mate are you looking at a camp site in a park or on the beach,,,,
the surf beach allows camping in designated areas only....which is more to the northern end of the island,,,, access by 4b only and yes permits are needed,,, i buy an annual permit,,, but i think its around 13-14 bucks a day
the calm side has only just extended the tracks north to get you as far as coochin creek on the mainland side,,, again camping in designated areas,,,, gallaghers point,,, poverty creek etc etc and once more permits are required
the caravan park at bongaree just up from the bowls club is the safest bet to acquire permits,,, as this is manned during business hours,,, or else take your chances at the ranger station in whitepatch which happens to be next door to the track heading up the calm side
if your chasing a park,,,, the safest by far is either the council park at bongaree,,,, close to all amenities,,, water,,,ramp,,, and parks,,,, or the surf side park at woorim which again has the beach,,,shops parkland etc on its doorstep,,,
if all else fails give the tourist info mob a call,,, they can fill you in with all the parks etc avail
hope this helps
choppa