Police have their hands tied and illegal campers are taking advantage with dozens of campervans using Port Douglas parks and nature strips for free accommodation each night.

Clearly frustrated, Officer in Charge at Port Douglas Police Station Sergeant Damian Meadows said illegal campers showed a "flagrant disregard" for signage, and that appeals to Cairns Regional Council continue to fall on deaf ears.

"Queensland Police has no authority to move punters on, Cairns Regional Council hold that bag," he said.

Sergeant Meadows said the station has fielded many complaints again this high season, however they are powerless to act. Complaints range from excessive noise and littering, to defecating in a public place.

"We encourage people who do have people who are illegally camping to contact Cairns Regional Council and request for patrols to have these people moved on."

He said that he believed Council officers did not work during the evenings when campers were choosing their location in and around Port Douglas, and said harsher penalties should apply to people breaking the rules.

"They (Council officers) give them a warning. My opinion, they should be doing patrols over here at 8 o'clock at night and their vehicles should be moved at that time. If the vehicle is unoccupied it should be towed."

A Council spokesperson said Council officers conducted regular patrols and measures were being taken to reduce the incidence of illegal camping.

"These patrols generally take place early morning and during regular working hours. On the first instance a person is found to be camping in an unauthorised location, a verbal warning is issued and information relating to camp grounds within the region is offered.

"The details of the vehicle are noted at this stage. If the same vehicle is located a second time, a compliance notice may be issued. On the third occasion, a fine of up to $500 may be issued."



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The spokesperson confirmed no fines have been issued since May 2012, the traditional start of the busy season.

Sergeant Meadows said back packers in particular share free camping area information via their online networks, and Port Douglas features prominently on these websites.

In what may provide an insight into the motives of some visitors, Tasmanian resident and "Grey brigade" motorhome enthusiast Carolyn Johnson contacted The Newsport in February this year to express her dismay at the scarcity of facilities for self-drive holiday makers in Port Douglas.

"I ask this question....Do you not want/need the monies from the Grey brigade in your community? You need to recognise and address the urgent requirement by offering an overflow park somewhere in your area, perhaps a sport or show ground with monies raised from this venture assisting the local service and sporting clubs."

Ms Johnson laid part of the blame for the mess left behind by some campers at the feet of hire companies.

"...the hire companies who rent vehicles to the back packers without toilet facilities is a disgrace. Faeces and toilet paper litter the parks and road sides, this gives self-contained motor vehicles a bad name."

Division 10 councillor Julia was unavailable for comment.

In July last year The Newsport ran a poll on the subject of illegal camping, with readers' opinions divided as to whether campers should be kicked out of town or left to their own devices.