Hi Xcvator,
Sorry, only just saw this thread as I've been mostly reading myswag on tapatalk recently so seem to miss a lot of posts.
Might be too late?
Not a lot of good free camping close to town. Beaches to the north are popular.
Rollingstone has some free camping, but often full of grey nomads. There is a big 4 at Rollingstone Beach as well. Great spot on the beach, but usual Big 4 not-so-cheap prices.
Similarly, Balgal Beach, Saunders Beach, Bluewater you can camp overnight (or maybe 2) but have to beat the grey nomads to the spots
You can camp at Insulator Creek on the beach - up near Crystal Creek about 45mins north, but Council was clamping down on beach camping though - not sure if they are still on the case. Usual quota of bogans on bikes on weekends but probably quite during the week.
Keelbottom Ck west of Townsville is maybe a bit far away. Been a bit dry but still water in it last I heard.
Alligator Creek NP is about 1/2hr drive sth.
There is a new place just west of town - Herveys Range Quad and Bike Park I think it is $10pp per night.
Land based fishing - The breakwater wall out behind the casino is popular.