Your Guide To Camping In South Australia’s National Parks

South Australia’s parks range from the ancient Flinders Ranges to the rugged Kangaroo Island coastline, the Murray River wetlands, the Coorong’s vast lagoon system, and the remote deserts of the north. The state’s park system is managed by the Department for Environment and Water through the National Parks and Wildlife Service SA. Camping is affordable and the system is relatively straightforward.

Booking System

Bookings are made through parks.sa.gov.au. Popular campgrounds (Flinders Ranges, Deep Creek, Innes, Coorong) require online booking. Some remote and less-visited campgrounds are self-registration with honesty box or envelope payment.

Fees & Passes

South Australia charges park entry fees at most national parks, separate from camping fees.

Park entry: $12/vehicle/day at most parks. The SA Parks Pass ($118/year for 2 vehicles at the same address) covers entry to all SA national parks and is excellent value for Big Lappers spending more than 10 days in SA parks. The pass does not cover camping fees.

Camping fees: Vary by site. Basic/bush camps $8-15/site/night. Standard campgrounds $15-30/site/night. Well-equipped campgrounds with showers and facilities $25-45/site/night. Flinders Ranges and Kangaroo Island campgrounds are at the higher end.

Top Campgrounds For Big Lappers

Ikara-Flinders Ranges (Wilpena Pound): The jewel of SA camping. The resort-operated campground at Wilpena Pound has good facilities and is the base for exploring this stunning ancient landscape. Rawnsley Park and other sites nearby offer alternatives.

Coorong National Park: The vast coastal lagoon system south of Adelaide. Bush camping with basic facilities along the Coorong’s length. Peaceful and remote-feeling despite being relatively accessible.

Deep Creek Conservation Park: South of Adelaide on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Several campgrounds with varying facilities. Walking trails and dramatic coastal scenery.

Innes National Park: The toe of the Yorke Peninsula. Excellent campgrounds, great fishing, stunning coastline, and historic ruins.

Gammon Ranges: North of the Flinders Ranges. Remote, rugged, and spectacular. 4WD access for parts. Basic camping in genuine outback wilderness.

Caravan-Specific Notes

Many SA park campgrounds accept caravans, particularly Flinders Ranges, Innes, and some Coorong sites. Check site descriptions for maximum lengths. Desert parks in the north often have unsealed access; check road conditions. Generators are restricted in most parks. Pets are not permitted in national parks.