Clem Walton Park & Corella Dam | Free Camping Cloncurry QLD

Nestled in the rugged outback landscape of Northwest Queensland, Clem Walton Park at Corella Dam is one of the region’s most beloved free camping spots. Located approximately 45 kilometres west of Cloncurry, just a short detour off the Barkly Highway, this vast campground offers travellers a stunning waterfront oasis perfect for unwinding after a long drive. The park provides an expansive area for all types of camping setups, from tents and campervans to the largest big rigs, with plenty of room to find your own private corner with a spectacular view over the dam. The scenery is a highlight, with the calm blue waters of the dam set against a backdrop of rocky hills that glow red and orange during the magnificent outback sunsets. It’s a paradise for water-based activities; the dam is well-stocked with Sooty Grunter, Sleepy Cod and Red Claw (yabbies), making it a popular spot for fishing. A boat ramp allows for easy launching of small watercraft, kayaks, and canoes, inviting exploration of the dam’s many coves. Birdwatchers will also be delighted by the diverse array of birdlife attracted to the water’s edge. While the camp is free, it provides basic but essential facilities including toilets and rubbish bins, though campers should be largely self-sufficient. The sheer size of the area and its relaxed atmosphere make it a favourite stopover for those travelling between Mount Isa and the east coast. For a truly memorable outback experience that combines breathtaking scenery with recreational freedom, Clem Walton Park is an unmissable destination.

Campsite Information

• Location: Corella Dam, approximately 45km west of Cloncurry, off the Barkly Highway.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs.
• Road Access: Sealed road from the highway to the dam wall, then good quality unsealed roads around the camping area. Suitable for 2WD vehicles.
• Site Surface: Dirt, gravel, and some sparse grass. Can be dusty.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Not officially specified, but respectful short-term stays are expected.
• Number of Powered Sites: None.
• Number of Un-powered Sites: Hundreds of undefined sites across a very large area.
• Facilities: Toilets, rubbish bins, picnic tables, boat ramp.
• Picnic Tables: Yes, located in a day-use area.
• Potable Water: Not available. You must bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Generally good Telstra coverage, especially near the dam wall. Other carriers may be limited.
• TV Reception: Variable, depends on location and equipment.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, a toilet block is available.
• Ullage / Dump Point: Not available onsite.
• Drive Through Sites: No designated sites, but the area is huge and open, allowing for easy maneuvering.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided, but please take your rubbish with you if they are full.
• Open Fires: Permitted, subject to local fire bans. Please use existing fire pits where possible and ensure fires are extinguished completely.
• Generator Use: Permitted, please be considerate of neighbours with usage times.
• Number of Sites Available: Very large area with no set number of sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, sun protection, insect repellent, fishing gear.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome but must be kept under control.
• Fishing: Yes, very popular for fishing and catching Red Claw.
• Short Walks: Yes, plenty of informal tracks for walking around the dam shoreline.