CMC Rocks campground guide for motorhomes
CMC Rocks has four official campgrounds, all within the Willowbank Motorsports Precinct. Camp site tickets are purchased separately from festival tickets via AXS. Both powered and unpowered sites are available (subject to availability at time of booking). All campgrounds open at 9am on Wednesday 18 March 2026.
The four campgrounds
- Ace Campground: Within Willowbank Raceway. Walk or take the tractor shuttle to the festival. Range of powered and unpowered sites
- Buck Campground: Within Willowbank Raceway. Walk or tractor shuttle access. Previously known as B Campground
- Denim Campground: Within Willowbank Raceway. Home to The Inn (pre-pitched tents) and The Glampstead (glamping). Walk or tractor shuttle
- Cowboy Campground: At Queensland Raceway, just down the road. Connected by a free festival shuttle bus running continuously during the event
Sites are allocated by marshals on a first come, first served basis. Measure your motorhome before purchasing your campsite ticket to make sure it fits your chosen site size.
Critical campground rules for motorhome campers
CMC Rocks campground rules are strictly enforced. Know these before you arrive:
Vehicle rules
- One vehicle per campsite only. Additional vehicles must go to the overflow car park
- Vehicles cannot leave the campground under any circumstances until the approved departure time: 10:30pm Sunday 22 March. Breach may result in eviction without refund
- Vehicles are not permitted to be driven around the campground for any reason, including ferrying passengers
- Follow Kings Marshals’ directions on arrival. They allocate your site position
Campground policies
- No BYO alcohol in the campgrounds or festival site. CMC Rocks is a fully licensed venue
- Camp site tickets do not include festival entry. You must also hold a Full Festival Ticket
- Each powered site provides power for one setup only (caravan, camper trailer, motorhome etc). No extra power connections
- Snakes and fire ants may be present. Report sightings to security
- No pools (inflatable, plunge or spa). Check the full prohibited items list before packing
Why hire a motorhome for CMC Rocks QLD
Country festival vibes without the roughing it. Your motorhome is a cool retreat between sets and a quiet bed after the headliner. Campgrounds open two days before the music starts, so you get time to settle in and explore before the weekend kicks off.
- Walk from your campsite to the stages (Ace, Buck and Denim) or take the tractor shuttle
- Real beds, no poles, no pegs, no air mattresses deflating at 2am
- Cook breakfast and keep drinks cold in your own fridge
- Your own bathroom (skip the shared toilet queues)
- Shade and ventilation for warm Queensland March days
- Secure, lockable storage for valuables while you are at the stages
- Great for couples, families (all ages welcome) and groups of friends
- No need to pack down at the end. Sleep it off and leave when the departure window opens
Comparing other festival motorhome options? See our guides for Strawberry Fields (Murray River, Nov) and Burning Man RV rentals (Nevada, Aug-Sep).
What to expect at CMC Rocks QLD 2026
CMC Rocks is not just a music festival. It is a full country music experience with unique on-ground activities running alongside the main stages all weekend.
- Main stages: Three days of live country music headlined by Jordan Davis, Old Dominion and Riley Green, plus Carly Pearce, Tucker Wetmore, Dasha, Casey Barnes and 20+ more acts
- Big Time Charlie’s: Late night bar with DJs and dancing that keeps going after the main stages close
- Honky Tonk Stomp: Organised line dancing sessions throughout the weekend
- Songwriters Show: Intimate acoustic performances where artists share the stories behind their songs
- Live Band Karaoke: Your chance on stage with a live backing band
- Nifty’s Sports Bar: Sports bar experience within the festival grounds
- Tailgate Precinct: Opens 4:30pm Wednesday, two days before the festival. First chance to hit Nifty’s, Big Time Charlie’s and the merch stalls
- Food and markets: Extensive food vendor program and market stalls across the festival site. Note: no BYO food or drinks into the festival site (campgrounds are separate)
What does motorhome hire cost for CMC Rocks QLD?
CMC Rocks is a quick weekend trip from Brisbane. Most people hire for 5-7 days to cover pickup, setup from Wednesday, the festival and Monday departure. Here is what to budget for the motorhome hire:
- 2-berth campervan: $140-200 AUD/day
- 4-berth motorhome: $200-300 AUD/day
- 6-berth motorhome: $280-420 AUD/day
Pro tip: Book 3-6 months early. Brisbane motorhome availability for March country music weekend is limited and sells out. CMC Rocks campsite tickets also sell out, so plan both in parallel.
Additional costs
- Bond reduction: $50-70/day (reduces your liability from the standard $5,000-7,500 bond)
- Security bond: $5,000-7,500 (refundable, held on credit card)
- Camping gear kit: $10-20/day (chairs, table, BBQ)
- CMC Rocks campsite ticket: Purchased separately from festival ticket via AXS
- Extra km: Usually unlimited for 4+ day hires
5-7 day total: Expect $1,000-2,500 AUD for motorhome hire depending on size and duration.
Plus fuel ($80-150 Brisbane return), food, festival tickets and campsite ticket.
Best motorhome types for CMC Rocks QLD camping
Choose a motorhome based on your group size, power needs and whether you want a powered or unpowered site. Measure your vehicle before purchasing your campsite ticket.
| Motorhome Type | Sleeps | Power Source | Best For | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Berth Campervan | 2 people | Battery/solar | Couples, easy parking on smaller sites | $140-200/day |
| 4-Berth Motorhome | 4 people | Solar panels standard | Small families, groups (most popular) | $200-300/day |
| 6-Berth Motorhome | 6 people | Solar + large batteries | Large groups, maximum comfort | $280-420/day |
| Hi-Top Van | 2-3 people | Basic battery only | Budget option (limited amenities) | $100-160/day |
Planning your motorhome trip to CMC Rocks 2026
Campgrounds open Wednesday, two full days before the music starts. Here is a practical timeline:
Suggested schedule
- Tue 17 Mar: Pick up your motorhome from Brisbane. Stock up on supplies and fuel. Do a shakedown check of the fridge, gas, water system and battery. Remember: no BYO alcohol allowed in the campgrounds
- Wed 18 Mar: Campgrounds open 9am. Arrive early for the best site selection (first come, first served). The Tailgate Precinct opens 4:30pm with Nifty’s Sports Bar, Big Time Charlie’s and merch stalls
- Thu 19 Mar: Settle in, explore the campground, meet neighbours, hit the Tailgate. Free shuttle buses run to Riverlink Shopping Centre and Yamanto for last-minute supplies
- Fri 20 – Sun 22 Mar: Three days of country music. Stages run all day. Late nights at Big Time Charlie’s. Walk or take the tractor shuttle between campground and festival
- Sun 22 Mar (10:30pm): Approved departure window opens. Departures are staggered by traffic marshals until Monday morning
- Mon 23 Mar: Remaining departures from 6am. Return motorhome to Brisbane depot
A 5-7 day hire (Tuesday pickup, Monday return) gives you comfortable buffer for the drive, early campground setup and a relaxed departure.
Getting to Willowbank from Brisbane
Willowbank Raceway sits just off the Cunningham Highway. Sealed roads and festival traffic control are in place during arrival and departure.
Drive times
Brisbane CBD
~50-60 min / 65 km Via Ipswich Motorway
Brisbane Airport
~60-75 min / 75 km Best for interstate visitors
Gold Coast
~1-1.5 hrs / 110 km Via M1 and Logan Mwy
Toowoomba
~1-1.5 hrs / 100 km Via Warrego Hwy
Sunshine Coast
~2 hrs / 160 km Via Bruce Hwy
Sydney
~9-10 hrs / 920 km Fly + hire in Brisbane
Arrive early on Wednesday. Queues build around campground opening. Allow 30-60 minutes for traffic management and campground check-in.
Motorhome pickup options
Brisbane is the best pickup city for CMC Rocks. It has the largest fleet and is the closest major city to Willowbank.
- Brisbane Airport area: Most convenient for interstate visitors flying in
- Brisbane northern suburbs: Good availability, easy motorway access to Ipswich
- Gold Coast: Alternative if more convenient for your travel plans, adds 30 minutes to the drive
Pick up your motorhome Tuesday or early Wednesday. This gives you time to provision, learn the vehicle and arrive at Willowbank before peak Wednesday traffic.
Compare and book motorhome hire for CMC Rocks QLD 2026
On-site motorhome camping is the best way to do CMC Rocks. Brisbane vehicles sell out early for March country music weekend. Lock in your motorhome now.
- 2-berth campervans through to 6-berth motorhomes
- Filter by berth count, toilet/shower, kitchen, solar and fridge
- Brisbane pickup with easy motorway access to Willowbank
- Extend the trip: Scenic Rim, Gold Coast hinterland or Sunshine Coast loop
Want to plan your arrival? Jump to getting there or browse more festival camping guides.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring a motorhome to CMC Rocks QLD?
Yes. Motorhomes, campervans, caravans and camper trailers are all welcome in the campgrounds. You need a campsite ticket (purchased separately from your festival ticket via AXS) and must choose the correct site size for your vehicle. Measure your motorhome before buying.
Are CMC Rocks campsites powered?
Both powered and unpowered sites are available across the four campgrounds (Ace, Buck, Cowboy and Denim). Powered sites sell out fast. Each powered site provides power for one setup only. If you end up on an unpowered site, choose a motorhome with good solar and batteries.
Where should I pick up my motorhome for CMC Rocks?
Brisbane offers the widest choice and is only 50-60 minutes from Willowbank via the Ipswich Motorway. Brisbane Airport area is best for interstate visitors flying in. Gold Coast also works but adds about 30 minutes to the drive.
Can my motorhome leave the campground during the festival?
No. Vehicles brought into the campground cannot leave under any circumstances until the approved departure time (10:30pm Sunday 22 March for 2026). Breaking this rule may result in eviction without refund. Plan to stay parked for the duration.
How early should I book my motorhome?
Book 3-6 months early. Brisbane motorhome availability for March CMC Rocks weekend is limited and sells out. CMC Rocks campsite tickets also sell out separately, so plan both at the same time.
What is the minimum motorhome hire period?
Most companies require 3-5 day minimums. For CMC Rocks, a 5-7 day hire (Tuesday pickup, Monday return) is recommended. Campgrounds open Wednesday morning, so you want to arrive early on the first day.
Do I need a special license to drive a motorhome?
No. A standard Australian car license covers all rental motorhomes under 4.5 tonnes. International visitors need a valid license in English or an International Driving Permit.
Can I bring alcohol into the campgrounds?
No. CMC Rocks is a fully licensed venue. BYO alcohol is not permitted in the campgrounds or the festival site. You can purchase drinks at licensed bars on site including Big Time Charlie’s and Nifty’s Sports Bar.
What facilities are available at the campgrounds?
Campgrounds include toilets, showers, water refill points and waste dump stations. A free shuttle bus runs to Riverlink Shopping Centre and Yamanto for supplies on Thursday through Sunday. Mobile charging stations and lockers are available at the festival site.
Is Event Campers an RV rental operator?
No. Event Campers is a comparison and booking platform that partners with trusted motorhome and campervan rental operators across Australia. We show live pricing and availability from multiple operators so you can compare and book the best deal for your CMC Rocks trip in one place.
Make CMC Rocks the highlight of your March road trip
Book your motorhome early, camp on site at Willowbank, and enjoy country music’s biggest weekend in comfort.