Where to camp in Byfield National Park

Feb 17, 2023


There are several options available for campers to enjoy at Byfield Nation Park.


There are sites that have a lot of space and can accommodate lots of people, while others are more private. The most popular campground and most easily accessible is Upper Stoney Creek.


Camping is one of the best ways to get away from the daily routine. But finding the right place for your trip and reserving a spot are two different things. 


Whether you are traveling with friends and family, or looking for a nice weekend getaway in the woods, Byfield Nation Park has several camping spots that you can choose from.


With this blog, you’ll be able to find out all about Byfield Nation Parks camping spots at,

  • Upper Stoney Creek
  • Water Park Creek
  • Red Rock
  • Nine Mile Beach
  • Five Rocks Camping Are
  • Water Park Point Headland - Scouts camp



Upper Stoney Creek

Located in the Byfield State Forest, the beautiful Upper Stony Recreational Area and camping facility surrounds a fresh water swimming hole.


It is located 11km from the sign off the Byfield Road. The road is gravel but can be accessed by normal vehicle.


Upper Stoney Creek caters for the day trippers with a picnic area that has a toilet and table and chairs, across from this there is the camping area that has 18 camp sites where there is also a toilet and some of the sites have fire pits.


You will need to bring your own drinking water and fire wood. Don't forget to pack the insect repellent.


In the water you can find turtles, eels, small frogs and there is a also sign saying that rock fish may be in the area.


At the time of writing this post, there are 14 sites available.


The camp sites are grass and dirt based and cater camping set up beside a car, tents, caravans and motorhomes (limited sites and sizes) and camper trailers.


Open fire are allowed however, they need to be within the provided fire rings to each site. If there is a fire ban in place then fires are prohibited. You must obey the fire warnings and bans.

Fuel stoves are recommended but if you want to have an open fire then bring your own clean timber.


Generators are allowed at Upper Stoney Creek but there are restrictions when they can be used. Generally they can be used between 8am and 7pm depending on the size and how load the generator is.


(No pets allowed)


There is some mobile coverage.


Camping Facilities

  1. Electric/fuel barbecue (free of charge)
  2. Campfires allowed (conditions apply)
  3. Generators allowed (conditions apply)
  4. Picnic tables
  5. Toilets (non-flush)
  6. Wheelchair access (may require assistance)
  7. Tent camping
  8. Caravan camping
  9. Camper trailer camping
  10. Motor home camping
  11. Tent camping beside car
  12. Walking
  13. Canoeing and kayaking
  14. Swimming


Map: Upper Stony map  (PDF, 159KB)



Water Park Creek

Water Park Creek camping area is an easy to access site that does not require a 4WD. The camp sites are set amongst pine trees and natural bushland.

They can accommodate trailers, caravan and small motorhomes.


Water Park Creek is located 4km from the turn-off sign on Byfield Road.


The camp sites have a grass and dirt base and the camping area has good amenities with flushing toilets, picnic tables, BBQ area and automated drinking water that needs to be treated prior to drinking.


Open fire are allowed however, they need to be within the provided fire rings to each site. If there is a fire ban in place then fires are prohibited. You must obey the fire warnings and bans.

Fuel stoves are recommended but if you want to have an open fire then bring your own clean timber.

Insect repellent is a must as the mosquitos can be prolific during certain times of the year.


Generators are allowed at Water park Creek but there are restrictions when they can be used. Generally they can be used between 8am and 7pm depending on the size and how load the generator is.


Capacity - 10 people (No pets allowed)


Camping Facilities

  1. Electric/fuel barbecue (free of charge)
  2. Campfires allowed (conditions apply)
  3. Generators allowed (conditions apply)
  4. Picnic tables
  5. Toilets (flush)
  6. Wheelchair access (may require assistance)
  7. Tent camping
  8. Caravan camping
  9. Camper trailer camping
  10. Motor home camping
  11. Tent camping beside car
  12. Walking
  13. Canoeing and kayaking
  14. Swimming


Map: Water Park Creek camping area map (PDF, 199KB)



Red Rock

Red Rock camping area is an open camp site surrounded by Pine forest.


Red Rock camping area is located 1km from the turn off sign on Byfield Road.


The camp site is a 10 vehicle camp site and four walk-in tent camp site.

The sites are not numbered.


The camp sites are grass and dirt base and cater for vehicle-based camping, small caravans, camper trailers or small motorhomes (to the left of the access road) and walk-in tent camping (to the right of the access road).


Open fires are and all camp sites have a fireplace and table.

There are plenty of camp sites to choose from. If you need an accessible one though (wheelchair-friendly) make sure you get the sites closest to the toilets!


It is recommended that you bring your own water, but if you don't, make sure that you treat the water before drinking.


Unlike Upper Stoney Creek and Water Park Creek, pets are allowed. Dogs need to be on a lead at all times.


Generators are allowed at Red Rock but there are restrictions when they can be used. Generally they can be used between 8am and 7pm depending on the size and how load the generator is.


Mobile Coverage is unreliable.


Camping Facilities

  1. Campfires allowed (conditions apply)
  2. Generators allowed (conditions apply)
  3. Picnic tables
  4. Toilets (non-flush)
  5. Wheelchair access (may require assistance)
  6. Tent camping
  7. Tent camping beside car
  8. Dogs permitted (on leash)



Map: Red Rock map (PDF, 157KB)



Nine Mile Beach

Nine Mile Beach has 4 locations for camping, Myrtella, Melaleuca, Pandanus and Casuarina.

All sites are nestle in the foredunes with easy access to the beach. The beach offers swimming, fishing and walking.


They are located 32km past Water Park Creek to the east and 6km south of the beach access.


If your not an experienced 4WD'er, you will need to take your time and adjust your tire pressure to navigate Big Sandy. Off-road camper trailers can also access this area however, track and weather conditions need to be observed prior to going.


Nine Mile beach can also be accessed by boat.


The camp sites are grass and sand based. There are 4 defined areas however, the sites are not defined so there is a limit number of sites, but people per defined area.

Myrtella has a maximum of 24 people, Melaleuca has a maximum of 18 people, Pandanus has a maximum of 12 people and Casuarina has a maximum of 18 people.


The camping area can accommodate tents along side your vehicle and off-road camper trailers. Keep in mind that it is best in best dressed for the spots in the camp area, and that it is not guaranteed that you will get the spot or a spot that will accommodate your set up.


Unlike some of the other sites, there are no amenities so you want to have a full set up to stay here. Having said that you can visit the nearby Five Rocks camping area to use the facilities there.


Open fires are allowed but must be used with caution and must be enclosed. It is recommended that gas or fuel stoves are used.


Generators are allowed at Red Rock but there are restrictions when they can be used. Generally they can be used between 8am and 7pm depending on the size and how load the generator is.


Mobile Coverage is unreliable.


Camping Facilities

  1. Generators allowed (conditions apply)
  2. Tent camping beside car
  3. Canoeing and kayaking
  4. Anchoring allowed
  5. Walking
  6. Boating
  7. Tent camping
  8. Scenic drive
  9. Swimming
  10. Camper trailer camping
  11. Snorkelling and diving
  12. Fishing


Map: Nine Mile Beach—Myrtella map (PDF, 151KB)

Map: Nine Mile Beach—Melaleuca map (PDF, 231KB)

Map: Nine Mile Beach—Pandanus map (PDF, 135KB)

Map: Nine Mile Beach—Casuarina map (PDF, 131KB)



Five Rocks Camping Area

The Five Rocks camping area is a great spot for those looking to experience the Australian outback. It has access to beaches where you can explore rugged headlands or fish, swim and surf.


Five Rocks is located 28km east of Water Park Creek. The camping area can only be reached by 4WDs with high clearance. You'll need a vehicle that's been designed for rough terrain and off-road conditions, but it is accessible for off-road camper trailers —track or weather permitting.


The camp sites are sand, dirt and timber pallets. There are 12 sites with a maximum of 6 people per site.

There are cold showers, picnic tables, chemical toilet and water that needs to be treated prior to drinking.


Open fires are allowed inside fire rings however, fuel stoves are recommended.


Generators are allowed at Red Rock but there are restrictions when they can be used. Generally they can be used between 8am and 7pm depending on the size and how load the generator is.


Mobile Coverage is unreliable.


Camping Facilities

  1. Campfires allowed (conditions apply)
  2. Wheelchair access (may require assistance)
  3. Tent camping beside car
  4. Swimming
  5. Generators allowed (conditions apply)
  6. Tent camping
  7. Walking
  8. Fishing
  9. Picnic tables
  10. Camper trailer camping
  11. Scenic drive
  12. Toilets (non-flush)
  13. Shower cubicle (BYO shower)
  14. Snorkelling and diving


Map: Five Rocks visitor map (PDF, 121KB)



Water Park Point Headland - Scouts camp

Water Park Point Headland is the at the southern tip Waterpark Point which is on the northern side of Corio Bay.


The camp site is only accessed by boat, walking, canoe and/or kayak.

There is only one site that caters for up to 15 people and it is tent camping only.


There are no amenities and the camp sites are sand based.

Open fires are prohibited and gas or fuel stoves are recommended.


Mobile reception is limited, an alternate way for communication is recommended if needed.


Camping Facilities

  1. Generators allowed (conditions apply)
  2. Anchoring allowed
  3. Tent camping
  4. Long walk to tent
  5. Snorkelling and diving
  6. Canoeing and kayaking
  7. Boating
  8. Swimming
  9. Fishing

(No pets allowed)


Permits are required to stay at most of the camp sites and these can be purchased through the Parks and Forests Website and all information can be obtained athttps://parks.des.qld.gov.au/


To check on park alerts - https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/park-alerts


The above information has been sourced from the Parks and Forest Website and is a guide only. Please visit the Parks and Forests Website for further information.


Take care of any fires you have and ensure you heed to the advise from authorities.


Please be respectful of your fellow adventurers and camp site users particularly when using generators.


Take care while camping, but most of all, enjoy the area and have fun.