Charlie Moreland camping area

Charlie Moreland camping area is a large, informal grassy campground in open forest beside Little Yabba Creek and native pine plantations in Imbil State Forest. It is popular with families and groups because there is room for different camping setups, toilets are provided and short forest walks start nearby. The trade-off is a busy, social atmosphere during holidays and a self-sufficient stay with no reliable mobile coverage or treated drinking water.

Camping layout and site choice#

This is an open camping area rather than a grid of individually fenced sites. Queensland Parks lists it for tents beside vehicles, camper trailers, campervans, caravans and small motorhomes, plus large groups. The broad grassy sections are usually the easiest choice for trailers and caravans. Campers seeking more shade or separation tend to look around the forest edges, where the ground can be less even and trees may complicate manoeuvring.

Choose conservatively after rain. Grass can soften and the creek crossing on the approach can flood. Do not block internal tracks, shared fire rings or other campers' access when setting up.

Facilities, water and fires#

The official booking page lists flush toilets, including some accessible toilets, shared fire rings and walking tracks. Creek water is pumped to the campground but is not suitable for drinking without treatment because it may contain illness-causing organisms. The simplest plan is to bring enough drinking and cooking water for everyone.

Campfires are conditional, not guaranteed. Use only the shared rings, bring clean-cut untreated firewood and check current bans or restrictions before lighting anything. Collecting timber in the forest can damage habitat and may be unlawful. A fuel stove gives you a dependable cooking option when fires are restricted. Pack out all rubbish and leave food secured from wildlife.

Getting there#

Two-wheel-drive access is available only from the east along Sunday Creek Road. The approach is unsealed and includes a concrete causeway. Heavy rain can flood creek crossings, so check the Imbil State Forest information and current alerts before departure. Other approaches may require a capable high-clearance four-wheel drive; do not let a navigation app choose an unsuitable shortcut.

Mobile coverage is officially unavailable. Download the permit and route in advance, tell someone your plan and aim to arrive in daylight. Check-in is from 2pm and check-out is by 11am.

Things to do#

Little Yabba Creek is the focus for relaxed time near camp, while signed tracks explore the surrounding forest. Conditions change with rainfall, so supervise children at the water and assess depth, flow and submerged hazards on the day. The area also offers straightforward access to Kenilworth and the wider Mary Valley for supplies or day trips.

What campers say#

Patterns across Tripadvisor, Adventure Basics and a recent Brisbane Kids review add useful context:

• The open grass is repeatedly described as easy for groups and larger rigs, while forest-edge choices can feel quieter and shadier.
• Weekdays are commonly reported as calmer; school holidays and long weekends can feel crowded and much less secluded.
• Families value the creek and room to spread out, but close supervision remains important because water conditions vary.
• Campers often mention wildlife and a strong bush setting despite the campground's large capacity.
• Uneven ground and post-rain softness can make site selection more important than the open layout first suggests.

These are traveller opinions rather than guaranteed conditions. Noise, ground firmness and toilet cleanliness depend on timing and occupancy.

Booking Charlie Moreland#

Book and pay before arrival through the Queensland National Parks Booking Service. Save the permit offline because there is no dependable reception at camp. If your dates are unavailable, CampWatch can monitor supported dates for a cancellation.