Camping in South Australia

[Pajaru]

We are heading to South Australia in particular the Eyre Peninsular in the next few days.

In doing some research about SA National/Conservation Parks it appears you need to book your camp spot online.

Does this mean that you can not camp anywhere if you have not booked. What happens if you arrive late/early. Can you still camp in places that you have to book for by just turning up and paying later.

In Western Australia we do not have this system except for a few of the very popular spots in the South West of the state. Most of our Nat. Park camping spots are done on a first come, first served basis.

Any insight/advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

[spot01]

We are heading to South Australia in particular the Eyre Peninsular in the next few days.

In doing some research about SA National/Conservation Parks it appears you need to book your camp spot online.

Does this mean that you can not camp anywhere if you have not booked. What happens if you arrive late/early. Can you still camp in places that you have to book for by just turning up and paying later.

In Western Australia we do not have this system except for a few of the very popular spots in the South West of the state. Most of our Nat. Park camping spots are done on a first come, first served basis.

Any insight/advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

Your info is correct - book online before camping (noting mobile phone/internet often isn't working in these areas). Unfortunately, just turning up is no longer an option (risk of being fined).


You also need a vehicle permit just to enter many of the parks, although you can get a pass for a holiday covering most (but not all) parks. This is also online before arriving.

[Pajaru]

Thanks spot01

[Nab]

I don’t like the booking system either. We usually have a defined time to do a trip with no specific itinerary. If we like a spot we stay longer, if not we move on, the booking system has no allowance for this. And then if you find someone on your allocated site, good luck getting them to move especially if they have had a few drinks or you get in late. Not sure what the positives are if there are no rangers around to police it.

[Pajaru]

I don’t like the booking system either. We usually have a defined time to do a trip with no specific itinerary. If we like a spot we stay longer, if not we move on, the booking system has no allowance for this. And then if you find someone on your allocated site, good luck getting them to move especially if they have had a few drinks or you get in late. Not sure what the positives are if there are no rangers around to police it.

I agree, although I wonder what members from the states that have the booking system think of it.

[Oven]

I have never been to a campsite in South Australia. My friends and I planned to do this this year. What place would you recommend for newbies who will be traveling from Western Australia?

[Ian H]

We've free camped at a couple of places in SA including Lake Gilles (between Iron Knob &Kimba) and Pildappa Rock (out of Minnipa), both really nice and quiet. Ceduna CP is good place to stock up and shower.

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