CAMPERS flocked to Leslie Dam to enjoy their Christmas break.

Fishing rods, ski boats and campfires were in abundance as families parked their caravans by the dam's edge and pitched tents under shady trees.

David and Theresa Miller were visiting the camping ground for the 24th consecutive year, and said they never get sick of it.

"We come down every Christmas and Easter and have been for at least 24 years," Mrs Miller said.

Mrs Miller said they loved the campsite.

"It's the freedom of the campsite - you can come and take up as much space as you want and it's beautiful," she said.

"We have another 15 or so people coming out over the next few days. You end up turning into a small community out here."

Mrs Miller said the dam allowed campers to enjoy lots of activities as well as enjoy a relaxing few days.

"We fish and our friends have jet skis and ski boats and all the boy toys," she said.

Mrs Miller said she was surprised to see how many people were setting up camp.

"This is busy for us - you never usually see this many people until after Christmas, so we were a bit shocked to see how many are here," she said.

Further down the campsite, a Pittsworth family enjoyed a relaxing holiday.

The Gill/Williams family choose a different camping location every year and said Leslie Dam is a great place to be.

"It's quiet and the kids like it," Mr Williams said.

"We fish and go skiing and drinking."

Mrs Gill said this Christmas was a special one.

"It's our first family Christmas with almost all the kids, who have come down from Townsville," Mrs Gill said.

"We have 16 of our 21 grandchildren coming, ranging from 22 years old to 12 months."

Killarney camper Lauren Brown said she loved coming to enjoy the sunshine and the fun activities.

"We go kayaking, fishing, tubing and skiing," Lauren said.

"We have camped here once before, but we usually come here on weekends to go skiing."

Lauren said she liked the peace of the dam and hanging out with family and friends.

She and her family are intending to stay for about a week and will make it home in time for the new year.

LONG REACH

Campers hailed from Toowoomba, local regions and even Townsville to enjoy what the Leslie Dam had to offer over the Christmas break.