Bedford Weir Camping Grounds, Blackwater QLD | Free Camping

Located a short 25-kilometre drive north of the coal-mining town of Blackwater, the Bedford Weir Camping Grounds are a fantastic free camping destination in the heart of Central Queensland. This well-maintained recreational area, set on the picturesque Mackenzie River, is a haven for fishing enthusiasts, boating lovers, and families seeking an affordable getaway. The weir is particularly famous for its superb fishing, with the prized Saratoga, Barramundi, and Red Claw attracting keen anglers from all over the region. A concrete boat ramp provides easy access to the expansive waterway, making it perfect for a day of water skiing, kayaking, or simply cruising the river. The campground itself offers a large, open, and grassy area with plenty of shady spots to set up camp. It’s suitable for all types of vehicles, from tents and swags right through to large motorhomes and caravans. Unlike many free camps, Bedford Weir provides an excellent range of facilities, including flushing toilets, cold-water showers, picnic tables, and wood-fired barbecues, ensuring a comfortable stay. It’s a pet-friendly location, so your four-legged friends can join the adventure. With its peaceful atmosphere and abundance of wildlife, it’s an ideal spot to relax, watch the stunning sunsets over the water, and enjoy a classic campfire under the stars. Whether you’re a local looking for a weekend escape or a traveller exploring the Capricorn Highway, Bedford Weir offers a welcoming and well-equipped stopover that beautifully showcases the region’s recreational lifestyle.

Campsite Information

• Location: On the Mackenzie River, 25km north of Blackwater.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs.
• Road Access: Sealed road access suitable for all 2WD vehicles.
• Site Surface: Grass and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: 7 nights.
• Number of Powered Sites: None.
• Number of Un-powered Sites: Numerous undefined sites in a large, open area.
• Facilities: Toilets, cold showers, wood BBQs, boat ramp.
• Picnic Tables: Yes.
• Potable Water: Yes, tap water is available. Recommended to boil before drinking.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good coverage for Telstra; Optus and Vodafone can be patchy.
• TV Reception: Good reception for most channels.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, flushing toilets.
• Ullage / Dump Point: Not available onsite. Nearest is in Blackwater.
• Drive Through Sites: No designated sites, but the area is large and open, allowing for easy access.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided.
• Open Fires: Permitted in the provided wood BBQs and fire pits only, unless a local fire ban is in effect.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with considerate usage hours (e.g., 8am-8pm).
• Number of Sites Available: Large open area, no specified number of sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Firewood, insect repellent, fishing gear.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
• Fishing: Yes, excellent fishing for Saratoga, Barramundi, and Red Claw. A stock impoundment permit may be required.
• Short Walks: Yes, pleasant walks along the riverbank and around the weir.