Red Rock Camping Area – Byfield

Red Rock Camping Area is a stunning and highly popular campground nestled within the lush pine plantations and native forests of Byfield State Forest, on the Capricorn Coast. This picturesque spot is famous for its namesake, Red Rock, and the beautiful, tea-tree-stained waters of Stoney Creek that flow beside it, creating a natural swimming hole that is perfect for a refreshing dip, kayaking, or paddleboarding. The campground itself is an open, grassy area offering unpowered sites suitable for a range of setups, from tents to caravans. It’s managed by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, and bookings are essential as it’s a favourite getaway for locals and tourists alike. The setting is serene, surrounded by the towering pines and native bushland, offering a genuine sense of being immersed in nature. Basic facilities like toilets and cold showers are provided, along with fire rings for campfires, adding to the classic Aussie camping experience. Several walking tracks start from the camping area, allowing visitors to explore the surrounding forest. While it feels wonderfully remote, it’s easily accessible via a short stretch of unsealed road, making it suitable for conventional vehicles in dry weather. Red Rock is the quintessential forestry camp: peaceful, beautiful, and centred around the simple joys of swimming in a cool creek and relaxing by a campfire.

Site Information

• Location: Byfield State Forest, on the Capricorn Coast, north of Yeppoon.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and motorhomes.
• Road Access: Accessible by conventional 2WD vehicle via a short, unsealed access road (Byfield Road is mostly sealed). The access road can be slippery after rain.
• Site Surface: Grass and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, a camping permit must be booked in advance online through QLD Parks. Fees apply.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Check the QLD Parks booking website for current limits.
• Facilities: Toilets (hybrid system), cold showers, water taps (treat before drinking), picnic tables, fire rings.
• Potable Water: Water is available but must be treated before drinking. It’s recommended to bring your own.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to non-existent. A signal may be found in the Byfield township.
• TV Reception: No.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken out with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted in provided fire rings only (except when fire bans are in place). Bring your own clean-milled firewood.
• Generator Use: Not permitted.
• Number of Sites Available: Open area without defined sites, but capacity is limited and must be booked.
• Essentials to Bring: Booking permit, drinking water, rubbish bags, firewood, insect repellent.
• Pet Friendly: No, pets are not permitted in the camping area.
• Fishing: Not a primary fishing spot. The main activity is swimming and paddling.
• Short Walks: Yes, several walking tracks lead from the campground.

Local Amenities

Services are very limited in the small Byfield township. The nearest major town is Yeppoon (approx. 35 km away).

• Local Pubs:
  • The Byfield General Store & Cafe (has a liquor license) (approx. 7 km)
  • Nearest full hotels are in Yeppoon.
• Places to Eat:
  • The Byfield General Store & Cafe (approx. 7 km)
  • Ferns Hideaway (restaurant, bookings essential) (approx. 10 km)
  • Numerous options in Yeppoon.
• Local Attractions:
  • Stoney Creek (onsite)
  • Waterpark Creek
  • Five Rocks (4WD only)
  • Nob Creek Pottery
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Byfield Camping (private property) (approx. 8 km)
  • Numerous options in Yeppoon.
• Next Free Camps:
  • The Caves Progress Association (donation camp, approx. 50 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • The nearest public dump point is in Yeppoon.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Available in Byfield (limited hours) or Yeppoon.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available in Yeppoon. Treat water from the campground taps.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Byfield enjoys a subtropical coastal climate. The area can receive significant rainfall, especially during the summer wet season.