There is nothing better than exploring your own backyard, especially in these weird times we are living in. And some of the best campsites in Adelaide are within a short 20-90 minute drive from central Adelaide. That’s a drive that could easily be made after work on a Friday. Where can you be enjoying your very own little slice of natural paradise this weekend?

Let’s explore my recommendations for the best campsites in Adelaide

Belair National Park

Belair National Park Holiday Park

20 minutes from Adelaide

Belair National Park is the closest to central Adelaide. Only 11km or a short 20-minute drive. Did you know Belair National Park was the first National Park in South Australia, second in Australia and eighth in the World!! That’s pretty cool

The bushland park has a range of walking, hiking and biking trails, lakes, waterfalls to explore and enjoy and an abundance of wildlife.

Within the park is the Belair National Park Holiday Park, which boasts a range of accommodations to suit your budget and style. From glamping to cabins and of course campsites.

It’s the perfect location to feel completely removed from modern life and immersed in nature, without actually being too far away. Most people drive for longer than 20 minutes to get to work. And within 20 minutes you could be relaxing at one of the best campsites in Adelaide for a few days

Hahndorf

Hahndorf Resort Tourist Park

25 minutes from Adelaide

A little further “up the road” is beautiful Hahndorf. Well and truly nestled in the Adelaide Hills and considered an absolute must-visit destination for all interstate and international visitors to Adelaide. Hahndorf was originally a German settlement and has retained its buildings, German bakeries, butchers and pubs, as well as ALL its German charm.

Extend your weekend exploring this beautiful area of Adelaide and choose to stay at the Hahndorf Resort Tourist Park. With a range of accommodations to suit, why not pick a grassy shaded campsite and save your money for all the German goodies on offer on Main Street.

The park has won a swag of awards and also boasts a swimming pool, a minigolf course, wifi, boat parking, camp kitchen and BBQs. With all this on offer within the park and beautiful Hahndorf to explore right outside you can see why I recommend it as one of the best campsites in Adelaide.

Kuitpo Forest

Chookarloo Campsite

45 minute drive from Adelaide

Kuitpo Forest in the Mount Lofty Ranges is a plantation forest. Established in the late 1800s to ensure South Australia has a steady supply of timber from the radiata pine that is planted through this forest. Kuitpo is both a community Forest and commercial venture and is widely accepted as the most popular plantation forest of its kind in South Australia. Within its bounds are also patches of native forest. 

One of these such areas is the Eucalypt woodland, which also has the very popular picnic area and campsite, Chookarloo.

Chookarloo Campsite is a lovely campsite with some walking trails nearby that will take you through native and plantation forests. There are 23 campsites each with its own fire pit, picnic tables and 2 public toilet facilities are all located fairly centrally to all campsites.

One thing to note is that during peak bushfire season Chookarloo Campsite is closed from December 1st until March 30th every year

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Onkaparinga River National Park

Pink Gum Campsite

45 minute drive from Adelaide

Onkaparinga River National Park is an absolute stunner. Located at the back of McLaren Vale and with over 10 different hiking trails of varying levels as well as biking and horse riding trails, waterfalls and rocking climbing/abseiling cliffs this park has something for everyone. And it’s only 45 minutes from central Adelaide.

Pink Gum Campsite is located on the eastern edge of the Park. It is a fairly new facility but already very popular. There are 11 allocated campsites, with a campfire each. The sites are suitable for tents, camper trailers and caravans. Facilities include a shared flushable toilet and wash-up area. The River Hike and rock climbing wall are easily reached and explored from Pink Gum

Parra Wirra Conservation Park

Wirra Campsite

55 minute drive from Adelaide

Parra Wirra is another fabulous park full of nature-based activities and trails to explore. With numerous walking trails, horse riding trails and mountain biking trails available to get your heart rate up. For something, a little more low key, see if you can spot the local wildlife. Emus are often spotted wandering around the picnic areas. There are over 100 different bird species to discover for the bird watchers among us. You might also be lucky enough to spot the elusive short-beaked echidna.

The northern edge of the park is also home to the Barossa Goldfields. Fossicking for gold is not allowed, but wandering around the interpretive walking trail provides a lot of useful information. Why not also visit Bowden Cottage. Bowden Cottage has been transformed into a museum. It is dedicated to the gold mining days of the past.

To really make the most of what Parra Wirra Conservation Park has to offer “pull up stumps” at Wirra Campsite. The campsite is on the eastern edge of the park set amongst the Pink Gums and Grass Trees. There are 19 allocated campsites, of which 6 will accommodate a small RV or camper trailer (sites 14-19). The toilet facilities are wheelchair accessible. A basic camp kitchen is available and each site has a fire pit. And one of the best things about this campsite is it’s less than an hour from Adelaide. 

Deep Creek National Park

90 minute drive from Adelaide

Down on the tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula is the beautiful Deep Creek National Park. It has spectacular coastlines, rugged cliffs, beaches, bushland, walking trails and waterfalls.

You also have a plethora of campsites to choose from once you’re in the park. Five to be exact!

Deep Creek is best explored over a couple of days. There is so much on offer, and it is also one of the furthest from Adelaide (on this list). But still only approximately 90 minutes from central Adelaide.

Stringybark Campground

Stringybark Campground has the most to offer in the way of facilities. It has flushing toilets and the only hot showers available at any of the Deep Creek campsites.

There are 16 unpowered campsites, each with a fire pit. The campground is set amongst the tall stringybark trees, hence the name and has at least 3 walking trails that are easily accessible by foot.

Tapanappa Campground

Tapanappa Campground has 17 campsites available with each having its own fire pit. Facilities include picnic tables and toilets. Several walking trails can be accessed from Tapanappa. And some of the best views of the Southern Ocean and Kangaroo Island can be found from Tapanappa Campsite

Trig Campground

Trig Campground is very spacious and has some of the friendliest local Kangaroos. There are 25 unpowered campsites at Trig with facilities including a large picnic shelter and toilets. Each site has its own fire pit. Multiple bushwalking trails are accessed from the Trig campsite.

Cobbler Hill Campground

The smallest campsite in the park, Cobbler Hill, is your campsite if want peace and quiet with limited noise from neighbours. There are only has 6 campsites, each with its own fire pit and shared long drop toilets.

Blowhole beach is accessible from Cobbler Hill, however, the road down is only accessible via 4WD or AWD vehicles. You can hike down to the beach. Just remember you need to hike back up and it is steep and long.

Eagle Waterhole Campsite

Eagle Waterhole Campsite is only accessible via foot. Therefore, planning is required. All equipment needed for your stay must be carried in. The only facilities are a shelter hut.

Only 16 hikers can camp at Eagle Waterhole per night.

Deep Creek and its campsites are the best overall National Park near Adelaide. This is due to the sheer number of campgrounds and campsites available. As well as its close proximity to Adelaide and the number of bushwalking trails available. Throw in stunning views and vistas and possible wildlife encounters and you’re onto a winner. You may even see some wild deer!

Rapid Bay

Rapid Bay Campground

90 minute drive from Adelaide

Also on the Fleurieu Peninsula, Rapid Bay Campground is popular because it is on the banks of the Gulf St Vincent and the bluest yet clearest water you’ve seen. You can literally roll out of your tent and be having a refreshing ocean swim within seconds.

This campsite is very popular during the summer months, but campers beware, there is no shade available. Anywhere!

It’s cheap and basic and works on a first-come-first-served basis. Therefore, pick your own site and the caretaker will wander around at night collecting the necessary fees per site.

Tents, caravans and camper trailers are welcome. Facilities include a toilet block, shared BBQs and outdoor cold showers. It’s also a dog-friendly campsite, making this the best type of campsite in some peoples eyes.

Newland Head Conservation Park

Waitpinga Campsite

90 minute drive from Adelaide

Another stunning Fleurieu Peninsula campsite this time located near Waitpinga Beach on the opposite side of the peninsula. Waitpinga Campsite is an unallocated campsite, similar to Rapid Bay. Because of its size, there are specified areas where you may park your vehicles before selecting your sites. Therefore, sites are only suitable for tents and swags for this reason. 

There is a walking trail directly from the campsite down to Waitpinga Beach. Facilities include flushing toilets, shared BBQs, picnic tables and shelter. All sites are unpowered and the vehicle parking maxes out at 28 cars.

Waitpinga Campsite is the best campsite near Adelaide for surfers and people fishing due to its proximity to the beach. There are a number of walking trails in Newland Head Conservation Park. As well as awesome views over the Southern Ocean.

Are you planning on visiting some of the best campsites in and around Adelaide?

Why not let me plan your weekend of camping for you?

I can book your campsites and plan the best road trip routes for you. You just have to enjoy your weekend away stress-free!

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