Forest camping near St George with campfires
This rural Southern Queensland town offers riverside camps, thermal pools, and country life.
- St George
Popular camping styles for St George
2 top forest campgrounds near St George with campfires
Forest camping near St George with campfires guide
Overview
St George is a small rural town in Southern Queensland, inland from Brisbane and not far from the border with NSW. It’s on the Balonne River and at the cross-roads of several highways heading in various directions through Queensland and south to NSW, making it a handy stopover point on inland road trips. There are several places to camp in St George, from the showgrounds to well-equipped caravan parks, and many with riverside locations. The town’s artesian baths with warm thermal water are a delight for road-weary campers, too.
Where to go
Beardmore Dam & Lake Kajarabie
The Beardmore Dam and Lake Kajarabie, a short distance north of St George, is a popular fishing, boating, and water skiing spot. Although camping isn’t allowed beside the lake, it’s easy to reach from St George along the Carnarvon Highway, so can be visited on day or short trips when camping in the town.
Lightning Ridge
About 2.5 hours’ drive south of St George and over the border in NSW, Lightning Ridge is an opal-mining town that attracts many prospectors who fossick for the gems, especially rare black opals. There are a few caravan parks around Lightning Ridge with powered and unpowered sites, swimming pools, and self-contained cabins. The Artesian Bore Baths here are sourced from the mountains.
Culgoa Floodplain National Park
Southwest of St George, the remote Culgoa Floodplain National Park is only accessible by four-wheel drive vehicle in dry weather, but is an adventurous side trip for self-sufficient campers. Collect a map with camping areas and access tracks from the ranger’s office on arrival. Bush camping is permitted at the Byra Lagoon and Redbank Hut bush camping areas. The park is a treat for keen bird watchers, with some 150 species inhabiting the region.
When to go
Flower lovers should visit St George in September or October to check out the beautiful bauhinia flowers that bloom in spring. This part of Southern Queensland is on the edge of the outback and experiences hot summers, with temperatures reaching an average high of 36°C. It’s not unusual for summer floods to cut off access to the town or surrounding areas, especially when the Balonne River rises. Visit outside of the summer months for the most comfortable camping experience.
