Ultimate Guide To Camping In South Australia

There are many states throughout Australia that are fantastic for camping, and none quite stand out quite South Australia. From stunning views of islands floating in a vast light blue ocean to towering mountains that climb their way out of thick lush forests, South Australia has plenty to offer the adventurous camper.

Whether you are planning your first camping trip or are an experienced camper who is looking for a new adventure somewhere new, here is our ultimate guide to camping in South Australia.

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• Wilpena Pound, Flinders Ranges
• Ocean Beach, Coorong National Park
• Talia Caves, Eyre Peninsula
• Kuitpo Forest, Fleurieu Peninsula
• Perlubie Beach Campground, Eyre Peninsula
• Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, Inneston
• Vivonne Bay, Kangaroo Island

Wilpena Pound Campground, Flinders Ranges

The first stop on our list of the best camping spots in South Australia is Wilpena Pound Campground, a natural amphitheatre that is surrounded by towering hills and vast valleys as far as the eye can see. Nestled in a spectacular landscape that is over 800 million years old, you have the choice to set up camp in one of their many powered and unpowered campsites. A major highlight is climbing up the ridge in the late afternoon or early morning and catching the majestic sight of the sun rising and setting. If you're wanting to make your time here really special, Wilpena Pound Campground also offers luxury safari tents that are complete with air-conditioning, comfortable king size beds and even en suite bathrooms!

Coorong National Park, Ocean Beach

If you are looking for a camping spot in South Australia that allows you to try a little bit of everything, then Coorong National Park is the next stop for you. Offering 12 campgrounds with a total of 63 camping sites, Coorong National Park is a camper's playground. You can enjoy an immense range of activities including bird watching, fishing, 4WDing, kayaking, boating, hiking and so much more. This place offers something special for every camper, whether it's setting up a tent right along the waterway or watching the wildlife scatter in the distance as the sun sets beneath the Great Southern Ocean.

Talia Caves Campground, Eyre Peninsula

The natural design of the Eyre Peninsula seems as if it was intentionally designed with the purpose of showcasing the incredible beauty of the landscape, and the Talia Caves Campground is a perfect example. Located two hours outside of Port Lincoln, each rugged sandstone cliff seems as if it was carved out by hand, showcasing the stunning contrast of reddish hues against the splash of blue from the waters below. However, experiencing such magnificent views up close comes at a (slight) cost, as there are 20 camping sites available without power, toilets or running water. But for experienced campers seeking the ultimate 'off the grid' camping experience, no reward is greater than the Talia Caves.

Kuitpo Forest, Fleurieu Peninsula

Boasting more than 3,600 hectares of native bushland and stunning plantation, Kuitpo Forest is a camper's paradise draped in Eucalypt woodland. Kuitpo Forest features 23 campsites, all fully equipped with shelters, toilets and picnic areas, and the main campsite Chookarloo is the perfect spot to set up camp with friends and family. The best time to head down is during winter, when Kuitpo Forest explodes into a fairy-tale forest, filled with exotic mushrooms that cover the forest floor and vibrant green treetops that block out the sky above. Apart from incredible views, Kuitpo Forest also offers plenty of hiking and walking trails to discover, plenty of wildlife to observe and lots of open space to pitch a tent and wonder in awe at the surrounding majestic woodlands.

Perlubie Beach Campground, Eyre Peninsula

When it comes to destinations for the best beach camping in South Australia, only a select few can hold a candle to Perlubie Beach Campground. Here is where you will get stunning views of a calm turquoise ocean gently collapsing into vast stretches of white sand - beach camping at its finest. Located just off Streaky Bay on the western end of Eyre Peninsula, this family-friendly beachfront campground is the epitome of beach camping. Perlubie Beach Campground is accompanied with all the trimmings you would expect with a campsite of this calibre, including flushing toilets, local seafood restaurants nearby and incredible views of the sun melting into the sea - all from the comfort of your tent or 4WD. Did we also mention that pets are allowed?

Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, Inneston

Formerly known as Innes National Park, Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park has been a popular camping destination in South Australia for over 50 years. Merely describing the opulent views of light blue transitioning into violet as the sun sets over the distant horizon can't do justice to the astonishing views at Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park. And the views of towering sandstone cliffs and greenery are not just there to be seen - they are there to be explored, with plenty of bushwalking tracks, surfing, kayaking and fishing spots, wildlife, shipwrecks, heritage cottages and much more to be discovered. Accessible by both 4WD and 2WD vehicles, Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park is the perfect camping spot in South Australia for unwinding and connecting back with nature.

Vivonne Bay, Kangaroo Island

Showcasing an endless coastline of rugged cliffs and lush greenery teeming with wildlife, Kangaroo Island is a picturesque sanctuary that should be on every camper's dream destination list. Living up to its name as 'nature's playground', Kangaroo Island is just that - and so much more. Offering a large choice of campsites, it is Vivonne Bay that stands out the most, filled to the brim with exciting destinations such as jetties to fish from, coastal waters to swim in, fantastic restaurants to dine in and absolutely phenomenal views to drink in. You can choose from their many camping grounds to set up tent, or if you prefer to indulge, there's an exquisite selection of beachside hotels and holiday houses to book for the ultimate retreat.

When it comes to the best camping spots in South Australia, you will have plenty to choose from, whether you are camping solo, with friends, family or with your special someone. For loads more exciting destinations, tips and lots more, explore our Adventure Centre for all your outdoor adventure needs.