12 Best Campgrounds & Caravan Parks on the Sunshine Coast

Squeaky-clean beaches, pristine national parks, lakes, rivers, and year-round sunshine - no wonder tourists flock to Queensland's beautiful Sunshine Coast for a memorable camping holiday.

From Noosa in the north to Caloundra in the south, the best camping on the Sunshine Coast puts you right near some of the region's top attractions. Sleep steps from some of Queensland's best beaches, or bed down on the banks of a tranquil river. Craving the buzz of a tourist hub? The top campgrounds and caravan parks in Mooloolaba and Coolum put you right in the heart of these holiday hot spots.

Prefer bush camping and wildlife? Head to Noosa North Shore, or set up camp in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, where you can hike through the rainforest, gape at waterfalls, and tour idyllic country towns. And if you're wondering about free camping on the Sunshine Coast, you'll find a peaceful spot on this list where pitching a tent won't cost you a penny.

Camping on the Sunshine Coast is popular year-round so it's best to book as early as possible - especially during peak holiday periods and long weekends.

Whether you're traveling with your tent, caravan, or RV, or you're looking for a cozy cabin or a plush glamping experience, you'll find it here. Plan your next camping adventure with our list of the top campgrounds and caravan parks on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland.

1. Noosa River Holiday Park

Noosa River Holiday Park is one of the best camping spots in Queensland. For almost a century, campers have set up their tents and caravans here, and the location is a huge part of its popularity. Today the park graces the State Heritage Register, and once you stay here, you'll understand why generations of campers return year after year.

First, you are in the heart of Noosa, one of the most beautiful places to visit on the Sunshine Coast. From here, you can wander to some of Noosa's top attractions, including the shops, cafés, and restaurants in Noosaville. You can bike or stroll along the tranquil Noosa River, and you're only a five-minute drive (or a short bike ride) from Noosa National Park and Hastings Street.

Second, the park's picturesque riverside setting with an on-site boat ramp is hard to beat, especially at sunset, when guests, many of them fiercely loyal returnees, mingle for drinks along the riverbank. The social vibe here is a huge draw.

Caravans, camper trailers, motorhomes, and tents are all welcome. The best sites front the river, but these are unpowered sites for tents and camper vans. Most of the other sites are powered slabs set among the trees.

Amenities are clean and well-maintained. The camp kitchen comes with gas barbecues and cooking appliances, and other on-site facilities include a coin-operated laundry, kiosk, and sparkling-clean bathrooms.

Want to ditch the car during your stay? No problem. Bike rentals, local buses, and ferries are available for easy access to local attractions without the parking headaches. Note, though, that pets are not permitted here, so you'll have to leave your furry friends at home.

When it comes to Noosa camping, this park is a top choice. But make sure you book early!

Address: 4 Russell Street Noosaville, Queensland

Official site: https://www.noosaholidayparks.com.au/noosa-river

2. Cotton Tree Holiday Park, Cotton Tree

If water sports top your Sunshine Coast vacation wishlist, it's hard to beat Cotton Tree Holiday Park. Nestled between the river and the ocean, this park is a paradise for almost every kind of aquatic activity.

Head to the river's calm waters for fishing, stand up paddleboarding, and kayaking. Prefer to ride the waves? Maroochydore Beach is steps away from your campsite, too. Surf the swells, stroll for miles along the soft sands, or pop into Maroochy Surf Club for a bite to eat. Cotton Tree Swimming Pool is also right next door if you feel like clocking some laps.

When it comes to staking a spot here, you'll find plenty of options. Pitch your tent on a waterfront site (with power or without), find a spot under a shady tree back from the water, or cozy up in a one- or two-bedroom cabin. The park offers 93 powered and 29 non powered sites. All these options are steps from the water.

Feeling hungry? You can cook up a meal on the barbecues or dine at one of the cafés and restaurants, a short stroll from the park. Shops and other entertainment options are also minutes away.

Other amenities here include restrooms, hot showers, laundry facilities, a baby bath and change table, as well as free Wi-Fi.

Address 2-36 Cotton Tree Parade, Maroochydore, Queensland

Official site: http://www.sunshinecoastholidayparks.com.au/holiday_parks/cotton_tree_holiday_park/

3. Noosa North Shore Beach Campground

Does camping with kangaroos on an unspoiled stretch of beach sound good to you? If so, Noosa North Shore Beach Campground is the ideal getaway. Set on Teewah Beach on the wild Cooloola Coast in Great Sandy National Park, this remote beachfront campsite is a true back-to-nature escape and a haven for wildlife lovers.

To access this secluded spot, you'll have to hop on a ferry and cross the Noosa River from Tewantin. But that's part of the adventure.

The beach is the star feature here. This wild and windswept shore stretches from the mouth of the Noosa River all the way to Double Island Point and Fraser Island (K'Gari). Surfing, swimming, 4WD driving, and beach combing are some of the top things to do along the shore. But you need to take care if you're taking a dip, as the beach is not patrolled. Fishing is also excellent. When it comes to beach camping in Queensland, this spot is a wonderland for water sports in a natural setting.

Campsites are a mix of powered and unpowered sites. Tucked in natural bushland, the spacious sites offer a relatively private camping experience for the Sunshine Coast. Beachfront sites are more exposed, but the sound of the waves crashing ashore drowns out some of the noise from other campers. Note that a few sites are a fair distance from the facilities, which adds to the wilderness feel.

The basic amenities here are sparkling clean and well maintained. You can prepare meals in the spacious kitchen, and purchase basic items at the kiosk. Clean restrooms, coin-operated showers, and basic laundry facilities round out the facilities.

Best of all, wildlife is everywhere. Rainbow lorikeets, cockatoos, and kookaburras perch in the trees, kangaroos graze on the grounds, and goannas lumber around the tents - this is a beautiful slice of Aussie nature! No wonder it's one of Noosa's top camping spots.

Wondering how to access this remote spot? The campground itself is accessible by 2-wheel drive vehicles, but you'll need a 4WD vehicle to access the beach. To get to Noosa North Shore, you can hop aboard the vehicle barge departing from Moorindil Street, Tewantin, from 5.20am to 10.20pm daily.

Insider's tips: Bookings are essential here. Also, bring enough clean water for your visit; the park is not on town water, and water connections are not provided.

Address: 240 Wilderness Track, Noosa North Shore, Queensland

Official site: https://www.noosaholidayparks.com.au/noosa-north-shore

4. Coolum Beach Holiday Park

Surf-loving campers look no further. Coolum Beach Holiday Park is a short stumble over the sand dunes to some of the best surf breaks on the Sunshine Coast. This popular park sits on over 10 acres of beachfront land, steps from cafés, restaurants, and attractions.

Wake up, sip your coffee, and head to the swells mere steps from your campsite. Whether you like to surf, swim, fish, or just stroll along the shore, you'll find plenty of things to do in Coolum Beach near this picturesque park.

Kids will also love it here. Besides playing on the beach, they can ride their bikes around the paths at neighboring Tickle Park. Plus it's the perfect spot for a picnic.

Coolum Beach Holiday Park is pet-friendly, but you'll need to apply first. And pet owners will be pleased to know that you can let your pooch run wild at Stumer's Creek off-leash dog area, just down the beach.

When it comes to camping, you're in for a treat. Snag a beachfront site, tucked back behind the dunes, and you can fall asleep to the sounds of surf pounding the soft-sand shore. The park offers a mix of powered and unpowered tent and caravan sites with concrete pads. If you prefer not to camp, you can book a deluxe one- or two-bedroom air-conditioned villa. These come with a kitchen, TV, DVD player, and Wi-Fi.

Amenities are clean and well maintained. Cook a meal at the camp kitchen, or head across the road for fresh-cooked fish and chips or a tasty meal at one of Coolum's cafés and restaurants. With all these conveniences it's easy to see why this is one of the best places to camp around Coolum Beach.

Insider's Tip: Sites closest to the beach have less road noise.

Address: 1827 David Low Way, Coolum Beach, Queensland

Official site: https://www.sunshinecoastholidayparks.com.au/holiday_parks/coolum_beach_holiday_park/special_offers/

5. Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park

Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park is another top place to camp for beach lovers and surfers. Want to sip your morning coffee on the beach or stroll down for a surf when you wake up? You are only steps from the sand at this popular park.

Don't be fooled by the rather austere concrete entrance on a busy street. Beyond the high walls on the park's opposite side is one of the Sunshine Coast's best beaches: Mooloolaba Beach. It's a top spot for beginner surfing, beach volleyball, and swimming.

When you're tired of the beach, enjoy a relaxing stroll along the Mooloolaba Boardwalk, or hop across the road to shops, restaurants, and cafés. You'll also find some of Mooloolaba's top tourist attractions nearby - Sea Life Sunshine Coast Aquarium and The Wharf Mooloolaba are also just across the road.

Though they lack privacy and shade, the fully-serviced sites come with concrete annex slabs. Plus, Wi-Fi is included. High walls ring the park, so you can't see the beach from your site, but you can feel the vibe of this fantastic location, and you're only steps away from the powdery shore.

Freshly renovated in 2019, the amenities here are simple but clean. Restrooms include a baby change area and bath, and the camp kitchen, comes with a fridge, toaster, microwave, and barbecue facilities.

Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park is the top place to camp in Mooloolaba for families who want a convenient base in the heart of this holiday haven.

Address: 100 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba, Queensland

Official site: http://www.sunshinecoastholidayparks.com.au/holiday_parks/mooloolaba_beach_holiday_park/

6. Alex Beach Cabins & Tourist Park

Alex Beach Cabins & Tourist Park has everything you need for an ideal family getaway. Are you looking for quiet, comfy cabin accommodation or a caravan site near the beach, restaurants, and shops? You'll find it here. Kid-friendly amenities? Yep. Little ones can splash in the pool, clamber around on a rainbow-hued playground, play in the games room, and quack at the ducks on the adjacent pond. The only thing this park doesn't offer is tent camping.

This popular park is only 180 meters from Alexandra Headland Beach (called "Alex Beach" by locals). Plus you're also a short stroll from Alexandra Headland Surf Life Saving Club, where you can enjoy a meal with beautiful beach views. Shoppers can flex their wallets at Sunshine Plaza, a five-minute drive away.

Choose from a wide range of accommodation. The park offers 51 caravan/motorhome sites, and it's one of the rare Sunshine Coast caravan parks with ensuite sites. Plus, you'll find 72 villas (two-bedroom and one-bedroom), as well as queen and double cabins. Each comes with a fully equipped kitchen, fresh linen, and air-conditioning.

Meals are a breeze here. Cook up a feast in the large kitchen and entertainment area on the free gas barbecues or pizza oven. You'll also find a microwave, fridge/freezer, and sink here, as well as plenty of counter space.

Address: 21-23 Okinja Road, Alexandra Headland, Queensland

Official site: https://www.alexbeach.com.au

7. Maroochydore Beach Holiday Park

Snuggled just beyond the sand dunes of Maroochydore beach, this popular park is another hot spot for beach lovers - especially if you want to be within walking distance of shops and restaurants. You're right near a busy road here, but if you snag a spot closer to the beach, the crashing waves will lull you to sleep.

Traveling with a tent or RV? Both powered and unpowered sites are available here. If you prefer to sleep in a cabin, you can choose from six villas: three two-bedroom villas and three one-bedroom units.

You'll find everything you need for a comfortable stay: restrooms with a baby bath, laundry facilities with coin-operated washing machines and dryers, and free Wi-Fi.

Dining is easy. Cook up a tasty meal in the modern camp kitchen, which comes with picnic tables and barbecue facilities. And if you don't feel like cooking, you can wander to nearby restaurants and cafes. Maroochy Surf Club is an easy seven-minute stroll away.

Address: 1 Melrose Parade Maroochydore, Queensland

Official site: http://www.sunshinecoastholidayparks.com.au/holiday_parks/maroochydore_beach_holiday_park/

8. Big4 Caloundra Holiday Park

Overlooking the peaceful waters of the Pumicestone Passage, Big 4 Caloundra Holiday Park is another family favorite. Not only is this park packed with handy amenities, you are right in the heart of Caloundra here, near beaches, restaurants, cafés, entertainment venues, and other top attractions.

Kids will have a blast. They can zoom down the slide into the heated freeform pool, explore the grounds on the pedal carts, and bounce on the billowy jumping pillow. Mum and Dad love the convenience of Tom and Andy's coffee van on-site for their morning caffeine fix, and the whole family will love the pizza van. As a special bonus, if you're visiting during school holidays, you'll enjoy a fun schedule of movie nights, dance classes, pool games, rock climbing, and other engaging activities.

A spacious, open-sided camp kitchen, free Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities add to the convenience.

Accommodation options are impressive, ranging from campsites to villas. Premium campsites are the most popular. These come with concrete slabs, power, and water. Plus, they are close to the water and park amenities, and some of these sites front the meandering creek that borders the park. The powered caravan sites accommodate all van sizes, and powered campsites for tents sit on the waterfront or beachfront.

Don't have any camping equipment? No problem. Opt for the glamping tents. A huge perk here, too, is the range of cabin accommodation, from air-conditioned waterfront villas to two-bedroom family villas.

One thing to note: This park is not pet-friendly.

Address: 44 Maloja Ave, Caloundra, Queensland

Official site: https://www.big4.com.au/caravan-parks/qld/sunshine-coast/caloundra-waterfront-holiday-park

9. Big 4 Maroochy River, Maroochydore

Families love Big 4 Maroochy River. Set back from a busy road, opposite the banks of the Maroochy River, this popular park has a super friendly, social vibe and packs in the camping perks for every member of the family.

Traveling with wriggly kids? They can bounce on the giant "Jump Pad," hoon around on their pedal carts, paddle in the saltwater pool, fish in the river, or run wild on the playground. And if you're traveling in the school holidays, you're in luck. Outdoor movies, crafts, games, pancake breakfasts, and roasting marshmallows around the fire pit round out the kid-friendly activities.

Big 4 Maroochy River also offers a welcome perk for parents: The "marriage-saving" valet service. True to its name, this much-appreciated van parks your RV into your site upon arrival, saving you from a potential bickering match with your traveling partner after a long drive. That alone can make a stay here worth it.

Ready to eat? You can cook up a storm in the cute open-sided camp kitchen, or use the on-site barbecues. You'll also find laundry facilities on-site.

Accommodations are a highlight here - especially if you're looking for contemporary cabins. Five new two-bedroom cabins are the pick of the bunch, or you can save money and book one of the older cabins. All are clean and comfy, and come with air-conditioning, full kitchens, TVs, lounges, bathrooms, and patios or balconies.

If you're camping, the powered tent and caravan sites accommodate up to six people.

The only member of the family not welcome at this friendly park are pets.

Address: 1 Diura Street, Maroochydore, Queensland

Official site: https://www.big4.com.au/caravan-parks/qld/sunshine-coast/maroochy-river-park

10. Mudjimba Beach Holiday Park

Mudjimba Beach Holiday Park has a vintage charm. The park sits on a sleepy backstreet in the small beach town of Mudjimba, about a 15-minute drive from Mooloolaba. Mom-and-pop restaurants and cafés are just around the corner, as well as a popular little bakery where you can pick up a lamington or a fresh-baked, flaky pie. Plus you're only a hop, skip, and a jump from the soft white sands and crashing surf of Mudjimba Beach, What's not to love?

Planning to bring your pooch on your Queensland road trip? When it comes to pet-friendly camping on the Sunshine Coast, Mudjimba Beach Holiday Park is a top choice. Your furry friend is welcome here in the tent and caravan sites upon application. Plus, you'll find one of the best off-leash dog areas on the Sunshine Coast at the southern end of Mudjimba Beach. Add to this a cute and homey feel, a freeform pool, and kid-friendly scooter paths, and every member of your family should be happy here.

Campsites are sprinkled around a lovely leafy setting. You'll find both powered tourist caravan sites and unpowered tent sites with concrete slabs. Prefer a proper roof over your head? Three cute cabins, painted pale blue and white, front the street with sunny porches looking out over the quiet neighborhood. The two-bedroom unit is perfect for families, and all come with full kitchens.

In addition to the freeform pool, amenities include a camp kitchen, laundry facilities, and free Wi-Fi.

Wander away from the park, and you'll find plenty of things to do. Family-friendly Mudjimba Beach is perfect for picnics, surfing, swimming, and strolling. Plus, it borders the Maroochy River, so fishing can be excellent. Feel like getting back to nature? You can hike the trails in the nearby Maroochy River Conservation Park.

Address: 3-35 Cottonwood Street, Mudjimba, Queensland

Official site: http://www.sunshinecoastholidayparks.com.au/holiday_parks/mudjimba_beach_holiday_park/

11. Boreen Point Campground

If you're looking for bush camping in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, the lakefront Boreen Point Campground is a top pick. Tucked amid trees on the shores of picturesque Lake Cootharaba about a 30-minute drive from Noosa Heads, Boreen Point Campground is a family favorite.

Kids will love all the water sports. Swimming, sailing, stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing are all favorite activities on this shallow lake, and the office here rents kayaks and SUPs. You can also paddle around the nearby Noosa Everglades - birding is excellent along these tranquil waterways.

When they're not out on the water, kids can burn off steam on the playground, or bike the BMX track around the campground.

Nestled under large shady trees, sites here are a mix of powered and unpowered. Most camping spots are set in the bushland; tent sites front the lake. The powered sites accommodate tents, caravans, camper vans, and RVs.

Facilities are excellent. Restrooms and showers have been recently refurbished, and family rooms are now available.

Mingling during meal prep at the camp kitchen is a popular activity here, and if you'd rather let someone else do the cooking, head to the historic Apollonian Hotel for a mouthwatering meal - its weekend smokehouse menu is especially popular. Need some groceries? A general store is also within walking distance.

Best of all, dogs are welcome in caravans and RVs. Inquire first for details.

Address: Boreen Point 1 Esplanade, Boreen Point, Queensland

Official site: https://www.noosaholidayparks.com.au/boreen-point

12. Little Yabba Park, Cambroon

Wondering about free camping on the Sunshine Coast? Head to the hinterland. Little Yabba Park between Conondale and Kenilworth offers a perfect little mini-retreat. Best of all, it won't cost you a cent. There's only one catch: it's a one-night maximum stay.

Technically this is a short-term rest area, so the facilities are basic, as you might expect. But you'll find toilets, water, and a grassy area with picnic tables. In your free time, you can take some tranquil rainforest walks, cool off in the crystal-clear creek, cast a fishing line, or watch the antics of the resident kookaburras.

Insider's tip: We recommend coming on a weekday if possible, as weekends are much busier.

And if you want to stay a little longer and don't mind paying, pop across to the nearby Charlie Moreland Camping Area. For Sunshine Coast creek camping, this basic little spot in Imbil State Forest ticks the boxes. Here, you'll find low-cost campsites at the western end of Little Yabba Creek - you won't find showers here, but you can clean off with a cool dip in the crystal-clear waters of the creek.

Address: Maleny-Kenilworth Road, Cambroon, Queensland

Map of Campgrounds & Caravan Parks on the Sunshine Coast