There are lots of places to go low cost and free camping in South Australia. Best of all, they cover everywhere from the beauty of the Outback and Eyre Peninsula, the beaches on the Limestone Coast and Yorke Peninsula and the waterways of the Riverland.
Along with free camping locations, we have included spots where you’ll pay $20 or less a night per vehicle. There’s a mix of iconic regions like the Coorong and Flinders Ranges along with a few hidden camping spots around South Australia.
If you like the idea of low cost and free camping, South Australia is the perfect place to pitch your tent or park your camper for a few days. Choose your favourite part of the state from the list below and get ready to relax! Fees might apply to enter some National Parks in South Australia.
Featured Image Merdayerrah Sandpatch, © Che Chorley
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Wilpena Pound
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Flinders Ranges Camping
Camping in the Flinders Ranges is a wonderful experience. Surrounded by rugged peaks and wildlife, there are breathtaking views at every turn. Despite the million dollar views, there is plenty of low cost and free camping in the Flinders Ranges. Some sites might need to be booked during peak season between April and October.
Explore the crater-shaped Wilpena Pound or go back in time as you drive the Brachina Gorge Geological Trail. The Blinman Mine tour is a must before you drive into Parachilna Gorge. Check out the silo art in Quorn and look for yellow footed rock wallabies in Warren Gorge. Drive, hike or cycle around the area just relax and take in the wonderful views.

Parachilna Gorge
Parachilna Gorge
Cost: Free Camping
Facilities: Picnic Table nearby
Nearby: Blinman, Parachilna
Suitable: Tents, Camper, Caravan
Restrictions: Fires in Season
Pets: Unknown
Bookings: Not Required
Melrose Showgrounds
Cost: Unpowered $20
Facilities: Toilets, Showers, Dump Point, Laundry, Gas Fills, Water
Nearby: Melrose
Suitable: Tent, Camper, Caravan
Restrictions:
Pets: Dogs allowed
Bookings: Call Rowley 040100265

Aroona Valley
Aroona Valley
Cost: $17 Per Site
Facilities: Pit Toilets, Tank water
Nearby: Wilpena Pound
Suitable: Tent, Camper, Caravan
Restrictions: Fires in Season
Pets: No
Bookings: National Parks
Dingley Dell
Cost: $17 Per Site
Facilities: Pit Toilets, Tank water
Nearby: Wilpena Pound
Suitable: Tent, Camper, Caravan
Restrictions: Fires in Season
Pets: No
Bookings: National Parks

Warren Gorge
Warren Gorge
Cost: $15 per vehicle
Facilities: Pit toilets
Nearby: Quorn
Suitable: Tent, Camper, Caravan
Restrictions: Fires in Season
Pets: Dogs on leash
Bookings: Self rego on entry (cash)
Horrocks Pass Bush Camp
Cost: Free Camping
Facilities: Fire Pits
Nearby: Wilmington
Suitable: Tent, Camper, Caravan
Restrictions: Fires in Season
Pets: Pets allowed
Bookings: Not required
More Flinders Ranges Camping: Acraman Campground, Brachina East Campground, Koolamon Campground, Trezona Campground, Youngoona Campground.

Flinders Ranges Atlas & Guide
Extensive and up-to-date information for the whole of the Flinders Ranges, from its southernmost tip, where it brushes against the waters of the Spencer Gulf, to its northern extremity beyond Arkaroola and the rugged Gammon massif. Comprehensive details to towns, national parks and each and every station property (open to the public) for hiking, cycling, camping, accommodation and four-wheel driving.

Fishery Bay, Port Lincoln
Eyre Peninsula Camping
At over 600km from Adelaide, the Eyre Peninsula has some remote and unspoilt campsites near beautiful beaches, secluded bays and towering sea cliffs. Whether you go for the stunning Lincoln National Park or one of the many ‘Bay’ towns – Tumby Bay, Venus Bay, Coffin Bay, Streaky Bay – you’ll find some great free and low cost camping.
Fishing, 4WDing, snorkelling, kayaking, relaxing on the beach or spotting seals and dolphins from the cliff tops are all great Eyre Peninsula activities. On your way there, make sure to stop at Whyalla to swim with the cuttlefish or meet the friendly Whyalla Marina dolphins.

Talia Caves
Talia Caves Campground
Cost: Free Camping
Facilities: None
Nearby: Elliston
Suitable: Tents, Camper, Caravan
Restrictions: No fires
Pets: Unknown
Bookings: Not Required
Greenly Beach
Cost: Free Camping
Facilities: None
Nearby: Coulta
Suitable: Tent, Campers, Caravans
Restrictions:
Pets: Pets allowed
Bookings: Not Required

Coffin Bay – Credit Kane Overall
Yangie Bay Campground
Cost: $13.50 Per Site
Facilities: Pit Toilets, Picnic Shelter, Kayak Launch
Nearby: Port Lincoln
Suitable: Tent, Camper, Caravan
Restrictions: Fires in Season
Pets: No
Bookings: National Parks
Kolay Hut Campground
Cost: $13.50 Per Site
Facilities: Pit Toilets
Nearby: Minnipa, Kimba
Suitable: 4WD, Tent, Camper
Restrictions: Fires in Season
Pets: No
Bookings: National Parks

Lipson Cove – Credit Isaac Forman
Lipson Cove Campground
Cost: $10 Per Site
Facilities: Pit toilets, Boat Ramp
Nearby: Tumby Bay
Suitable: Tent, Camper, Caravan
Restrictions: Fires in Season
Pets: Pets Allowed
Bookings: Self rego on entry (cash)
September Beach
Cost: $13.50 per Site
Facilities: Pit Toilets, Fire Pits, Picnic Tables
Nearby: Port Lincoln
Suitable: Tent, Camper, Caravan
Restrictions: Fires in Season
Pets: No
Bookings: National Parks
More Eyre Peninsula Camps: Kimba Free Camp, Tractor Beach Camp, Port Gibbon Camping, Walkers Rock Beach, Black Springs Campground, Surfleet Cove Campground, Taylors Landing, Spalding Cove Campground.

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SA Outback Camping
If being a long, long way from people is your idea of the perfect camping trip you’re in luck. The South Australian outback is as vast as it is spectacular. Take your 4WD to the north of the state to check out the Strzelecki Track to Innamincka or try Oodnadatta and Dalhousie Springs. Further west, tackle the 300 sandhills on Googs Track or the expansive beauty of the Nullarbor Plain.
The Nullarbor might be vast, but it is far from boring. Winter whale watching at the Head of the Bight, the Bunda cliffs and Australia’s longest golf course all help break up the drive. Camping in the South Australian outback is all about the landscape. Red sand hills, wildlife, big skies full of stars, and great pub hospitality are all part of the adventure.
Read More : Plan your Adelaide to Perth Road Trip Here

Merdayerrah © Che Chorley
Merdayerrah Sandpatch
Cost: Free Camping
Facilities: Picnic Table nearby
Nearby: Border Village
Suitable: Tents
Restrictions: Fires in Season
Pets: Unknown
Bookings: Not Required
Arkaringa Station
Cost: $15 per Vehicle
Facilities: Toilets, Showers, BBQ
Nearby: Oodnadatta
Suitable: Tent, Camper, Caravan
Restrictions:
Pets: Pets on leash
Bookings: Station Homestead

Nullarbor Bunda Cliffs
Bunda Cliffs
Cost: $17 Per Site
Facilities: Pit Toilets, Tank water
Nearby: Nullarbor
Suitable: Tent, Camper, Caravan
Restrictions:Fires in Season
Pets: No
Bookings: National Parks
Matheson Bore Rest Area
Cost: Free Camping
Facilities: Tank water, Limited Shade, Bins
Nearby: Coober Pedy
Suitable: Tent, Camper, Caravan
Restrictions: 24 hour rest stop
Pets: Dogs allowed
Bookings: Not required

The Pink Roadhouse
The Pink Roadhouse
Cost: $15 per vehicle
Facilities: Basic kitchen, toilets, showers
Nearby: Oodnadatta
Suitable: Tent, Camper, Caravan
Restrictions: None
Pets: Dogs permitted
Bookings: Roadhouse
Coopers Creek Campground
Cost: Free Camping
Facilities: Toilets nearby, Wood BBQ
Nearby: Innamincka
Suitable: Tent, Camper
Restrictions: No fires
Pets: Pets allowed
Bookings: Not required
More SA Outback Camps: 3 O’Clock Creek Camp, Dalhousie Springs Campground, Purni Bore, Agnes Creek Rest Area, Halligan Bay Point Campground, Nullarbor National Park, Scotts Beach Campground and Googs Lake and Kingoonya along Goog’s Track

Blowhole Beach – Deep Creek Conservation Park
Fleurieu Peninsula Camping
The Fleurieu Peninsula has some great low cost campsites that are the perfect base for exploring some of South Australia’s most popular holiday towns. Victor Harbour, Goolwa, Port Elliot, Second Valley and Rapid Bay all provide year round fun and relaxation. Toss in Deep Creek Conservation Park and Kangaroo Island and it’s not hard to why the Fleurieu Peninsula is one of South Australia’s best camping areas.
There is a lot to do on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Rapid Bay and Second Valley have fantastic snorkelling. Deep Creek has beautiful walks, secluded beaches and views across to Kangaroo Island. Between Victor Harbor and Goolwa there are great beaches, cafes and wildlife experiences. On Kangaroo Island, camping is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the island’s abundant wildlife.

Cobbler Hill Camp – Deep Creek
Cobbler Hill Campground
Cost: $17 per Site
Facilities: Pit Toilets,Shade,Fire Pits
Nearby: Victor Harbor
Suitable: Tents, Camper, Caravan
Restrictions: Fires in seaon
Pets: No
Bookings: National Parks
D’Estrees Bay Campground
Cost: $17 per Site
Facilities: Toilets
Nearby: Kangaroo Island
Suitable: Tent, Camper, Caravan
Restrictions: No Fires
Pets: No Pets
Bookings: National Parks

West Bay Camp – Flinders Chase
West Bay Campground
Cost: $17 Per Site
Facilities: Pit Toilets, Picnic Tables
Nearby: Kangaroo Island
Suitable: 4wd only, Tent, Camper
Restrictions: No fires
Pets: No
Bookings: National Parks
Frank Potts Reserve
Cost: $5 per Vehicle
Facilities: Toilets, Drinking Water, Dump Point
Nearby: Langhorne Creek
Suitable: Tent, Camper, Caravan
Restrictions: No Fires
Pets: Pets allowed
Bookings: Self Register on Site

Chookarloo Camp – Kuipto Forest
Chookarloo Campground
Cost: $18.30 per vehicle
Facilities: Hybrid Toilet, Tank Water, Fire Pits, Picnic Tables & Shelter
Nearby: Strathalbyn
Suitable: Tent, Camper, Caravan
Restrictions: Open April – Nov
Pets: Dogs on leash
Bookings: ForestrySA
Murray Mouth Camp
Cost: Free Camping
Facilities: None
Nearby: Goolwa
Suitable: Tent, Camper
Restrictions: Fires in season
Pets: No
Bookings: Not required
More Fleurieu Peninsula Camps: Stringybark Campground, Waitpinga Campground, Antechamber Bay Campground, Chapman River Campground, Harvey’s Return Campground, Rapid Bay (a great spot but these days it no longer fits our ‘cheap’ criteria!).
Read More : See Whales & Dolphins on the Big Duck Cruise

The Sugarloaf – Hallet Cove
Adelaide Camping
If you’re looking for low cost camping near Adelaide there are fewer choices but still some good options. Locations north, south and east of the city will get you into nature no more than 60 minutes from Adelaide. Best of all, you’ll still be paying less than $20 per night.
Para Wirra Conservation Park is one hour from Adelaide, but only 30 minutes from the Barossa Valley. Grab some fine wine and gourmet food for your bush campsite. A Barossa Mystery Picnic is also a fun day activity. In the South, Onkaparinga River National Park has spectacular walks. You’re on the doorstep of McLaren Vale and close to some of Adelaide’s best beaches at Port Willunga, Noarlunga and Maslins.
There is low cost camping in the Adelaide Hills at Gumeracha. From there explore all the great things to do in the Adelaide Hills. Visit wineries and distilleries. Wander down the main street of Hahndorf. Have a coffee in Stirling. Visit the Mt Lofty precinct for the lookout, gardens and Cleland Conservation Park. Get a taste of Africa at Monarto Safari Park.

Onkaparinga River National Park
Pink Gum Campground
Cost: $17 per Site
Facilities: Flush Toilets, Washup area, Fire Pits
Nearby: Noarlunga
Suitable: Tents, Camper, Caravan
Restrictions: Fires in seaon
Pets: No
Bookings: National Parks

Para Wirra National Park
Wirra Campground
Cost: $17 Per Site
Facilities: Camp kitchen, Fire Pits, BBQ Toilets, Picnic Tables
Nearby: Birdwood
Suitable: Tents, Swags, Campers
Restrictions: 5 days max
Pets: Dogs on leash
Bookings: National Parks

Mt Crawford Forest – Mish + Kirk
Chalk’s Campground
Cost: $18.30 per Vehicle
Facilities: Hybrid Toilet, Tank Water, Fire Pits, Picnic Tables & Bush hut
Nearby: Gumeracha
Suitable: Tent, Camper, Caravan
Restrictions: Open April – Nov
Pets: Dogs on leash
Bookings: ForestrySA
Read More : Find the Best Free Things to do in Adelaide
Have you been on a Mystery Picnic?
Mystery Picnics are the perfect way to combine fun, food and travel. Solve riddles that take you to a series of artisan food shops that provide goodies for your picnic basket. At the end of the day, you finish in the perfect picnic spot to enjoy your food. Picnics are available in the Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale, Glenelg and Adelaide city.

Yorke Peninsula Camping Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission Adam Bruzzone
Yorke Peninsula Camping
You might think that sand this white and water this blue is just for the rich and famous. But there are million dollar views from low cost camp sites on Yorke Peninsula. The coastal scenery and beaches on Yorke Peninsula are stunning. Marion Bay, Berry Bay, Corny Point and The Horseshoe are just a sample of what the region offers.
There is more beautiful scenery through Innes National Park at the southern tip of the peninsula. Make sure you check out Stenhouse Bay Jetty. Snorkellers can try spotting seahorses at Ardrossan and Edithburgh Jetties. For a taste of history (and great Cornish pasties), head to the Kadina, Wallaroo and Moonta. Yorke Peninsula is also a top fishing spot. Whether you have boat or try a local jetty, it is worth packing your fishing gear.

Innes NP Credit: SA Tourism Commission Adam Bruzzone
Cable Bay Campground
Cost: $16 per Vehicle
Facilities: Pit Toilets, Fire Pits, Wood BBQ’s
Nearby: Marion Bay
Suitable: Tents, Camper, Caravan
Restrictions: Fires in season
Pets: No
Bookings: National Parks
Moonta RV Overnight Stop
Cost: Donation to Tourist Centre
Facilities: Drink Water
Nearby: Moonta
Suitable: Self Contained Caravan
Restrictions: 48 Hours Max
Pets: Pets Allowed
Bookings: Not Required

Stenhouse Bay Jetty Credit: Tourism Australia
Stenhouse Bay Camp
Cost: $17 Per Site
Facilities: Pit Toilets, Compacted Ground difficult for pegs
Nearby: Marion Bay
Suitable: Tents, Campers, Caravan
Restrictions: Fires in season
Pets: No
Bookings: National Parks
The Gap Campground
Cost: $10 Per Vehicle
Facilities: Toilets, Fire Pits
Nearby: Balgowan
Suitable: Tents, Swags, Campers
Restrictions: Fires in Season
Pets: Dogs on leash
Bookings: Yorke Peninsula Camps

Brown’s Beach Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission
Browns Beach Campground
Cost: $17 Per Vehicle
Facilities: Fire Pit, Picnic Tables, Pit Toilets
Nearby: Marion Bay
Suitable: Tent, Campers
Restrictions: 5 Days max
Pets: No
Bookings: National Parks
Gleesons Landing Camp
Cost: $10 Per Vehicle
Facilities: Toilets, Fire Pits, Bins, Tank Water, Beach Boat Launch
Nearby: Corny Point
Suitable: Tents, Campers, Caravan
Restrictions: Fires in Season
Pets: Dogs on leash
Bookings: Yorke Peninsula Camps
More Yorke Peninsula Camps: Port Victoria Oval Campsite, Port Julia Oval Campsite, Tippara Rocks Campsite, Swincer Rocks Campground, The Bamboos, Gravel Bay, Foul Bay, Mozzie Flat, Sturt Bay, Daly Head, Burners Beach.
Read More : Upgrade and Go Glamping in South Australia
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Murray River National Park Credit: Francesco Vicenzi
Riverland Camping
There is a great range of low cost and free camping in the Riverland. Best of all, many locations are right on the riverbank so whether you like kayaking, fishing, or just watching pelicans float by you’ll have a front row seat. The Murray River National Park is the natural centrepiece of the area. The three parts of the park all offer unique river experiences. Explore the park’s red sandstone cliffs, abundant bird life and picturesque lagoons. Hire a kayak, sit in a bird hide or go on a river cruise to take it all in.
Between Loxton, Renmark, Barmera and Waikerie, there is a treasure trove of museums and galleries to stroll through. If you can’t go past a cellar door, Banrock Station Wine and Wetlands, Angove Family Winemakers and Mallee Estate Wines will all be on your to do list. Wilkadene Woolshed Brewery and Twenty Third Street Distillery offer something for beer and spirit drinkers.

Murray River National Park
Hogwash Bend Camp
Cost: Free Camping
Facilities: Some Shade, Bins
Nearby: Cadell
Suitable: Tents, Camper, Caravan
Restrictions:
Pets: Pets Allowed
Bookings: Not Required
Chowilla Game Reserve
Cost: $13.50 per Site
Facilities: Some Shade, Pit Toilets
Nearby: Paringa
Suitable: Tents, Campers, Caravan
Restrictions: 48 Hours Max
Pets: Pets allowed at Border Cliffs
Bookings: National Parks

Big Bend, Murray National Park
Big Bend Free Camp
Cost: Free Camping
Facilities: Some shade
Nearby: Swan Reach
Suitable: Tents, Campers, Caravan
Restrictions: Fires in season
Pets: Pets Allowed
Bookings: Not Required
Katarapko Campground
Cost: $13.50 per Site
Facilities: Pit Toilet, Shade
Nearby: Loxton
Suitable: Tents, Campers, Caravans
Restrictions: Fires in Season
Pet: No
Bookings: National Parks

Loch Luna Game Reserve
Loch Luna Game Reserve
Cost: $13.50 per Site
Facilities: Some Shade
Nearby: Barmera
Suitable: Tent, Camper, Caravan
Restrictions: Fires in season
Pets: No
Bookings: National Parks
Greenways Landing
Cost: Free Camping
Facilities: Toilet, Boat Ramp, Shade
Nearby: Swan Reach
Suitable: Tents, Campers, Caravan
Restrictions: Fires in Season
Pets: Pets Allowed
Bookings: Not Required
More Riverland Camps: Martin’s Bend Reserve, Tenbury Hunter Reserve, Heron Bend, Morgan Conservation Park, Graeme Claxton Reserve, Devils Pound Rest Area, Lake Bonney Reserve, Cobdogla Pump Station, Ramco Point, Murtho Forest.

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Blue Lake Mount Gambier
Limestone Coast Camping
With a wonderful mix of landscapes, low cost and free camping on the Limestone Coast unlocks a world of wonder. Starting in the Coorong, camping is a great way to take in the area’s rugged beauty. There are many cheap campsites between Meningie and 28 Mile Crossing. Then there’s Robe’s endlessly long beaches, Canunda National Park’s sand hills and the sinkholes and caves around Mount Gambier.
No matter where you end up camping on the Limestone Coast, there’s plenty to do. Go fishing, 4WDing and relaxing by the beach along the coast. Duck inland to do some wine tasting in the Coonawarra. Check out the Blue Lake and Tantanoola Cave in Mount Gambier or grab a wetsuit and your snorkelling gear to explore the crystal clear water at Ewens and Piccaninnie Ponds.

Canunda National Park
Oil Rig Square Campground
Cost: $17 per Vehicle
Facilities: Pit Toilets, Fire Pits, Limited Water, Wind Shelter
Nearby: Millicent
Suitable: Tents, Camper, Caravan
Restrictions: Fires in season
Pets: No
Bookings: National Parks
Kingston Free Camp
Cost: $10 for 48 hours
Facilities: Toilets, Dump Pt, Water
Nearby: Kingston
Suitable: Campers, M/homes, Vans
Restrictions: No Tents, 48 hrs max
Pets: Pets Allowed
Bookings: Not Required

Narrung Jetty Reserve
Narrung Jetty Reserve
Cost: Free Camping
Facilities: Pit Toilets, Bins, Shelter, Picnic Tables
Nearby: Meningie
Suitable: Tents, Campers, Caravan
Restrictions: 72 hr limit
Pets: Pets on leash
Bookings: Not Required
Cockatoo Lake
Cost: Free Camping
Facilities: Toilets, Fire Pits, Boat Ramp
Nearby: Naracoorte
Suitable: Tents, Campers, Caravans
Restrictions: Fires in Season
Pets: Dogs on leash
Bookings: Not Required

42 Mile Crossing – Off Road Images
42 Mile Crossing
Cost: $17 per Vehicle
Facilities: Pit Toilets, Shelters, Grassed Sites
Nearby: Meningie
Suitable: Tent, Camper, Caravan
Restrictions: Fires in Season
Pets: No
Bookings: National Parks
Tantanoola Campsite
Cost: Free Camping
Facilities: Toilets, Fire Pits, Bins, Tank Water, BBQ’s, Dump Point
Nearby: Tantanoola
Suitable: Tents, Campers, Caravan
Restrictions: 48 hrs max
Pets: Dogs on leash
Bookings: Not Required
More Limestone Coast Camps: Bool Lagoon Game Reserve, Eight Mile Creek, Bordertown Lake, Cape Northumberland Nature Reserve, Browns Bay Carpark, Tarpeena Recreation Park, Blackfellows Cave, Ollie’s Shady Spot, Greenrise Lake.
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