The Best Camping Spots in South Australia
South Australia is a dream for anyone who loves the great outdoors, with everything from rugged outback landscapes to stunning coastal escapes. Whether you're after a secluded bush camp, a beachfront retreat, or a national park filled with adventure, SA has plenty of incredible spots to pitch your tent or park your 4WD. Here’s our pick of the best camping spots in South Australia for your next adventure.
1. Coffin Bay National Park – Coastal Wilderness & 4WD Adventures
📍 Location: Eyre Peninsula, 50km from Port Lincoln
⛺ Best for: Beach camping, fishing, and 4WDing
Coffin Bay National Park is a paradise for beach lovers and off-road adventurers. With towering sand dunes, crystal-clear waters, and remote camping spots, it’s an epic destination for those looking to escape the crowds.
Why it’s great:
- Remote and peaceful beach camping
- Excellent fishing and kayaking spots
- Plenty of 4WD tracks for off-road enthusiasts
Camping info:
- Black Springs Campground – Beachfront camping with no facilities, best for self-sufficient travellers.
- Yangie Bay Campground – Easier access with toilets and picnic areas.
- Seven Mile Beach – 4WD access only, offering ultimate seclusion.
2. Flinders Ranges – Rugged Outback Camping
📍 Location: 5 hours north of Adelaide
⛺ Best for: Hiking, wildlife spotting, and outback scenery
The Flinders Ranges is home to some of the most stunning outback landscapes in Australia. Think towering gorges, dramatic rock formations, and endless starry skies. It’s the ultimate spot for remote camping.
Why it’s great:
- Stunning hikes, including Wilpena Pound and Bunyeroo Gorge.
- Abundant wildlife, including emus, kangaroos, and wedge-tailed eagles.
- A mix of basic bush camping and more developed campgrounds.
Camping info:
- Wilpena Pound Campground – Facilities include showers, toilets, and powered sites.
- Angorichina Village – Powered and unpowered camping sites, an ideal base for sightseeing & bushwalking in the region.
- Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary – A privately-run eco-campground with incredible views.
3. Deep Creek Conservation Park – Coastal Clifftop Camping
📍 Location: Fleurieu Peninsula, 90 minutes from Adelaide
⛺ Best for: Coastal views, wildlife, and hiking
Deep Creek Conservation Park offers some of the best coastal camping in SA, with dramatic clifftop views and plenty of hiking trails. You’ll spot kangaroos, echidnas, and even migrating whales from the rugged coastline.
Why it’s great:
- Amazing ocean views and coastal walks
- Well-maintained campgrounds with basic facilities
- Easy weekend getaway from Adelaide
Camping info:
- Stringybark Campground – Shaded and sheltered with toilets and fire pits.
- Tapappa Campground – Stunning clifftop views, basic facilities.
- Trig Campground – Secluded bush camping, best for self-sufficient campers.
4. Yorke Peninsula – Beachfront Camping & Fishing
📍 Location: 3 hours from Adelaide
⛺ Best for: Fishing, beach camping, and relaxing coastal vibes
The Yorke Peninsula is packed with hidden coastal gems, making it a great spot for a beachside getaway. Whether you’re into fishing, surfing, or just chilling by the water, you’ll find plenty of great camping spots here.
Why it’s great:
- Stunning beaches and excellent fishing
- Plenty of campgrounds to suit all setups
- Family-friendly camping options
Camping info:
- Browns Beach Campground – Right on the beach, perfect for fishing.
- Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park – Multiple scenic campgrounds with basic facilities.
- Cable Bay Campground – Quiet and picturesque, great for nature lovers.
5. Lincoln National Park – Secluded Coastal Camping
📍 Location: Eyre Peninsula, near Port Lincoln
⛺ Best for: Remote beach camping and fishing
If you want to escape civilisation and enjoy the untouched beauty of the coast, Lincoln National Park is the place to be. This rugged coastal park is home to some of the best beach camping spots in South Australia.
Why it’s great:
- Spectacular views and quiet beaches
- Excellent fishing and boating opportunities
- A range of campgrounds from easy access to remote
Camping info:
- September Beach Campground – Easy access with basic facilities.
- Memory Cove Campground – Stunning but limited spots, bookings required.
- Surfleet Cove Campground – Secluded and peaceful with beautiful views.
6. Gawler Ranges National Park – Red Rock Formations & Bush Camping
📍 Location: 600km from Adelaide
⛺ Best for: Unique landscapes, outback camping, and wildlife
Gawler Ranges National Park is a hidden gem with dramatic volcanic rock formations and incredible wildlife. It’s perfect for campers looking to get off the beaten track and experience something different.
Why it’s great:
- Unique outback scenery with ancient rock formations
- Remote camping for a true off-grid experience
- Great for photography and stargazing
Camping info:
- Yandinga Campground – Nestled in a beautiful gully with a fire pit. Can be difficult to access in wet weather.
- Mattera Campground – Close to rock formations, no facilities.
- Kolay Hut Campground – More accessible with some basic facilities.
Essential Gear for Off-Grid Camping in SA
- Lithium Battery – Reliable power for your 12V setup
- Solar Panels – Keep your gear running off-grid
- 12V Camping Fridge – Keep food & drinks cold in the SA heat
- LED Camping Lights – Essential for setting up camp after dark
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for an epic beachside retreat, a rugged outback escape, or a scenic coastal getaway, South Australia has a camping spot for you. Make sure you’ve got the right gear, plan your trip well, and get ready for an unforgettable off-grid adventure!
FAQ: The Best Camping Spots in South Australia
Do I need a 4WD to access these campsites?
Not all, but some of the best spots, like Coffin Bay and parts of Kosciuszko National Park, require a 4WD for access.
Are campfires allowed?
Rules vary by location, so always check fire regulations before lighting a campfire.
What’s the best time of year to camp in these areas?
Autumn and spring are generally the best seasons for comfortable camping conditions, though some alpine areas are best in summer to avoid snow and cold weather. Research the conditions of the specific area you're interested in visiting, and make the best decision based on local temperatures and forecasts.
