Carnarvon Gorge camping area
You’ll be on the doorstep of Carnarvon Gorge when you set up camp in this well-equipped and shady camping area.
Accessible by
- Conventional vehicle
Camping area facilities
- Electric/fuel barbecue (free of charge)
- Picnic tables
- Telephone (pay phone)
- Toilets (flush)
- Wheelchair access (may require assistance)
- Wifi
- Tent camping
- Camper trailer camping
- Campervan camping
- Tent camping beside car
- Walking
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You'll find toilets, tables and gas barbecues at Carnarvon Gorge camping area. Photo credit: © Hannah Beaumont
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Camp under a canopy of gums and Carnarvon fan palms at Carnarvon Gorge camping area. Photo credit: © Hannah Beaumont
During the Easter, June-July and September-October Queensland school holidays you can set up your tent or camper trailer in the heart of this bold landscape.
Explore the labyrinth of trails and gorges that crisscross this spectacular country, picnic in the shade of the towering eucalypts and Carnarvon fan palms or see how many of the park’s 170+ bird species you can find. At night, don a headlamp and spotlight in the trees for possums and gliders.
Be sure to pop into the visitor centre to learn all about the natural values and cultural history of the park, and to speak to a Park Ranger about walking in the area.
Campground host
Ever considered becoming a campground host? Campground hosts are needed during Queensland school holiday periods to help rangers greet visitors and maintain visitor facilities, and enjoy free camping in return. Find out how to apply .
Getting there and getting around
Carnarvon Gorge camping area is in the Carnarvon Gorge section of Carnarvon National Park in central Queensland's Sandstone Wilderness, about halfway between Emerald and Roma.
- The camping area is near the Carnarvon Gorge visitor area, 5.9km by road from the park entrance.
- To reach Carnarvon Gorge:
- from Roma, drive 90km north to Injune then a further 160km along the Carnarvon Highway to the Carnarvon Gorge turn-off.
- from Emerald, drive 65km south to Springsure then 70km east to Rolleston, and a further 61km along the Carnarvon Highway to the Carnarvon Gorge turn-off. From here, the 45km road to the park entrance is mostly sealed.
Before you visit
Opening hours
Carnarvon Gorge camping area is open 24 hours a day. Check-in to your camp after 2pm and check-out by 11am on the day of departure.
Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.

The Carnarvon Gorge visitor area, seen here from Boolimba Bluff, is located beneath a canopy of gums and fan palms at the mouth of the gorge.
Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government
You can camp in the Carnarvon Gorge visitor area only during the Easter, June-July and September-October Queensland school holidays. At all other times of the year this area is closed to camping.
The maximum length of stay at this camping area is 5 nights.
Features: Picturesque, semi-secluded camping area under a canopy of gums and Carnarvon fan palms.
Location: Between the carpark and the Carnarvon Gorge visitor centre.
Map:
Access: The camping area can be reached by conventional and 4WD vehicles and trailers. The road may be impassable for vehicles during wet weather as creeks may flood. For information on road conditions check with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (13 19 40) or with RACQ before setting out.
Number of sites: 35 numbered sites. See table below for camp site details. Dimensions include vehicle parking on camp sites. Some sites may have trees, which will reduce suitability for some structures.
Site number | Suitable for | Capacity (maximum number of people) | Site dimensions |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Tent camping only | 6 | 9m x 12m |
2 | Tent camping only | 6 | 10m x 11m |
3 | Tent camping only | 4 | 12m x 6m |
4 | Tent camping only | 4 | 11m x 8m |
5 | Off-road campervan or camper trailer | 6 | 12m x 10m |
6 | Tent camping only | 6 | 11m x 10m |
7 | Off-road campervan or camper trailer | 6 | 12m x 10m |
8 | Tent camping only | 6 | 12m x 8m |
9 | Tent camping only | 4 | 10m x 9m |
10 | Tent camping only | 4 | 10m x 8m |
11 | Tent camping only | 4 | 14m x 6m |
12 | Tent camping only - small | 2 | 6m x 8m |
13 | Tent camping only - small | 2 | 10m x 4m |
14 | Tent camping only | 4 | 10m x 8m |
15 | Tent camping only - small | 2 | 9m x 6m |
16 | Tent camping only - small | 2 | 7m x 6m |
17 | Off-road campervan or camper trailer | 6 | 9m x 15m |
18 | Tent camping only | 4 | 9m x 11m |
19 | Off-road campervan or camper trailer | 6 | 8m x 12m |
20 | Off-road campervan or camper trailer | 6 | 12m x 12m |
21 | Off-road campervan or camper trailer | 6 | 9m x 14m |
22 | Tent camping only | 6 | 7m x 14m |
23 | Tent camping only | 4 | 6m x 10m |
24 | Off-road campervan or camper trailer | 6 | 14m x 11m |
25 | Tent camping only | 4 | 8m x 10m |
26 | Tent camping only | 4 | 8m x 8m |
27 | Tent camping only - small | 2 | 5m x 10m |
28 | Tent camping only - small | 2 | 6m x 8m |
29, 30, 31 | Tent camping only | 4 people each site | each site 7m x 10m |
32 | Tent camping only - small | 2 | 10m x 6m |
33 | Tent camping only | 4 | 6m x 9m |
34 | Tent camping only | 4 | 10m x 8m |
35 | Tent camping only | 4 | 7m x 10m |
Camp sites are suitable for: details for each camp site are detailed in the table above. The camping area is not suitable for caravans or large motorhomes. These vehicles are catered for at accommodation available just outside the national park.
Camp site surface: Grass.
Facilities: Drinking water (treat before use), flushing toilets, wheelchair-accessible picnic tables, gas barbecues.
Open fires: Prohibited.
Generators: Not permitted.
Essentials to bring: Animal-proof sealable containers for rubbish (there is no rubbish collection/removal available), insect repellent.
Bookings: book online or learn about our camping booking options. The maximum length of stay at this camping area is 5 nights. Camp sites are often booked 6 months in advance; it is recommended bookings be made as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Mobile phone coverage: Limited and unreliable.
Upcoming camping area availability
Visiting safely
For more safety information see Visiting Carnarvon Gorge safely and camp with care.
- Carnarvon Gorge - smoke alert 4–11 October 2023