CAMPERS at a popular beach on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast have described the terrifying speed with which a sinkhole swallowed a car, caravan and camping trailer.

The 200x50m sinkhole opened up near the shore at the Inskip Point camping area near Rainbow Beach, about 10.30pm on Saturday.

Authorities say the sinkhole is 3m deep and takes a large chunk out of the MV Beagle camp site.

Camper Melanie Wotherspoon described her horror in a Facebook post.

“Yep, can’t believe we made it out,” she wrote.

“I thought we were goners for sure, was truly scary how fast it came into our camp site and swallowed it up.”

Others have described the loud, terrifying “roar” heard throughout the site before the ground opened up.

Exclusive video 7 News at 6pm: See what Inskip Point campers woke to as the ground opened up underneath them #7News pic.twitter.com/uxwtu74hgs — 7 News Queensland (@7NewsQueensland) September 27, 2015

The owner of the camping ground ran through nearby camp sites, screaming at people to wake up and get out, but campers thought she was drunk, the Sunshine Coast Daily reports.

About 300 people have been evacuated from the Inskip Point camping ground. All campers remain safe and accounted for, and no injuries have been reported.

The hole was originally suspected to be related to a number of small earthquakes in the region in recent weeks, though experts have this morning ruled that out.

Geotechnical engineer Allison Golsby told news.com.au the earthquake theory didn’t quite stack up.

“This behaviour has occurred regularly in the area over time and has led to outcomes like this,” she said.

“The recent earthquake behaviour and what’s calling a sinkhole behaviour doesn't actually correlate historically. Usually if an earthquake is going to lead to a sinkhole, you’re going to see it occur very quickly and in the same day.”

Though Ms Golsby was hesitant to label the cavity a sinkhole while it was still being investigated by on-site engineers, she said campers and anyone entering a natural environment had to be wary of the phenomenon.

“Anywhere people go that’s a natural park or a natural environment, people need to be aware that slips can occur, slumps can occur, and sinkholes can occur,” she said.

“Sinkholes do occur naturally around Australia for different reasons.

“People need to make themselves aware of what the natural rock and soil behaviour is where they stay so they can enjoy the environment, have a wonderful time and a safe time, and save our emergency services some trouble.”

Queensland Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing is urging people to avoid the Inskp Point area, observe traffic barriers and warning signs.

“There is a real possibility the hole could expand with ocean currents, so people are urged to avoid the area,” senior ranger Dan Clifton said.

“Rangers and police have erected traffic barriers and warnings signs to advise beachgoers of potential risks.

“While we continue to assess the situation, our priority is public safety.”

Geoscientists will continue to inspect the site on Monday.

It’s the second time in recent years a sinkhole has opened up in the popular camping area. In 2011 a similar sinkhole, which also resulted in no injuries, emerged at the same campsite.