Bookings for individuals and groups

Camping tag hanging off tent pole.
Your camping tag with booking number must be displayed.

You need a permit to camp in a park or forest. Make a booking and pay your camping fees to get a permit.

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Camping bookings

You must book and pay for a camping permit before you arrive at a camping area.

Most bookings are made online through the Queensland National Parks Booking Service, and your permit is issued by email.

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Book well in advance for popular spots

It is recommended that you book well in advance (at least 6 weeks) for the most popular camping spots, especially during peak periods like public and school holidays. In some parks and forests, you can book up to 12 months in advance.

You can browse our parks to search for camping areas by facility, accessibility, location and things to do such as bushwalks, picnics and fishing.

Making your booking

If booking online through the Queensland National Parks Booking Service and you’re a first-time user, you’ll need to create an account before completing your booking.

Watch this short video to find out how you can create a camping account.

Duration 00:02:26

Planning your next outdoor adventure sleeping under the stars?

We can walk you through the steps of creating an online account that you can access by a mobile phone, tablet or PC and manage all your camping and vehicle bookings with ease.

To check if you have an account registered to your email address, locate the login prompt on the top right of the page. From here you can follow the prompts to recover your account details and reset your password. 
For new users, select the create account option on the top right of the page. There is also an option to access this menu item from the bottom of the page.

If you are a commercial tour operator or a school group and have not registered, click the link to complete a ‘Commercial Tour Operator (CTO) or School group’ registration request.

Now let’s take a look at creating your new user account. 
You’ll be required to enter your details into the mandatory fields only.

When providing a contact number, your mobile number is preferred as the department may contact you prior to your arrival to update you of any changes.

Your email is unique to your account and is how you’ll login for future bookings. This ensures that all your confirmation emails, tax invoices and permits are sent directly to you.

Passwords are case sensitive and require between 4 & 10 characters. 
You can use any combination of numbers & letters and for greater security we recommend your password be at least 8 characters long and contain a combination of upper & lower case letters, numbers & limited special characters.

We would love to hear your feedback, tick the box to receive surveys and the QPWS Camping Newsletter. You can easily manage these subscriptions once your account is created.

To finish off you must agree with the terms and conditions

Once completed click ‘Create Account’. You’ll now be able to log into your new account with your new email address and your password you’ve just created.

Still having trouble? Head to the bookings FAQ located at the bottom of the website. Alternatively, go to an over-the-counter agent or kiosk, or contact 13QGOV.

  • Once booked, check your emails for a message with your booking number confirming that your camping or vehicle access permit has been confirmed and paid for. The notification will contain your camping and/or vehicle access tag/s, along with a Tax Invoice. You can also view the tag/s from Your Account view in the online system.
  • Print (or collect/create) your camping tag/s. If you are unable to print a camping tag you can collect one from nominated over-the-counter camping and vehicle access permit booking offices. If collection is not an option, write your booking/permit number, camping area, arrival/departure dates, number of persons authorised, surname and vehicle registration on a piece of paper, and place the paper in a clear, weatherproof bag. A copy of your camping tag must be displayed on your tent or recreational vehicle.

Online camping bookings

Watch this video to find out more about making an online camping booking.

Duration 00:04:03

Make life epic and explore Queensland. To get started – head to qld.gov.au/camping

Click ‘Camping’ from the menu bar.

It’s best to search by region if you’re unsure of the camping area name.

Enter the number of nights you wish to stay and the date you wish to commence your stay.

Click ‘Search’

It’s important you take note of any Park Alerts –you’ll notice a warning icon if there’s one current. It’s important to check park alerts when making the booking and again prior to travel.

Select the desired booking location.

This page will show all camping areas for the Park you have selected.

There are different types of sites that can be booked. Check out the video ‘How to find a camping area' to further understand different campsites.
For this example, we’re booking an open camping area.

Check the availability and select a starting date. Then click ‘Book Site’.

You’ll need to have your account details handy or if you don’t have an account, you’ll need to create one. For help, check out the video ‘How to Create an Online Camping Account’.

Once you have progressed to the ‘Booking Details’ page you’ll be able to amend the travel dates if required.

On the left-hand side of the screen, you’ll see important information about the camping area you are booking including unit details, any special remarks and the types of accommodation allowed.

Add in the number of adults, children and infants travelling. This will only show the total number of people allowed in the site.

If you’re taking a vehicle, you’ll need to enter in the registration number. 
Enter in the accommodation type, access type and occupants names.

Make yourself familiar with the Conditions for Sale before proceeding.

If you’re happy to continue and all your booking details are correct, click on ‘Book Site’.

Please note, the camping fees shown in this video are current as at April 2022.

Read and agree to the terms and conditions

Click on ‘Go to Checkout’

Here you’re able to select your payment method; Credit Card, Gift Card or a combination of both.

If you are making a payment using a Gift Card, please enter the Gift Card Number and the amount you wish to redeem, then click on Process.

If you are combining payment with a Gift Card and Credit Card, please enter the Gift Card details first.

If you are making a payment using a Credit Card, please enter your Credit Card details and billing address.

All payments are processed securely. If your payment involved a credit card, you’ll have the opportunity to re-check your booking details before completing the transaction by selecting ‘Make Purchase’.

Once your order has been processed successfully, you’ll receive your confirmation/permit number.

Your transaction receipt and a copy of your camping permit will be sent to the email address linked to your camping account, OR, head to ‘Your Account’, then ‘Purchases’ then ‘All Bookings’ to download your camping permit.

Camping permit tags should be placed in a clear weatherproof bag and displayed at your campsite, so they can easily be seen by park rangers. If you cannot print your tag, you can write the permit details on a piece of paper.

Before travelling make sure you check Park Alerts for any changes in camping conditions. 
Head to the link on screen for information.

Still need help with the booking process?  Head to a counter or kiosk or contact 13QGOV.

Visit the Queensland Government YouTube channel to check out more videos to help you navigate the National Parks Booking Service.

Frequently asked questions

Read frequently asked questions about making an online booking through Queensland National Parks Booking Service.

Modifying your booking (changes, cancellations and refunds)

We understand plans change and, with enough notice and if a site is available, you can often change your booking. Access your booking online if you would like to:

  • change camp site
  • change date and/or duration
  • request a refund
  • update registration number

Modify booking

Please note:

  • Bookings can’t be modified on the same day they were made. Wait until the payment has been fully processed to make any changes.
  • Modifications must be made more than 2 days prior to the start date.
  • When making changes, ensure that your contact details are current; specifically, your telephone number and email address.
  • Refunds must be requested more than 2 days prior to the start date.
  • All refund requests must be submitted within 28 days of the camping permit end date.
  • If you’ve already commenced your stay and need to cancel due to extenuating circumstances, you’re able to submit a refund request.
  • Our operational policy (PDF, 134KB) contains information about booking modifications and refunds.

Modify camping booking

Looking to change locations or extend your stay? Here is how you can modify your online camping booking.

Duration 00:04:53

Looking to change locations or extend your stay? Here’s how you can modify your booking.

Modifications that reduce the booking cannot be made on the same day of the initial booking. You can however always add extra nights or people to a booking, depending on availability.

If your camping permit commences within the next 2 days or has already started, modifications that reduce the booking are not allowed.

And when making changes, ensure that your contact details are current. Specifically, your telephone number and email address.

To get started – head to qld.gov.au/camping.

Then click on ‘Login’ from the menu bar.

Enter in your details, or if you’ve forgotten your password, click on ‘Recover your Account’ and follow the instructions.

Once logged in, go to the menu bar and select, ‘Your Account’, Purchases, All bookings.

Your future bookings are now displayed, from here you can print your permit, request a refund, or modify your booking.

Select ‘Modify’ from the left-hand side.

You’re now at the booking details page used to create the original booking.

To change camping area, click ‘Select New Unit’.

Select the new park name from the drop down, then click ‘Search’.

Select the desired booking location, select a starting date then click ‘Book Site’.

Under ‘Unit Details’, note that the desired camping area has been changed.

Then click on ‘Book Site’.

The original and new booking details are now displayed. Read and agree to the terms and conditions then click on ‘Go to Checkout’.

Once your order has been processed successfully, you’ll receive your confirmation/permit number.

To change the dates or duration of your stay, use the ‘Booking Dates’ box.

From the drop down, select the new number of nights.

Update your arrival date using the calendar.

The departure date will be automatically updated based on the nights you wish to stay.

If you increased your stay, you’ll also need to update the number of people travelling.

Then click on ‘Book Site’.

The original and new booking details are now displayed. Read and agree to the terms and conditions then click on ‘Go to Checkout’.

If you reduced your stay you will receive your booking confirmation and the payment card that you used to make the original booking will be refunded any amount owed to you.

If you increased your stay or people you will need to pay for the additions only. You’ll be prompted with the payment screen to enter your Credit Card or Gift Card details for the outstanding amount.

Stuck with processing payment, then checkout the video ‘How to make an online camping booking’.

If your booking is eligible for an automatic refund a ‘Cancel’ button will be displayed that you can click on.  Otherwise, to request a refund, take a note of the Grand Total from the booking details page *pause*, then click on ‘Refund’.

Please understand that:

All refund requests must be submitted within 28 days of the camping permit end date

If you’ve already commenced your stay and need to cancel due to extenuating circumstances, you’re welcome to submit a refund request.

You’re now at the Refund Booking page.

To start, choose your preferred type of refund from the drop-down menu, and enter the amount you wish to be refunded.

Enter in why you’re requesting a refund.

You can attach documents to accompany your refund request such as a medical certificate or a copy of the email where QPWS has notified you that the park you have booked is closed during your booking.

Then click on ‘Send Request’.

An email will now be sent to the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service who will assess the refund request.

To update the registration number of your vehicle, scroll down to ‘Extra Information’.

Edit the vehicle registration you wish to update.

Then click on ‘Book Site’.

Your modification has been saved successfully.

Once any changes are made, your permits are automatically updated. Just print out your new permit.

Still need help with the modification process?  For further assistance, head to a counter or kiosk or contact 13QGOV.

Visit the Queensland Government YouTube channel to check out more videos to help you navigate the National Parks Booking Service.

Gift cards

An electronic gift card can be purchased for $25 or more. Once payment is successfully made, the gift card number will be emailed to your account email address.

Gift cards can be used to pay for:

  • online camping permits
  • online vehicle access permits.

Gift cards do not guarantee or reserve a place at camping areas as bookings are subject to availability. Customers with a gift card must have a valid camping permit before setting up camp. Gift cards are treated like cash and as such will not be replaced if lost or stolen. Gift card numbers purchased from 1 July 2019 are valid for 36 months from date of purchase. Gift cards purchased before 1 July 2019 are valid for 24 months from date of purchase.

Purchase a gift card

Permits for special groups

Organised groups are able to request a special account—group account, educational account or commercial operator account—for pre-booking camping online.

  • Group accounts—holders of group accounts have access to the same camp sites as standard customers, as well as special group areas available in some parks and forests.
  • Educational accounts—holders of educational accounts have access to special use areas that are not available to other account types. Discounts also apply for these groups.
  • Commercial operator accounts—holders of commercial operator accounts have access to special use areas that are not available to other account types.

To apply for a special account, complete a request form through the Queensland National Parks Booking Service, or email qpws@des.qld.gov.au. Supporting documentation may be required to confirm eligibility for a special account.

Customers requesting special account types are subject to an approval process.  Once the account type is approved bookings are able to be made and confirmation emails will be sent to the customer. Invoices are issued in the month following the start date of the permit.