Kennedy Bend camping area
More suited as an overnight stopover, this roadside camping area has views over a gentle bend in the Kennedy River.
Accessible by
- 4WD
Camping area facilities
- Campfires allowed (conditions apply)
- Generators allowed (conditions apply)
- Tent camping
- Camper trailer camping
- Tent camping beside car
- Boating
- Fishing
Always check
- Park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.
- Bureau of Meteorology weather forecasts.
- Current bushfire warnings and incidents and also fire bans and restrictions.
- Your camping permit is booked – book online.
- Any park-specific camping information for Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL).
- Visiting Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL) safely for important safety information.
Visitors need to book their camping permit before they visit. Book online, at an over-the-counter booking office or by phone.
Flanked by the road and a long waterhole on the Kennedy River, this camping area is favoured by keen fishers.
At night, sit around the camp fire, pondering the day that has been and planning for tomorrow. You’ll fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the Rinyirru night, and be ready in the morning for another day in the national park (CYPAL).
Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL) is jointly managed by the Rinyirru (Lakefield) Aboriginal Corporation and the Queensland Government.
Getting there and getting around
Kennedy Bend camping area is in the central part of Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL), 340km north-west of Cairns, and 140km west of Cooktown, on southern Cape York Peninsula.
- This camping area is south of Lakefield ranger base, on the eastern bank of the Kennedy River.
- You need a 4WD to access the national park (CYPAL) and camping area.
- Read 4WD with care for important information on 4WD safety and minimal impact driving.
From the south
- Drive 2km north past Laura on the Peninsula Developmental Road and take the Lakefield turn-off.
- Drive 25km to the national park (CYPAL).
- Continue 34km through the national park (CYPAL), past the New Laura ranger base, and turn left at the Kennedy Bend turn-off.
- The camping area is just off Lakefield Road.
From Battle Camp Road
- Drive 85km west from Cooktown along Battle Camp Road to the national park (CYPAL) eastern boundary.
- Continue 59km through the national park (CYPAL) and turn right at the Lakefield Road intersection.
- Drive north for 8km and turn left at the Kennedy Bend turn-off.
- The camping area is just off of Lakefield Road.
From the north
- Take the Lakefield turn-off at the Musgrave Roadhouse on the Peninsula Developmental Road and drive 38km east on Marina Plains Road to the national park (CYPAL).
- Continue 95km south through the national park (CYPAL), past the Lakefield ranger base and turn right at the Kennedy Bend turn-off.
- The camping area is just off Lakefield Road.
Before you visit
Seasonal closures
Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL) is closed throughout the wet season every year.
- Camping areas south of Lakefield ranger base are closed from 1 December to 31 May.
- Camping areas north of the Lakefield ranger base are closed from 1 December to 30 June.
- These dates vary each year depending on weather and road conditions.
- Refer to the park map for location of the Lakefield ranger base and camping areas.
Camp site 1 at Kennedy Bend camping area
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
Camping area features
Adjacent to a permanent waterhole on the steep eastern bank of the Kennedy River beside the main road, making it more suited to overnight stops than extended stays. Large crocodiles are frequently seen here—Be Crocwise in Croc Country.
Location: southern part of the national park (CYPAL) on the eastern bank of the Kennedy River directly to the west of Lakefield Road—by road, 8km north of New Laura ranger base and 25km south of Lakefield ranger base.
Map: Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL) southern camping areas map
Access: the camping area can be reached by four-wheel-drive vehicle only. It is not accessible for campervans or buses. The road becomes impassable after rain.
Boat launching: manual launching (no trailer access) from site 2 only.
Number of sites: 2 numbered sites
| Site | Camp size |
|---|---|
| 1 | Maximum 2 cars and trailers/off-road caravans (6 people). |
| 2 | Maximum 2 cars and trailers/off-road caravans (6 people). |
Camp sites are suitable for: tent camping beside your car, camper trailers and off-road caravans.
Camp site surface: dirt and grass (seasonal).
Shade: all sites have part shade.
Facilities: nil.
Open fires: allowed (except when fire bans apply). Fuel stoves are recommended. Do not collect firewood in the national park (CYPAL).
Generators: only generators operated at less than 65dB(A), when measured 7m from the generator, are permitted, and only between 8am and 7pm.
Essentials to bring: adequate food and drinking water, rubbish bags, insect repellent, mosquito nets, fuel stove and adequate fuel and spare parts for your vehicle. Read more about before you visit.
Mobile phone coverage: not available.
Bookings
Advance bookings are essential. Book online or learn about our camping booking options.
Visiting safely
For more safety information see Visiting Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL) safely and camp with care.
- Viewing platform closed: Red lily lagoon, Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL) 1 June to 30 November 2026
- Temporary closure for public safety: Kennedy Bend camping area, Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL) 18 May to 30 November 2026
- Livestock muster, Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (CYPAL) 3–30 September 2026