Last Updated on 1 August 2026 by Rob
Lake Proserpine Campground (also known as Peter Faust Dam) is a great place from which to explore the area around Airlie Beach while escaping the crowds.
Located 30 minutes west of Proserpine, this council-run reserve offers unpowered bush camping on the water’s edge. It provides massive, level grassy areas where you can unhitch and enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the hills and the submerged timber of the dam.
There is no need to be self-contained, as toilets and showers are provided.
Pets are permitted at this campground, as are tents.
Fires are permitted in above-ground firepits.
Lake Proserpine Campground Quick Facts
| Campground Name | Lake Proserpine Campground |
|---|---|
| Nearest Town | Proserpine |
| GPS | 20°22'42.50"S 148°22'39.96"E |
| Access Road | Sealed |
| Number of sites | 150 |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Water | No |
| Dump point | No |
| Power | No |
| Pets | Yes |
| Tents | Yes |
| Fires permitted | Yes |
| Telstra coverage | Yes |
| Optus coverage | Yes |
| Cost | $15 per person per night (peak season), $10 per person per night (low season - see text below) |
| Booking | book online |
Campground Layout and Features
Lake Proserpine Campground officially has 150 campsites. The number of possible sites is lower. The sites are not marked. As a result, many orient their sites so that they do not maximise the number of sites. While we were there, people closest to the lake set up so they were longways to the view. This perhaps prevented two other groups of people from enjoying the same unobstructed view. Also, back from the front, the disorganised arrangement of sites reduced the number of possible sites.
There are three areas at this site. The front area is a large grass paddock. Here, you can enjoy the best views of the lake. It also provides better potential for solar power.
Directly behind the open area are sites amongst the trees. These sites provided more shade.
Behind the shaded sites in the kiosk, toilet and showers. Behind them is an open area available for camping.
All grey-water must be contained when camping in the two areas in front of the kiosk so that the lake water is not polluted. It must either be taken off-site or dumped in the area behind the kiosk. Of course, you need to consider where people are camped before dumping water.
Free WiFi is available at this campground. You just need to connect to the network, and no details are required.
Rubbish bins are provided.
The fee to stay at this campground during peak season (Apr – Sept) is $15 per adult per night and @ per child. Outside of peak season, the fee is $10/$5. You can either book online (link below) or arrive without a booking.
On arrival, you must report to the kiosk before selecting a site. Note that even if you have an online booking you must check in on arrival. Once you have checked in, you are free to camp wherever you like. They will give you a pass to hang on your rear-vision mirror. In the evening, someone will come around to check your pass.
Lake Proserpine Campground Location
Lake Proserpine is located 22km west of Proserpine. It is accessed via a good-quality sealed 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 Lake Proserpine Campground
Other than some inconsiderate people, we encountered no issues while staying at this site. If you select a site at the very front, please consider that others want to enjoy the view.
Final Words
We enjoyed our stay at this campground. We recommend it.
You can book online if you wish.
You’ll find this camp on our Cairns to Brisbane Road Trip.
Closeby Campgrounds
Those travelling north may want to consider Bowen Base Camp as their next stop. If heading south, have a look at Ball Bay Campground.
Edited on 3/1/26 to change details and fee structure.
