Free Camping South Australia

With its stunning landscapes and beautiful scenery, South Australia is one of the most magical places you could ever wish to embark on a camping trip. Whether you’re drawn to the rugged outback, ocean coastlines, or forests, there’s something for everyone here and, even better, many of the camping spots are free!

If you’ve been looking to enjoy a camping holiday without spending a fortune, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we’ll walk you through the best free campsites in South Australia, explaining what you can expect from each of them and making it possible to plan your perfect road trip through this incredible state.

Are you ready? Let’s get exploring!

South Australia Camping Spots

1. Narrung Ferry Campsite
2. Greenways Landing
3. Eight Mile Creek
4. Hancocks Lookout Campground
5. Tantanoola Campsite
6. Talia Caves Campground
7. Red Cliff Beach Free Camping Area
8. Cable Bay Reserve
9. Fitzgerald Bay Camping Area

Each of the campsites we’ve listed above is free to stay at. However, most are tucked away and many aren’t suitable for tent camping and, as such, they’re best visited by campervan.

Get in touch with the expert team at Travellers Autobarn today to enquire about hiring a campervan, and you’ll soon be on the road to your next adventure!

Narrung Ferry Campsite

Coorong Country, South Australia

Accessible to camper trailers, campervans, big rigs, and 2WDs, Narrung Ferry Campsite allows you to stay for up to 72 hours completely free of charge. It’s also pet friendly and there are some excellent amenities, including toilets, picnic tables, drinking water, and sheltered seating.

This is an excellent place to pull up if you’re looking to explore Narrung Lakeside Reserve, which offers some fantastic walking and wildlife-spotting opportunities. You’re also super close to the Narrung Ferry Service, which is a great way to get across to Point Malcolm Lighthouse, and once you’re back at your camping spot, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the lighthouse across the water as the sun sets.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Sheltered Picnic Tables
• Drinking Water

Greenways Landing

Riverland, South Australia

Around an hour’s drive from Murray Bridge, you’ll find Greenways Landing. Campervans and camper trailers can easily access this site, and while the amenities are limited to toilets with a baby changing table, this is the ideal camping spot for anyone looking for that off-grid experience. You do need to keep in mind, however, that there isn’t a booking system in place and spots are offered on a first-come-first served basis. As such, we recommend getting here early to grab a space!

Once you’ve parked up and settled, stretch your legs by taking a relaxing walk along the Murray River, where you’ll be able to spot several species of birds. Or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, why not spend the afternoon kayaking or paddleboarding on the river? There’s even a boat ramp nearby that you can use to get that perfect entry!

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Baby Changing Facilities

Eight Mile Creek

Port MacDonnell, South Australia

Just five minutes from Port MacDonnell, Eight Mile Creek is a basic campsite that campervans, camper trailers and big rigs can pull up at free of charge for a single night. While this may not be as generous as some other free sites, it isn’t too much of an issue for most campers as the facilities here are limited to fire pits and toilets (which are a short walk away), so one night here hits the sweet-spot for those looking for rugged camping before hitting the road again.

You are offered some breathtaking views of the beach from this campsite, and there are lots of different spots to choose from, so finding a space isn’t usually an issue. You can also take advantage of this beachside location to enjoy fishing, swimming, or simply kicking back after a long day on the road and immersing yourself in the sound of the crashing waves. The perfect way to relax!

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Fire Pits

Hancocks Lookout Campground

Wilmington, South Australia

If you’re headed to Mount Remarkable National Park and need a place to spend the night, Hancocks Lookout Campground is an excellent choice. You can spend one night here without spending a single cent, and it’s accessible for all vehicles – the only thing you aren’t allowed to do here is camp in a tent.

As you’d expect from its location, you’ll be able to enjoy some incredible walking trails when you stay here, including Alligator Gorge, so it’s the perfect campsite for anyone looking to explore South Australia’s native wildlife. When you’re done exploring for the day, the picnic tables provided are the ideal place to settle down with a meal and enjoy the sounds of nature before calling it a night.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Picnic Tables
• Public Toilets
• Rubbish Bins

Tantanoola Campsite

Limestone Coast, South Australia

Tantanoola Campsite is a great play for families looking for a free camping spot in South Australia, as it has some excellent amenities, including a kids’ playground – ideal if you’re little ones have some excess energy to burn off! It’s also pet friendly, so it’s also the perfect choice if you’ve got your canine companion travelling with you.

As well as having access to these amenities, you’ll also be a short drive away from the famous Tantanoola Caves, where you can take guided tours for a small fee. Or, if you’re trying to remain as budget-friendly as possible, enjoy some of the surrounding bushwalking trails. You can stay here for a maximum of two nights, too, so it’s perfect if you want to spend a couple of days exploring the area while keeping a homebase.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• BBQ Facilities
• Kids Playground
• Dump Point
• Non-Drinking Water

Talia Caves Campground

Eyre Peninsula, South Australia

One of the best free campsites for anyone travelling along the Eyre Peninsula, Talia Caves Campground offers the opportunity for camper trailers, campervans, and 2WDs to spend up to two nights at a time in any calendar month. There are some pretty good amenities here, too, including toilets and fire pits.

One of the best things about camping here is the opportunities you have for exploration in the surrounding area! Set just off the beach, there are some awesome rockpools filled with marine wildlife to discover, as well as fishing areas and beautifully scenic walks. This is also a popular spot for surfing, as the area is known for its large waves!

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Fire Pits

Red Cliff Beach Free Camping Area

Tumby Bay, South Australia

A 15-minute drive from Tumby Bay, Red Cliff Beach Free Camping Area is another awesome choice for anyone looking to enjoy some ocean-side camping. The only thing to keep in mind here, however, is that while it is free, you still need to book a place, so make sure you plan ahead if you want to stay here.

The amenities here are very limited, and you’ll only find picnic tables and rubbish bins. However, for the ocean views and the opportunity to camp under some of Australia’s starriest skies, it’s absolutely worth staying here for a night. As you might expect from its location, you’ll also be able to enjoy swimming, fishing, and surfing here, or if you’d rather stay dry, explore the surrounding dune walks, which offer an excellent vantage point for some Instagram-worthy photos.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Fire Pits
• Rubbish Bins

Cable Bay Reserve

Innes National Park, South Australia

Some campers are simply looking for a quiet spot to spend the night, away from the sounds of the city and other people. If you fall into this category, Cable Bay Reserve in Innes National Park is the perfect choice, as here you’ll find yourself surrounded by open space with some of the best ocean views in South Australia. It’s also easily accessible by campervan, camper trailers, and 2WDs, so you shouldn’t have any issues getting here.

In terms of amenities, you’ll find pit toilets, but that’s it, making it ideal if you’re looking to “rough it” for a night or two. Make sure you pack some warm clothing, though, as fires aren’t permitted here. When it comes to things to do, you’ll have the luxury of direct access to several hiking trails, as well as opportunities for fishing and wild swimming. Also, because of the sheer size of the National Park, you can explore freely while rarely encountering another person. The ideal solo getaway spot!

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Pit Toilets

Fitzgerald Bay Camping Area

Eyre Peninsula, South Australia

With 30 designated spots to choose from, Fitzgerald Bay Camping Area is one of the best free campsites for anyone concerned about availability. It’s also suitable for campervans, camper trailers, 2WDs, and big rigs, and is easily accessible as it’s just a 10 minute drive from Point Lowly.

You’ll find some basic amenities here, including toilets and rubbish bins, but the surrounding area is just begging to be explored! Whether you want to go walking, swimming, mountain biking, or fishing, the beachside location and dunes offer something for everyone. There are also a few other campsites to discover along the coast, but just keep in mind Fitzgerald Bay is the only free one.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Rubbish Bins

Whether you’re on a family holiday, romantic getaway, or travelling solo, South Australia has some awesome free campsites to suit any need. However, to make the most of your free camping experience and to access the amazing camping spots, hiring a campervan is essential!

Contact Travellers Autobarn today to discuss your needs, and we’ll match you with a campervan that suits you perfectly. No matter your travel style or plans, we have an option that will get you on the road to adventure!

DISCLAIMER: Any prices displayed are correct at the time of publishing. We highly recommend contacting any campsite or caravan park prior to booking to confirm prices.