Free camping sites in South Australia

Free camp at the Bellum Hotel, South Australia

20 December, 2021

For those travelling the Limestone Coast in South Australia, the Bellum Hotel at Mount Schank in SA is always happy to offer free camping. Located 12 km south of Mount Gambier on the Riddoch Highway (aka Bay Road); halfway between Mount Gambier and Port MacDonnell. The hotel is near the base of the Mount Schank volcanic crater and very close to Little Blue and Kilsby Sinkhole. Pet friendly, free camping is on the grassed area on the southern side of the hotel. They welcome self-contained travellers as there is no power or toilet facilities available when the hotel is closed.

Free camp at Hancocks Lookout, South Australia

9 July, 2021

Bob Cave has been sending me pictures since he was in Queensland, after lots more in NT – he is now in SA and was really impressed with Hancocks Lookout SA site 256 in CAMPS 11.

Greenways Landing - Images Courtesy of Scott Tonkin

New listing: Greenways Landing, Nildottie South Australia

29 March, 2021

Images Courtesy of Scott Tonkin A new listing for us, and a beaut little spot to sneak away to is Greenways Landing just 3 km W of Nildottie in SA. Not far from Swan Reach and run by council, there’s plenty of room to stretch out, catch yabbies and do some fishing. Mid Murray Council has added a toilet and gravel road, best of all it’s pet friendly and free. All size vehicles are welcome here, but the road in can be slippery in the wet. You’ll find a boat ramp, nice shady campsites, and a good swimming hole. Watch

Sip at Caudo Vineyard and camp at Hogwash Bend, South Australia

31 August, 2020

A winery with a free camp nearby, on the water sounds like perfection, doesn’t it? You haven’t truly seen the SA Riverland until you pay a visit to Caudo Vineyard & Cellar Door. This family owned and operated business is just a short drive from Waikerie or Morgan in the beautiful Cadell Valley and nestled on the banks of the historic Murray River. Previously, they catered for fully self-contained RVs. Now you can still have that fabulous view, as only 500 metres upstream is the famous Hogwash Bend Conservation Park. This popular free camping and caravan area at a sand bar

SA Greenrise Lake Penola - Image Credit Chris Alger @far_tracer on Instagram

Explore cellar doors at donation site, Greenrise Lake, South Australia

16 June, 2020

Image Credit Chris Alger @far_tracer on Instagram Penola is described as the “perfect place to pause”, and it is a well-earned title. There are more than 20 wineries and cellar doors in Coonawarra – you can even cycle to some from the campgrounds. For self-contained vehicles, it is just outside Penola, with large flat sites, BBQs, picnic tables, 48-hour limit, and is suitable for big rigs and dogs. Flushing toilets are in the adjacent picnic area. This magnificent site has a newly paved arboretum to explore the trees and 1.2km pathways, the Adam Lindsay Gordon walk around the dry lake,

Point Brown, Haley Roberts via Instagram @roberts_oz.lap_no.map

Secluded beaches at Point Brown, South Australia

16 June, 2020

Point Brown, Haley Roberts via Instagram @roberts_oz.lap_no.map Off the beaten track and stunning, you’ll find private beaches here, and there are plenty of recommendations for this spectacular location. Come for the seafood, swimming, sunsets and stars. Facilities are none, so be self-contained, and pets allowed! It is not patrolled so please show caution in the surf, same goes for beach four-wheel driving. You’ll find shelter from wind, because there is such an expanse to park in. It is likely you’ll see pods of dolphins, maybe seals! Good luck with your crabbing and fishing – we hope you bring home dinner. Located

Riverbank bliss at Tenbury Hunter Reserve, South Australia

16 June, 2020

Don’t pay the ferryman here. Camp right on the Murray River with water and cliff views plus a free ferry. This 24-hour service, provided by the SA Government, takes you across to the river port of Swan Reach, below Murray River Lock #1. As one of the reviews on our App says, “no fees and a proper toilet” – what more could you wish for, really? It also boasts fireplaces, mobile phone coverage, dump point and shade. Suitable for big rigs and pets There is a 5-night limit and you are advised to get in early, it is popular! Hop

SA Port Parham - Photo Ruth Palmer @rvmp on Instagram

South Australia Port Parham Foreshore: famous for crabbing

16 June, 2020

Also known as Parham Camping Reserve – this spot will sit you right on the Esplanade. This large flat camping area has toilets, water, picnic table, BBQ, and mobile phone coverage, with pets allowed. There is a 5-tonne limit and self-registration onsite. The views are free too! Swim and fish to your heart’s content. It is South Australia’s premier crabbing beach and home to the ‘Parham Jinker’ – a unique device for launching boats in the shallows. Maximum stay is 14 consecutive days, with no return to reserve permitted for a period of seven consecutive days. Find it on the Esplanade

Hughes Engine House, Moonta Mines - image Copper Coast Visitor Information Centre

Walk through history at Moonta RV Overnight Stop

15 July, 2019

Overall view of the park with van – image G&J Gardiner Our roving CAMPS researchers, Judy and Graham Gardiner shared their stay at Kinto Park, Moonta. Kinto Park is a large grassed shady area, right at the edge of Moonta, a lovely country town with historic buildings and pleasant parks. Self-contained vehicles only. Showers and toilets are available a few blocks away. Great place, but please note, it can get crowded and there is an Overflow Area across the road (please abide by the signs). It is for self-contained RVs, and please remember to give your donation for upkeep of this