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12 Campsites in South Australia for Campfires & Coastlines

From Wilpena Pound to Memory Cove, Kangaroo Island glamping, the Coorong, Murray River and Nullarbor coast. Compare SA's top 12 camps with photos, filters for your rig type, booking links and when to go.

Author avatar for jack
By Jack Thompson
May 24, 2026
18 min read
Wilpena Pound in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, South Australia

South Australia's best camps span outback icons, coastal parks, Kangaroo Island, the Murray River and the Nullarbor edge. You get flagship all-rounders like Wilpena and Stenhouse Bay, hard-core wilderness picks like Memory Cove and Black Springs, and serviced bases such as Arkaroola and Fowlers Bay that make long drives practical. This list ranks 12 standout camps across the state, scored on scenery, variety, access for different rigs, facilities and what you can do nearby.

Use the filters to match your setup (2WD, 4WD, caravan or powered sites), jump straight to a camp from the menu, and always check Parks SA for current closures before you leave. Planning a wider trip? Browse campsites in South Australia or find campervan hire for your route.

Filter by your setup

Showing 12 of 12 campsites

Discovery Resorts - Wilpena Pound
Iconic outback / serviced

Discovery Resorts - Wilpena Pound

#1
Best overall: iconic Flinders setting with real amenities

Nothing else in SA matches Wilpena’s mix of bucket-list scenery and broad usability. Powered and unpowered sites suit tents, campervans and caravans, with resort-style services in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park.

Nearest town: Hawker / Wilpena
Access: Sealed-road approach, 2WD friendly
Sites: Large campground (powered & unpowered)
Best time: April – October
Typical cost: Check current Discovery Resorts rates

Facilities

  • Powered sites
  • Unpowered sites
  • Resort dining
  • General store
  • Pool
  • Visitor info

Best for

  • First-time Flinders visitors
  • Caravans
  • Campervans
  • Families

Nearby activities

Wilpena walks · St Mary Peak views · Scenic flights · Flinders scenic drives

Know before you go

Summer heat on big walks, dehydration and fire restrictions. Check park alerts before you go.

Memory Cove Campground
Wilderness coast

Memory Cove Campground

#2
Best pure wilderness if you earn the drive in

Five allocated bush sites on a remote Eyre Peninsula headland. Exceptionally scenic, but 4WD-only access, a key collection from Port Lincoln, and strict daily vehicle limits make this a deliberate wilderness trip, not a casual overnight.

Nearest town: Port Lincoln
Access: 4WD only; key required from Port Lincoln Visitor Centre
Sites: 5 allocated sites
Best time: Spring – autumn
Typical cost: Permit + booking (check Parks SA)

Facilities

  • Toilet
  • No campfires
  • Unpowered

Best for

  • Tents
  • Off-road camper trailers
  • Experienced 4WD campers

Nearby activities

Beach camping · Headland walks · Fishing · Coastal birdlife

Know before you go

Slow rocky track, limited recovery options, coastal exposure and essential pre-booking.

Book or plan

Stenhouse Bay Campground
Accessible coast

Stenhouse Bay Campground

#3
Best accessible coastal park base

Twenty-seven allocated sites inside Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, one of SA’s strongest scenic public options for conventional vehicles, with spacious bays and clean facilities.

Nearest town: Marion Bay
Access: 2WD throughout the park
Sites: 27 sites
Best time: March – November
Typical cost: From ~$26.60/night + park entry

Facilities

  • Toilets
  • Accessible toilets
  • BBQs
  • Caravan bays

Best for

  • Tents
  • Campervans
  • Caravans
  • Mixed groups

Nearby activities

Little Emu Beach · Stenhouse Bay Jetty · Inneston ruins · Surf & fishing

Know before you go

Coastal wind: bring solid pegs; busier and more exposed in summer.

Book or plan

Mambray Creek Campground
Bush / ranges

Mambray Creek Campground

#4
Best family-friendly bush all-rounder

Forty-nine sites at the gateway to Mount Remarkable, with showers, flushing toilets, camp kitchen and drinking water making this one of the easiest substantial bush campgrounds in SA without sacrificing scenery.

Nearest town: Port Pirie region
Access: 2WD, conventional vehicles
Sites: 49 sites
Best time: April – October
Typical cost: From ~$26.60/night + $13.90 vehicle entry

Facilities

  • Showers
  • Flushing toilets
  • Camp kitchen
  • Drinking water

Best for

  • Families
  • Novice campers
  • Mixed rigs
  • Hikers

Nearby activities

Alligator Gorge · Ali Lookout · Hidden Gorge · Mountain biking

Know before you go

Summer heat for gorge walks; slippery tracks after rain.

Book or plan

Antechamber Bay Campground
Island beach + river

Antechamber Bay Campground

#5
Best KI public camp

Ten allocated sites where beach meets Chapman River, with flushing toilets, shelter and BBQs giving you more comfort than many wilder KI options and 2WD access from Penneshaw.

Nearest town: Penneshaw
Access: 2WD
Sites: 10 sites
Best time: Spring & autumn
Typical cost: From ~$19.10/night

Facilities

  • Flushing toilets
  • Camp shelter
  • BBQ / gas burner
  • Picnic tables

Best for

  • Tents
  • Camper trailers
  • Island road trips

Nearby activities

Beach swimming · Chapman River kayaking · Cape Willoughby · Birdwatching

Know before you go

Ferry logistics, catastrophic fire-danger closures and island self-sufficiency.

Book or plan

Seafront Holiday Park Kangaroo Island
Island luxury glamping

Seafront Holiday Park Kangaroo Island

#6
Best Kangaroo Island glamping

Eco luxury tents in a private bushland corner of this Penneshaw park, with Hog Bay views and the SeaLink ferry ~300m away. Each themed tent sleeps two in a queen bed with ensuite, private deck, Wi‑Fi, Nespresso, mini bar, TV and all linen. Proper resort comfort for couples, not basic camping.

Nearest town: Penneshaw
Access: 2WD, 8 Frenchmans Terrace
Sites: 6 eco luxury tents (+ family tents & powered sites)
Best time: Spring & autumn
Typical cost: Check Seafront direct

Facilities

  • Ensuite bathroom
  • Queen bed
  • Private deck
  • Wi-Fi
  • Nespresso & mini bar
  • All linen

Best for

  • Couples
  • Luxury glampers
  • Ferry arrivals

Nearby activities

Hog Bay beach · Penneshaw Jetty · SeaLink terminal · Island wildlife & dining

Know before you go

Luxury tents are couples-focused. Book family eco tents separately; ferry timing and peak-season demand.

42 Mile Crossing Campground
Coorong dunes & lagoon

42 Mile Crossing Campground

#7
Best Coorong coast base for bigger rigs

Thirty unpowered group-friendly sites behind the Coorong dunes, with a relatively accessible gravel approach, fire pits and sheltered picnic areas and a strong sense of place on the lagoon coast.

Nearest town: Salt Creek / Kingston SE
Access: 2WD / 4WD, good gravel approach reported
Sites: 30 unpowered sites
Best time: March – November
Typical cost: Check Parks SA current rates

Facilities

  • Accessible long-drop toilet
  • Picnic shelter
  • Fire pits

Best for

  • Tents
  • Campervans
  • Caravans
  • Groups

Nearby activities

Coorong lagoon · Beach walks · Birdwatching · Nukan Kungun Hike

Know before you go

Wind, soft sand off formed roads, tides beyond dunes and total fire bans.

Black Springs Campground
Remote 4WD coast

Black Springs Campground

#8
Best Eyre Peninsula 4WD coast camp

Eight allocated sites in Coffin Bay National Park for swimming, fishing and 4WD beach-country. Best for travellers who prioritise scenery over convenience.

Nearest town: Coffin Bay
Access: 4WD only
Sites: 8 sites
Best time: Spring & autumn
Typical cost: ~$22.30/night + park entry

Facilities

  • Long-drop toilet
  • Fires allowed (no pits)
  • Unpowered

Best for

  • Tents
  • Off-road camper trailers

Nearby activities

Swimming · Fishing · Kayaking · Black Springs Well Hike

Know before you go

Soft sand, marine conditions and pest-control closures. Check alerts before travel.

Book or plan

Arkaroola Caravan and Camping
Serviced outback

Arkaroola Caravan and Camping

#9
Best remote serviced outback base

Fifty powered sites plus extensive unpowered bush camping across 300 hectares, with camp kitchen, showers, pool and stargazing to make long northern Flinders itineraries practical.

Nearest town: Arkaroola Village
Access: 2WD to sanctuary (remote destination)
Sites: 50 powered + bush camping
Best time: April – October
Typical cost: From ~$32 (verify direct)

Facilities

  • Powered sites
  • Camp kitchen
  • Showers
  • Laundry
  • Pool

Best for

  • Caravans
  • Campervans
  • Long-range touring

Nearby activities

Ridge Top Tour · Geology tours · Stargazing · Dark Sky experiences

Know before you go

Distance from services, heat and fuel/water planning on sanctuary roads.

Book or plan

Katarapko Campground
River & wetland

Katarapko Campground

#10
Best Murray River / wetland camp

Fifty-five dispersed sites across the Katarapko section of Murray River National Park, with canoe launches, shade and wetland trails that deliver activity depth, not just waterside camping.

Nearest town: Berri / Loxton
Access: Varies by entry; check official map
Sites: 55 sites (dispersed)
Best time: April – October
Typical cost: Check Parks SA

Facilities

  • Toilets in selected areas
  • Canoe access
  • Shade

Best for

  • Kayakers
  • Fishers
  • Tents & campers

Nearby activities

Canoeing · Ngak Indau Wetland Trail · Kai Kai Nature Trail · Fishing

Know before you go

River hazards, mosquitoes and floodplain roads after wet weather.

Book or plan

Cobbler Hill Campground
Fleurieu bush / coast

Cobbler Hill Campground

#11
Best easier Fleurieu bush option

Six sites in Deep Creek National Park with long-drop toilets and fire pits and 2WD access, plus whale season and Wild South Coast Way walking nearby.

Nearest town: Yankalilla district
Access: 2WD & 4WD
Sites: 6 sites
Best time: March – November
Typical cost: From ~$26.60/night

Facilities

  • Long-drop toilet
  • Fire pits

Best for

  • Tents
  • Some campervans & caravans

Nearby activities

Deep Creek trails · Coast lookouts · Whale watching · Heysen Trail sections

Know before you go

Fire restrictions and steep coastal walking terrain. Check closure notices.

Book or plan

Fowlers Bay Caravan Park
Serviced coast / Nullarbor staging

Fowlers Bay Caravan Park

#12
Best serviced far-west coast stop

Thirty-four level powered and unpowered sites with hot showers and camp kitchen. More caravan park than wilderness, but invaluable for Nullarbor transit and winter whale season.

Nearest town: Fowlers Bay
Access: 2WD, sealed/gravel approach from Eyre Highway
Sites: 34 sites
Best time: April – October (whales in winter)
Typical cost: $25 unpowered / $35 powered (2 people)

Facilities

  • Powered sites
  • Hot showers
  • Camp kitchen
  • Drive-through bays

Best for

  • Caravans
  • Campervans
  • Nullarbor through-traffic

Nearby activities

Southern Right whales · Sand dunes · Jetty fishing · Nullarbor staging

Know before you go

Remoteness, fuel planning, coastal winds and dune-driving risks.

Quick comparison

#CampsiteTypeAccessIndicative cost
1Discovery Resorts - Wilpena PoundIconic outback / servicedSealed-road approachCheck current Discovery Resorts rates
2Memory CoveWilderness coast4WD onlyPermit + booking (check Parks SA)
3Stenhouse BayAccessible coast2WD throughout the parkFrom ~$26.60/night + park entry
4Mambray CreekBush / ranges2WDFrom ~$26.60/night + $13.90 vehicle entry
5Antechamber BayIsland beach + river2WDFrom ~$19.10/night
6Seafront Holiday Park Kangaroo IslandIsland luxury glamping2WDCheck Seafront direct
742 Mile CrossingCoorong dunes & lagoon2WD / 4WDCheck Parks SA current rates
8Black SpringsRemote 4WD coast4WD only~$22.30/night + park entry
9Arkaroola Caravan and CampingServiced outback2WD to sanctuary (remote destination)From ~$32 (verify direct)
10KatarapkoRiver & wetlandVaries by entryCheck Parks SA
11Cobbler HillFleurieu bush / coast2WD & 4WDFrom ~$26.60/night
12Fowlers Bay Caravan ParkServiced coast / Nullarbor staging2WD$25 unpowered / $35 powered (2 people)

When to camp in South Australia

Inland & ranges

April – October

Wilpena, Mambray Creek and Arkaroola. Cooler months are most comfortable for walking and driving.

Coastal & island

Spring & autumn (year-round with care)

Antechamber Bay, Seafront Holiday Park, Stenhouse Bay, 42 Mile Crossing, Black Springs and Fowlers Bay. Watch wind, swell, soft sand and fire bans; summer works but is busier and hotter.

River & Fleurieu

April – November

Katarapko and Cobbler Hill. Plan around river levels, mosquitoes and fire restrictions in warmer months.

Before every trip

Always

Check Parks SA closures and alerts, book allocated sites early, and carry extra water and fuel in remote areas.

Our top pick

For most travellers, Discovery Resorts - Wilpena Pound is the best starting point for iconic Flinders scenery with powered sites and services that work for tents, campervans and caravans.

Chasing wilderness? Memory Cove is unforgettable if you have a capable 4WD. Need balance without the rough tracks? Mambray Creek or Stenhouse Bay are hard to beat.

Choosing for your rig

Tents & glamping: Seafront Holiday Park suits couples wanting ensuite comfort on Kangaroo Island; Memory Cove, Black Springs, Cobbler Hill and Katarapko suit more traditional camping. Campervans: Stenhouse Bay, Mambray Creek, 42 Mile Crossing, Wilpena, Katarapko and Fowlers Bay are safer bets. Caravans: the shortlist narrows fast to Wilpena, Mambray Creek, Stenhouse Bay, 42 Mile Crossing, Arkaroola and Fowlers Bay handle bigger rigs far better than tight 4WD-only coastal camps.

Ready to plan? Explore more of the state on our national parks guide or start comparing holiday park stays for powered backup nights between bush camps.

Jack Thompson

Jack Thompson

Travel Photographer & Campervan Expert

Jack is an adventure-seeking travel photographer who has documented his campervan journeys across every Australian state. He's an expert in campervan maintenance and finding the perfect camping spots.

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