Lake Clarendon Campground – Lake Clarendon QLD

Lake Clarendon Campground is a fantastic bush camping destination for those seeking a tranquil waterside escape in the heart of the fertile Lockyer Valley. Managed by Seqwater, this is a designated, low-cost campground that offers a serene, natural setting on the shores of the picturesque Lake Clarendon. The campground is a spacious, open, and grassy area, providing plenty of room for a range of camping setups, from tents and swags to camper trailers and caravans. Its main appeal is the peaceful atmosphere and direct access to the water, making it a haven for anglers, paddlers, and birdwatchers. The lake is a stocked impoundment, renowned for its Australian Bass, Golden Perch, and Silver Perch, attracting keen fishers from across the region. The calm waters are also perfect for kayaking and canoeing, offering a wonderful way to explore the lake’s inlets and observe the abundant birdlife.

As a designated bush camp, facilities are basic but well-maintained, including composting toilets and picnic tables. It’s important to note that this is a self-sufficient site where campers must book a permit online in advance. Visitors are required to bring their own drinking water and power supplies, and to take all rubbish with them, following ‘leave no trace’ principles to protect the pristine environment. Open fires and generators are not permitted, which enhances the peaceful ambiance of the campground. Its location provides a feeling of remoteness, yet it is only a short drive from the major regional town of Gatton, where all supplies and services are readily available. For a quiet, back-to-basics camping experience focused on freshwater recreation and nature, the Lake Clarendon Campground is an excellent and affordable choice.

Campsite Information

• Location: On the shores of Lake Clarendon, in the Lockyer Valley region.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and motorhomes.
• Road Access: Sealed road to the turn-off, then a short, well-maintained unsealed road to the campground.
• Site Surface: Level grass and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, a permit must be booked and paid for online via the Seqwater website.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Varies, check the Seqwater booking portal for details.
• Facilities: Composting (non-flushing) toilets, picnic tables, boat ramp.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Generally good coverage for major carriers like Telstra.
• TV Reception: Good digital TV reception is usually reported.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, composting toilets.
• Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
• Open Fires: Prohibited. Gas or electric cooking appliances only.
• Generator Use: Prohibited.
• Number of Sites Available: A large, undefined area. Bookings are required.
• Essentials to Bring: Camping permit, own drinking water, power source, and rubbish bags.
• Pet Friendly: No. Domestic animals are not permitted.
• Fishing: Excellent freshwater fishing. A QLD fishing permit (SIPS) is required.
• Short Walks: Plenty of opportunity for walking along the lake shore.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs: Royal Hotel Gatton (~15 km), Imperial Hotel Gatton (~15 km), Porters Plainland Hotel (~20 km).
• Places to Eat: A wide range of pubs, cafes, restaurants, and takeaways in Gatton (~15 km).
• Local Attractions: The University of QLD Gatton Campus, Gatton and District Historical Village, Laidley Pioneer Village, Lockyer Valley’s farm stands and scenery.
• Nearest Caravan Parks: Gatton Showgrounds, Lake Dyer Caravan Park (~25 km).
• Next Free Camps: Heifer Creek Rest Area (~40 km), Narda Lagoon Rest Area (~45 km).
• Nearest Dump Points: A free public dump point is available at the Gatton Showgrounds (~15 km).
• Nearest Petrol Station: Multiple service stations are available in Gatton (~15 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply: Available at the Gatton Showgrounds dump point (~15 km).
• Public Toilets: On-site (non-flushing), and at various parks in Gatton (~15 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Lockyer Valley, QLD

• Summer (December – February): Hot and humid, with average maximum temperatures around 31°C. High likelihood of thunderstorms and significant rainfall.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm and sunny with lower humidity. Generally considered a perfect time to visit.
• Winter (June – August): Mild, dry, and sunny days with cool to cold nights. Frosts are possible. Ideal camping weather.
• Spring (September – November): Days are warming up, typically dry and sunny with comfortable humidity.