• The shady camp sites are nestled in trees lining the Normanby River. Photo credit: Doug Davidson © Queensland Government
• Camp site one is next to a large sandbar on the junction of the Normanby and Laura rivers. Photo credit: Doug Davidson © Queensland Government

The sites are nestled among trees along both deep and shallow sections of the lagoon, and near the junction with the Laura River. Camp site one has beautiful views overlooking the sandbar at the confluence.

Boat access isn’t great but you can manually launch (no trailers) boats from camp sites five, six and nine. You’ll have just as much luck flicking lures from the banks.

After a day relaxing and fishing, sit around the camp fire under a clear sky scattered with bright stars and plan the next day’s activities.

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

Getting there and getting around

Twelve Mile Lagoon 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 on the steep western bank of the Normanby River, near its junction with the Laura River.
• 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 107km south through the park south, past the Lakefield ranger base, and turn left at the Twelve Mile turn-off (opposite the New Laura ranger base).
• Drive a further 12km 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 26km through the park and turn right at the Twelve Mile turn-off (opposite the New Laura ranger base).
• Drive a further 12km east to the camping area.

From Battle Camp Road

• Drive 85km west from Cooktown along Battle Camp Road to the park's eastern boundary.
• Continue 51km through the park and turn right at the Twelve Mile turn-off (opposite the New Laura ranger base).
• Drive a further 12km east 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.

Camping area features

Adjacent to both deep and shallow waterholes on the steep (2–4m high) western bank of the Normanby River, near its junction with the Laura River. All camp sites are located on a steep river bank and offer poor boat access. Camp site one is adjacent to a large sandbar and overlooks the junction of the Normanby and Laura rivers. Large crocodiles are frequently seen here—be croc wise in croc country.

Location: southern part of the park on the Normanby River, 12km east of Lakefield Road—by road, the turn-off is opposite New Laura ranger base, 33km south of Lakefield ranger base.

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

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: manual launching (no trailer access) from sites five, six and nine only.

Number of sites: eight numbered sites for general use and one numbered site for commercial operators only (site four).

Site	Camp size
1	Maximum 2 cars and trailers (6 people).
2	Maximum 2 cars and trailers (6 people).
3	Maximum 2 cars and trailers (6 people).
4	Commercial operator site.
5	Maximum 2 cars and trailers (6 people).
6	Maximum 4 cars and trailers (12 people).
7	Maximum 4 cars and trailers (12 people).
8	Maximum 4 cars and trailers (12 people).
9	Maximum 4 cars and trailers (12 people).

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

Camp site surface: dirt and grass (seasonal).

Shade: all sites have shade.

Facilities: individual fire rings.

Open fires: allowed (except when fire bans apply) in fire rings only. 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 8am and 7pm.

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.