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Brisbane is blessed with dozens of camping sites within an hour or two drive of the city. Most camping grounds within caravan parks or on private grounds have full facilities, such as showers and toilets. Generally, sites within national parks or state forests are more basic.
Next to the rainforest and waterfalls in Lamington National Park, Binna Burra has many options for bushwalks, wildlife watching and admiring the view over the Numinbah Valley.
Even if you are not an experienced camper and you don’t have any gear, you can stay a couple of nights in the permanent canvas tents. They have beds and lights – a great option.
Or there are tent sites tucked into the forest.
Binna Burra has good facilities and (soon!) a licensed cafe. Campers can get involved in the organised walks and events at the neighbouring (and more luxurious) Binna Burra Mountain Lodge.
Head into the Sunshine Coast hinterland for a bush retreat. Take a walk or explore the creek. Plus, there’s a great pub and cheese factory in Kenilworth. 
There are camping grounds in the State Forest near Kenilworth (north west of Maleny). Some sites (at Booloomba Creek) are just for tents, within the rainforest.
There are other sites, such as Charlie Moreland, that suit caravans or camper trailers too. Facilities are basic.
Book online via the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency).
For something a little more civilised on the Sunshine Coast, try camping beside Lake Cootharaba at Boreen Point or Elanda Point. Just north of Tewantin, this small town is great for families. The lake is shallow and safe for children and lots of people take canoes or sailing boats.
The council’s Boreen Point campground doesn’t have to be booked and some sites are on the lake’s edge. There are only a few powered sites but there are hot showers and camp kitchen facilities. It’s an easy walk to the historic Apollonian Hotel too. Call 5485 3244.
You’ll find plenty of huge grassy sites in the campgrounds at nearby Elanda Point. It’s also beside the lake and you can hire boats, use the rec room and buy supplies on site. It’s nice to watch the kangaroos too.
Go camping on North Stradbroke (otherwise known as Straddie) - the large sand island east of the city. Drive onto the ferry or barge and arrive in a different world – surf, sand and pristine lakes. There are plenty of shops and cafes on the island too, for supplies.
There’s beachfront camping plus other designated areas. Foreshore camping requires a 4WD and a beach permit. Call Stradbroke Camping on 1300 551 253 for more information and bookings.
There are two camping areas in the Main Range National Park near Cunningham’s Gap. There are also fantastic walks (to suit all levels of experience) through World Heritage-listed forest.
Use the basic facilities of the national park campsites - at Spicer’s Gap and Goomburra. Best to book well in advance for school holidays and long weekends.
There are literally hundreds of other places to camp in South East Queensland.
Use the EPA’s website to search for and book state forest and national park sites.
Or use the tourist information provided by the local regions and councils for details of privately-owned campgrounds.
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