Last Updated on 2 September 2026 by Rob
Bowen Base Camp is a unique, privately-run campground 10 minutes from Bowen.
This site is situated on a working property surrounded by Bowen’s famous agricultural landscape. The campground offers large, flat grassy sites with plenty of space. Whether you are using it to explore the fringing reefs of Horseshoe Bay or simply enjoying the sight of a corn harvest on a neighbouring farm, Bowen Base Camp delivers a secure and welcoming environment that feels like a true local secret.
To stay at this campground, you must be self-contained, as toilets and showers are not available.
Pets are permitted at this campground.
Tents are not permitted
Fires are permitted in above-ground fire pits and away from vegetation.
You must book your stay before arriving at the site (contact number below).
Bowen Base Camp Quick Facts
| Campground Name | Bowen Base Camp |
|---|---|
| Nearest Town | Bowen |
| GPS | 20° 4'32.74"S 148°10'42.58"E |
| Access Road | Sealed |
| Number of sites | 10 |
| Toilets | No |
| Water | Yes* |
| Dump point | No |
| Power | No |
| Pets | Yes |
| Tents | No |
| Fires permitted | Yes |
| Telstra coverage | Yes |
| Optus coverage | Yes |
| Cost | $25 per night |
| Booking | 041 201 2821 |
Planning Your Cairns to Brisbane Drive?
This stop is featured in our complete, un-sponsored Cairns to Brisbane Coastal Road Trip Itinerary. Discover the best coastal camps, must-see detours, caravan-friendly routes, and ideal driving paces along the Queensland coast.
Explore the Cairns to Brisbane Itinerary →Campground Layout and Features
The campground has about 10 unmarked campsites on a grassed area. The area is fairly flat and is shaded in parts. It is possible to receive sufficient solar to charge batteries.
Rubbish bins are provided, and two bins will be brought to your site. One bin is for rubbish, and one is for recycling. On departure, just leave them in place.
Water is available from a single tap. However, it is pumped directly from the river.
Firewood is available for $10 a bag via an honour system.
The fee to stay at this campground is $25 per night. The fee is reduced to $20 per night for stays of three days or more. The owner collects the fee on arrival or later in the day.
You must book your stay before arrival on 041 201 2821 or 047 391 4070.
Bowen Base Camp Location
Bowen Base Camp is located 10km south-west of Bowen It is accessed via good quality sealed roads until 850m from the site. The last 850m is on a well-maintained unsealed road. The map below shows the location of the campground. You can zoom out for a more general location.
What to Watch Out For at Bowen Base Camp
During our night, we did not identify any issues at this campground.
There is a horse in an adjoining paddock that may bite.
The site has a seasonal closure from late September.
Final Words
We really enjoyed a relaxing stay here and this campground. We recommend it.
The site closes seasonally from late September.
Our Cairns to Brisbane Road Trip uses this campground.
Closeby Campgrounds
If you are travelling north and planning on staying near Townsville, Country Vows Camping is a good option. If you wish to stay near shops, then also near Townsville is MAM Easy Stays.
If you are heading south, you may like to consider Lake Proserpine Campground.
Edited on 3/1/26 to update details.
