Cairns, Australia is located in the far north of Queensland and is very close to the Great Barrier Reef. Many people flock to Cairns to see this exceptional reef and spend time getting to know the area.
Daintree National Park sits just to the northwest of the city where adventures await. Camping is allowed in certain areas of the park and it is a favorite spot for seasoned campers to visit when near Cairns.
Pitch a tent, rent a camper, or stay in a cabin at campgrounds in the Cairns area for a different experience from renting a room at a hotel. Spend time in nature and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Australia.
When you are out exploring Cairns and the surrounding area leave your bags at a suitcase storage spot so your belongings are secure. Many campgrounds do not have safe places to leave your valuables or extra equipment.
Grounds For Camping Near Cairns
Nrma Cairns Holiday Park
Less than 10 minutes from Cairns is the NRMA Cairns Holiday Park in Manunda. This campground is located right where the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef meet. It is also the closest campground to the city center of Cairns.
You can choose to pull in a camper, pitch a tent, or stay in one of their very comfortable cabins. Amenities include a camp kitchen, Wi-Fi, and a swimming pool. Some sites also have electric hookups and access to potable water.
Speewah Regional Park Campground
Spend a night or two at the Speewah Regional Park Campground in Speewah, less than 45 minutes to the northwest of Cairns city center. You have the option of three different campgrounds depending on your needs.
You do have to have a camping permit and you must display your tag at your campsite. Advanced booking is required. All campsites are within walking distance of the Barron Gorge National Park Speewah trailhead.
Lake Placid Tourist Park
The tranquility of the rainforest will envelop you at Lake Placid Tourist Park, about 20 minutes from Cairns in Caravonica. This campground is surrounded by rainforest and is just steps from Lake Placid.
Spend the night at one of their tent sites without power or rent one of the fully furnished bungalows. For those roughing it at one of the tent campsites, there is an amenities block within walking distance and includes toilets and showers.
Bramston Beach Campground
Located about an hour south of Cairns, the Bramston Beach Campground offers both powered and unpowered campsites. Campers can use the coin-operated laundry and barbecue facilities.
Relax around a campfire after spending the day exploring Cairns and the surrounding area. The peace and quiet of the campground will lull you into a restful sleep so you can wake up refreshed and ready to explore more of Cairns.
Cairns Sunland Leisure Park
Only 10 minutes to the west of Cairns in Manoora, Cairns Sunland Leisure Park is also only minutes from the Cairns Airport. This resort-style campground offers villas and cabins and is perfect for those looking for a glamping experience.
Enjoy relaxing beside the large swimming pool, get to know your fellow travelers around a roaring campfire, or sit in the café and surf the internet. All cabins and villas have air conditioning, a kitchen or kitchenette, and indoor plumbing.
Each villa and cabin has double or queen beds, fresh linens, television, and parking beside your room. Laundry facilities are available on-site for all guests. Shopping is only a few minute’s walk from the park.
Big4 Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut
Another fantastic campground within 10 minutes of the city center of Cairns in Woree, the BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut is a popular place for tourists. Families really enjoy staying here as it is definitely a kid-friendly campground.
This tropical oasis offers great accommodations and even won the gold medal from the Queensland Tourism Awards in 2019. There are motorhome sites, cabins, and tent sites that will fit any need and party size.
Kids will love the swimming pool complete with a water slide, playground, jumping cushion, game room, and mini-golf course. Barbeque facilities and a camp kitchen are available for campers to enjoy. There is even a restaurant on-site.
Kuranda Rainforest Accommodation Park
Head to Kuranda and spend a few nights at the Kuranda Rainforest Accommodation Park less than 40 minutes to the northwest of Cairns. There are powered and unpowered sites for tents and RVs as well as rooms and cabins.
Tent and RV sites come with an amenities block that has hot showers and flush toilets. Coin-operated washing machines and dryers are also available. The budget rooms come in single or double and have shared bathrooms and kitchens.
You can also rent one of the family rainforest cabins. Up to six people can stay in each cabin; there is a master bedroom, bunk beds, and even a sofa bed. Sit on the covered verandah and look out at the rainforest and listen to the birds sing.
Cool Waters Holiday Park
This beautiful camping park offers grassy tent sites, large RV sites with electric hookups, and fantastic landscaped gardens just steps from your campsite. Located in Brinsmead, Cool Waters Holiday Park is less than 20 minutes northwest of Cairns.
Relax next to the swimming pool or visit the on-site spa when you spend a few nights at this campground. You can cook your own meals in the camp kitchen or visit Elva’s Café for a great meal or delicious cup of coffee.
Whether you are planning on roughing it in Cairns and camping during your entire trip or spending a few nights in RV luxury, there are plenty of campgrounds in and near Cairns to fit your needs.
Several of the campgrounds also offer glamping sites, cabins, and villas for those who like the idea of camping without pitching your own tent and sleeping on the hard ground.
With so many fantastic parks and nature preserves near Cairn, it is the perfect place to spend time camping and becoming one with nature, even if it is only for a night or two.