Free camping sites in South Australia

South Australia is known for its long summers, wine, sparkling beaches and outback sites such as Coober Pedy. If you are planning on going on a road trip through the state you will also find a range of historical sites and townships. There are plenty of free campsites in SA where you can take a much needed rest, explore and recharge for the next leg of your journey.

Below are just a few that you might like to add to your itinerary, discover more South Australian camp sites with our App and comprehensive Camps Guidebooks.

Greenways Landing - Images Courtesy of Scott Tonkin

New listing: Greenways Landing, Nildottie South Australia

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

Read More »
Caudo Vineyard Views

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

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

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

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

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,

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

Secluded beaches at Point Brown, South Australia

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

Read More »
SA Tenbury Hunter Reserve

Riverbank bliss at Tenbury Hunter Reserve, South Australia

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

Read More »
SA Port Parham - Photo Ruth Palmer @rvmp on Instagram

South Australia Port Parham Foreshore: famous for crabbing

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

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

Walk through history at Moonta RV Overnight Stop

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

Read More »

Shop Australia’s #1 free & budget Campsite Guides

Download our App & put all these sites in your pocket!

Discover tips, reviews & ideas for your next adventure

Subscribe to our Email Newsletter

Stay up to date with our free weekly email newsletter and get the latest travel tips, reviews and news straight to your inbox.

Subscribe to our FREE weekly Newsletter and receive

10% Off

your next order in our Online Shop!