Free camps near Townsville
Queensland · within 80 km · updated hourly
Short answer
As of 3 November 2026, Matey's map shows 8 free campsites within 80 km of Townsville: 6 from OpenStreetMap and 2 added by backpackers on Matey. 2 are tagged van friendly and 3 have toilets, and the closest is Saunders Park, about 25 km north-west of the town centre.
Added by backpackers
Free camps other travellers shared on Matey, with their tips.
Free camp · Free
Bluewater Park Camping Area
Bluewater (Townsville), QLD
Free camp · Free
Home Hill Comfort Stop
Home Hill, QLD
Free campsites from OpenStreetMap
Closest first. Distances are in a straight line from the centre of Townsville.
Saunders Park
25 km north-west
Bluewater Park
29 km west
Toomulla Beach
41 km north-west · run by Townsville City Council
- Toilets
Balgal Beach Rest Area
51 km north-west
Reid River Rest Area
55 km south
- Van friendly
- Toilets
Sandy Corner Rest Area
65 km south-east
- Van friendly
- Toilets
Van stops: dump points, water and showers
OpenStreetMap lists no dump points, water refills or showers within 80 km of Townsville yet. Some caravan parks let non-guests use their showers or dump point for a fee.
Free camping etiquette
- Read the sign at the entrance: stay limits, fires and dogs are set by the council or park manager.
- Use the toilets, or a proper dump point for your van toilet. Never empty it in a drain or the bush.
- Take all rubbish with you, and arrive before dark so you can see where you are parking.
Common questions
Where can I empty my van toilet near Townsville?
OpenStreetMap has no dump point listed within 80 km of Townsville. Some caravan parks let non-guests use theirs for a fee, so ask at reception.
Can I sleep in my van anywhere around Townsville?
No. Councils and park managers decide where you can camp, and many towns ban sleeping in vehicles on streets and beach car parks. Stay at a signed free camp or a caravan park, read the signs for stay limits, and take your rubbish with you.
How up to date is this list?
The page refreshes every hour from Matey's map data. The free camps and van services come from OpenStreetMap, which volunteers edit, so a site can close or start charging. Check the signs when you arrive.
Free camp and van service data © OpenStreetMap contributors, available under the Open Database Licence (ODbL). Backpacker spots are shared by Matey members.
Free camps near other towns
See them on the map
Free camps, dump points, water and backpacker spots around Townsville, on one map. Free to join, no fees.
Open the camping map