6 Of The Best Camping Spots For Kids Near Brisbane

Camping with kids is one of those things that can sound like a great idea, until you get there and realise they hate everything. That’s why it’s important to start gentle, and get their love of camping flowing with some well-appointed local spots where they don’t have to rough it too hard just yet. We’re talking toilets, local shops, and maybe even wifi. It’s almost glamping, but if it keeps the kids happy, that’s your holiday made right there.

You’ll need a permit to camp at all of these spots, so make sure you do your research – and play it safe by booking ahead. Costs will vary so contact the location you want to visit for pricing.

Here are six of our favourite spots within two hours’ drive of Brisbane:

Inskip Point

This stunning spot on the Sunshine Coast is a must-do with kids, and it’s only two hours drive up the road from Brissie. If you’re introducing kids to camping, this beach-side camp ground is perfect. You can light a fire or hit the local shops or pub for a meal. And for a fee you can even turn up to a tent already set up for you. Too easy!

Website: Rainbow Beach Camping
Where: Inskip Peninsula, Rainbow Beach

Bigriggan 

The Scenic Rim is a picturesque place to pitch a tent, and you can bring your dog along to this one, so the kids will already be happy. Bigriggen is about an hour and a half from Brisbane, and is set on 100 acres of hilltops, bushland, and gentle river flats. For those who don’t like roughing it, there are plenty of powered sites here, so you can plug in all the devices that will keep everyone happy. There are also hot showers, so the kids don’t get out of bathing.

Website: Bigriggan
Where: 196 Bigriggan Road, Bigriggan

Ballina Headlands

It seems a world away, but Ballina is only two hours drive south of Brisbane and it’s worth the drive for the amazing beaches both at Ballina and nearby Lennox Heads. There are plenty of spots to pitch a tent here, and the kids can’t possibly complain when there’s a solar heated pool and spa, a family games room with a big-screen TV, and a beach volleyball court. If “I’m bored” is your biggest fear, this is the answer
for you.

Website: Ballina Headlands Big 4
Where: 35 Skennars Head Road, Skennars Head

The Settlement 

Okay, it sounds like a creepy cult commune, but trust us, the Settlement in Springbrook National Park is a great place to introduce camping to kids. It’s close to a local shop so you’ll never run out of anything, and there are some spectacular views across the Gold Coast from nearby walks. The campground itself boasts toilets, water, shelter and electric barbecues. And as a bonus for those bath-hating
kids, there are no showers, so it’s all wet wipes and spit until you pull up stumps and head home.

Website: The Settlement
Where: Carricks Road, Springbrook

Captain Logan Camp, Wivenhoe Dam

When it comes to gentle introductions, this is about as good as it gets. You’ve got powered sites and hot showers, and there are sites for large groups, so you can take a bunch of friends to lighten the load (and share the possible pain). There are plenty of watersports on the dam to keep the kids busy during the day, and with the camp site being only an hour from Brisbane, you can pack up and go home whenever you
need to. Low risk = relaxed parents.

Website: Captain Logan Camp Facebook page
Where: Wivenhoe Hill, Wivenhoe

O’Reilly’s, Lamington National Park

Technically called Green Mountains, this area is referred to as O’Reilly’s after the rainforest retreat that’s also here. But here’s a sneaky trick: you can enjoy restaurants, café and shop of O’Reilly’s without splashing out on the cash to stay there. That means budget camping with loads of perks that will up the comfort factor and keep the kids happy. There is no power or cooking facilities, but there are toilets and hot showers, and you can always scrub up after a hard day’s camping and dine in the restaurant.

Website: Green Mountains Camping
Where: Several sites in Lamington National Park – see website

Want to find great outdoor fun for the whole family? Check out these ellaslist recommendations:

• 6 Of The Best Family Day Trips From Brisbane
• The Best Budget Kid-Friendly Getaways Near Brisbane
• The Best Bike Parks And Trails For Kids In Brisbane

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Image credit: Ballina Headlands Big4 Holiday Park