Best Free Camping Spots Near and Around Adelaide

Adelaide is one of the most popular areas in Australia for thrill-seeking outdoor adventurers, and one of the very best ways of seeing everything this wonderful place has to offer is by camping. But is there a way you can camp through Adelaide and save money?

Yes, there is! Below, you’ll find a list of the very best free camping Adelaide has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a place to pull up for the night to look at the starry skies or want to be close to some incredible walking trails, you’ll find the ideal place to stay here, and, best of all, it won’t cost you anything!

Free Adelaide Camping Spots

1. Palmer Cricket Ground
2. Swamp Hen Reserve
3. Red Banks Conservation Park
4. Hettner Landing
5. Frank Potts Reserve
6. Burra Creek Gorge Reserve
7. Port Parham Foreshore Campground
8. Monteith Rest Area
9. Moppa Road Rest Area
10. Hamley Bridge Sports & Recreation Grounds

Palmer Cricket Ground

Palmer, SA

Suitable for campervans and trailer campers, Palmer Cricket Ground is an excellent place for any cricket enthusiast to set up camp for the night without having to pay a single cent. Of course, liking cricket isn’t mandatory to stay here, though, and the mix of open and shaded areas makes it a great overnight spot for any camper.

The amenities here are pretty good, and you’ll have access to toilets and barbecue facilities. There is running water, too, although it isn’t suitable for drinking so you’ll need to bring your own.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Pet Friendly
• Toilets
• Barbecue Facilities
• Running Water (Non Drinking Water)

Swamp Hen Reserve

Walker Flat, SA

Located on the banks of the Murray River, Swamp Hen Reserve welcomes campers in RVs, camper trailers, campervans, 4WDs, and tents. It is also just over an hour’s drive outside of central Adelaide hills, so it’s a great place if you want to stay close by without spending any money on accommodation.

Thanks to its riverside location, Swamp Hen Reserve offers the opportunity to grab your fishing gear and relax for an afternoon. Or, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, you can head out in your kayak or canoe and explore the river.

You’ll find some excellent amenities here, too, including toilets, barbecue facilities, and plenty of picnic tables. There is also a general store nearby, which is ideal for restocking your supplies before hitting the road again.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Barbecue Facilities
• Picnic Tables

Red Banks Conservation Park

Burra, SA

Another free camping spot near Adelaide, Red Banks Conservation Park welcomes campervans, 4WDs, and camper trailers. Tent camping is also allowed, but since facilities are pretty basic, it’s not the most comfortable spot for a tent camper to spend the night.

One of the big draws Red Banks Conversation Park has to offer (aside from being free, of course) is the surrounding nature. Take one of the many walking trails, and you’ll spot wombats and kangaroos out in the wild. It’s also an amazing place to spend an afternoon bird watching, and there are some wonderful views on offer, too, including the red rock formations that give this camping spot its name.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Picnic Tables

Hettner Landing

Walker Flat, SA

Hettner Landing is another free camping spot located along the banks of the Murray River, and here, you’ll find multiple spaces for campervans, camper trailers, and 4WDs. It is quite a popular spot, however, so we recommend getting here as early as you can to strengthen your chances of getting a space.

As you’d expect from its riverside location, you’ll find opportunities for swimming, fishing, and water sports at Hettner Landing. Or, if you prefer, you can simply relax along the river shores and immerse yourself in the sounds of the surrounding wildlife.

There are some good amenities on offer at Hettner Landing, including toilets and gas BBQ equipment. You’re also allowed to light campfires here, although you must bring your own firewood. But, with a general store located within walking distance, it’s easy enough to find, along with any other supplies you might need for your road trip.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Gas BBQ Equipment
• Fire Pits

Frank Potts Reserve

Alexandrina, SA

Located less than an hour from Adelaide, Frank Potts Reserve can be easily accessed by self contained vehicles, including camper trailers, campervans, and 4WDs. Camping in tents is also allowed here, so it’s ideal if you like the idea of breaking free from your motorhome for a night and sleeping under the stars.

One thing you need to note, however, is that while Frank Potts Reserve offers free camping, there are no designated camping spots. As such, advanced booking isn’t possible, so you’ll need to get here in good time to find a decent space. You’re also limited to 72 hours of free camping here.

In terms of amenities, you’ll have access to toilets, drinking water and picnic tables, but there are no showers or other facilities to use. The surroundings are incredible, though, and if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to set up camp right next to the Bremer River.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Drinking Water
• Picnic Tables

Burra Creek Gorge Reserve

Burra, SA

Also known as “Worlds End”, Burra Creek Gorge Reserve is an excellent free camping spot for anyone who is looking to surround themselves with nature, wildlife, and incredible scenery. There is also a road that makes access for campervans and other self contained vehicles easy, and camping in tents is also allowed.

You’ll have access to limited facilities here, including drop toilets and picnic areas. There isn’t any water, though, so you’ll need to bring your own, and fires are only permitted at certain times of year.

This means you’ll need to be a confident self sufficient camper to stay at Burra Creek, but it’s worth it for the bird watching and hiking opportunities. You’ll also be super close to the Heyson Trail, which is one of the most popular walking trails in South Australia.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Drop Toilets
• Picnic Areas
• Fire Pits (Season-Permitting)

Port Parham Foreshore Campground

Parham, SA

One of the most popular spots for free camping Adelaide has to offer, and particularly good for anyone travelling to and from Adelaide along the Port Wakefield Highway, Port Parham Foreshore Campground is suitable for campervans and tents.

You’ll need to be pretty self sufficient to camp here, though, as amenities are limited to a public toilet block and BBQs. The site is dog friendly, but there isn’t any drinking water, and fires aren’t allowed. However, you are allowed to camp for free here for up to 14 days in total, so if you’re willing to rough it to save some money, it’s a good option.

Despite being a basic campsite, there is plenty to do in the surrounding area, with multiple fishing spots and short walking trails to enjoy. You’re also very close to the beach, so you’ll have the opportunity to relax on the shore or go surfing nearby.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• BBQ Facilities

Monteith Rest Area

Monteith, SA

While not technically a campsite, Monteith Rest Area does offer free camping overnight for motorhomes and campervans. As you might expect from a rest area, facilities here are basic and you’ll find a couple of picnic tables and rubbish bins, but there are no toilets so you’ll need to be self sufficient to stay here.

Dogs are permitted here, but there are few shady spots, so you’ll need to get here early if you want to keep your vehicle out of the sun. There are also plenty of short walks in the immediate area for both you and your canine companion to stretch your legs, and its convenient location just off the Princes Highway means getting back on the road for your next adventure is really easy.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Picnic Tables
• Rubbish Bins

Moppa Road Rest Area

Nuriootpa, SA

Another basic rest area that is good for one night’s free camping, Moppa Road Rest Area can be easily accessed by RVs, caravans, campervans, and big rigs. However, only fully self contained vehicles should consider staying here due to the lack of facilities.

This is also a good place to consider pulling up for the night if you’re planning on hiking through Moppa Bush Retreat, where you’ll find plenty of fantastic walking trails and really get the opportunity to stretch your legs, take in some fresh air, and admire the surrounding nature.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• No Amenities – Self-Sufficient Camping Only

Hamley Bridge Sports & Recreation Grounds

Hamley Bridge, SA

Suitable for self contained vehicles, Hamley Bridge Sports & Recreation Grounds offers some basic amenities, including toilets, a dump point, and picnic tables. There isn’t much shade here, and the surroundings are open and wide, but it is a nice, quiet spot to camp for free overnight.

The wide open spaces also offer the opportunity for you to play ball games with your family or, since it is dog friendly, throw a toy around for your four-legged friend. There is also access to drinking water here, so it’s a good place to refill your canteens, and there are nearby shops to restock your supplies.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Dump Point
• Picnic Table
• Drinking Water

Exploring Adelaide doesn’t have to be an expensive experience, and with these free camping sites, you can travel around without having to spend any money on accommodation at all. However, you will still need somewhere comfortable to sleep, so why not combine your transport with a safe place to rest your head by hiring a campervan?

Contact the expert team at your nearest Travellers Autobarn today, and we’ll help you find the best campervan for your needs. Whether you’re travelling as a family, going on a romantic getaway for two, or travelling solo, we have something to suit every need.

So, what are you waiting for? Contact us today, and you’ll be one step closer to your Adelaide camping adventure!