Low Cost & Free Camping in South Australia

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, to 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 $25 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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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.

More Flinders Ranges Camping: Acraman Campground, Brachina East Campground, Koolamon Campground, Trezona Campground, Youngoona Campground.

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.

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.

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.

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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

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.

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!).

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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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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