Campervan guide · SA

Free camping in South Australia

Where you can legally park up for the night, how long you can stay, and 7 free and low-cost places near Adelaide and along the classic routes.

Places listed: 7
Sources: All official
Checked: 25 October 2026, against official sources

The sign wins. Councils change rules often. If a site is signed "No camping", don't camp there, whatever this page or an app says.

The rules

Where you can sleep in a campervan in South Australia

Sleeping in a vehicle

There is no state law against sleeping in your car in South Australia, but most councils have by-laws covering public places that stop overnight sleeping in parks and carparks. Even without a sign you can be moved on or fined.

Source: RAA: Is it legal to sleep in your vehicle?

Who sets the rules

Rules are set by individual councils. RAA's advice is to use a caravan park, or check with the local council before parking in a public place.

Source: RAA: Is it legal to sleep in your vehicle?

National park camping

National park campsites in South Australia must be booked and paid for before you arrive, online up to 12 months ahead. Some parks also charge a vehicle entry fee (for example $14.40 per vehicle at Mount Remarkable and Deep Creek).

Source: NPWS SA: Deep Creek National Park

Caravans in the Coorong

The park advises that taking a caravan below 42 Mile Crossing in Coorong National Park is not recommended because of unpredictable terrain.

Source: NPWS SA: Coorong National Park

Places to stay

7 free and low-cost places in South Australia

Each one is confirmed on an official page, linked on its card. Prices and limits are as published on 25 October 2026; check the link before you go.

National park

Near Adelaide

1

Pink Gum Campground, Onkaparinga River National Park

About 35 km south of Adelaide

National park

Price
$39.80 per night per campsite (vehicle entry free)

Facilities
toilet, washing-up facilities, fire pits (outside fire ban season)

Access
2WD gravel

Booking
Required: book online up to 12 months ahead

11 campsites, 3 suitable for caravans; compacted gravel sites. The closest national park camping south of Adelaide.
Official info: NPWS SA: Onkaparinga River National Park ↗
2

Wirra Campground, Para Wirra Conservation Park

About 43 km north-east of Adelaide, near Gawler

National park

Price
fee: see source (not stated on the page)

Facilities
nineteen campsites, some for small RVs and camper trailers; camp kitchen in the park

Access
2WD gravel

Booking
Required: book online (access details sent at booking)

Closest national park camping to Adelaide's north. The page asks you to check access and restrictions in your booking confirmation.
Official info: NPWS SA: Wirra Campground ↗
3

Stringybark and Trig campgrounds, Deep Creek

Fleurieu Peninsula, under two hours from Adelaide

National park

Price
fee: see source (varies by season and campground)

Facilities
toilets, water, fire pits; hot showers at Stringybark only

Access
2WD gravel

Booking
Required: book online or via agents; fees paid before arrival

Four of five campgrounds take caravans and camper vans (Stringybark 16 sites, Trig 25, Cobbler Hill 6). All park roads are unsealed; day-use vehicle entry $14.40.
Official info: NPWS SA: Deep Creek National Park ↗
4

42 Mile Crossing and Parnka Point, Coorong National Park

Princes Highway, south-east of Adelaide (Meningie area)

National park

Price
from $12.30 per night (varies by campground and season)

Facilities
42 Mile Crossing: toilets, non-potable water, beach access; Parnka Point: 15 sites overlooking the lagoon

Access
2WD gravel

Booking
Required: book prior to arrival, up to 12 months ahead

The park lists these as accessible to standard vehicles. Do not take caravans below 42 Mile Crossing. Ranger office (08) 7133 7270.
Official info: NPWS SA: Coorong National Park ↗
5

Lyrup Flats and Katarapko, Murray River National Park

Riverland, about 240 km from Adelaide

National park

Price
from $15.40 per night

Facilities
toilets (long-drop at some), picnic tables, parking; Colligans and Black Box campgrounds take caravans

Access
2WD gravel

Booking
Required: book online up to 12 months ahead

2WD access in dry conditions only; floodplain roads are unsuitable after heavy rain. No bins and no generators without permission at Katarapko.
Official info: NPWS SA: Murray River National Park ↗

On the road: Melbourne to Adelaide

6

Canunda National Park campgrounds (Cape Banks, Geltwood Beach and others)

Near Millicent and Beachport, about 50 km from Mount Gambier

National park

Price
from $19.80 per night

Facilities
six coastal campgrounds; facilities vary

Access
2WD gravel

Booking
Required: book online up to 12 months ahead

2WD can reach the northern and central sections plus Cape Banks; 4WD needed for the rest. Mount Gambier office (08) 7424 5770.
Official info: NPWS SA: Canunda National Park ↗

On the road: Darwin to Adelaide

7

Mambray Creek Campground, Mount Remarkable National Park

Princes/Highway One, 45 km north of Port Pirie, near Port Augusta

National park

Price
from $27.50 per night (plus $14.40 vehicle entry)

Facilities
wheelchair-accessible toilets, hot showers, fire pits; 49 sites for tents, camper trailers and caravans

Access
2WD sealed

Booking
Required: book online or phone (08) 8841 3400

Handy first or last night on the Stuart Highway run. 2WD can reach the main campgrounds; the Alligator Gorge road is too steep for caravans.
Official info: NPWS SA: Mount Remarkable National Park ↗

Good to know

Tips for camping in South Australia

Book SA national park campsites early: reservations open up to 12 months ahead and fees must be paid before you arrive. Source: NPWS SA: Onkaparinga River National Park
Do not assume a council carpark is fine: most SA councils ban overnight sleeping in parks and carparks, and you can be moved on or fined even without a sign. Source: RAA: Is it legal to sleep in your vehicle?
Budget for the park vehicle entry fee on top of camping at parks such as Mount Remarkable and Deep Creek ($14.40 per vehicle); Onkaparinga's vehicle entry is free. Source: NPWS SA: Mount Remarkable National Park
Check Murray River National Park road conditions before heading in; floodplain roads are unsuitable immediately after heavy rain (Riverland office (08) 8595 2111). Source: NPWS SA: Murray River National Park

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