. Do not include them at time of booking.DUE TO CORONAVIRUS PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN TOILET PAPERPlease read all information, rule and directions (provided once you have a confirmed booking) carefully before contacting your host. We have done out best to provide all the information for you so messages should not be required.
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AU$25
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(487)

Crystal Ridge

2 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Mutarnee, QLD
Welcome to Crystal Ridge, a peaceful location where you can enjoy peace and privacy.Campers can fish, swim, bird watch or just relax by the water and watch the cows grazing around the property. Nearby you'll find Mount Spec, Paluma Range National Park straddles the summit and escarpment of the Paluma Range, rising 1,000m above the Big Crystal Creek floodplain. This is the most southerly national park in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.Located approximately 45 minutes north of Townsville on the Bruce Highway, Mutarnee is a small peaceful hamlet nestled on the banks of beautiful Crystal Creek. At the local caravan park there's a small shop and service station and just a minute down the road you'll find the Crystal Creek boat ramp. There is great bushwalks in the area and place to mountain bike.Any camping set up is welcome to pull up on the flat, grassy site.You are welcome to bring your pet, but please ensure they are kept on a leash and under control. 
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AU$32
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(127)

The Forts

3 sites · RVs3 acres · Horseshoe Bay, QLD
We are in the perfect location in Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Island, and your camp spot is located a short walk to the beach, right on the walking tracks, WWII-era forts, and access to exploring more than 36 kilometres of bushwalking trails with plenty of wildlife watching opportunities. ..... The Great Barrier Reef, is at our door step so taking to the water is a must— hire a canoe, kayak or jetski and start exploring the wonderlands of spy dugongs and sea turtles or go on a boat cruise, and dive in to snorkel along colourful coral reefs. .... Then there's the action of a buzzy seaside town with cafes and bars and skatepark, tennis courts all within a 5 minutes gentle walk! .... Welcome to The Forts of Magnetic Island, it's truly magic your views are the National Park. ..... We offer easy access sites for: CARAVAN up to 22ft. ROOF vehicle tent MOTORHOME up to 22ft. VAN campervan Tent- your tent can be pitched on a tucked away haven in the bush surrounded by natural boulders. * Please be SELF CONTAINED ...... Please allow for some slight slope sites, come and enjoy your relaxed bushcamp stay. ... BOOK FERRY CROSSING Please prepare to "prebook your ferry" if travelling with a vehicle. ... OUR OPENING HOURS -come to your campsite during the "daytime" please. ... ARRIVE - between 8am to 4 pm ONLY .... Great bus service on Magnetic Island runs every hour. Abundance of wildlife, kangaroos, wallabies, kookaburra, superb sunsets and so much more. Beach✔️ Cafes✔️ Spacious Sites✔️ Walking tracks✔️ The perfect paradise.
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AU$25
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
93%
(118)

Mungalla Station

14 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Forrest Beach, QLD
Mungalla Cattle Station Camp (125kms north of Townsville, near Forest Beach) Campers MUST provide car registration details at time of booking.If you have your own tent, van or RV come and camp! Small dogs welcome. Flat sites, suitable for caravans and 2WD. Guests are welcome to use the worker's toilets and showers, though please keep in mind these are very basic if self-contained greywater can be dispersed on the ground.Mungalla Station is a historic cattle station near Ingham in North Queensland. Come and share a unique experience of the culture and history of Mungalla Station and its Aboriginal owners.Guests can meet the Nywaigi Aboriginal people, the Aboriginal traditional owners of the lands around Ingham in North Queensland. Experience our rich culture and history.Explore the property established by James Cassady, who fled the potato famine of Ireland and created a pastoral dynasty. Visit the birthplace of the world-famous Droughtmaster cattle breed, the original homestead, the graves of James Cassady and his son.Children under 6 stay for free. Do not include them at time of booking.We ask campers to please try to arrive before it gets dark. Please read all information provided carefully and only contact your host if absolutely necessary.
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AU$25
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(7)

BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Townsville

114 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Townsville, QLD
Enjoy the taste of the tropics and surround yourself with palm trees and landscaped gardens at BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Townsville. Located a short 10-minute drive from the airport and 16 kilometres from Townsville CBD, you’ll find the city’s main attractions, such as The Strand, Castle Hill and Botanic Gardens a delight. The holiday park is set up to make the most of the 320 days of sunshine North Queensland enjoys each year, with two resort-style pools and shaded gazebos for you to stay cool. The kids will be kept entertained with a water park, two playgrounds, a jumping cushion, volleyball court, basketball court, trikes and an 18-hole mini-golf course. To check-in, choose between cabins, villas, caravan sites or campgrounds. With enough amenities to keep everyone entertained, as well as BBQ areas and a children’s playground nearby, there’s plenty of places to prepare your daily meals and relax while keeping an eye on the little ones.
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AU$45.90
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(34)

Crystal Creek Camp

8 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Coolbie, QLD
We have over 12 acres of private, tropical parkland, that runs right along the Crystal Creek in Mutarnee, QLD. 2 hectares of this land is between the Crystal Creek Caravan Park and the Crystal Creek itself. This area has it's own amenities block (toilets and showers) and access to water. There is a large communal campfire in the middle, and plenty of space for a perfect getaway! Should you require it, there is also access to the caravan park's amenities block which includes more toilets and showers, a camp kitchen, and a laundry. This camp is right across the road from the Paluma National Park, little Crystal Creek, Big Crystal Creek, and numerous natural swimming holes. Right behind the camp is a boat ramp, and the beach is 10 minutes away. You will have access to walking tracks, mountain bike trails, bird-watching, swimming, fishing, crabbing... the list is endless!
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AU$30
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(9)

Crumpy's Place

5 sites · RVs20 acres · Bluewater, QLD
Welcome to Crumpy's Place! Nothing fancy, just a safe and secure, friendly, and quiet place to stay for 1 night through to a couple of weeks. Set on 20 acres and based in Bluewater, just north of Townsville, we are semi-screened from the road and have easy RV or Campervan access assuming you don't mind using a simple gate. We cater to fully Self Contained guests only but we do have some basic services available depending on what spots are already taken, but generally access to: - Water - Power (at some sites only via leads at an additional charge) - Common fire pit area - Recyclable disposal only (no general rubbish or black water disposal - suggest empty before arrival at the free dump point only 1.5km away) - Free firewood readily available if you have a saw/chainsaw and a willingness to use it! - Pets on leashes allowed at some sites and may depend on breed/ other guests at the time to avoid conflict) - There is a beach and boat ramp just a couple of minutes down the end of the road, and only 15 minutes or so to a variety of shops including Groceries, Bunnings, Supercheap Auto, and BCF - You are welcome to pat the horses and say g'day to Angus, our humongous cow, all under the watchful remaining eye of Milo the Pug, the true Lord of our Manor!! Bookings are essential so you don't miss out, but please feel free to call or email us for any further information, and we will be happy to help. Once booked please call 0481002100 5 or 10 minutes in advance of arrival so we can greet and guide you in. If we are unable to take your call don't worry about leaving a message - please just text and we'll come back to you as fast as possible. We look forward to joining you around the fire pit at some point for a cold one and a yarn. Cheers, and Safe Travels all!
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AU$20
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(48)

Black River Bush Retreat

4 sites · RVs, Tents60 acres · Black River, QLD
A perfect spot to relax under the stars! A private bush camp experience with a seasonal creek, mango orchard and dam. Pitch your tent or set up your caravan either down near the dam, in a secluded bush setting, or closer to the house yard depending on what you prefer. Enjoy a bush walk around the property, taking in the natural Australian bush environment and enjoy the native wildlife. You may find kookaburras, king fishers, lizards, goannas and wallabies while exploring and can relax by a crackling fire at night. Help feed the farm animals when the owners are home. The goats love a good scratch! Each camp site is private with no other campers booked in the space on the same day. 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. Property has secure key pad access.
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AU$30
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(48)

Country Camping Dam Site

4 sites · Lodging150 acres · Black River, QLD
We are located in the Townsville region, 25 kms from the city centre and only 10 kms to Coles and BWS but close to the coast. The campsite is set on a private 150 acres with 3 swimming dams, portable toilet on site and motorcycle tracks including enduro. Camping and campfires are allowed near the dams in fire pits. Fish for jade perch (catch and release please). In Townsville itself you will find the headland at the north end featuring the military exhibits of Jezzine Barracks and a wide promenade which is great for walks as it heads south past the safe swimming zones. On the other end, at Ross Creek, you can catch the ferry to the Great Barrier Reef or take a 20-minute ferry ride to Magnetic Island, with its beautiful bays, bushland hikes, and wild koalas. Country Vows wedding reception centre is located on 5 acres at the front of the property.
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AU$32
 / night
* Before taxes and fees

The best camping near Orpheus Island National Park guide

Overview

About

Orpheus Island National Park beckons adventurers with its secluded bays, pristine fringing reefs, and diverse wildlife. Nestled amid the Great Barrier Reef, the park offers a tranquil escape with opportunities for camping, snorkeling, and exploring the island's unique geology and lush rainforests. Whether you're pitching a tent at a beachside campsite or taking a guided tour of the research station, Orpheus Island is an idyllic destination for nature lovers.

Notable campgrounds

  • Yanks Jetty camping area - A scenic spot with picnic tables and a sheltered gas barbecue, perfect for a beachside getaway.
  • Pioneer Bay camping area - Offers a serene camping experience with easy access to snorkeling and rainforest walks.
  • South Beach camping area - Ideal for those seeking a more secluded camping experience amid the island's natural beauty.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book your campsite online well in advance to secure your spot in this sought-after natural paradise.
  • Consider visiting during off-peak seasons for better availability and a more intimate connection with nature.
  • Keep an eye on park alerts for any updates on campsite availability due to maintenance or weather conditions.
  • Explore nearby camping options to ensure you have a backup plan in case your preferred site is booked.

When to go

The best time to visit Orpheus Island National Park is from May to September when the weather is warm with reduced humidity. The summer months can be hot and humid, with heavy downpours during the wet season from December to April. Plan your trip outside of the stinger season for a safer and more comfortable snorkeling experience.

Know before you go

  • Be croc wise—estuarine crocodiles inhabit the waters; always stay alert and follow safety guidelines.
  • Check for park alerts for a smooth trip.
  • There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities on the island, so plan accordingly.
  • Remember to pack essentials like water, food, and insect repellent, as there are no supplies on the island.
  • Domestic animals are not permitted on the island to protect the delicate ecosystem.

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