Parks where you can camp around Adelaide

If you live in Adelaide and want to experience the joy of camping without a long drive, you’re in luck. Several well-loved campgrounds are just a short trip from the city, making it easy to swap the urban buzz for the peaceful sounds of nature.

Whether you’re a seasoned camper or trying it for the first time, these conveniently located spots offer the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
Here’s where you can find them:

Onkaparinga River National Park

Pink Gum campground in Onkaparinga River National Park, is located just 35 kilometres south of the CBD. There are 11 campsites suitable for tents, caravans, camper trailers and campervans.

There are two main walking trails that depart from the campground. Take the River Hike down to the gorge where you can find a spot by one of the many rock pools to relax with your book.

Para Wirra Conservation Park

The Wirra campground in Para Wirra Conservation Park is located on Adelaide’s northeast edge just 43 km from Adelaide CBD. The campground has 19 campsites including a large group site suitable for tents, caravans, camper trailers and campervans. There’s a camp kitchen available, along with barbecue facilities and accessible toilets.

While you’re staying in the park, make use of the network of walking and cycling trails, the Nature Play Forest and Gawler View Picnic Area. Don’t forget to bring a football or cricket bat for a game on the bush oval.

The park also features Aboriginal interpretive signage acknowledging Para Wirra as a special meeting place, which will give you a more in-depth understanding of the area.

Deep Creek Conservation Park

Deep Creek Conservation Park has been the go-to park for camping within 100 km of Adelaide – and it’s easy to see why with its stunning coastal scenery and abundance of wildlife.

As well as its five campgrounds, Deep Creek also has self-contained accommodation, ranging from rustic cottages to architectural eco-retreats. The drive to Deep Creek is less than two hours from Adelaide, so it’s an excellent escape from the city.

Newland Head Conservation Park

Lesser-known but just as beautiful, Newland Head Conservation Park is as close to Adelaide by car as Deep Creek. Stay at Waitpinga campground, just a short walk from Waitpinga Beach (where there are ideal conditions for surfing or a spot of fishing, but not suitable for swimming). The campground is sheltered from the wind where you can camp among the mallee or in open areas protected by shrubs. It is an unallocated campground, and vehicles have to be parked at car parking bays.

There are a number of walking trails starting from this campground.

Book before you go

Campsites in South Australian national parks need to be booked online. Bookings can be made up to one year in advance. So in theory, if you live in Adelaide you could check which campsites are available online, book a spot, and be out camping in nature within hours.

If you’re new to camping, check out our guides for beginners – including what tobring, what tocookandhow to behaveat the campground.