• Spend the night at an old staging post from the cattle droving days. Photo credit: Doug Davidson © Queensland Government
• Basin Hole camping area is on a high bank above Jam Tin Creek. Photo credit: Doug Davidson © Queensland Government

This shady camping area only has one site so spread out because you have the place to yourself. Sit back in a camp chair beside the fire and think back to a time when this was a staging post for teams moving cattle across the countryside.

Flick lures or drop a bait from the bank into Jam Tin Creek—you might just land a barra for dinner. It will taste delicious cooked over the coals of the camp fire.

Spend the day exploring the network of roads that lead to flower-covered lagoons and lakes, endless plains and important historical sites.

Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL) is jointly managed by the Rinyirru (Lakefield) Aboriginal Corporation and the Queensland Government.

Getting there and getting around

Basin Hole camping area is in the northern part of Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL), 340km north-west of Cairns, and 140km west of Cooktown, on southern Cape York Peninsula.

• Basin Hole camping area is north of Hann Crossing on Jam Tin Creek.
• You need a 4WD to access the park and camping area.
• Read 4WD with care for important information on 4WD safety and minimal impact driving.

From the north

• Take the Lakefield turn-off at the Musgrave Roadhouse on the Peninsula Developmental Road and drive 38km east on Marina Plains Road to the park.
• Continue 46km through the park to Hann Crossing.
• Turn left and drive a further 9km north-east to the camping area.

From the south

• Drive 2km north past Laura on the Peninsula Developmental Road and take the Lakefield turn-off.
• Drive 25km to the park.
• Continue 68km north through the park, past the Lakefield ranger base, to the camping area.

From Cape Melville

• Drive 70km from Wakooka in Cape Melville National Park to Kalpowar on the eastern boundary of Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL).
• Continue 1km through the park Lakefield Road.
• Turn right and drive 28km north to the camping area.

For tourism information for all regions in Queensland, see Queensland.com, and for friendly advice on how to get there, where to stay and what to do, find your closest accredited visitor information centre.

Before you visit

Seasonal closures

Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL) is closed throughout the wet season every year.

• Camping areas south of Lakefield ranger base are closed from 1 December to 31 May.
• Camping areas north of the Lakefield ranger base are closed from 1 December to 30 June.
• These dates vary each year depending on weather and road conditions.
• Refer to the park map (PDF, 510.3KB) for location of the Lakefield ranger base and camping areas.

• Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.
• See the Bureau of Meteorology for weather conditions and forecasts.
• See traffic and travel information for road and travel conditions.

Camping area features

On the flat above a steep (2m high) bank of the tidal Jam Tin Creek. Historically, this area was used as a staging post when moving cattle. Large crocodiles are frequently seen here—be croc wise in croc country.

• Location: northern part of the park on Jam Tin Creek—by road, 28km north of Lakefield ranger base and 9km north-east of Hann Crossing.
• Map: Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL) northern camping areas map (PDF, 123.8KB)
• Access: the camping area can be reached by four-wheel-drive vehicle only. It is not accessible for caravans, campervans or buses. The road becomes impassable after rain.
• Boat launching: nil.
• Number of sites: one numbered site—maximum two cars and trailers (six people).
• Camp sites are suitable for: tent camping beside your car and camper trailers
• Camp site surface: dirt and grass (seasonal).
• Shade: partial shade.
• Facilities: nil.
• Open fires: allowed (except when fire bans apply). Fuel stoves are recommended. Do not collect firewood in the park.
• Generators: only generators operated at less than 65dB(A), when measured 7m from the generator, are permitted, and only between 8.00am and 7.00pm.
• Essentials to bring: adequate food and drinking water (no fresh water is available), rubbish bags, insect repellent, mosquito nets, fuel stove and adequate fuel and spare parts for your vehicle. Read more about before you visit.
• Bookings: book online,  or by phone prior to arrival. Bookings are essential and should be made well in advance for May to August and the September school holidays.
• Mobile phone coverage: not available.

Upcoming camping area availability

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting Rinyirru (Lakefield) safely and camp with care.