Yes, but only in a few legal spots. Council rules are strict, and many so-called “free camps” listed online are no longer permitted. This guide cuts through the confusion with a 2025 update of verified free camps, donation sites, and budget-friendly alternatives—plus Google Maps links, facilities, and practical tips to make planning easier.
What You Need to Know Before Free Camping
Sunshine Coast Council Rules
The Sunshine Coast Council has made it clear: camping on beaches, foreshores, car parks, and most public land is prohibited. You’re only allowed to camp in designated sites, rest areas, or official campgrounds.
Failing to follow these rules can mean fines of $287+ per person, so it’s important to check signage and stick to legal stops.
Rest Areas vs. Campsites
Many free overnight stops are rest areas, not campgrounds. That means:
- You can usually stay 20–24 hours only.
- They provide basic facilities like toilets, bins, and picnic tables.
- No booking system—first in, best dressed.
These spots are great for a night between destinations but not for setting up long-term camp.
Self-Contained Vehicle Requirements
Some donation-based sites require that your van or motorhome is self-contained. This means you need your own toilet and grey water storage—tent campers often aren’t allowed.
Look for signs that say “self-contained only.” If unsure, check with the local council or the site manager.
How to Check Current Restrictions
- Use WikiCamps or CamperMate apps for reviews and updates.
- Look up the site on the Sunshine Coast Council camping page.
- Always confirm details before arriving—rules can change without notice.
Verified Free & Donation-Based Campsites
Now for the good news: there are still a handful of free and low-cost camping options on the Sunshine Coast, all verified for 2025.
Little Yabba Creek Rest Area (Cambroon / Kenilworth)
If you’re exploring the hinterland, Little Yabba Creek Rest Area is a favourite among travellers. Shaded by tall trees and right next to the creek, it’s a peaceful spot just outside Kenilworth.
Facilities:
- Toilets
- Picnic tables
- BBQs
- Rubbish bins
- Creek access (great for a paddle)
Good to Know:
- Overnight only—stay limited to 20–24 hours.
- Popular with caravans, campervans, and motorhomes.
- Arrive early on weekends—spots fill quickly.
This is one of the best true free campsites on the Sunshine Coast, especially if you’re doing a hinterland drive.
Kandanga RV Park (Donation-Based)
A short drive inland, Kandanga RV Park offers a welcoming stop for self-contained vehicles. It’s donation-based, meaning you contribute what you can (typically $5–10 per night) to help with upkeep.
Facilities:
- Toilets
- BBQs
- Drinking water
- Pet-friendly spaces
- Shaded grassy areas
Stay Limit: Up to 72 hours.
Good to Know:
- Self-contained vehicles only (no tents).
- Close to Kandanga village—walk to the local café or pub.
- Donations go back into the small community.
This is a great example of donation camping Sunshine Coast travellers love, combining affordability with comfort.
Jowarra Park Rest Area (Glenview)
Conveniently located just off the Bruce Highway near Caloundra, Jowarra Park Rest Area is a shaded, practical stop for an overnight rest.
Facilities:
- Toilets
- Picnic tables
- Shaded parking
- Easy highway access
Good to Know:
- 20–24h stay limit.
- Not a scenic spot like Little Yabba—it’s more of a stopover.
- Handy if you’re heading toward Caloundra or Brisbane.
Travellers often say this is a safe, reliable option when you need a quick break on the highway.
Cruice Park (Woodford)
Set in grassy surrounds near Woodford, Cruice Park is another free rest stop suitable for a night’s stay.
Facilities:
- Toilets
- Picnic tables
- Rubbish bins
- Grassy shaded areas
Good to Know:
- Stay limit: 20 hours.
- Popular with caravans and RVs on the road between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.
- A peaceful, low-cost stop in the hinterland.
Rest Areas No Longer Campsites (But Still Listed Online)
When you search “free camping Sunshine Coast,” you’ll find dozens of results. The problem? Many are outdated. Some rest areas that once allowed overnight stays are now strictly day use only. Staying overnight here can result in a fine, so it’s important to know which ones to avoid.
Obi Obi Creek (Kidman Creek)
This picturesque creekside area near Mapleton used to be a well-known free camp. However, camping is no longer allowed. It’s now a day-use picnic area only, with signs clearly stating “no overnight stays.”
Facilities (day use only):
- Picnic tables
- Creek access
- Toilets
Travellers still pull in here, but rangers patrol the area. If you’re caught camping overnight, you risk a fine.
Belli Creek Rest Area
Similar story here: once a convenient rest stop, Belli Creek is now strictly for day use. While the facilities remain, overnight camping is banned.
Facilities (day use only):
- Toilets
- Picnic tables
- Rubbish bins
You’ll still see outdated blogs and maps listing Belli Creek as a “free camp,” but take it from current reviews—it’s no longer legal to stay overnight.
Nearby Low-Cost Alternatives
Because true free camps are so limited, many travellers rely on low-cost options instead. These are legal, safe, and usually offer better facilities than rest areas.
Kenilworth Showgrounds
If you want to base yourself near Kenilworth, the showgrounds are a bargain. Prices are around $10–15 per person per night, depending on your setup.
Facilities:
- Toilets and showers
- Powered and unpowered sites
- Pet-friendly
- Easy walk to Kenilworth town (famous for its bakery)
This is one of the most popular low-cost campsites on the Sunshine Coast, especially during events or festivals.
Queensland National Park Campgrounds
The Sunshine Coast is surrounded by incredible national parks, and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) offers budget camping from $7.25 per person per night.
Popular options include:
- Glass House Mountains – perfect if you want hiking access.
- Noosa North Shore – stunning beachside camping (4WD access only).
- Conondale National Park – remote creekside campsites with swimming holes.
Booking is essential, and you can do it online via the QPWS website.
Small-Town Showgrounds & Council Parks
Many small towns around the Sunshine Coast offer cheap showground camping for travellers. These are great if you’re doing a road trip loop.
Examples:
- Maleny Showgrounds (pet-friendly, budget-friendly).
- Woombye Caravan Park (council-run, family facilities).
- Imbil Showgrounds (popular with vanlifers and grey nomads).
These camps usually cost between $10–20 per person, making them affordable for longer stays.
Planning Tools & Safety Tips
Free and low-cost camping requires a bit of planning. Here are some tips to make your trip smooth:
Use Camping Apps
- WikiCamps – Australia’s most popular camping app with reviews, photos, and facility listings.
- CamperMate – free to download, great for maps and verified camping updates.
These apps are invaluable for checking whether a site is still open, what facilities exist, and how busy it gets.
Arrive Early
Most free camps operate on a first come, first served basis. If you arrive after 5 pm, you may struggle to find a spot, especially on weekends and during school holidays.
Always Have a Backup Plan
Even the best sites fill quickly. Always note down a backup free or low-cost site within 30–60 minutes’ drive.
Respect Locals & Fellow Travellers
Free and donation camps only remain available if travellers do the right thing. That means:
- Follow stay limits (20h, 24h, or 72h depending on the site).
- Keep noise down at night.
- Take rubbish with you if bins are full.
Check Weather & Seasons
- Summer can bring heavy rain—low-lying sites may flood.
- Winter nights can be chilly in the hinterland—pack warm gear.
- School holiday periods = crowded camps.
Quick Comparison Table
Here’s a scannable guide comparing the free and low-cost sites mentioned in this guide:
| Site | Location | Facilities | Stay Limit | Cost | Pet Policy | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Yabba Creek Rest Area | Cambroon / Kenilworth | Toilets, picnic tables, BBQs, bins, creek access | 20–24h | Free | Yes | Shady creekside spot, fills quickly |
| Kandanga RV Park | Kandanga | Toilets, BBQs, water, grassy area | 72h | Donation ($5–10) | Yes | Self-contained vehicles only |
| Jowarra Park Rest Area | Glenview (near Caloundra) | Toilets, picnic tables, shaded parking | 20–24h | Free | Limited | Handy Bruce Hwy stop, not scenic |
| Cruice Park | Woodford | Toilets, bins, picnic tables, grassy area | 20h | Free | Yes | Quiet rural stopover |
| Kenilworth Showgrounds | Kenilworth | Toilets, showers, powered sites | Paid ($10–15 pp) | Yes | Easy walk to town | |
| QPWS National Parks | Various (Glass House, Noosa, Conondale) | Toilets, fire pits (varies), natural settings | Booking required | $7.25 pp | Some pet restrictions | Scenic, budget-friendly |
| Small-Town Showgrounds | Maleny, Imbil, etc. | Toilets, showers, powered/unpowered sites | Paid ($10–20 pp) | Yes | Affordable, community-run |
Sample Route Idea: 3-Day Sunshine Coast Loop
If you’re short on time, here’s a simple 3-day camping itinerary that mixes free, donation, and low-cost sites.
Day 1: Hinterland Escape
- Start at Little Yabba Creek Rest Area near Kenilworth.
- Enjoy the creek, picnic under the gums, and explore Kenilworth’s bakery.
- Stay overnight (20–24h).
Day 2: Small-Town Stopover
- Drive to Kandanga RV Park (30 mins).
- Stay up to 72h if you want a slower pace, or just overnight.
- Support the town café or pub with a meal.
Day 3: Scenic Coast Exit
- Head back toward Caloundra and pull into Jowarra Park Rest Area for the night.
- Short overnight stop before continuing toward Brisbane or exploring coastal towns.
This loop gives you a blend of free, donation, and budget stays while keeping you within legal rules.
Final Tips Before You Go
- Check signage every time. Rules can change, and rangers do patrol.
- Arrive early to secure a spot, especially in summer and holidays.
- Carry cash for donation sites and small-town showgrounds.
- Use camping apps like WikiCamps for real-time reviews.
- Be respectful. If travellers leave rubbish or overstay limits, sites may close.
Plan Your Sunshine Coast Adventure
Free camping on the Sunshine Coast is limited, but with the right info, it’s possible to explore without overspending. Combine verified free sites, donation-based stops, and low-cost campgrounds for a trip that’s legal, comfortable, and affordable.
Your next step? Start mapping your route, pack your camping essentials, and get ready to enjoy the Sunshine Coast on a budget.
👉 Plan your Sunshine Coast getaway today—and enjoy the freedom of camping without blowing your budget.
