Campaspe River Rest Stop, Campaspe QLD
As a key stopover on the long, lonely stretch of the Flinders Highway, the Campaspe River Rest Stop is a legendary and much-appreciated free camp for travellers crossing the vast inland plains of North Queensland. Located between the historic city of Charters Towers and the small township of Pentland, this massive rest area provides a safe and convenient place to pull over and recharge. Its sheer size is its greatest asset; the camp spreads out on both sides of the highway along the banks of the (often dry) Campaspe River, offering an almost limitless number of spots. This means that even during the busy winter touring season, you are virtually guaranteed to find a space, whether you want to be close to the facilities or find a more secluded spot further away from the road.
This is a quintessential Aussie free camp, offering basic but essential amenities. The presence of flushing toilets is a major drawcard, setting it apart from more primitive roadside stops. You’ll also find rubbish bins and a few picnic tables, though most travellers come fully equipped with their own setups. The environment is classic outback bushland, with dusty earth and hardy trees providing welcome patches of shade. The proximity to the riverbed adds to the scenic appeal and offers opportunities for leisurely walks. It’s important for campers to be largely self-sufficient, particularly with drinking water, as the water available from the taps is not considered potable.
The atmosphere is generally relaxed and friendly, with a constant flow of fellow travellers creating a sense of community and security. While the noise from the highway and its endless stream of road trains is a constant, most find it a small price to pay for the convenience and safety of such a well-established site. For self-contained caravans and motorhomes, the Campaspe River Rest Stop is more than just a place to park for the night; it’s an indispensable part of the outback touring experience.
Site Information
- Location: On the Flinders Highway, between Charters Towers and Pentland.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs.
- Road Access: Sealed highway access with large dirt/gravel internal areas.
- Site Surface: Dirt and gravel.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, a 20-hour stay limit applies.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: 20 hours.
- Number of Powered Sites: None.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: Very large, undefined area with hundreds of potential spots.
Facilities
- Facilities: Flushing toilets.
- Picnic Tables: Yes, a limited number are available.
- Potable Water: No, tap water is non-potable. Bring your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited. A Telstra signal is possible but not guaranteed.
- TV Reception: Poor to non-existent.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Ullage: No dump point.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Generally permitted in existing fire pits, but subject to local fire bans. Bring your own wood.
- Generator Use: Permitted. Be mindful of your neighbours and adhere to considerate usage times.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: All your own drinking water, firewood, toilet paper, and insect repellent.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted but must be kept under control.
- Fishing: Unlikely, as the river is often dry or has very low water levels.
- Short Walks: Plenty of space for walking around the large site and along the dry riverbed.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Pentland Hotel (approx. 40 km west)
- Multiple pubs in Charters Towers (approx. 95 km east)
- Places to Eat: Roadhouse at Pentland. Full range of supermarkets and eateries in Charters Towers.
- Local Attractions:
- Charters Towers Venus Gold Battery (approx. 95 km)
- The Miner’s Cottage, Charters Towers (approx. 95 km)
- White Mountains National Park (access track further west of Pentland)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Pentland Caravan Park (approx. 40 km)
- Multiple caravan parks in Charters Towers (approx. 95 km)
- Next Free Camps: Fletcher Creek Camping Reserve (south of Charters Towers), Macrossan Rest Area (east of Charters Towers).
- Nearest Dump Points: Charters Towers Showgrounds (public dump point).
- Nearest Petrol Station: Pentland (approx. 40 km) and Charters Towers (approx. 95 km).
- Drinking Water Resupply: Charters Towers Visitor Information Centre.
- Public Toilets: Available onsite.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- The Dry Season (Apr – Oct): The ideal time to travel. Days are warm and sunny, with low humidity. Nights can be quite cool to cold. Temperatures average 12°C to 29°C.
- The Wet Season (Nov – Mar): Very hot and humid conditions with a high probability of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. This can lead to flash flooding in riverbeds and potential road closures. Temperatures average 22°C to 35°C.