For most people who want to go camping in Queensland, a stay at the Inskip Point Campground is right at the top of their bucket list.
Offering campsites that reside just metres from the shoreline, the campgrounds at Inskip are perfect for those who like to spend some quality time right by the beach.
Situated just to the north of Rainbow Beach, Inskip is also a great base for those who want to travel to Fraser Island, with the barge ride to it being located very nearby.
Boasting crystal clear waters, which are generally calm and perfect for swimming, the Inskip Point Campground is also a great place for fishing and a wide range of recreational water sports activities.
Contrary to common misconception, The Inskip Point campground is not part of the Cooloola Recreation Area. Instead, it forms a part of the Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area.
Overall there are 7 campsites to choose from, all of which are close together. In this Inskip Point Camping Guide, we will outline the differences between them, to enable you to determine which is the right one for you to book.
Where exactly is Inskip Point?
Inskip Point is a stunning, narrow peninsula that resides about 250 km north of Brisbane and about 9 km north of Rainbow Beach.
Taking the form of a narrow finger of land that is shaped by golden sand and stunning coastal palm trees, the peninsula forms a natural breakwater which sits at the entrance to the Great Sandy Strait and the Tin Can Inlet.
Located virtually opposite Fraser Island, the peninsula is not part of the Great Sandy National Park. This is great for those travelling with dogs, as there are no restrictions on camping with them!
Facilities at Inskip Camping Grounds
Before outlining the 7 individual campsites at the Inskip Point Campground it is worth pointing out what facilities are available in the general camping areas.
Unfortunately, all the camping sites in the Inskip Peninsula are unpowered, which means they are best set up for self-sufficient campers.
While some campsites are equipped with toilets, it is worth noting they are composting toilets. So it is probably worth bringing your own toilet with you. If you do, the nearest dump point is situated over at Rainbow Bay on Clarkson Drive. Which you will find opposite Laurie Hanson Park.
At Inskip Point there is no drinking water available either, so you will definitely need to bring your
own. It is also worth bringing large refillable containers as you will be able to top up as required on Clarkson Drive.
There are no showers at any of the campsites either, however, there are bins available at some of the campsites, while campfires are allowed at all times, other than when there is a fire ban.
Please note, when it comes to fires, it is illegal to collect leaves, twigs and firewood from the recreation area. Therefore it is imperative you bring your own untreated firewood with you.
In terms of food and drink supplies, there is no shop or kiosk at any of the sites. To stock up on those you will have to pop over to Rainbow Beach. Although there is an iceman who drives by daily and sells basics like bread, milk, ice and bait.
The 7 Campsites at the Inskip Point Recreation Area
The geographical landmass of the Inskip Point Peninsula roughly resembles an ‘L’ shape.
Situated through the peninsula are 7 different campsites, most of which are on the eastern side that faces the Pacific Ocean, and thus offer access to great surf.
Over on the northern side of the peninsula, facing Fraser Island, are a couple of other sites, while you will also find one on the western side which looks out to the Tin Can Inlet.
At all of the campsites, there are no defined areas for camping. Instead it is purely a case of first come, first served.
That said, the unwritten rule of camping is that you should be mindful of others and keep your camping space to a reasonable-sized area, to ensure there is plenty of room for others.
With this in mind, starting from the south to the north, outlined below are further details of each of the different campsites.
Pelican Bay Camping Area
The Pelican Bay area is the only site that is located on the western side of the peninsula.
It is also the nearest of all the campsites at Inskip to the town of Rainbow Beach.
Offering secluded and shaded sites that are directly on the beachfront of the Great Sandy Marine Park, this camping area is not suitable for those towing trailers, caravans or boats, as it can only be reached by 4WD.
Despite being a tiny campsite with no toilets or rubbish bins, Pelican Bay is an excellent spot for fishing. Although you can’t tow your boat in, it is possible to bring it around to the front of your particular site and anchor it there.
Dorrigo South Camping Area
As you make your way onto the eastern side of the peninsula, The Dorrigo South camp area will be the first site you come to.
Situated just off Inskip Point Road, a little bit behind the foredunes, this is another campsite that can only be reached by 4WD. It is also only accessible by road and has no beach access.
Lying within easy walking distance of Pelican Bay, this is another relatively small campsite which does not offer toilets. Although it does provide rubbish bins at its exit.
The sites do provide splendid views out towards Double Island Point. However if you would prefer to camp slightly inland, you can choose to do that and protect yourself from the wind instead.
SS Dorrigo Campground
Nestled just a little bit further north, yet still on the peninsula’s eastern side, lies the SS Dorrigo camping area.
Like Dorrigo South, this campground provides the option of camping with fabulous ocean views to Double Island Point, or more inland in protected, shaded spots.
Most of the sites can only be accessed by 4WD, although there are some sites at the entrance which can be reached by 2WD too.
The facilities at this site include multiple toilets, one of which has a wheelchair access ramp, as well as rubbish bins by the exits.
The site can also only be accessed by its entrance from Inskip Point Road and not via the beach. However, there is a track, just before the campsite, which will enable you to get to the sand.
MV Natone Camping Area
The MV Natone Camping Area assumes a lovely position at the point where the peninsula curves to the west.
Conveying gorgeous views of the ocean, as well as out to the Wide Bay Bar and Fraser Island, this charming and well-shaded campsite is tucked in behind the foredunes.
It is only accessible by 4WD, and to get to the campground you can either do so via the beach or Inskip Point Road.
The sand is very soft here, (and you are permitted to drive past it), so it is highly recommended that you deflate your tyres before traversing it, should you decide to enter the campsite that way.
The campsite is not suitable for those towing boats, caravans or trailers. However, it does provide three toilet blocks, one of which has a wheelchair access ramp, as well as rubbish bins at the exit too.
MV Beagle Camping Area
Situated at the northern end of the peninsula, looking directly across the ocean to Fraser Island, is the MV Beagle Camping Area.
Accessible via both 2WD and 4WD, this tiny camping area is quietly tucked away behind the sand dunes.
Presenting a range of excellent campsites, including those with ocean views and others that are protected by the wind more inland, the campground can be reached via either the beach or Inskip Point Road.
You’ll find two blocks of toilets here, including one that has wheelchair ramp access, as well as rubbish bins which are located at the exits.
MV Sarawak Camping Area
The MV Sarawak is one of the most popular and biggest campsites on the Inskip Peninsula.
Another campsite that is nestled just behind the sand dunes, it offers sites that have partial views, down by the beachfront, to Fraser Island, or inland sites that offer shelter and protection from the sun and wind.
The campground can be accessed by any vehicle, although it is only accessible from Inskip Point Road.
Its limited facilities include rubbish bins, which are located at the exits and several toilets including one designed with wheelchair ramp access.
MV Sarawak West Camping Area
Last, but not least, is the MV Sarawak West Camping Area, which is the closest site to the Fraser Island barge.
This serves as a brilliant spot for those wanting to be able to access both Inskip Point and the beautiful waters of the Tin Can Bay Inlet side.
Although you can access this site in any vehicle, it is highly recommended you drive here in a 4WD, as there are not that many sites available for 2WD. You’ll find those that are, situated by the entrance to the campsite.
The entrance to the MV Sarawak West site is via Inskip Road only. However, once there, facilities include a toilet block with a wheelchair access ramp and a campsite with rubbish bins by its exit.
Camping with Dogs at Inskip Point
As touched upon earlier, Inskip Point is a pet-friendly campground, so you can take your dog along with you.
However, if you do, please note that dogs are not permitted to be in your vehicle whilst on any of the beaches that make up the Cooloola Recreation Area.
Therefore, if you intend to bring your pooch with you it is imperative you drive on the bitumen roads only, and not along Teewah Beach or Double Island Point.
You also can’t take your dog for any walks along the sandy areas, and whilst at your campsite, they must be on a lead at all times.
How to Make an Inskip Point Camping Permit Booking
Given how popular camping at Inskip Point is, it is essential that you secure yourself an Inskip camping permit well before you intend to visit there.
The easy way to secure a permit is online. However, should you prefer to call them you can phone 13 74 68, or visit one of their booking offices in person around Rainbow Beach.
At the time of writing the permits for Inskip Point camping cost $6.75 per person per night.
If you are travelling as a family of two adults and up to 6 children between the ages of 5 and 18, the cost for you all per night is $27. Children under 5 are allowed in for free.
After you have set up your campsite, it is important to display your tag with your booking number prominently at all times.
It is worth displaying in a sealed plastic sleeve to protect it from the weather.
Driving on the Beach at Inskip Point
You will not need a permit around Inskip Point for driving. Although you are not allowed to drive on the beach between the MV Beagle and Sarawak West campsites.
Driving can be hazardous here – a few years ago a large sinkhole developed at Inskip Point which consumed a couple of vehicles. So exercise extreme caution if you intend to do this.
If you plan to drive through the Cooloola Recreation Area, which incorporates Rainbow Beach and Double Island Point, you will need to get a vehicle permit, however.
The cost of this varies from $13.40 for one day to $270 a year.
If you are planning to also make your way over to Fraser Island, you can also choose to buy a combined vehicle permit for between $86.15 a month and $432.30 per year.
At all times whilst driving in this area permits must be displayed on your dashboard.
So there you have it. Our complete Inskip Point Camping Guide for 2022.
We hope what you have read has inspired you to pay a visit there.
If it has, you will be in for a wonderful time in this truly beautiful part of Queensland.