Park is closed

Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL) Tropical North Queensland

Spend the night near the historically-significant Old Laura Homestead. Photo credit: © Queensland Government

Magnificent weeping paperbarks line the river at Kalpower crossing. Photo credit: © John Augusteyn

Old Laura Homestead camping area

Close to the Laura River, this camping area in the southern part of the park is a great place to overnight after a dusty day on the road.

Accessible by

  • 4WD

Camping area facilities

  • Campfires allowed (conditions apply)
  • Generators allowed (conditions apply)
  • Tent camping
  • Camper trailer camping
  • Tent camping beside car
  • Scenic drive
  • Cultural and historic sites
  • Fishing

Always check

The self-service kiosk at this park has been decommissioned.

Visitors need to book their camping permit before they visit. Book online, at an over-the-counter booking office or by phone.

Two shady camp sites sit on a flat high above the river and right beside Battle Camp Road. Relax and unwind around a camp fire after a day of travelling. If you’re just getting to the park, spend some time planning the next day’s activities and, if this is your last night here, relish in the memories and experience this landscape has created.

Before you leave the next morning, check out the nearby Old Laura Homestead—one of the park's most significant historical sites. Walk through the old buildings and learn about a bygone era when this landscape was prized cattle-grazing territory.

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

Getting there and getting around

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

  • This camping area is near the junction of Lakefield and Battle Camp roads at the southern entrance to the park.
  • 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 south

  • Drive 2km north past Laura on the Peninsula Developmental Road and take the Lakefield turn-off.
  • Drive 25km to the park.
  • Continue 1km north to the camping area.

From Battle Camp Road

  • Drive 85km west from Cooktown along Battle Camp Road to the park's eastern boundary.
  • Continue 26km through the park along Battle Camp Road to the camping area.

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 129km through the park, past the Lakefield ranger base, and turn left into Battle Camp Road.
  • The camping area is 500m along this road.

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.
Camp site two at Old Laura Homestead camping area.

Camp site two at Old Laura Homestead camping area.

Photo credit: Queensland Government

Camping area features

Adjacent to Old Laura Homestead and beside Battle Camp Road, making this are more suited to overnight stops than extended stays. The camping area is a short distance from the Laura River—camping is not allowed on the river.

Location: southern part of the park, adjacent to Battle Camp Road near its junction with Lakefield Road—by road, the turn-off is 27km north of Laura and 24km south of New Laura ranger base. The camping area can also be reached by Battle Camp Road from the east—by road, 111km from Cooktown.

Map: Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL) southern camping areas map (PDF, 139.2KB)

Access: the camping area can be 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: two numbered sites.

SiteCamp size
1Maximum 5 cars and trailers (15 people).
2Maximum 2 cars and trailers (8 people).

Camp sites are suitable for: tent camping beside your car and camper trailers

Camp site surface: dirt and grass (seasonal).

Shade: both sites have 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, equipment for treating water, 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, over-the-counter 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.