River, stream, or creek and dog-friendly camping near Emu Park

This friendly coastal town on Queensland’s Capricorn Coast overlooks the Keppel Islands.

98% (686 reviews)
98% (686 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Emu Park

Under $50

Star Hosts in Emu Park

8 top river, stream, or creek and dog-friendly campgrounds near Emu Park

97%
(546)

Take-A-Break Bush Camp

14 sites · RVs, Tents60 acres · Nankin, QLD
Located between Rockhampton and Emu Park beach. 711 Thompson Point Road Nankin Our campsites are located in a rural setting with plenty of shady trees, friendly cows and mountain views close to the Fitzroy River. Relax around a campfire on a peaceful dam and listen to the kookaburras. Dip your toes into the cool water whilst sipping watching the sunset. It is 10km to the upgraded Fitzroy River/Thompson Point boat ramp and pontoon. Enjoy some excellent fishing and crabbing on the river, bird watching and bush walking up the many hills. Only 1/2 hr. drive to the beaches (Emu Park and Yeppoon), National Parks (Mt Etna Caves, Mt Archer Baga, Limestone Creek), and Rockhampton (Kershaw Gardens and Rockhampton Free Zoo). Campfires in the firepits provided on each site. Pre-cut fire wood for sale on site. Pets are welcome, however the must be kept within your allocated campsite area and supervised at all time. (Dogs are not allowed to chase livestock or native animals). Quiet genset are also allowed. Definitely no boats to be backed into the dam for washing purposes. Fish cleaning and boat washing facilities at the solar bore near front entrance. Telstra mobile reception. TV reception with antenna. We a setup for fully self contained camping, however there is a basic bush shower/toilet available for our campers. The dam is a pristine eco area and no soap/detergents/chemicals to used in/around it. The dam is stocked with silver perch and bass – catch and release. Camp site caters for 2 Adults and up to 4 kids per site. Come and Take-A-Break.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
AU$25
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(157)

Ferns Hideaway Resort

25 sites · RVs, Tents42 acres · Byfield, QLD
Ferns Hideaway is a secluded unique family owned bush resort and camping/caravan park nestled beside the stunning Waterpark Creek on 42 acres of riparian rainforest in tropical Central Queensland. Ferns is located in Byfield which is an easy 30 minute drive (39 kilometres) north of Yeppoon and adjacent to the beautiful Byfield National Park and central to all the area has to offer. We have a variety of sites and accomodation options to suit all styles and budgets with more than 25 camp/van sites, 5 traditional rustic log cabins, and several onsite vans, set amongst beautifully landscaped gardens and stunning natural surrounds. If it's peace and relaxation you're after, or more fun and adventure Ferns has something for everyone and boasts an array of other activities that are complementary for our guests. Spend the days lazing away by the pool, have a hit of tennis or explore the magical wilderness of Waterpark Creek in one of our canoes. The choice is yours! Our activities / amenities include: Fleet of Canadian canoes, in-ground swimming pool and spa, tennis court, beach volleyball court, ball games, kids activities, bush walking tracks, open grassed picnic areas, central camp ground, secluded camp sites, camp kitchen, camp lounge, toilets, hot showers, drinking water, licensed restaurant serving the best fresh local ingredients. Featuring an abundance of fauna and flora throughout the property, including a profusion of rare Byfield Ferns, giant paperbarks, wallabies, bandicoots, monitor lizards, water dragons and amazing birdlife, Ferns offers the perfect opportunity to relax and reconnect with nature, family and friends. Our restaurant is only open for larger functions and weddings, but we do offer takeaways on Friday and Saturday Nights. Try one of our famous pizzas!
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from 
AU$36
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(301)

Rockhampton Waterski Club

8 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Alton Downs, QLD
On the banks of the beautiful Fitzroy River is the Rockhampton Water Ski Club. Only ten minutes drive from the Rockhampton CBD is the opportunity to access the only camping location along the fresh water side (upstream) of the Fitzroy River Barrage. This site offers full amenities, including hot water showers, flushing toilets, built in bbq's, and a camp kitchen. You can enjoy getting back to nature with the picturesque river views and enjoy the beautiful landscape or you can sit around the fire and tell some yarns with the family. Other activities that the site provides is direct access to the Fitzroy River via the clubs boat ramp, and doc, water skiing, fishing and of course you're more than welcome to bring your own canoes or kayaks. There are plenty of places for the kids to play and swim, so come for a day or a whole week.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Cooking equipment
from 
AU$20
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

River, stream, or creek and dog-friendly camping near Emu Park guide

Overview

A small coastal community on the shores of Keppel Bay, Emu Park offers a year-round sunshine-laced climate typical of southern Queensland. Captain Cook named Keppel Bay after sighting it in 1870, with the town of Emu Park evolving as cattle station owners established holiday homes on the beach. It has retained much of its small-town charm and serves as a popular holiday spot, particularly along the waterfront where parklands and the famed Singing Ship sculpture capture the breeze.

Where to go

Benarkin State Forest

At Emu Creek Camp Site, a large open camping area for caravans and tents sits adjacent to Emu Creek. Clancy’s Camping Area is adjacent to the Bicentennial National Trail, popular among horse riders, mountain bikers, and hikers. Wood-fired BBQs (bring your own wood) are available (except when fire bans apply) at both sites. Book your camping permit through the state’s Parks and Forest department.

Keppel Bay Islands

Camping is permissible on a number of islands within Keppel Bay Islands National Park. Book your camping permit through Queensland’s Parks and Forest department for campsites on North Keppel Island, Humpy Island, Miall Island, Conical Island, Divided Island, Pelican Island, Middle Island, and Hummocky Island—here, campsites are suitable for tent campers only and facilities are limited mostly to picnic tables and toilets.

Byfield National Park

Byfield National Park, Byfield State Forest, and Byfield Conservation Park all combine to form the Capricorn Coast’s park area. Here, massive sand dunes, rainforest-edged creeks, dramatic mountain ranges, and dense pine plantations are dotted with camping areas on the beach and in the forest. Park campsites are suitable for caravans, camper trailers, and motorhomes along with tents and swags, although some are only accessible by 4WD vehicle.

When to go

Emu Park, Yeppoon, and the Capricorn Coast are a year-round holiday destination. Summer storms that roll in from the north may impact the area, but summers are generally warm and humid, and winters are mild. Southeast trade winds blow from around April to October.

Know before you go

  • Swim for free at the waterfront Yeppoon Lagoon, an aquatic playground for all ages.
  • 4WD vehicles can drive on 17 km of sand at Farnborough Beach, with entry access at Bangalee.
  • Look for humpback whales passing through Keppel Bay on their annual migration between June and October.
  • Almost 30 islands sit offshore from Emu Park, with boat trips departing from Keppel Bay Marina.

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