Camping, Caravan & RV Sites
Book your next getaway!
You must book your campsite, limited spots available.
To ensure all camping visitors to Townsville City have a comfortable stay, Council has adopted a policy for camping on public reserves. This policy applies to camping in vehicles, tents and the like on public reserves, parks, beaches, and foreshores controlled by Council.
Camping is prohibited in all areas of Townsville City, except for those areas designated as camping areas and at approved caravan parks.
The maximum number of stays at any of these sites is once per week. Council officers routinely visit camping areas to check on how long people have stayed. If it is found that campers are not complying with this policy, campers will be asked to move on.
Those who do not comply may be evicted from the camping area.
All camp grounds and vehicle sites require a booking.
Lake Paluma camping
Lake Paluma is nestled among world heritage-listed wet tropics rainforest. Access to the lake is via a 12 kilometre gravel road from the township of Paluma. Lake Paluma is a popular camping destination.
There are a limited number of camp sites available and you must have a pre-paid permit. Without a pre-paid permit you are not guaranteed a camp site. Council Rangers patrol the area daily. People who camp without a permit can be fined. Camp sites must be vacated by midday on the day of departure. Schools and large groups are encouraged to use Magar Yamba, the large group camping area.
For more information about Lake Paluma camping, visit our Lake Paluma page.
Wastewater Dump Locations
Caravanners who do not stay in caravan parks for the entirety of their holiday may need to access public dump points during the trip to dispose of grey and black water, as well as sewage
waste. Visiting a dump point is the most environmentally friendly method of emptying waste from a caravan.
Below is a list of available locations within the Townsville region.
Bluewater Park
29km North of Townsville on the Bruce Highway
GPS:191033 S 1463305 E
A Dump-Ezy sewage dump point with a water hose (unpotable water) is located about half way along the camping area.
Balgal Beach
Tooth Street, Balgal Beach
GPS:190035 S 1462418 E
A Dump-Ezy sewerage dump point is located beside the public toilet block.
Bushy Parker Park
53km North of Townsville turn off the Bruce Highway (just after Rollingstone BP) Rollingstone Road, cross over the railway track and drive about 2km.
GPS:190243 S 1462339 E
A Dump-Ezy sewerage dump point, with a water tap for rinsing, is located near the toilets.
Open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
Ross River Dam Park
Riverway Drive, Kelso
GPS: 19 24 27 S 146 44 00 E
Cassette Only, Dump Point Public, Length Limit > 11m
Left Hand Side of Bitumen Side Road
Open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
Camping rules
In order to protect the comfort of local residents and other visitors it is asked that all campers keep their site clean and tidy and not behave in an unruly manner.
Please do not set up your camp (whether in a campervan or tent) in a way that restricts public use or access to any fixture of fittings. This includes any structure, pole, gazebo, barbeque, fence, tap, table, seat, etc. which has been provided for the use and enjoyment of all.
The maximum number of stays at any of these sites is once per week. Council officers routinely visit camping areas to check on how long people have stayed. If it is found that campers are not complying with this policy campers will be asked to move on. Those who do not comply may be evicted from the camping area.
Dogs are allowed at Council’s Designated Camping Areas however they must remain leashed at all times. The dog/s owner/keeper is responsible for the removal of any animal waste and to ensure the animal does not cause a nuisance to other campers.
Visit the Lake Paluma page for rules governing camping at Lake Paluma.
Click on the links below to find out more information about other Townsville parks and camping grounds. Please note, most of the other parks do not allow camping.
For more information, please phone 13 48 10.
