Cambell Park Rest Area, Roma QLD
As one of the most popular and well-known free camps in Outback Queensland, the Cambell Park Rest Area (also known as the Bungil Creek camping area) is an essential stop for travellers exploring the town of Roma. This huge, sprawling campground offers a fantastic, budget-friendly base right on the edge of town, set along the banks of the Bungil Creek. Its immense popularity is a testament to its convenience, spaciousness, and the excellent facilities provided by the local council for a simple donation. During the peak winter tourist season, the park becomes a bustling hub of activity, with hundreds of caravans and motorhomes creating a vibrant and social temporary community.
The main appeal of Cambell Park is the sheer amount of space available. It’s a large, open, and relatively level dirt and gravel area, allowing rigs of all shapes and sizes to find a spot, whether they prefer to be near the amenities or in a quieter corner. The council provides key facilities that make it a standout free camp, including a block of flushing toilets and a highly convenient public dump point. While there is town water available from taps, it’s generally recommended for non-drinking purposes unless filtered. The camp is also very pet-friendly, with plenty of space for walking dogs along the creek.
What truly elevates this rest area is its fantastic location. It is situated directly behind Roma’s premier tourist attraction, The Big Rig, which is an easy walk from the campground. This allows campers to conveniently enjoy the spectacular sunset tour and the fascinating history of Australia’s oil and gas industry. The main town centre of Roma, with its supermarkets, pubs, and cafes, is also just a short drive or a reasonable walk away. For self-contained travellers looking for a safe, convenient, and social base to explore this iconic outback town, Cambell Park is an unbeatable option.
Site Information
- Location: On the eastern side of Roma, on the banks of Bungil Creek, behind The Big Rig.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs.
- Road Access: Sealed road access.
- Site Surface: Primarily dirt and gravel. Can get muddy after heavy rain.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, 48-hour stay limit is generally in place. Donation is requested.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: 48 hours.
Facilities
- Facilities: Flushing toilets.
- Picnic Tables: Yes, a few are available.
- Potable Water: Water is available, but it is recommended to filter it for drinking or bring your own.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for Telstra.
- TV Reception: Good.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Generally not permitted due to proximity to town. Check local regulations.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of neighbours and adhere to sensible hours (e.g., 8 am – 8 pm).
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: Cash for donation box, levelling ramps, drinking water filter.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, this is a very pet-friendly area.
- Fishing: Fishing for Yellowbelly and other species is possible in Bungil Creek when there is water.
- Short Walks: Excellent walk to The Big Rig and along the Adungadoo Pathway which follows the creek.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Commonwealth Hotel (approx. 2.5 km)
- The Royal on Ninety-Nine (approx. 2.5 km)
- Club Hotel Motel Roma (approx. 2 km)
- Places to Eat: A wide range of pubs, cafes, bakeries, and major supermarkets are located in Roma’s town centre.
- Local Attractions:
- The Big Rig & Sunset Experience (walking distance)
- Roma Saleyards (largest cattle saleyards in Australia) (approx. 5 km)
- Avenue of Heroes
- Up the Creek Garage & Milestones Museum
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- BIG4 Holiday Park Roma
- Roma Gun Club Caravan Park
- Villa Caravan Park
- Next Free Camps: Judd’s Lagoon (south of Yuleba), various rest areas on the Warrego and Carnarvon Highways.
- Nearest Dump Points: Onsite.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Numerous major service stations in Roma (approx. 1-2 km).
- Drinking Water Resupply: Roma Visitor Information Centre at The Big Rig.
- Public Toilets: Available onsite.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Very hot, with average temperatures often reaching the mid-to-high 30s. High chance of thunderstorms.
- Autumn (Mar – May): A prime travel season. Days are warm and sunny with milder, pleasant nights. Temperatures average 14°C to 29°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): The peak tourist season. Days are typically clear, sunny, and mild. Nights are cold with frequent heavy frosts. Temperatures range from 3°C to 21°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A beautiful time with warming days and cool nights. Wildflowers can be abundant after rain. Temperatures average 11°C to 31°C.