Benarkin State Forest Camping – Clancy’s and Emu Creek

Benarkin State Forest – Queensland camping at its very best! This State Forest is about a 2hr drive northwest of Brisbane, just off the D’Aguilar Highway near the little township of Benarkin. The Forest is managed for timber production. It also protects habitats of many animals and plants, including some rare and endangered species. 

There are two campgrounds in Benarkin State Forest – Clancy’s Camping Area and Emu Creek Camping Area. The forestry road into the camping areas is suitable for 2WD vehicles and is usually well graded. Both camping areas are well-maintained large open grassy areas with vehicle access to sites and are suitable for caravans camper trailers, campervans, motorhomes, tents and swags. There are flush toilets at each camping area and these are very clean. There is some non-potable tank water too.  However, there is NO mobile signal at all, which really isn’t a problem if you want to disconnect completely whilst you fully immerse yourself in what’s going on around you.

Clancy’s Camping and Day Use Area: Dogs are permitted on leash here. The campground is 14km from the D’Aguilar Highway. Some of the area is sloping. 

Emu Creek Camping and Day Use Area: Dogs are not allowed in the camping area here, but can be on leash in the day use area. This campground is 16km from the D’Aguilar Highway. The creek can be accessed from both camping areas. You can swim or fish and kayak or canoe. 

There are 4WD tracks as well and opportunities for walking in Benarkin State Forest. Benarkin State Forest is a haven for pademelons, bettongs and quail, and you will find lots of waterbirds near the creek. We had a variety of birds going about their day right by our campsite, as well as a very large and curious goanna! 

Supplies and fuel are available at Blackbutt or Moore, with limited supplies available at nearby Benarkin. We highly recommend the bakery at Blackbutt – just the best pies and sweet treats. 

Campsites should be pre-booked online via the Queensland National Parks Booking Service at https://qpws.usedirect.com/QPWS/. Currently (May 2024), the price is $7.25 per person, per night or $29.00 per night for a family.

If you’d like a closer look at both Clancy’s camping area and Emu Creek camping area, head over to our YouTube channel.