1. Litchfield National Park – Waterfalls, Swimming Holes & Stunning Scenery

📍 Location: 90 minutes from Darwin
⛺ Best for: Waterfalls, swimming, and easy access

Litchfield National Park is a tropical paradise famous for its stunning waterfalls, crystal-clear plunge pools, and monsoon forests. Unlike Kakadu, you can actually swim here, making it a great spot to cool off after a long day of exploring.

Why it’s great:

• Easy to access, making it ideal for weekend trips from Darwin.
•  Well-maintained campgrounds with basic facilities.
• Spectacular waterfalls, including Wangi Falls, Florence Falls, and Buley Rockhole.

Camping info:

• Wangi Falls Campground – One of the most popular sites, close to the falls
  with toilets, BBQs, and picnic tables.
• Florence Falls Campground – Shady and peaceful, within walking distance of the
  plunge pool.
• Tjaynera Falls Campground – Previously known as Sandy Creek Campground. More remote, best for self-sufficient campers.

2. Kakadu National Park – Remote Camping & Ancient Culture

📍 Location: 3 hours from Darwin
⛺ Best for: Outback scenery, Indigenous rock art, and epic landscapes

Kakadu is Australia’s largest national park, covering 20,000 square kilometres of wetlands, escarpments, and ancient rock formations. It’s home to iconic locations like Ubirr, Jim Jim Falls, and Gunlom Falls, as well as some of the country’s best Indigenous rock art sites.

Why it’s great:

• Incredible rock formations, billabongs, and wildlife.
• Plenty of camping options, from bush sites to well-equipped campgrounds.
• Cultural experiences, including Aboriginal rock art and guided tours.

Camping info:

• Gunlom Campground – Near the famous infinity pool overlooking Kakadu’s
  landscapes.
• Merl Campground – Close to Ubirr Rock and the East Alligator River.
• Karnamarr Campground – Remote and rugged, perfect for 4WD adventurers, with easy access to Jim Jim Falls.

3. Redbank Gorge, West MacDonnell Ranges – Outback Camping & Waterholes

📍 Location: 2 hours from Alice Springs
⛺ Best for: Outback camping, hiking & swimming

The West MacDonnell Ranges are a must-visit in the Red Centre, featuring towering escarpments, gorges, and hidden waterholes. Redbank Gorge is one of the best spots for a refreshing swim, while nearby Ormiston Gorge and Standley Chasm offer excellent hiking.

Why it’s great:

• Unique outback landscapes and swimming spots.
• Amazing hiking trails, including the Larapinta Trail.
• Secluded campsites with stunning views.

Camping info:

• Redbank Gorge Campground – Basic but peaceful, with drop toilets.
• Ormiston Gorge Campground – Facilities include BBQs, toilets, and drinking water.
• Ellery Creek Big Hole Campground – Great for swimming and relaxing in nature.

4. Kings Creek Station (Near Kings Canyon) – A True Outback Experience

📍 Location: 3 hours from Uluru
⛺ Best for: Outback scenery and canyon hikes

Located near Kings Canyon, Kings Creek Station is a working cattle station with bush camping, hot showers, and even guided quad bike tours. It's a great basecamp for exploring the breathtaking cliffs and gorges of Kings Canyon.

Why it’s great:

• Stunning outback scenery with rugged canyon hikes.
• Hot showers and decent facilities for a remote location.
• Adventure activities like quad biking and helicopter flights.

Camping info:

• Kings Creek Station Campground – A mix of bush camping and more developed facilities.

5. Daly River – The NT’s Ultimate Fishing & Camping Spot

📍 Location: 3 hours from Darwin
⛺ Best for: Fishing, remote bush camping & riverside relaxation

If you’re keen on barra fishing and off-grid camping, Daly River is the place to be. Known for some of Australia’s best barramundi fishing, this spot is a favourite among anglers and 4WD campers looking for a quiet, scenic escape. The riverbanks offer plenty of shaded camping areas, and if you time your trip right, you might even catch a local fishing comp in full swing.

Why it’s great:

• One of the best barramundi fishing spots in Australia.
• Remote and peaceful, perfect for off-grid camping.
• Great for boating, birdwatching, and exploring nearby hot springs.

Camping info:

• Daly River Esplanade Reserve – Free bush camping along the river, but you’ll need to be fully self-sufficient.
• Daly River Inn Campground – Offers basic facilities, fuel,and access to boat ramps.

Essential Gear for Off-Grid Camping in the NT

• Dual Battery System or 12V power supply – Stay powered up in remote areas.
• Solar Panels – Harness the NT’s strong sunshine to run your gear.
• Camping Fridge/Freezer – Keep food & drinks cold in the heat.
• LED Camping Lights – Essential for setting up camp at night.

Final Thoughts

The Northern Territory offers some of the most unforgettable off-grid camping experiences in Australia. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls in Litchfield, exploring the rugged outback of Kakadu, or fishing for barra on the Daly River, there’s an NT camping spot for every kind of adventurer.

Wherever you go, make sure you’re well-prepared with a solid 12V setup, plenty of water, and the right gear to handle the NT’s extreme conditions. With the right prep, you’ll be set for an epic off-grid adventure in one of the most wild and remote parts of Australia.