Top 6 SA camping spots

By Ellen Morgan
Published: Thursday, October 8, 2020

Thinking of getting out on the road and camping under the shade of a coolabah tree? We’re here to help, with 6 top spots to set up camp in SA.

The hills are getting greener, the nights are a little warmer and the sun is shining just that little bit brighter now it’s spring in South Australia. It’s that perfect time between the summer heat and wet wintery days – camping season is here.

To help you plan your next outdoor adventure, whether by tent or caravan, we’ve picked a few favourite camping spots from around the state. So go on, set up your sat nav, collect the tent pegs from the garage and get pitching.

Browns Beach is a beautiful spot to camp with the family. Image: John Montesi/SATC

1. Browns Beach Campground, Innes National Park

Filled with a stack of stunning camping spots, Innes National Park is a gloriously untouched part of South Australia that’ll help you escape from life’s hustle and bustle.

One of our top picks among the park’s 8 campgrounds is beautiful Browns Beach. Sheltered behind dunes, just a hop, skip and jump to the beach, the grounds feature shady sites and long-drop toilets.

Suitable for tents only, this picturesque little slice of camping bliss is a great getaway if you’re a keen walker or a pro at dropping a line (salmon fishing is popular in these parts). You’ll need to book a spot online before you plan your pitching.

Looking for other ways to rest your head on a trip to Yorke Peninsula? We can help.

Waitpinga is a great surfing beach, easily accessible from the campground. Image: Jesse Ehlers/SATC

2. Waitpinga Campground, Newland Head Conservation Park

If you’ve ever been to ‘Waits’, as the locals call it, you’ll know it’s a popular pick with surfers. The breaks here are some of the state’s best.

But this speccy spot isn’t just for those who want to ride the waves – it’s also a popular fishing beach and a great spot to try out a few coastal hikes.

The Heysen Trail runs through Newland Head Conservation Park, but there are a range of other loop hikes that are a little less taxing. Waitpinga Campground has 15 sites (all unpowered), and there’s a communal gas barbecue area on offer, as well as a toilet block.

While you’re there, why not experience what the surrounding Fleurieu has to offer?

Razorback Lookout is just one of the many spots to journey through via 4WD in the Flinders. Image: SATC

3. Wilpena Pound Campground, Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park

Privately run, Wilpena Pound Campground is a well-equipped spot set in the thick of the striking Flinders landscape.

With a number of unpowered sites on offer in their spacious grounds and 45 powered sites for your caravan (or epic tent setup), there are plenty of spots to choose from. There are also toilets, showers, picnic tables, internet access, an ATM and even a laundry, general store and fuel access.

If you want to get out in the wilderness a little more, there are plenty more remote camp sites throughout Ikara-Flinders Ranges. We’d recommend Aroona, Acraman or Koolamon. While you’re there, make sure to drive through Brachina Gorge and Bunyeroo Valley to really soak up the sights. On foot, there are plenty of bushwalking opportunities here.

Check out more Flinders experiences.

42-Mile Crossing has plenty of space for cars and camp set-ups. Image: Offroad Images, Michael Ellem/SATC

4. 42-Mile Crossing Campground, Coorong National Park

The dunes and waterways of these parts are well recognised thanks to the iconic novel-come-film Storm Boy. Upon arrival you can see just why the film was set among the region’s dreamy vistas.

While there are a number of camp grounds on offer along the Coorong, 42-Mile is family friendly, offering a grassy area perfect for kids to run amok, as well as toilets, picnic tables and a walking trail that takes you right to the beach.

If you’re an experienced four-wheel-driver with a high-clearance vehicle, we’d recommend a trip across the dunes and along the beach. Indiana Jones here we come! Just remember to keep an eye on the tides before you set out.

Have a bit more time while you’re there? Check out some of our exclusive experiences in the area.

A van parked in Kuitpo Forest at night, with a woman sitting beside a bonfire.

5. Chookarloo Campground, Kuitpo Forest

Set in the picture book-like surrounds of Kuitpo Forest, Chookarloo holds happy memories for many South Aussie kids.

There are towering pines, enormous gums with wandering arms perfect to climb, and of course a range of trails running through the forest made for walking, hide and seek and bike riding.

With 23 sites available, the campground also offers timber shelters, fire pits, picnic tables, toilets and even rainwater (although not suitable for drinking).

Just 20 minutes from Willunga in the south, or nearby Hills towns, this one is an easy pick for a quick family escape without leaving creature comforts too far behind.

Want to experience more in the Fleurieu? Find out how you can make the most of the region.

Riverside camping at its best in the beautiful Riverland. Image: Francesco Vicenzi/SATC

6. Loch Luna Campground, Loch Luna Game Reserve

If you’re a kayaker, this is the campground for you. You’ll be able to spy beautiful Watchels Lagoon as you’re heading towards Berri, with Loch Luna on the other side.

With a maze of small creeks and swamps, the reserve is ideal to float down on a kayak and spot the native birdlife as you paddle. The lagoon-side camping is a picture of serenity – a front row seat to experiencing the Riverland in all its beauty.

There are fire pits on-site and a number of spots to pitch your tent before another day on the water. The best part? Step out your tent in the morning and simply glide out on the water (you could even go in your pyjamas if you really wanted).

Want to experience more of the Riverland? We can help.

NOTE: all campsites with National Parks SA need to be booked online prior to travel.

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