The Atherton Tablelands is a great place to base yourself for at least a night because there is so much to do here. There is a map of the highlights at the end of the blog.

These are eight campgrounds I would recommend to my friends. One campsite is just $5 per night, five are low cost and on the water, and two are so good that they score 5 stars from Trip Advisor reviewers. All are campervan-friendly. Some are dog-friendly. Whatever your budget and needs, there will be something here that’s perfect for you. A map of them follows.

THREE THAT WERE VOTED THE BEST 

These two caravan parks score five stars (full marks!) from reviewers on Trip Advisor. The facilities are excellent, the sites are large and shady, the caretakers kind and helpful, and they are in beautiful locations. More information.

1. Lake Eachem Tourist Park

• FACILITIES:Toilets, hot showers, laundry, cafe, camp kitchen, and more. (Full blog)
• RATES: $22 – $27 for two (2015)
• DOGS?  Contact them.
• LOCATION: A 1 km walk from Lake Eachem, near many attractions.
• Their website

2. Malanda Falls Caravan Park and Campground

• FACILITIES: Toilets, hot showers, laundry, camp kitchen, petting zoo, forest walks and more. (Full blog)
• RATES: $20 – $25 for two (2015)
• DOGS? Contact them.
• LOCATION: They are by Malanda Falls swimming hole surrounded by rainforest near many attractions.
• Their website

3. Camp Barrabadeen and Activity Centre

• FACILITIES: Waterfront campsites, camp fires, flushing toilets, hot showers, boat ramp, canoe hire and lots of challenging activities (like rock climbing, abseiling and orienteering.)
• No dogs
• RATES: $20 per couple per night.
• LOCATION: on a peninsula surrounded by Lake Tinaroo and Danbulla State Forest
• The website

WATERFRONT CAMPING ON A BUDGET

The following campsites are located on Lake Tinaroo in the Danbulla State Forest and are run by the Queensland Government. A full description of each campsite and instructions on how to book are found here.

4. Fong-on Bay

• FACILITIES: Flushing toilets, fire rings (full blog)
• No dogs
• RATES: $5.95 per person per night, $23.95 for families
• LOCATION: on Lake Tinaroo in Danbulla State Forest
• The website

5. School Point

• Flushing toilets, fires allowed  (full blog)
• No dogs
•  $5.95 per person per night, $23.95 for families
• LOCATION: on Lake Tinaroo in Danbulla State Forest
• The website

6. Kauri Creek 

• Toilets, fire rings (full blog)
• No dogs
• $5.95 per person per night, $23.95 for families
• LOCATION: on Lake Tinaroo in Danbulla State Forest
• The website

7. Downfall Creek

• Toilets, fire rings (full blog)
• No dogs
• $5.95 per person per night, $23.95 for families
• LOCATION: on Lake Tinaroo in Danbulla State Forest
• The website

8. Platypus

• Toilets, fire rings, wood BBQs, picnic tables (full blog)
• No dogs
• $5.95 per person per night, $23.95 for families
• LOCATION: on Lake Tinaroo in Danbulla State Forest
• The website

ALMOST FREE CAMPING

9. Rocky Creek Rest Area

• $5 per night
• Flushing toilets, wood BBQs, fire rings.
• Dogs on leash
• 50 sites by a stream
• Full blog

The Atherton Tablelands is part of a 197 km circular road trip that makes up the Misty Mountains Loop. It encircles the Wooroonooran National Park and takes in stunning waterfalls, swimming holes, hikes, summit climbs, campgrounds, rainforest retreats, and cultural and foodie attractions. I’ve mapped each attraction (red star) and campground  (orange dot) below. Clicking on them will take you to the related blog.

More Information

• Used campervans for sale
• Hire a campervan in Australia