The Ultimate Guide To Inskip Point Camping: Best Campgrounds, Tips & More!

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Last updated on May 26, 2023 by Wandering our World

Nestled between Fraser Island and the Tin Can Bay Outlet, the Inskip Peninsula is a one-of-a-kind recreation area for beach and camping lovers.

Families, couples and solo travelers all flock to Inskip for some sun and surf at the beautiful Rainbow Beach, and to go camping at Inskip Point in one of the multiple camping areas that offer sweeping ocean views and direct access to the magnificent Fraser Island.

For some, camping at Inskip Point is a once in a lifetime trip, but for many Queenslanders it’s an annual pilgrimage.

With a wide variety of campgrounds – from off-the-grid no toilet campsites to grounds complete with amenities and access to trailers and motorhomes – Inskip offers something for everyone, and on a budget too.

Indeed camping at Inskip Point at the campgrounds we share with you below costs just $6.85 per person per night. Or if you’re travelling as a family it’ll cost $27.40 per night – that price includes two adults and up to six children under the age of 18!

Rainbow Beach is Inskip’s most popular attraction, and is known for its sandy coastline, ideal waves for surfing, and a friendly, low-key traveler’s vibe. It’s named as such for the multi-coloured mineral rich cliffs in the area.

But there’s plenty on offer here other than the beach. And if you’re planning your own Inskip Point camping adventure, then you’re in the right place!

That’s because we know this area well. So below we share with you the best Inskip Point campgrounds to visit. We explain what there is do at each, what makes them unique, and what they’re like.

We then share our must-know tips for camping at Inskip Point, alongside the best time to camp here and more!

So read on to begin your Inskip Point camping adventure!

CONTENTS

  1. The Best Campgrounds at Inskip Point
  2. Must Know Tips When Camping at Inskip Point
  3. The Best Times to Visit
  4. The One Place You Must Visit When Camping at Inskip Point
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Ralf Geithe

The Best Campgrounds At Inskip Point For Fun, Views & Adventure

1. Pelican Bay Camping Area

The Pelican Bay Camping Area is situated on the Western side of the peninsula, which means it’s away from the hustle and bustle of other parts of the area.

This campground is ideal for any intrepid adventurers who want to enjoy the area’s secluded nature and be cut off from civilization. In essence, this Inskip Point camping option gives you the chance to almost live off the grid for a few days. Sounds like bliss right?

The fact that there are no toilets or rubbish bins at this campground turns away many campers, so you will probably have to be seasoned outdoor lover to stay here. But the lack of facilities is well worth it.

That’s because Pelican Bay offers sweeping views of the Great Sandy Marine Park (see picture below), and also offers inland camping options, shielded from the sun and wind. Camping areas are open and undefined.

This place is pristine, quiet, and peaceful. And a fantastic place to relax in nature and enjoy the stars at night.

Have a swim in the crystal blue waters, catch some fish and cook up your catch in the evening (yes, you’re allowed to make a fire), and let the sound of the crashing waves put you to sleep.

It’s not called Pelican Bay for no reason too. Massive flocks of Pelicans call this area home, and watching them is truly a sight for sore eyes.

Getting There:

This Inskip Point campground can only be accessed via 4WD. Please note – you cannot take trailers there, the road just isn’t good enough!

What’s Nearby:

Pelican Bay is the closest campground to Rainbow Beach Township.

Rainbow Beach is a quaint beach town where you will find plenty of restaurants, accommodation options, permit offices and activities like horse riding. It also has a decent nightlife considering its size!

Practical Information:

Toilets: No

Rubbish Bins: No

Campfires Allowed: Yes (Conditions Apply)

Dogs Allowed: Yes (On Leash only)

Phone Network: Comes and Goes

Address: Inskip QLD 4581

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/nortonrsx

2. MV Sarawak Camping Area

MV Sarawak is the most popular camping site at Inskip Point, mainly because you can access it with most vehicles – 2WD, motorhomes and trailers! That’s a rarity in this region.

This is also the largest campground at Inskip Point, offering many different options for camping. So you can choose to camp right by the ocean with views of Fraser Island, or a bit inland under the canopy of trees and shade.

Everyone goes to MV Sarawak – families, couples, pet owners, and all kinds of intrepid travelers. And they’re all rewarded in the evenings too, as the area is known for its stunning sunsets.

Please be advised that you may find bigger groups at this site, and so it may not be the best spot if you’re looking for some peace and quiet, especially during the high season.

The toilets also tend to get overwhelmed with the hoards of tourists, and sometimes cleanliness can be an issue.

Getting There:

MV Sarawak can be accessed only through the Inskip Point Road. It cannot be accessed via the beach.

As mentioned above, everything from camper vans to 2WDs can access this campsite.

What’s Nearby:

This spot is a mere 3-4 minute drive from the stunning Manta Ray Barge, and about 13 minutes to Rainbow Beach.

Practical Information:

Toilets: Yes, with one wheelchair accessible toilet

Rubbish Bins: Yes

Campfires Allowed: Yes (Conditions Apply)

Dogs Allowed: Yes (On Leash only)

Phone Network: Comes and Goes

Address: Inskip Point Rd, Inskip QLD 4581

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/CreativeNature_nl

3. Dorrigo South Camping Area

This campground is located just off Inskip Point Road, on the eastern end of the Peninsula. The grounds offer two options for camping – front row seats to the ocean or sheltered areas shaded with red ash and sheoaks that provide respite from the sun and the wind.

The recreation options in this area are endless – you can fish, have a swim, hike or drive around the protected area. Like Pelican Bay, camping areas are open and undefined.

There are no toilets available here either, but they do have rubbish bins. The lack of toilets makes this place quiet and rarely busy though.

The Dorrigo South Camping Area was actually named after the SS Dorrigo ship which sank in the area, sadly 21 crew members perished.

Getting There:

This Inskip Point campground can only be accessed through 4WD. No beach access is available, and there is no access to trailers or caravans.

If you do have an off-road caravan that can make it here, we recommend bringing a smaller one. As spaces are limited, rangers do not appreciate single groups taking up large amounts of space.

What’s Nearby:

Rainbow Beach Township is a convenient 10 minute drive away, offering everything from restaurants to permit offices.

Practical Information

Toilets: No

Rubbish Bins: Yes

Campfires Allowed: Yes (Conditions Apply)

Dogs Allowed: Yes (On Leash only)

Phone Network: Comes and Goes

Address: Inskip Point Rd, Inskip QLD 4581

Photo via Unsplash+

4. SS Dorrigo Camping Area

As you may have guessed, this camping area was also named after the SS Dorrigo. Be prepared to be exposed to the sun if staying here though, as there are fewer shaded spots available compared to other areas – although a lot of campers don’t mind that.

This Inskip Point campground is quite popular due to its easy access and the fact that it has toilets, including one with wheelchair access!

The water in this area is also very pretty with a turquoise blue colour, and is ideal for fishing and having a swim. That makes this Inskip Point camping option very popular amongst families.

However if you are looking for some peace and quiet, it is best to avoid public and school holidays here as they do get busy.

Getting There:

The tracks here are quite soft, and 4WD is required. However near the entrance to the campground you will find a few spots accessible by 2WD, but they may or may not be available at the time of your visit.

It’s always better to be safe rather than sorry, so grab a 4WD and snag a spot right by the water!

What’s Nearby:

The campgrounds are pretty close to shops, a service station and an RSL club. It is a quick walk to the surf beach and to picturesque Pelican Bay.

Practical Information:

Toilets: Yes, with one wheelchair accessible toilet

Rubbish Bins: Yes

Campfires Allowed: Yes (Conditions Apply)

Dogs Allowed: Yes (On Leash only)

Phone Network: Comes and Goes

Address: Inskip Point Rd, Inskip QLD 4581

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/naumoid

5. MV Natone Camping Area

If you’re the type of camper who loves the outdoors but don’t like being in the sun all day, this is the spot for you.

The beauty of MV Natone is that it offers plenty of shade while also giving campers sweeping views of the Wilde Bay Bar and Fraser Island.

You can fish, swim, take walks on the sandy beaches here and relax in this idyllic spot in so many ways. There’s also plenty of inland camping spots for particularly windy days, although this site is usually protected from the SE winds anyway.

Due to its perfect camping conditions – protected from wind and sun – this campground tends to get pretty crowded, especially during holidays. So get there early in the day to grab the nicer spots.

Getting There:

MV Natone can be accessed via the beach or through Inskip Point Road. It is important to note that beach driving in the area isn’t allowed.

What’s Nearby:

The nearest attraction has to be the Manta Ray Barge, which is a five minute drive. Head in the opposite direction, and you’ll be at Rainbow Beach in just ten minutes!

Practical Information:

Toilets: Yes, with one wheelchair accessible toilet

Rubbish Bins: Yes

Campfires Allowed: Yes (Conditions Apply)

Dogs Allowed: Yes (On Leash only)

Phone Network: Comes and Goes

Address: Inskip Point Rd, Inskip QLD 4581

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/a-Taiga

6. MV Beagle Camping Area

MV Beagle is a camping area behind the foredunes, offering some secluded and sheltered camping spots to visitors.

You won’t have to compromise on the views though, as these grounds also have some lovely sweeping ocean views and a direct view of Fraser Island. The beaches here are pristine and clean and fish aplenty. Camping areas are not defined and can be picked randomly.

The campsite is named after the ship MV Beagle that was bound for Queensland from Brisbane, and unfortunately sank, killing most of the crew members.

Getting There:

This campsite can be accessed by both 2WD and 4WD. You can get here via the beach or via Inskip Point Road.

What’s Nearby:

This Inskip Point camping option is close to Manta Ray Barge, Rainbow Beach, as well as Rainbow Beach township.

Practical Information:

Toilets: Yes, with one wheelchair accessible toilet

Rubbish Bins: Yes

Campfires Allowed: Yes (Conditions Apply)

Dogs Allowed: Yes (On Leash only)

Phone Network: Comes and Goes

Address: Inskip Ave, Inskip QLD 4581

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/bokan76

Inskip Point Camping: Must Know Tips

  • The area tends to get very crowded during the holidays, so pick your vacation dates wisely!

  • Lifeguards are posted on Rainbow Beach which is good news – especially for families.

  • Expect bats in the area at night-time – a lot of them!

  • It is highly advisable to carry insect repellent. There’s a lot of biting bugs at Inskip.

  • Drinking water is not available at most campsites, so you must carry your own.

  • We advise taking your own soap, as most campsites do not have any in the toilets.

  • Good news for pet parents! All the campsites in the area allow dogs as long as they’re on a leash. Campers are requested to clean after their pets.

  • The Rainbow Beach township has multiple backpacker hostels and plenty of options for party goers if you decide you want some nightlife.

  • When visiting Rainbow Beach, do not miss the Carlo San Blow – a natural ‘bowl’ of sand formation that’s reached after a short climb. The sunrise and sunset from this point are stunning and should not be missed!
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/g-stockstudio

Inskip Point Camping: The Best Times To Visit

Winter at Inskip

Wintertime lasts from June through August at Inskip with temperatures between 13 to 25 degree Celsius (55 degrees to 77 degrees Fahrenheit).

It tends not to get too cold in this area, so winter is a pretty popular time for visitors, especially those looking for respite from the chilly winters in other parts of Australia, or the hot summers in other parts of the world.

Summer at Inskip

Summer lasts from December through February, and while it is hot and humid, expect some heavy rainfall too. This may not be the ideal time for campers.

Nevertheless the area is beautiful in the rain, particularly as the rainforests at nearby Fraser Island come alive.

Autumn at Inskip

Autumn here lasts from March through May. Temperatures drop, and rainfall also slows a bit, making it a good time to visit.

Temperatures in these months can be found to be around a pleasant 23-25 degrees Celsius (that’s about 72-74 degrees Fahrenheit). Expect plenty of sunshine!

Spring at Inskip – The Most Popular Time to visit

Spring is generally considered to last from September through November, with temperatures averaging somewhere around a pleasant 24 degrees Celsius (about 73 degrees Fahrenheit).

You will find almost no rainfall in the area at this time, making it a very popular time for visitors, especially campers.

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/AndrisBarbans

The One Place You Must Visit When Camping At Inskip Point

Why visit nearby Fraser Island? We can give you more than one reason!

Fraser Island offers everything from breathtaking white sand beaches, to swamps and lush green rainforests. A trip to Inskip is incomplete without a quick day trip for even a two-day stay at Fraser Island.

The island is World Heritage listed and known for being the world’s largest sand island. Traditionally known as K’gari, Fraser is truly a natural wonder.

Swim in the crystal blue waters and be prepared to be blown away by the abundance of sea life. That’s not all, Fraser is one of the very few places in the world you will find natural wonders like lakes in the middle of sand dunes and rainforests rising from dunes!

The diverse eco-system is home to an equally diverse species of flora and fauna, and offers excellent opportunity for spotting exotic animals and birds.

While Inskip Point offers great camping options, Fraser Island is home to some remarkable luxury resort options.

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/photobyravis

Inskip Point Camping: A Trip Of A Lifetime

A combination of a camping trip at Inskip Point, coupled with a couple of days at Fraser Island exploring its natural wonders, makes for a truly memorable trip that you and your family will remember for years to come.

It’s no wonder that camping at Inskip Point is an annual holiday for many Australians. Why go anywhere else?

Author

  • Wandering our World

    Hi and welcome to Wandering our World! This article was written by one of the Wandering our World team - a team of travel enthusiasts who live around the globe.