Parks where you can camp around Adelaide

Do you live in Adelaide and want to go camping but don’t have time to travel too far out of the city?

You’re in luck as there are two new campgrounds near metropolitan Adelaide, which will mean you’ll be able to spend more of your time off enjoying nature rather than driving to your destination.

Here’s where you’ll find these new campgrounds:

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. Each campsite has its own fire pit perfect to keep warm on a cool night. A number of upgrades have also been completed in the park itself, including a new gorge lookout at the Punchbowl, a new trail network, and upgraded rock climbing facilities.

The campsite makes Onkaparinga Gorge an even better destination for climbers, you’ll be able to try a range of routes while getting to know the rockface, settle in for a night under the stars, then wake up the next day and feel refreshed and ready to try more routes.

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. Each site includes a fire pit for use outside of the fire danger season. There’s also a camp kitchen, 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.

Bookings opened for camping at Para Wirra on 1 May, and from 1 June this year, you’ll be able to enjoy overnight stays at Wirra Campground.

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 the surf beach. It’s sheltered from the wind, and you can choose to camp among the mallee or open areas protected by shrubs. There is space for 28 vehicles in two large unallocated camping areas.

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.