With camping sites reopening this week, coinciding with the easing of COVID-19 related restrictions to regional travel across South Australia, it’s the perfect time to hit the road with your kiddos and check out some of the beautiful family friendly camping spots South Australia has to offer.
We’ve compiled a list of the best “are we there yet” proof locations for families who want to camp but don’t want to be stuck in the car with their kids for 6 hours!
Pink Gum campground – Onkaparinga River National Park
45km south of the CBD (45 minutes)
Situated at the Eastern end of Onkaparinga River National Park, this campground has 11 camp sites, including three suitable for caravans, a toilet, washing up facilities and fire pits for use outside the fire ban season.
Pink Gum campground for more information
The Wirra campground – Para Wirra Conservation Park
45km from Adelaide CBD (45 minutes)
Situated at the Eastern end of Para Wirra Conservation Park amongst the pink gums, this campground has 19 camp sites, including six that are suitable for small campervans and camper trailers, toilets, a basic camp kitchen, gas barbecues and fire pits in each camp site for use outside the fire ban season.
Wirra campground for more information
Deep Creek Conservation Park
Within 100km of Adelaide (90 minutes)
Deep Creek Conservation Park is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. Five campgrounds are dotted throughout the park, with four accessible by 2WD vehicles.
Campgrounds available:
Stringybark campground
Trig Campground
Tapanappa Campground
Cobbler Hill Campground
Eagle waterhole “hike in only” campground
Deep Creek Conservation Park for more information
Second Valley Caravan Park
90km from Adelaide (80 minutes)
Nestled in the valley beside the creek, the rural setting of Second Valley provides a relaxing environment for a family getaway. Sites are suitable for multiple types of camping experience, be it tent, camper trailer or van. Amenities with private bathrooms are only a short walk from sites, as are camp kitchen and laundry. Sites boast magnificent views of the Second Valley hills.
Second Valley Caravan Park for more information
Waitpinga Camp ground – Newland Head Conservation Park
90km from Adelaide (80 minutes)
Newland Head Conservation Park is under two hours from Adelaide, and less than 15 minutes from Victor Harbor. Just a short walk from the beach, and sheltered from the winds, you can camp among the mallee or open areas protected by shrubs in one of 15 unpowered sites. Toilets and a large communal gas barbecue area available.
Newland Head Conservation Park for more information
Woodhouse Activity Centre
20km from Adelaide (30 minutes)
Only a short drive up the freeway, Woodhouse provides a safe, convenient space for campers of all experience levels. There are numerous campgrounds, all with shared campfire circles (seasonal use) and adjacent basecamps fitted with creature comforts including toilets and showers. Shared dining halls provide shelter, tables and seating, sink and BBQ facilities.
Your camping fee also gives you access to all Woodhouse activities on each day either side of your overnight stay!
Woodhouse Activity Centre for more information
Hindmarsh Island Caravan Park
100km from Adelaide (90 minutes)
Hindmarsh Island Caravan Park is located on the northern side of Hindmarsh Island, spread across 22 acres of natural land. The island is renowned for its sheltered waters on the northern shores and its vast ocean on the southern side. The nearby Coorong is a haven for bird life and water activities.
Hindmarsh Island Caravan Park for more information
Brownhill Creek Caravan Park
7km from Adelaide CBD (10 minutes)
Adelaide’s Brownhill Creek Caravan and Holiday Park is just 7km away from Adelaide CBD and beaches, in the leafy eastern suburbs of Mitcham, in the Brownhill Creek state recreation park. Set on 25 acres, this is the ideal place to relax and unwind, only a hop skip and a jump from central Adelaide.
With cabins, camp sites (powered and unpowered) and sites for campers and vans, Brownhill Creek has options for campers of all experience levels.
Brownhill Creek Caravan Park for more information
Victor Harbor Holiday Park
85km from Adelaide (75 minutes)
The Victor Harbor Beachfront Holiday Park is the perfect base to explore South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula. Roughly an hour’s drive from Adelaide, the park has a range of accommodation from self contained two bedroom waterview villas overlooking Encounter Bay, cabins, studio rooms as well as large shady camping and caravan sites and powered and unpowered options to choose from.
Victor Harbour Holiday Park for more information
Chookarloo Campground – Kuitpo Forest
50km from Adelaide (45 minutes)
Less than an hour from the CBD, Chookalaroo campground is an ideal location for a quick family getaway.
With 23 designated, unpowered camping sites, and bigger sites available for caravans, Chookalaroo is surrounded by a Eucalypt woodland, with plenty of shade and shelter.
Camping permits are available exclusively online via ForestrySA’s booking system.
ForestrySA for more information
