If there’s one place in Queensland that’s made for Van Life, it’s the Gold Coast. Warm weather pretty much year-round, world-class beaches stretching from Coolangatta all the way up to South Stradbroke Island, and enough to keep the kids (and the grey nomads) entertained for weeks. The hard part isn’t deciding to take the van out, nope, that part’s easy. The hard part is figuring out where to park it.

We’ve pulled together eight of the best caravan parks on the Gold Coast, from the action-packed hubs near the theme parks to the chilled-out spots where the biggest decision of the day is whether to fish off the bank or take a nap in the shade.

There’s something for everyone on this list, whether you’re rolling in with the grandkids, flying solo, or doing the classic Queensland retirement lap.

BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park, Helensvale

If you’re travelling with kids, this one’s hard to beat. Conveniently located right near the big theme parks – DreamWorld, Movie World, and Wet ‘n’ Wild are all practically on your doorstep. The BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park is the kind of place where the kids will be exhausted by 7pm (and you’ll consider that a win). The facilities are five-star and the team there know how to look after families. It also took out gold at the 2025 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards for Best Caravan and Holiday Parks, which is about as good a recommendation as it gets. There’s a touch of highway noise at night, but nothing a good set of earplugs or a cold one around the campfire won’t sort out.

Location: Helensvale
Best for: Families with kids, theme park lovers
Facilities: Resort-style pools, BBQs, playground, recreation room, powered sites, cabins

NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Resort, Biggera Waters

Come for the pools (there are four of them, yes, four), and stay for the mini golf and the pirate-themed adventure playground.

Treasure Island Holiday Resort is a Gold Coast institution, sitting just 10 minutes north of Surfers Paradise and bang in the middle of the theme park belt. It’s got a great onsite bistro with regular kids-eat-free deals, and the place is pet-friendly – your dog, cat, and apparently even your bird are all welcome. Powered sites, ensuite sites, and motorhome sites are all on offer. This one’s ideal for a longer stay when you want a bit of resort comfort without the resort price tag.

Location: Biggera Waters
Best for: Families, pet owners, longer stays
Facilities: Four resort-style pools, splash pad, mini golf, bistro, pet-friendly sites, powered and ensuite sites

Broadwater Tourist Park, Southport

This one’s a ripper if you want to be close to the action without being right in the thick of Surfers Paradise. Broadwater Tourist Park sits right on the Broadwater with stunning views across the water, and it’s just a 15-minute walk to a ferry service that’ll take you directly to Sea World and Surfers Paradise. The park offers six styles of powered sites: concrete or grass, shared bathrooms or private ensuite, so you’ve got options depending on what you’re after. Two swimming pools, a tennis court, a boat ramp, a giant bouncing pillow, and a dump point are also all part of the deal. This is a solid all-rounder for couples and families alike.

Location: Southport
Best for: Couples, families, those who want waterfront views
Facilities: Powered and ensuite sites, two pools, tennis court, playground, bouncing pillow, BBQs, boat ramp, dump point, camp kitchen

Main Beach Tourist Park, Main Beach

Location, location, location! Main Beach Tourist Park puts you right in the middle of the Gold Coast strip, on a patrolled beach with natural bushland on one side and Surfers Paradise just five minutes away by bike. Even Sea World is within walking distance. You’re not roughing it by any stretch, either – the facilities are solid, with Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, BBQs, and a kiosk on-site.

If you want the classic Gold Coast experience without forking out for a hotel, this is your spot. Book well ahead for school holidays and long weekends because this one fills up fast.

Location: Main Beach
Best for: Beach-lovers, those wanting a central Gold Coast base
Facilities: Pool, camp kitchen, BBQs, Wi-Fi, kiosk, laundry, dump point

Nobby Beach Holiday Village, Miami

Don’t let the name throw you. This park is located in the vibrant Miami/Nobby Beach stretch, and it’s one of the most popular stops along the Gold Coast Highway. If you need a break from driving, the Coolangatta-to-Broadbeach express bus runs right from your doorstep, so you can leave the van hooked up and explore the coast without moving a wheel. You’re also within walking distance to North Burleigh for a delicious morning coffee, and the Miami Marketta night markets are just five minutes away. This park is a good pick for couples who want access to Burleigh’s great café and bar scene without the higher price point of parks closer to the beach.

Location: Miami / Nobby Beach
Best for: Couples, social travellers, food lovers
Facilities: Powered sites, camp kitchen, laundry, easy public transport access

Miami Caravan Park, Miami

Another great option in the Miami area, this one sits close to the beach and caters well to those on a budget without skimping on the essentials. You’re a short walk to North Burleigh for your flat white and pastry fix, and it’s an easy run down to Burleigh Heads if you want to catch a surf or walk the headland track. It’s a more laid-back vibe than some of the bigger resort-style parks, which is exactly what some Van Life travellers are after.

A great perk? If you can’t tow your own van, campervan hire and delivery is also available through several providers for this park.

Location: Miami
Best for: Budget-conscious travellers, beach lovers, surfers
Facilities: Powered sites, camp kitchen, laundry, beach access nearby

Tallebudgera Beach Holiday Park, Palm Beach

For families who’d rather skip the surf beach and let the kids splash around somewhere a little more predictable, Tallebudgera Beach Holiday Park is the one. The park sits right where Tallebudgera Creek meets the ocean and is one of those rare spots where the water is calm, shallow, and absolutely loaded with birdlife. You’re still on the Gold Coast technically, but it feels more like a tucked-away coastal village than a tourist strip. The mornings are genuinely peaceful, the creek walks are great, and after 8pm it goes quiet – which is either a selling point or a dealbreaker depending on the holiday vibe you’re after. If it’s the former, get in early because this park is a favourite for good reason.

Location: Palm Beach / Tallebudgera
Best for: Families with young kids, couples, nature lovers
Facilities: Powered sites, pool, BBQs, camp kitchen, boat ramp, laundry

Kirra Beach Tourist Park, Coolangatta

Right down the southern end of the Gold Coast, Kirra Beach Tourist Park is where the vibe slows right down, and the surf culture takes over. Board shorts and bare feet are basically the dress code here. The park is a short stroll from the famous Kirra Beach, which is great for swimming and surfing, and Coolangatta’s cafés and restaurants are also nearby.

It’s close to the Gold Coast Airport, but there’s a flight curfew from 11pm to 6am, so sleep isn’t an issue. With 40 pet-friendly sites (dog wash included), this is also one of the top Gold Coast caravan parks if you’re travelling with your four-legged co-pilot. Rates are reasonable and the shady sites under the trees make for a comfortable setup.

Location: Coolangatta
Best for: Surfers, pet owners, those heading to or from Byron Bay
Facilities: Powered sites, camp kitchen, swimming pool, bouncing pillow, playground, dog wash, pet-friendly sites, BBQs, laundry, Wi-Fi, dump point

Before you hit the road, make sure your van is ready

There’s nothing worse than pulling into your dream Gold Coast caravan park only to discover a problem that should’ve been picked up way before you left. A tyre that’s seen better days, a leaking roof seal, or a water system playing up – these are the kind of things that turn a great trip into a stressful one pretty quickly.

Don’t worry, though – the team at The Caravan Guys can sort you out before you go. We offer a free caravan health check that gives your van a thorough once-over so you can hit the road with confidence. And if something does need attention, our caravan repairs service covers everything from minor dings and scratches to major structural work.

All checks and repairs are done by our team, who are all people who actually live the Van Life and know what matters. And the best bit? We’re based in Arundel, and we offer on-road visits across the Gold Coast, Brisbane, and surrounds.

So give us a ring on (07) 5500 5213 or book online, and together let’s make sure your next Gold Coast trip is one to remember, for all the right reasons.