The Best Camping Spots Near Adelaide
There’s probably no Aussie out there who didn’t think of going camping once. We’re blessed with sunny weather and some of the best beaches, parks, and wildlife in the world, so it’s only natural that we want to explore every single part of it.
As avid campers ourselves, we’ve been to quite a number of camping spots in Australia and could proudly say South Australia provides some of the best camping experiences in the country.
We have here a rundown of some of the best camping spots near Adelaide City, their highlights, and prices to make the most of your next camping trip!
Popular Campsites in South Australia
South Australia has many popular camping spots. Many of which are situated in national parks or near the emerald green beaches of the state.
Here are some of the most recommended camping spots in South Australia and what you can expect from each of them.
1. Waitpinga Campground
Location: Newland Head Conservation Park, Waitpinga, South Australia 5211
Highlights: Surfing, hiking
Cost per night: from $24
Newland Head Conservation Park, on the Fleurieu Peninsula’s southern coast, offers a variety of outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery for families. It’s also home to one of the best camping spots in South Australia, the Waitpinga Campsite.
The campground is located about an hour and a half from downtown Adelaide and is hidden in the sand dunes of Newland Head Conservation Area. It has BBQ facilities, restrooms, and picnic tables, so families can enjoy a relaxing time away from the city.
The beautiful Waitpinga beach is just a short stroll from the campground, allowing campers to go surfing or beach fishing. You can also enjoy the fresh air as you walk along the Coastal Cliffs Lookout Walk.
Aside from these activities, the campground is also near a lot of hiking trails, so it’s perfect for those who love physical activities.
| Camping tip: If you visit around spring, try walking the Ridgeway Hill Loop Hike since that’s the time different kinds of birds come out. |
2. Wirra Campground
Location: Pink Gum Track, Yattalunga, South Australia 5114
Highlights: Wildlife, playground
Cost per night: from $24
About 45 minutes drive from Adelaide and just 43 kilometres from the city centre, the Wirra Campground in Para Wirra Conservation Park is the perfect camping spot for families who want to get in touch with nature.
The campground has 19 sites and can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs of varying sizes. It also has a camp kitchen, BBQ facilities, and toilets to make the campers’ experience better.
The best part about this camp is how easy it is to see some wildlife here, making it a fun place to go to if you have kids. When we went camping, we were able to see different kinds of birds, a roo, and a bearded dragon just by walking around the area.
Moreover, you can also enjoy Para Wirra’s Nature Play Forest since it isn’t that far from the campground. Kids will have the time of their life climbing trees, engaging in rope and sand play, running on a tunnel, and more.
| Camping tip: The Para Wirra’s Nature Play Forest is near the campground, it has climbing facilities, rope and sand play equipment, and more. If you’re coming in with your kids, you should take them there before you leave. |
3. Perlubie Beach Campground, Eyre Peninsula
Location: Streaky Bay, Eyre Peninsula, South Australia
Highlights: Beach, fishing
Cost per night: from $15
The Eyre Peninsula is famous among campers for having some of the finest beaches in Australia and hence, a good place for camping. It’s also a paradise for seafood lovers, so tourists from other states also come to visit.
Although a bit far from Adelaide City, almost a 7-and-a-half-hour drive, the Perlubie Beach Campground remains one of the most visited campgrounds in the Eyre Peninsula.
With its prime beachside location, boat launching access, and magnificent sunset views, we absolutely understand why many campers say the stay at the site will be worth every second of the drive.
We also love that the beach has some shallow parts, so kids can also enjoy the place when they visit. It’s also equipped with toilets, ensuring a much more comfortable stay for campers.
| Camping tip: Bring a fishing rod when you come to visit. You’ll find several cockles on the beach, so you won’t have to worry about preparing bait. |
4. Wilpena Pound
Location: Wilpena Rd, Via Hawker, South Australia 5434
Highlights: Campfire, glamping
Cost per night: from $21
One of the largest campgrounds on this list, Wilpena Pound, covers over 50 hectares and has 40 powered and 300 unpowered campsites. The campground allows tents, caravans, and camper trailers to accommodate different camping methods.
The unpowered sites are perfect for those who really want to go off-grid and enjoy anything nature can offer. They’re also a bit cheaper compared to the powered sites.
The campground usually has a lot of guests, so you’ll probably find yourself talking to strangers and sharing the warmth of the bush telly. Don’t worry, though, as it doesn’t get cramped even if there are a lot of guests.
If you want a more sophisticated and comfortable camping experience, then try glamping at the 15 Safari Tents offered by the resort. These tents have king-size beds, private bathrooms, and aircon, so you’ll definitely sleep like a baby if you stay there.
| Camping tip: Join the Aboriginal tours hosted by the resort to make the most out of your experience. The Sunset Experience and the Sacred Canyon Walk are among our favourites, so be sure to check them out. |
5. Pink Gum Campground
Location: Onkaparinga River National Park, Blewitt Springs, South Australia 5171
Highlights: Fire pit, rock climbing
Cost per night: from $24
Just 41 minutes away from Adelaide CBD, the Pink Gum Campground in Onkaparinga River National Park is one of the most popular camping destinations for many travellers.
It features 11 campsites that are accessible via RVs, camper trailers, caravans, and tents. Each campsite can accommodate 8 people, so it’s perfect for those going in big groups.
When we went camping, one of the things that stood out to us was that each site had its own fire pit. This made it much simpler for us to begin a fire and cook some marshmallows over the flames.
Also, its location contributed to its rise in popularity. It’s near a river and mountain bike trails, making it an ideal location for campers who want to try kayaking or biking.
| Camping tip: Join the rock climbing tour of Earth Adventure to experience the rock climbing and abseiling area in Onkaparinga. It’s 30 metres high, just enough to give you a thrill. |
Hidden Campsites Near Adelaide
Sometimes, we just want to be completely away from people and the busy lights of the city to fully recharge ourselves. We don’t blame you though, as it can really be pretty draining working non-stop.
As such, we’ve listed some of the hidden and isolated camping spots near Adelaide to let you enjoy some alone time.
6. Ocean Beach
Location: Coorong National Park, Coorong, South Australia 5264
Highlights: Beach, campfire
Cost per night: from $16
A haven for anyone who enjoys being outside, Coorong National Park is just a two-hour drive from Adelaide City. Due to its proximity to the shore, it’s convenient for a wide variety of water sports and outdoor pursuits, such as boating, fishing, and kayaking.
The beach also provides a serene atmosphere, so it’s the perfect place to go camping. With 12 campgrounds and 63 designated camping areas, you have so many options to choose from if you visit the park.
Among its campgrounds, Ocean Beach is our favourite. Since the campground is just near the beach, it’s an ideal location for those who want to make the most out of their visit to the park.
On your visit, bring your binoculars and go to Jack Point Observatory to see a number of birds flying in the park. You can also try the Salt Creek walking trail to see some wildlife and sand dune systems.
| Camping tip: If you wish to camp at the location, you will need to have prior expertise driving on sand and a four-wheel-drive vehicle, as this is the only means of entry. |
7. Cable Bay Campground
Location: Innes National Park, Inneston, South Australia 5577
Highlights: Surfing, hiking
Cost per night: from $24
Located at the southern extremity of Yorke Peninsula and about 3 and a half hours drive from Adelaide City, the Cable Bay Campground of Innes National Park is one of the most hidden campsites in South Australia.
In fact, it’s so hidden that you can spend the day exploring the area and still not meet another camper. It’s also quite small, with only 9 sites, so it’s perfect if you want to stay away from crowded campsites.
Our favourite thing about this campground is how connected we felt towards nature while there. The sound of waves from the beach acts like ASMR to campers, and the glistening light from the stars made us feel more relaxed.
While camping, you can enjoy the wilderness in its most alluring and breathtaking form. You can enjoy coast trekking, try surfing at the beautiful beaches, and climbing rock pools.
| Camping tip: Try scuba diving at the Southern Spencer Gulf Marine Park, which is just not that far from the campground. You’ll find several wrecked ships underwater. |
8. Chookarloo Campground
Location: B34, Kuitpo, South Australia 5172
Highlights: Eucalypt woodland, basic facilities
Cost per night: from $5
Another hidden campsite in South Australia that deserves recognition is the Chookarloo Campground, located 1.5 kilometres away from the Kuitpo Forest Information Centre. It’s the perfect spot to rest after a long day of exploring the 3,600-hectare forest.
There are 23 camping spots, toilets, and picnic spaces available on the ground, making the stay there a bit more convenient.
The campground allows guests to pitch a tent, share some stories over the bush telly, toast some marshmallows, enjoy a hot chocolate drink, and drift off to sleep while listening to the rustling sound of the leaves.
The best part about this campground is how near it is to famous tourist spots in South Australia. You’ll find the picture-perfect beaches of the Fleurieu Peninsula and the world-famous wineries of McLaren Vale once you go out of the forest.
| Camping tip: TreeClimb Kuitpo is just a 12-minute walk away from the campground, so don’t miss out on the experience. Just make sure to make a booking to enjoy their obstacles. |
