Rock Pools Free Camp – Charleville QLD

The Rock Pools Free Camp is another name for the fantastic and widely popular self-sufficient camping area located on the historic WWII airbase site just outside Charleville. This expansive bush camp offers a genuine outback experience, allowing travellers to set up in a vast, open landscape rich with history and natural tranquility. The “Rock Pools” name likely refers to the gullies and creek beds that crisscross the area, which can hold water after rain, adding to the scenic character of this rugged environment. The site provides a peaceful and spacious alternative to in-town caravan parks, with ample room for rigs of all sizes to find their own slice of solitude. Dotted with old concrete slabs from the war era, the campground is not just a rest stop but a destination that invites exploration and reflection on the area’s significant past.

As a primitive bush camp, it is essential for visitors to be completely self-contained. There are no toilets, showers, water, or rubbish disposal facilities, so campers must bring everything they require and commit to leaving no trace. The beauty of the camp lies in its simplicity and the freedom it offers. Evenings are magical, with campfires crackling under the famously clear Charleville sky, which makes the nearby Cosmos Centre such a drawcard. Its strategic location makes it the perfect base for exploring all that Charleville has to offer, from stargazing at the Observatory to meeting the adorable bilbies at the Bilby Experience. For travellers seeking a quiet, spacious, and historically significant free camp with easy access to top-tier outback attractions, the Rock Pools area is an outstanding choice.

Campsite Information

• Location: On the site of the historic WWII airbase, just off the Mitchell Highway to the east of Charleville.
• Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, from tents to the largest caravans and motorhomes.
• Road Access: Good dirt road access suitable for 2WD in the dry.
• Site Surface: Level red dirt, sand, and natural grasses.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, informal free camping for self-contained vehicles.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit, but short-term stays are typical.
• Facilities: None. This is a 100% self-sufficient bush camp.
• Potable Water: No. Bring your own water supplies.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good Telstra and Optus coverage is usually available.
• TV Reception: Generally good reception.
• Onsite Public Toilets: No. A personal toilet is required.
• Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• Open Fires: Permitted when no fire bans are in place. Use existing fire pits and be responsible.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with respect for other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Very large area with space for hundreds of vehicles.
• Essentials to Bring: Own toilet, all water, food, power, and firewood.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets on a leash are welcome.
• Fishing: Fishing is possible in the nearby Warrego River.
• Short Walks: Excellent opportunities to walk and explore the historic remnants of the WWII base.

Local Amenities (in Charleville, ~10-12 km away)

• Local Pubs: Hotel Corones, Charleville RSL Memorial Club, The Cattle Camp Hotel.
• Places to Eat: A wide range of pubs, cafes, bakeries, and takeaways in Charleville town centre.
• Local Attractions: Cosmos Centre & Observatory, Charleville Bilby Experience, Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Centre, WWII Secret Base Tour.
• Nearest Caravan Parks: Bailey Bar Caravan Park, Cobb & Co Caravan Park, Evening Star Tourist Park.
• Next Free Camps: Wyandra free camp (~110 km south), Augathella free camps (~90 km north).
• Nearest Dump Points: A free public dump point is located at the Charleville Showgrounds.
• Nearest Petrol Station: Multiple service stations are available in Charleville.
• Drinking Water Resupply: Potable water is available for free at the Charleville Showgrounds.
• Public Toilets: Located at various points throughout the town of Charleville.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Charleville, QLD

• Summer (December – February): Very hot, with temperatures often reaching the high 30s and low 40s (°C). High chance of thunderstorms.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and milder nights make for perfect travelling weather.
• Winter (June – August): Clear, mild days and cold nights. It is peak tourist season, with frosts common overnight.
• Spring (September – November): Days are becoming warmer and are typically dry and sunny.