Top 4 Free Camps in Southwest Queensland

If you’re heading to Southwest Queensland, check out these excellent free camps.

COOPER CREEK, WINDORAH

Camping beside the epic Cooper Creek can be enjoyed 10km east of Windorah in Outback Queensland. This permanent waterhole is the perfect place to relax for a few days with plenty of space available on both sides of the road and river. There are some drop toilets on the eastern side of the bridge, but otherwise, you must take out what you bring in. 

There is also plenty to do if you can’t sit still, with the Cooper prime for fishing, canoeing and birdwatching. If photography is something you enjoy, you’ll be kept busy and don’t forget to capture some night sky images. A visit to Windorah is worth it too with the Whitula Gate Museum at the Visitor Information Centre, a self-guided town walk or check out the Western Hotel for a great feed. 

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https://www.outbackqueensland.com.au/town/windorah/

CAMERON CORNER STORE

There’s something special about waking up in one state, drinking your morning coffee in another and taking a selfie in a third state. You can experience this novelty when you camp behind the Cameron Corner Store on the Queensland side of the tri-state junction named Cameron Corner. 

Cameron Corner Store is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and I guarantee you’ll enjoy eating out here while chatting to locals and fellow travellers. Access is suitable for AWD vehicles from Tibooburra or 4WD when travelling from Noccundra or Innamincka. 

Free camping is available if you spend some cash at the store or you can pay for powered or unpowered sites. Hot showers are available for a $5 fee and the tri-state 9-hole golf course adds to the outback experience.  

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https://www.cameroncornerstore.com/

PAROO RIVER, EULO

Eulo is located 67km west of Cunnamulla via the Adventure Way and is home to the historic Eulo Queen Hotel, Eulo General Store, Eulo Queen Opal Centre, and Paroo Patch (leatherworks by Tom Rosenow). Eulo is also home to the World Champion Lizard Racing Track and a life-sized statue of the Diprotodon that roamed this region during the Pleistocene Epoch between 2.588 million and 30,000 years ago.

You can camp cheaply behind the pub, or travel 1km out of town and camp for free beside the Paroo River. There are shaded bush campsites on either side of the river with picnic tables scattered throughout the area. There are no other facilities however there are toilets opposite the Old Jail in town. It’s also a short walk to the Eulo Artesian Mud Baths if you want some rustic pampering. 

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https://www.outbackqueensland.com.au/town/eulo/

WILSON RIVER, NOCCUNDRA

Located on the Warry Gate Road, west of Tibooburra, the permanent waterhole on the Wilson River at Noccundra offers fabulous bush camping. It’s also a great place to cast a line, drop in a yabby net or just sit and relax for a few days. There is a two-kilometre stretch of distance along the waterhole, so plenty of space to find a spot to set up. 

Before heading to the waterhole, drop into the historic Noccundra Hotel to let them know you’re going to camp and if you need a shower or toilet, a gold coin donation will help with that, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service appreciate it. The Noccundra Hotel also provide excellent home-style meals and icy cold beverages.  

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https://www.explorebulloo.com.au/accommodation/bush-camping/wilson-river-reserve