Best caravan parks on the Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast's best caravan parks stretch from Noosa's national park coastline to Mooloolaba's calm beaches, with 8 standout spots for every travel style. Camplify travellers consistently rate Coolum Caravan Park and Cotton Tree Holiday Park for beachfront access and family facilities, while Mudjimba and Maroochy Palms offer proximity to surf breaks and the hinterland.

The Sunshine Coast sits 100 kilometres north of Brisbane, delivering Queensland's coastal beauty without the Gold Coast crowds. Camplify trip data shows families make up 31% of travellers here, with an average stay of 6.5 days. That's long enough to surf Coolum at dawn, cruise the Noosa Everglades by midday, and still have time for the Glass House Mountains hinterland loop.

Browse campervans and caravans for hire in Sunshine Coast to find your perfect rig for this stretch of coast.

The region shines in spring, when 34% of annual trips happen. April brings an availability crisis as Easter demand collides with autumn's sweet weather window. March sees cyclone worry peak, though direct impacts are rare here compared to further north. What you'll notice instead: stunning storm fronts rolling in across summer, the reason January sees high excitement among photographers and weather watchers.

Coolum and northern beaches: surf breaks and village charm

Coolum Caravan Park

Coolum Caravan Park sits 250 metres from Coolum Beach, one of the Sunshine Coast's most consistent surf breaks. This multi-generational favourite has Camplify community members who've camped here for 20 years, drawn back by the village atmosphere and direct beach access. The park spreads across flat terrain with powered sites large enough for family rigs and annexes.

You're walking distance to Coolum's cafés and the coastal path that connects to Point Arkwright. Camplify owners who know this area suggest booking site numbers in the 40s for the best shade during summer, when afternoon sea breezes cool things down. The amenities blocks stay clean during peak season, and the camp kitchen has full-size fridges plus gas cooktops.

Quick facts:

• Distance: 25 minutes north of Maroochydore

• Best for: families, surfers, grey nomads

• Key facilities: powered sites, camp kitchen, laundry, playground

• Book ahead: Easter, school holidays, April's autumn rush

Can't tow? Get a campervan delivered to Coolum Caravan Park.

Mudjimba Beach Holiday Park

Mudjimba Beach Holiday Park backs onto Mudjimba Beach, where the Old Woman Island offshore creates gentler waves than Coolum's breaks. Camplify travellers rate this spot highly for its protected swimming and the morning dolphin pods that cruise past. The park layout favours larger caravans, with concrete slabs and drive-through sites that make reversing unnecessary.

Local knowledge from the Camplify community: walk south along the beach at low tide to reach Marcoola, or head north to Point Cartwright for sunset views that stretch to Noosa. The Marcoola Surf Club sits 800 metres away, serving cold drinks and bistro meals with ocean views. Peak season here means full bookings from December through March.

Quick facts:

• Distance: 15 minutes north of Maroochydore airport

• Best for: families, beach swimmers, couples

• Key facilities: powered sites, swimming pool, camp kitchen, concrete slabs

• Book ahead: summer holidays, long weekends

Can't tow? Get a campervan delivered to Mudjimba Beach Holiday Park.

Maroochydore and Cotton Tree: river meets ocean

Cotton Tree Holiday Park

Cotton Tree Holiday Park occupies prime riverfront on the Maroochy River, where the water broadens before meeting the ocean 500 metres downstream. Feedback from Camplify's community of owners and hirers consistently highlights the protected swimming here, perfect for families with young children. The park's powered sites line the river, and sunset views from your camp chair look west across the water to the hinterland ranges.

You're walking distance to Cotton Tree village with its cafés and the Maroochy Surf Club. Hirers who've stayed here recommend hiring stand-up paddleboards from the nearby hire shop to explore the river's calm reaches. The classic Sunshine Coast loop many Camplify travellers follow runs: Noosa, Noosa National Park, Everglades, Coolum, Cotton Tree/Mooloolaba, then Brisbane. That's four days of coastal highlights without backtracking.

Quick facts:

• Distance: central Maroochydore location

• Best for: families with young children, couples, water activities

• Key facilities: powered sites, river access, playground, laundry, camp kitchen

• Book ahead: Christmas through January, Easter

The park's facilities include modern amenities blocks that stay maintained during high season. For more family-friendly options across the coast, see 24 caravan parks your kids will beg to visit again: 2025 family guide. Can't tow? Get a campervan delivered to Cotton Tree Holiday Park.

BIG4 Maroochy Palms Holiday Village

BIG4 Maroochy Palms Holiday Village sits 2 kilometres inland from Cotton Tree, offering more facilities than beachfront parks in exchange for a short drive to the coast. The Camplify community recommends this park for families wanting resort-style amenities: water slides, jumping pillow, games room, and a swimming pool complex that entertains children for hours.

The powered sites here accommodate large family setups, with concrete slabs and full annexe space. You're 5 minutes' drive from Sunshine Plaza shopping centre and 8 minutes to Mooloolaba's beaches. Camplify owners who know the area suggest this park when travelling with pets, as the 4% of Sunshine Coast trips that include animals often choose locations with dedicated dog areas.

Quick facts:

• Distance: 3 minutes from Maroochydore CBD

• Best for: families, groups, pet owners

• Key facilities: powered sites, water park, playground, pool, games room, pet-friendly areas

• Book ahead: school holidays, long weekends, April

Can't tow? Get a campervan delivered to BIG4 Maroochy Palms Holiday Village.

Mooloolaba: surf clubs and harbour walks

Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park

Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park sits across the road from Mooloolaba Beach and the Mooloolaba Surf Club. Popular among Camplify travellers for its walking access to the Spit, where the harbour entrance provides fishing spots and the Underwater World aquarium. The park's powered sites fit compact campervans through to large caravans, though space tightens during peak season when the park fills completely.

The Mooloolaba Esplanade runs along the waterfront 200 metres away, lined with cafés serving breakfast from 6am. Hirers rate this location highly for its proximity to everything Mooloolaba offers without needing to move your van. The harbour's commercial fishing fleet unloads catches in the afternoon, and the fish market sells fresh seafood for camp cooking.

Quick facts:

• Distance: central Mooloolaba location

• Best for: couples, families, beach access

• Key facilities: powered sites, camp kitchen, laundry, beach access

• Book ahead: November through March, Easter

For delivery options that let you explore without towing, see Sunshine coast camping free caravan delivery. Can't tow? Get a campervan delivered to Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park.

Noosa and northern reaches: national park access

Discovery Parks Noosa North Shore

Discovery Parks Noosa North Shore requires a vehicular ferry crossing to reach from Noosa Heads, landing you on the beach drive that runs 60 kilometres north to Rainbow Beach. The Camplify community knows this location for its isolation and direct beach camping vibe, though facilities remain modern with powered sites and amenities blocks.

You're positioned for Noosa National Park's coastal walk, consistently the #1 activity for Sunshine Coast campers on Camplify trips. The ferry runs daily with minimal wait times outside peak season. Hirers who've stayed here recommend arriving with supplies stocked, as the nearest shops require the ferry crossing back to Noosa. The beach here allows 4WD driving, making it popular with fishing enthusiasts.

Quick facts:

• Distance: 15 minutes from Noosa Heads via ferry

• Best for: beach fishing, couples, nature lovers

• Key facilities: powered sites, camp kitchen, beach access, 4WD beach driving

• Book ahead: school holidays, long weekends

For the full list of Noosa's best options, see our guide to best caravan parks in Noosa. Can't tow? Get a campervan delivered to Discovery Parks Noosa North Shore.

Boreen Point Campground

Boreen Point Campground sits on Lake Cooroi­ba's western shore, gateway to the Noosa Everglades waterways. Camplify trip data shows the Everglades cruise ranks as a popular activity, and this park positions you for early morning kayak launches before tour boats arrive. The powered sites here suit self-contained setups, with facilities more basic than coastal parks in exchange for the lake location.

Local knowledge from Camplify owners: the Apollonian Hotel in Boreen Point village serves excellent pub meals and books out Friday through Sunday. The Everglades' mirror-smooth water creates perfect reflection photography, especially in early morning light. You're 30 minutes' drive from Noosa Heads, making this a quiet alternative to beachfront crowds.

Quick facts:

• Distance: 30 minutes northwest of Noosa Heads

• Best for: kayakers, couples, nature photography

• Key facilities: powered sites, boat ramp, lake access

• Book ahead: April, long weekends

Can't tow? Get a campervan delivered to Boreen Point Campground.

Caloundra and southern beaches: family calm

Dicky Beach Family Holiday Park

Dicky Beach Family Holiday Park occupies beachfront land at Caloundra's southern end, where Dicky Beach offers calm water protected by offshore reefs. A community favourite among families with young children, thanks to the gentle waves and patrolled swimming areas. The park's powered sites spread across grass with mature shade trees, and concrete slabs accommodate larger family rigs.

You're walking distance to Dicky Beach Surf Club and the coastal path that runs south to Currimundi Lake. Hirers recommend the rock pools at low tide for children exploring marine life. Based on thousands of Camplify trips, families travelling with children (29% of Sunshine Coast travellers) often choose Caloundra for its protected beaches over the exposed surf breaks further north.

Quick facts:

• Distance: 15 minutes south of Maroochydore

• Best for: families with young children, grey nomads

• Key facilities: powered sites, playground, camp kitchen, beach access

• Book ahead: Christmas holidays, Easter

For more beachfront options along Queensland's coast, explore Best caravan parks east coast AUS: 11 beachfront gems. Can't tow? Get a campervan delivered to Dicky Beach Family Holiday Park.

Planning your Sunshine Coast stay

The Sunshine Coast delivers what the Gold Coast can't: space to breathe between beaches, national park walks that don't require queueing, and a pace that suits both young adventurers and retirees. Camplify travellers heading here in April should book months ahead to secure sites during the availability crisis. February brings crowds but also summer's dramatic storm photography.

Common questions from the Camplify community centre on delivery options (yes, available across all these parks), proximity to Noosa (30-60 minutes from most locations), and crowd levels compared to the Gold Coast (significantly quieter, especially outside school holidays). The Sunshine Coast-Brisbane-Noosa triangle forms the foundation of most week-long trips, with options to extend north to Hervey Bay or inland through the Glass House Mountains.

For hinterland extensions beyond the coastal parks, see Top 5 Sunshine Coast caravanning experiences: complete guide and Camplify Uncovered: weekend in Sunshine Coast Hinterland. The Maleny-Montville loop adds rainforest and mountain villages to your coastal time, all within 45 minutes' drive from Maroochydore.

For more Queensland options beyond the Sunshine Coast, explore the best caravan parks in Queensland or compare nearby regions: best caravan parks near Brisbane, best caravan parks near Gold Coast, or best caravan parks in Hervey Bay for your next coastal adventure.

Ready to explore? Find your perfect caravan or campervan for the Sunshine Coast at Camplify, where community knowledge meets local delivery options for trips that fit your style.