Best Sunshine Coast Camping: Top 10 Camping Spots

Best Sunshine Coast Camping Essentials: What To Pack?

Camping on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia takes careful planning and packing. Whether planning a beach vacation, a getaway in the countryside, or an adventure in a national park, having the correct gear is vital for a comfortable and pleasurable trip.

A great tent is the foundation of any camping vacation. For the Sunshine Coast environment, the tent should be adequately ventilated, sun-protected, and waterproof to withstand sudden showers. A groundsheet or tarpaulin placed underneath the tent will give further moisture protection. Inside the tent, comfy sleeping bags, inflated mattresses or sleeping mats, and pillows appropriate for the season will provide a pleasant night's rest.

A portable cooker or grill is essential for cooking. Please select based on your culinary preferences and the size of your gathering. Remember cooking fuel, matches or lighters, and a fire extinguisher for safety. Prepare cooking items such as pots, pans, kettles, cutting boards, knives, and eating utensils. Cleaning will be easy with biodegradable soap and a wash basin. The following are more Sunshine Coast camping essentials that you will need.

For those who engage in adventure sports like surfing, mountain biking or kayaking, the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro and 500 can charge GoPros, drones and other devices to capture every thrilling moment. These generators are ideal for powering tiny electric barbeques, portable refrigerators, and fans to improve camping vacation' comfort. Jackery Solar Generators provide night sky enthusiasts and photographers with dependable power for cameras, telescopes, and other astrophotography gear.

Preparing for a Sunshine Coast camping trip involves preparing for various activities and weather conditions. Ensuring you have the right items will make your trip more enjoyable and relaxing. With the proper preparation, your camping adventure in this fascinating Australian destination will be a memorable and rewarding experience.

Best Sunshine Coast Camping: Top 10 Camping Spots

Campsites on the Sunshine Coast are typically located in scenic areas such as beaches, forests, or riverbanks, allowing campers to connect with nature. Many campsites provide a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, bird viewing, and astronomy to accommodate a wide range of camping enthusiasts' interests. The top ten Sunshine Coast camping spots will help you find your desired one!

1. Noosa North Shore Campground

Location: 240 Wilderness Track, Noosa North Shore QLD 4565, Australia

Phone: +61 7 5449 8811

Website: Noosa North Shore Campground

When to Visit: 7:30-18:00 (except Fridays: 7:30-21:00, Saturdays: 7:30-19:00)

Amenities: Toilets, shower, laundry, camp kitchen, BBQ, fridge, charging, dump point, kiosk

Activities: Swimming, fishing, surfing, bushwalking, camping, water playing, hiking

The North Shore Beach Campground is an excellent base for exploring the wild and scenic Cooloola Coast on Noosa's North Shore, Australia's unique region. The North Shore Beach Campground, nestled among the pristine bushland of the Great Sandy National Park and the rolling surf beaches of Laguna Bay, provides many alternatives for bush and beach enthusiasts, surfers, fishermen, and anybody who enjoys the great outdoors.

Noosa North Shore Campground is a distinct blend of beach beauty and woodland quiet. Whether you're a family or an individual, it's the perfect destination to enjoy beachfront entertainment and explore nature. The campground is next to a beautiful beach, ideal for water sports, including swimming, surfing, and fishing. The facilities here, which include clean bathrooms, showers, and a barbeque area, are suitable for glampers and provide a restful night's sleep.

2. Boreen Point Campground

Location: 1 Esplanade, Boreen Point QLD 4565, Australia

Phone: +61 7 5485 3244

Website: Boreen Point Campground

When to Visit: 8:00-18:00 (except Fridays: 8:00-20:00)

Amenities: Charging, dump point, kiosk, disabled toilet

Activities: Sailing, kayaking, fishing, bird watching, camping, hiking, biking

Boreen Point Campground, located beside a serene lake, is a sanctuary for water sports enthusiasts and environment lovers. Its position is ideal for sailing, kayaking, and fishing, making it distinctive among Sunshine Coast campgrounds. The campground, popular among couples, families, and groups, provides serene, lakeside seclusion. It is only a 25-minute drive from many of Noosa's unique and colourful beach and hinterland attractions, making it ideal for day visits.

The quiet atmosphere is also great for bird watching, with various species seen regularly. It is best to come between May and September, as the cooler temperature allows for more outdoor activities without the pain of summer heat. Spacious, unpowered camping sites are hidden in natural bushland, with an extra foreshore area designated for tent-only camping. Powered sites can also accommodate tents, trailers, campervans, and RVs. 

3. Cotton Tree Holiday Park

Location: 13 Cotton Tree Parade, Maroochydore QLD 4558, Australia

Phone: +61 7 5459 9070

Website: Cotton Tree Holiday Park

When to Visit: 7:30-18:00

Amenities: Powered tourist caravan sites, BBQs, five amenity buildings, three laundry facilities

Activities: Swimming, paddle boarding, cycling, water playing, camping, fishing, sailing

Cotton Tree Holiday Park is a popular holiday destination for families. Located on the sandy banks of the Maroochy River, it offers a variety of water sports activities, such as sailboard riding and sailing. The river also provides anglers 'all year round' catches of various fish species. Cotton Tree Holiday Park stands out for its ideal balance of pleasure and convenience. Its accessibility to city services and scenic shoreline makes it perfect for tourists seeking to mix leisure and action. Swimming, boating, and cycling are all easily accessible, making this a versatile resort. Visitors are advised to travel between June and August when the cooler weather allows for more comfortable trips to the beaches and adjacent cities.

4. Mapleton National Park Campground

Location: 78 Mapleton Falls Rd, Mapleton QLD 4560, Australia

Phone: +61 137468

Website: Mapleton National Park Campground

When to Visit: March to September

Amenities: Tents, toilets

Activities: Hiking, birdwatching, stargazing, camping, biking, sightseeing

Mapleton National Park Campground provides a more rugged, back-to-nature camping experience. This modest hikers' camping location, accessible by foot, has campsites beside Gheerulla Creek and is only 1.2km from the Sam Kelly Road trailhead carpark. The park's wide pathways wind through many habitats, making it excellent for tourists who enjoy hiking and bird watching. Campfire pits provide a traditional camping atmosphere and are great for evening storytelling and stargazing. They are must-sees due to low light pollution. The best months to visit are March through September, when temperatures are cooler for enjoyable trekking.

5. Kenilworth Camping

Location: 18 Paulger Rd, Kenilworth QLD 4574, Australia

Phone: +61 455 176 240

Website: Kenilworth Camping

When to Visit: April to October

Amenities: Toilets, bins

Activities: Farm tours, dairy experiences, hiking, camping, biking

We all need a break from the rush and bustle of daily life, so why not seek rest in a lush jungle surrounded by rolling hills? Camping is only for some, but Kenilworth has a lot to offer. Kenilworth Campsite offers a unique agricultural experience for families and people looking to explore rural Australia. The best time to visit is between April and October when the weather is beautiful and agricultural activities are plentiful. It's ideal for individuals who wish to experience farm life while seeking adventure and leisure.

6. Coolum Beach Holiday Park

Location: 1827 David Low Way, Coolum Beach, QLD 4573, Australia

Phone: +61 7 5446 1474

Website: Coolum Beach Holiday Park

When to Visit: May to August

Amenities: Baby facilities including bath and change table, LPG and party ice for sale, free Wi-Fi

Activities: Surfing, swimming, beach volleyball, water playing, camping, hiking

One of the most well-liked campgrounds and RV parks on the Sunshine Coast, Coolum Beach Holiday Park sits on four hectares of coastal property. Two modern amenities complement the beachside environment, ensuring a pleasant and comfortable stay. Coolum Beach Holiday Park is a beach enthusiast's dream. It has immediate access to the beautiful Coolum Beach, which is excellent for surfing, swimming, and beach volleyball. The most incredible time to visit is from May to August, when the weather is ideal for beach activities. This park is perfect for people seeking a bustling seaside scene and easy access.

7. Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World

Location: 233 Maleny Stanley River Rd, Maleny QLD 4552, Australia

Phone: +61 7 5344 0010

Website: Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World

When to Visit: September to November

Amenities: Newly-refurbished café, a lovely onsite gift shop, lookout, picnic area

Activities: Garden tours, bird watching, photography, camping, hiking, biking

Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World is an excellent day out for the entire family. Maleny Bird World offers guided interactive tours among 600 native and exotic birds, most of which are unwanted pets donated to the sanctuary. Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World provides a unique and serene camping experience. It is a nature lover's and photographer's dream, with breathtaking gardens and diverse bird species. Birdhouse tours are a highlight here, allowing guests to get up close and personal with exotic species. The best time to visit is between September and November, when the gardens are fully flowering. It is excellent for anyone looking for a calm vacation amid natural beauty, away from the traditional beach-themed campsites.

8. Rainbow Beach Camping Retreat

Location: Inskip Ave, Rainbow Beach, Queensland 4581, Australia

Phone: +61 419 464 254

Website: Rainbow Beach Camping Retreat

When to Visit: July to October 

Amenities: Beach, children activities, pets allowed

Activities: Horse riding, paragliding, beach activities, camping, picnicking, walking

Everyone knows that Rainbow Beach isn't rainbow-coloured. But there are some colourful cliffs and impressive dunes to explore. Of course, there's the necessary driving on-the-beach experience, which is extremely popular in Queensland. Rainbow Beach Camping Resort is a luxurious camping destination with private beach access and various high-end amenities. This is an exciting place, with activities including horseback riding and paragliding. The most incredible time to visit is from July to October, when the weather is ideal for beach activities. This resort is perfect for people seeking an elite camping experience with a mix of action and leisure.

9. Eumundi RV Park

Location: Napier Rd & Albert St, Eumundi QLD 4562, Australia

Phone: +61 447 274 138

Website: Eumundi RV Park

When to Visit: All year

Amenities: Free shower and toilet facilities 

Activities: Explore the local cuisine, hiking, camping, picnicking, biking

Eumundi is situated between Nambour and Cooroy, directly off the Bruce Highway. Eumundi RV Park is the ideal destination for campervan enthusiasts. The park's proximity to the famous Eumundi Market allows tourists to quickly discover local handicrafts and cuisines. Furthermore, the natural landscape around the park lends itself to simple trekking activities, ideal for those seeking to combine a country market experience with the joys of camping.

10. Glass House Mountains Eco Lodge

Location: 198 Barrs Rd, Glass House Mountains, QLD 4518, Australia

Phone: +61 7 5493 0008

Website: Glass House Mountains Eco Lodge

When to Visit: All year

Amenities: Break-out facilities, team building areas, bamboo retreat, fire pit

Activities: Hiking, bird watching, visiting local farms, camping, picnicking

Glass House Mountains Eco Lodge is a one-of-a-kind environmentally friendly camping that allows you to reconnect with nature. Its Eco Lodge provides a one-of-a-kind hotel experience while minimising environmental effects. The campsite's closeness to the breathtaking Glass House Mountains gives an excellent opportunity for hikers and birdwatchers. In addition, seeing nearby farms and enjoying local culture are must-do activities at this campsite.

Jackery Solar Generators for Sunshine Coast Camping

Jackery expands the possibilities for camping, making it easier to stay connected and safe even in more isolated areas. Campers may use Jackery's products to charge electronics and power small appliances, and they even offer lighting for nighttime activities without typical noisy generators. This is especially useful on the Sunshine Coast, where many campers value natural serenity and reduce their environmental effect. Jackley's Potable Power Station provides a sustainable approach to enjoying contemporary technology's conveniences while protecting the environment.

Regarding camping experiences on the scenic Sunshine Coast, having a dependable source of electricity is essential, and Jackery Solar Generators, particularly the 1000 Pro and 500, have grown in popularity among campers. These solar generators are efficient, portable, and ecologically friendly, making them excellent for outdoor activities.

Jackery Solar Generators are portable power stations that use solar energy to produce electricity. They comprise solar panels and a power station, which give a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy option. Camping on the Sunshine Coast allows you to enjoy the natural beauty while reducing your environmental footprint. Jackery's Solar Generators are low-noise, emit zero emissions, and use renewable solar energy, making them ideal for nature conservation.

Jackery Solar Generator 500

The Jackery Solar Generator 500 is a versatile and user-friendly portable power station designed to suit the energy requirements of outdoor enthusiasts and those looking for a dependable backup power supply. Its features and benefits are discussed in greater depth below. The generator has a 518Wh battery capacity and a 500W inverter that can handle a 1000W surge. As a result, it can power small appliances while charging many gadgets at once.

With seven distinct output connections, including USB, AC, and DC sockets, it allows you to connect various devices and tools. Furthermore, the generator may be charged using solar panels, auto connections, or wall outlets, providing you with flexibility and efficiency in any situation. Moreover, the product is developed with safety in mind and operates quietly and cleanly, making it perfect for campsites, caravans, and outdoor activities without disturbing the environment.

It's ideal for powering camping needs like lights, fans, and small cooking appliances. Its portability makes it easy to transport to remote locations. It also keeps essential electronics like phones, laptops, and medical equipment operating dependably in the case of a power outage, making it ideal for road trippers and caravan owners who don't want to use noisy traditional generators.

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro

The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro is a higher-power, faster charging solution designed for those who need higher energy output for more applications. With a capacity of 1002Wh and an output of 1000W, it is capable of handling surges of 2000W. This allows it to power larger appliances and more devices simultaneously. Designed for durability and a lifespan of over ten years, it is a long-term investment for frequent users.

One of its outstanding features is its ability to fully charge in 1.8 hours, significantly faster than many competitors. In addition, the generator runs quietly, making it ideal for use in noise-sensitive environments such as campsites and residential areas. And despite its large capacity, it is still easy to carry and operate.

It's exceptionally well suited to powering demanding equipment such as electric barbecues, large lighting fixtures, and even some air conditioning units in RVs. It's also suitable for off-grid cabins or workshops where conventional power sources are unavailable and for powering sound systems, lighting and food trucks at outdoor events without noisy generators.

Jackery Solar Generators, especially the 1000 Pro and 500, are excellent for camping on the Sunshine Coast. They provide a reliable, environmentally friendly power source to ensure your camping experience is enjoyable and sustainable. Whether you're exploring alone or in a large group, these generators cater to all your needs and preferences, allowing you to experience the outdoors in harmony with nature.

What Things To Do on Sunshine Coast?

The Sunshine Coast has spectacular natural beauty, exciting cultural activities, and limitless options for adventure. This scenic locale is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, beachgoers, and anyone wishing to escape to nature. This detailed guide introduces you to the numerous activities available on the Sunshine Coast camping, ensuring that your trip is memorable.

1. Beaches and Water Sports: A visit to Noosa Main Beach is highly recommended, as it has mild waves and crystal blue seas that are great for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. Nearby Hastings Street has boutiques and cafes, while the Maroochy River's placid waters are ideal for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Visitors of all skill levels can rent kayaks or join guided tours.

2. Hinterland Scenery: Visit the lovely towns of Maleny and Montville, famed for their arts and crafts, modest cafes, and breathtaking views. Attending Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, which offers a trek through pure subtropical rainforest, would be best.

3. Adventure and Sports: You may ride Tewantin National Park's trails, which provide a range of routes for mountain bikers and hikers of all skill levels. Enjoy the thrill of travelling through lush forests and challenging terrain. Golfers can test themselves on world-class courses like Pelican Waters Golf Club.

4. Cultural Experiences: Attend live events at the Noosa Arts Theatre, which features plays, musicals, and concerts by local and guest performers. Alternatively, you can learn about local Aboriginal culture through guided excursions, including ancient sites, bush cuisine, and traditional stories. Furthermore, the Sunshine Coast is a foodie's dream, offering freshly cooked local cuisine.

Final Thoughts

Camping on the Sunshine Coast offers an experience that combines the allure of beautiful scenery with the richness of culture. This experience is improved by using sustainable methods and ecologically friendly technologies, such as Jackley Solar Generators, which allow campers to enjoy the outdoors while protecting it for future generations. These generators provide convenience and safety and align with the growing trend of environmentally conscious travel. Whether it's a weekend trip or an extended outdoor adventure, the Jackery Solar Generator 500 and 1000 Pro are must-haves for anybody looking to explore and enjoy the Sunshine Coast responsibly.