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.

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,

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Farina Township by Rosalie Dibben

Help restore the historic Farina Township, South Australia

Farina Township by Rosalie Dibben Gavin Scrimgeour from Heathmont, Victoria, wrote in to tell CAMPS AUSTRALIA WIDE to let travellers know that Farina Township now has a bakery! Gavin told us, “My involvement in the Farina Restoration has been as they say ‘An Arm Chair Quarterback’  not directly involved in doing the heavy lifting. “After passing through Farina in August 2014 we really saw what was being achieved by Tom Harding and his group of volunteers  in bringing back to life this historical town. I promised that one day some day we would participate in helping with the restoration.” Instead

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Camps Australia Wide - Paskeville SA - The Acreage

Changes to Paskeville campsites, SA

CAMPS has been informed that Paskeville Oval (SA no.284) has been closed for camping. The reason, we were told, was because too many people were leaving a mess. This is not something communities or volunteers should have to deal with.

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Whitewell Tank Free Site SA

New Free Camp: Whitewell Tank Campsite

Thanks to Geoff Eardley for his update from South Australia: My wife and I recently went to Head of Bight to view the whales, a very worthwhile trip. On the road to Head of Bight, 1.9 km west of the Eyre Highway, at the gate which closes off the whale watching facility, there is a free camp. The identifying sign on it calls it “Whitewell Tank Free Site”. There are no facilities there at all, but it is in a good location for anyone planning to visit the whales who has a self-sufficient van. The surface material appears to be

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Worlds End Gorge Campground

No fees at popular Worlds End Gorge Campground, SA

As a favourite South Australian camping ground you can expect a lot of company here during holiday periods. The large gum trees provide lots of shade and the nearby creek is great for your family to have a go at yabbying or just to relax. There is plenty of room for everyone and, although the area is an open paddock, chances are you will be able to set up away from others if you want some privacy. Facilities are limited and you will need to bring your own drinking water. Where: 26 km South East of Burra.Pet Friendly: YesToilets: YesShade: LimitedShower: No Water: NoFire: YesCaravan and Big Rig: Yes Mobile

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