Site to Sights
Lakeland Downs Camping
Lakeland QLD
Category:
Caravan Park
Atherton QLD
Area
QLD: TABLELANDS REGION
GPS:
-18.2025003, 142.24550059999999
Nearby Sights/Things To Do
๐พ Lakeland Downs Camping โ Lakeland QLD
PAID CAMP
๐ฉ Description & Location
Set just outside the small township of Lakeland, this low-cost camping area offers powered and unpowered sites in a rural setting. Itโs a popular base for travellers heading north to Cape York or west toward the Gulf, with easy access to Lakelandโs roadhouse, cafรฉ, and fuel.
๐ชถ History
Lakeland has long been a strategic junction town for travellers, where the Mulligan Highway meets the Peninsula Developmental Road. Lakeland Downs Camping was established to give budget-friendly camping options for both short-term and overnight stays.
๐ป Facilities and Amenities
โก Powered and unpowered sites
๐ฟ Amenities block with hot showers and toilets
๐ง Potable water available
โป๏ธ Dump point on site
๐พ Pets allowed (conditions apply)
๐ฎ Waste bins
๐ Vehicle Access
๐ฃ๏ธ Fully sealed highway access. Suitable for caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers, and tents.
๐๏ธ Stay Information (as at August 2025):
๐ Booking: generally not required; pay on arrival
๐๏ธ Managing body: privately owned and operated
โบ Site types: powered and unpowered sites
๐ Pet policy: pets allowed (conditions apply)
๐ช Gate/access: open access during daylight hours
โ๏ธ Phone: +61 7 4060 2108
๐ง Email: lakelandcamping@gmail.com
๐ Web: lakelanddownscamping.com.au
๐ฒ User Price Reviews
โPowered site was $25 a nightโ (Aug 2025)
โUnpowered camping cost $20โ (Jul 2025)
โWe paid $23 for a powered spot in Mayโ (May 2025)
โ$18 for unpowered back in Marchโ (Mar 2025)(Seasonal variations in rates may apply)NOTE: These are user submitted prices, confirm with camp operator.
๐ Reviews Summary
โ Positives:
๐ Handy overnight stop on Cape York route
๐ง Potable water and dump point available
๐ต Budget-friendly rates
๐พ Pet friendly
๐ฃ๏ธ Easy highway access
โ ๏ธ Cautions:
๐๏ธ Basic facilities only
โ๏ธ Limited shade
๐ถ Mobile signal can be weak during peak
๐ป Nearby Pubs & Clubs
๐บ Lakeland Hotel Motel โ meals and bar service
๐๏ธ Nearby Campgrounds
๐๏ธ Hann River Tourist Park โ full-service roadhouse camp north
๐ณ Laura Rodeo Grounds โ event camping (seasonal use)
๐ Nearby Attractions
๐๏ธ Split Rock Aboriginal Rock Art site
๐๏ธ Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park southern access
๐ Surrounding farming and savannah landscapes
๐ Nearest Supplies
๐๏ธ Lakeland General Store
โฝ Fuel station in Lakeland
๐ฌ Larger range in Cooktown (~1 hr)
๐จ Breakdown & Emergency Info
๐ป UHF CB: Road Channel = 40 | Emergency = 5
โฝ Fuel: on site in Lakeland
๐ฅ Medical: Cooktown Hospital (~1 hr)
๐ถ Mobile signal: Telstra patchy, better in town centre
๐ Final Note
Lakeland Downs Camping is a no-fuss, budget-friendly base at a critical junction in Far North Queensland. Ideal for a quick stop or an early morning launch toward Cape York.