Lake Atkinson Resort: Your Ultimate Waterfront Camping & Watersports Escape

Nestled on the shores of Atkinsons Dam, the Lake Atkinson Resort is a classic Australian camping destination offering a perfect blend of relaxation and high-energy fun. This sprawling, family-friendly campground is a paradise for water lovers, providing direct access to the expansive freshwater lake that’s renowned for boating, waterskiing, jet skiing, and kayaking. With its own concrete boat ramp, launching your vessel for a day on the water is effortless. The resort’s open, grassy areas allow for a truly flexible camping experience; simply pick your ideal spot along the waterfront, set up camp, and let the adventure begin. Whether you prefer a powered or unpowered site, you can wake up to stunning water views and the gentle sound of the lake lapping at the shore.Beyond the thrill of watersports, Lake Atkinson is a celebrated fishing spot. Anglers flock here to chase Australian Bass and try their luck catching the sought-after freshwater redclaw crayfish. It’s the perfect place to teach the kids how to fish or to spend a quiet afternoon casting a line from the bank or your boat. As evening approaches, the campground comes alive with the warm glow of campfires (permitted in designated containers), creating a magical atmosphere for stargazing and sharing stories. The facilities are clean and practical, with hot showers and a basic kiosk for essentials. Its location, just over an hour from Brisbane and a short drive from the regional towns of the Somerset and Lockyer Valley regions, makes it an easily accessible weekend getaway for families, groups, and anyone looking to escape the city and reconnect with nature.

★★★☆☆ (3.4)

Lake Atkinson Resort & Waterfront Camping
545 Atkinsons Dam Rd, Atkinsons Dam QLD 4311

Website: Lake Atkinson Resort & Waterfront Camping
GPS Coordinates: -27.41483, 152.43727

Location Map

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Site Details and Facilities

Location: Absolute waterfront on Atkinsons Dam.
Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs. Very large, open area.
Road Access: Sealed road to the entrance, then gravel/dirt tracks within the park.
Site Surface: Grass.
Camping Permitted: Yes, powered and unpowered sites available.
Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified maximum, caters to weekenders and longer stays.
Facilities: Concrete boat ramp, amenities block with hot showers, kiosk (limited hours), children’s playground.
Picnic Tables: Limited, best to bring your own setup.
Potable Water: Yes, available.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Can be patchy. Telstra generally performs best.
TV Reception: Variable, a good antenna is recommended.
Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
Rubbish Bins: Yes.
Open Fires: Permitted in contained fire pits off the ground. Check for local fire bans.
Generator Use: Permitted, but be mindful of neighbours regarding hours of operation.

Activities & Essentials

Essentials to Bring: Firewood, fire pit, fishing gear (and fishing permit), redclaw pots, all watersports equipment, and drinking water.
Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash.
Fishing: Excellent for Australian Bass and Redclaw Crayfish. A QLD fishing permit (SIPS) is required.
Short Walks: Enjoy leisurely walks along the extensive lake foreshore.

Local Amenities

Pubs & Restaurants

Coominya Hotel: Approx. 16 km
Lowood Hotel Motel: Approx. 20 km
Club Hotel Lowood: Approx. 20 km

Local Attractions

Atkinsons Dam: You’re on it! The main attraction for watersports and fishing.
Wivenhoe Dam (Spillway Lookout): Approx. 30 km
Plainland (services & food): Approx. 20 km

Camping & Travel Resources

Nearest Caravan Parks: Esk Caravan Park (approx. 35 km).
Next Free Camps: No official free camps in the immediate area.
Nearest Dump Points: Lowood Showgrounds Public Dump Point (approx. 20 km).
Nearest Petrol Station: Coominya (approx. 16 km) or Plainland on the Warrego Highway (approx. 20 km).
Drinking Water Resupply: Available onsite.
Public Toilets: Onsite for guests.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Somerset Region

Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot to very hot, with high humidity and the possibility of afternoon storms. Averages range from 20°C to 33°C.
Autumn (Mar-May): Warm, sunny days and milder nights. Generally pleasant weather. Temperatures average 15°C to 29°C.
Winter (Jun-Aug): Crisp, dry, and sunny days with cold nights. Frost is common. Average temperatures from 5°C to 22°C.
Spring (Sep-Nov): Warms up quickly with dry conditions. Temperatures range from 12°C to 30°C.

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Lake Atkinson Resort – Your Ultimate Waterfront Camping & Watersports Escape