Yorke Peninsula Camping 2024: Bush Campsites, Caravan Parks and more
Yorke Peninsula has some of the best camping locations we’ve seen. And we’ve seen lots! From actual beach frontage, behind cosy dunes, Aussie scrub to full-on adventure-style caravan parks, we’ve listed the top 12 campsites you must visit.
You’ll find heaps of low-cost and free campsites and awesome caravan parks with all the bells and whistles. This is the list of our favourites.
NOTE: While Wikicamps will tell you there are plenty of free campsites on the Yorke Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula council will tell you to only camp in designated places, and you could cop a fine. This list will only cover actual campsites that we can 100% tell you are legal!
For a full range of campsites Australia-wide, we use and recommend Camps Australia. Camps Australia Wide are overseen by a group of camping enthusiasts, unlike other apps which are community-run (which can lead you to misleading places).
Most Popular Campsites on the Yorke Peninsula
Yorke Peninsula camping is a chance to get back to nature. It’s only a few hours’ drive from Adelaide, so it makes the perfect weekend away or multi-week adventure. All bush campsites can be found on the Yorke Peninsula Council website.
Most of the camping sites can be reached by a standard car. Like most bush sites, you are required to bring your own water and be self-sufficient. Many sites allow dogs. Campfires are permitted during the non-fireban season which can be found on this website. BYO firewood.
Here are our top picks:
1. Wauraltee Bush Campsite
📍Location: Wauraltee Bush Campsite, 17km south of Port Victoria
Cost: $20/night
This campsite is set behind the dunes, giving some protection from the westerly breezes which are common on the Yorke Peninsula. It is a simple drive on hard-packed dirt roads and is suitable for standard vehicles and caravans. The beach is a lovely swimming beach during the warmer months.
Some people do decide to camp on the beach- the official booking website discourages this, but doesn’t say ‘no’. If you decide to camp on the beach, research the tide and be familiar with beach driving – it gets soft!
2. Daly Head Bush Campsite
📍Location: 25km south of Corny Point
Cost: $20/night
Daly Head is a mecca for all things surfing, fishing and swimming. Its pristine beaches make you question if a trip to the north of Australia is really necessary! Sites are accessible by standard car and caravan, and the shelter at Daly head forms part of the Walk the Yorke trail. Why not walk a section while you’re here?
There are plenty of spots but always book ahead in the busy Christmas and Easter periods. Stock up your supplies at Warooka on the way to your campsite.
Our Tip: Be aware that rips do form in this beach area. Be ocean wise.
3. Barkers Rocks Bush Campsite
📍Location: 12k north-wet of Minlaton on Barkers Rocks Road.
Cost: $20/night
This campsite on the Yorke Peninsula is unique. We enjoyed this campsite as it has a different outlook than the others. Two camp areas are allocated, the right side has access to the beach via steps. To the left is a more secluded area (our pick!) You’ll find a toilet, but it is preferred to be self-sufficient.
The shallow reef is fantastic for fossicking through the rocks, fishing is also possible (so we’ve been told – fishing is not our strong point!)
Our Tip: If you’re travelling with young kids, be aware there is a few meter drop-off from the rocks in some sections with no fence.
4. Foul Bay Bush Campsite
📍Location: 1km southwest of Foul Bay
Cost: $20/night
This is a campsite that is located next to the boat ramp. Very handy if you’re bringing a dingy with you. A dingy might be on our wish list, but we come here because the views are awesome! You get to see along the southern coastline of Yorke Peninsula.
This campsite doesn’t have a toilet, so you need to be self-sufficient. Warooka is your closest point for supplies.
Our Tip: Watch the weather and plan ahead. This area is rather unprotected and can get very windy/rainy. If that is the case, I’d suggest to check out a campsite away from the southern coast.
Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park Campsites
If back to nature is what you’re looking for, Dhilba Guuranda National Park must be on your list to stay. You can book your campsites here, or at the entrance of the National Park. Bushwalking, Birdwatching, Swimming, Learning about history – this place has it all!
A park entry fee of $10.90 per vehicle is paid for entry, then campsites are $25.80 per night. There are also options to stay at one of the many lodges that are throughout the National Park. All parts of Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park are accessible by 2WD and have options for caravans and tents. Mobile phone reception is patchy, especially in the southwestern corner.
5. Stenhouse Bay
📍Location: Dhilba Guuranda Innes National Park
Cost: $25.80/night
Located closest to the National Park entrance, Stenhouse Bay has large sites, including drive-through sites if you don’t want to unhook. There are BBQs provided as well as toilets.
The views are simply stunning! You can walk down to a cosy little beach, or walk to the jetty and read about the history of the surrounding area.
Our Tip: Bring some strong pegs and a good hammer, or some hexpegs as the ground is very solid!
6. Gym Beach Campground
📍Location: Dhilba Guuranda Innes National Park
Cost: $25.80/night
This could be the best-kept secret of the Yorke Peninsula for camping! It is found in the far northern section of the park. It can only be accessed via Corny Point Road, but it is secluded. When you arrive, you’ll find sites suitable for both caravans and tents and there is a toilet.
You’ll find some great snorkelling, beaches for relaxing or just listening to quietness.
Our Tip: Book ahead as there are only a few sites here – which adds to it’s secluded peacefulness.
7. Shell Beach campground
📍Location: Dhilba Guuranda Innes National Park
Cost: $25.80/night
Shell Beach Campground is one of the most prettiest campsites you’ll find. The campsites are nestled under trees, offering protection from the sun and wind. (Note also, your solar panels might struggle!)
A short walk will take you to Shell Beach, which has a gorgeous rock pool. It is accessible for all cars and caravans and there is a toilet.
Top Family Fun Caravan Parks on the Yorke Peninsula
While camping in nature is relaxing and in our opinion, highly necessary to slow down from city life, it is also nice to give the kids some playgrounds, have a good hot shower and stay in a caravan park.
Here are our top picks for caravan parks around the Yorke Peninsula:
8. Moonta Bay Caravan Park
📍Location: 5 Tossell St, Moonta, South Australia 5558 Australia
Cost: varies depending on accommodation and time of year. Visit Moonta Bay Caravan Park for current rates
The Moonta Bay Caravan Park has everything! A Jumpy Pillow, outdoor playground, giant chess and more! And it is a very short walk to the best outdoor splash park we’ve seen.
There are absolute beach frontage camping sites and well-equipped cabins, so you can have your choice of roughing it or a bit of luxury.
Book your stay at Moonta Bay Caravan Park here – but don’t delay, this caravan park books out in peak season! (for a good reason!)
9. Big 4 Breeze Holiday Park
📍Location Port Hughes
Cost: varies depending on the accommodation book and the time of year. Visit Big 4 Breeze Holiday Park to see current rates.
Located right on the beachfront at Port Hughes, The Breeze Holiday Park can’t get much more central to everything! The Jumpy Pillow features again (our kids favorite!), Kayak hire, mini golf, lawn games and more. You’ll forget you’re visiting the Yorke Peninsula and spend the time in the Holiday Park!
Book your next holiday here at the Big 4 Breeze Holiday Park, and yes, this one also books out fast during the school holiday periods.
10. Marion Bay Caravan Park
📍Location: 17 Willyama Drive, Marion Bay, SA, 5575
Cost: varies depending on accommodation type and time of the year. Visit Marion Bay Caravan Park for the latest rates.
If you want to visit Innes National Park but still have the comforts of caravan parks, Marion Bay Caravan Park is where you need to be! It is located only a 5-minute drive from the National Park.
Marion Bay Caravan Park has lovely amenities, a playground for the kids and communal fire pits at selected times. It’s bush camping without being bush camping!
Click here to book your stay with Marion Bay Caravan Park.
Most popular Free (wild) camping on the Yorke Peninsula
11. Maitland
📍Maitland
Cost: FREE
This is a confirmed free site that is located in the town of Maitland. It is close to shops. Although it isn’t the most spectacular site, it is very useful for an overnight stop to restock supplies. There is a maximum time of 24hours, and the area allocated for free camping isn’t very big. If you have a long setup, have a look first before you drive in.
12. Arthurton
📍Arthurton township
Cost: FREE
This is another confirmed free site that is located in the town of Arthurton. You have a max time of 24 hours, and it makes a great overnighter. It is accessible to standard cars and caravans. There is an awesome pub close by that serves great food.
FAQs
Do you need a permit to camp in South Australia?
While some places allow free short-stay camping, most places along the Yorke Peninsula and around South Australia require you to pay for a permit. It helps to have a good quality campsite locator such as Camps Australia Wide to weed out the incorrect campsites from the allowed sites.
When you stay at a low-cost campsite, you can typically expect a toilet, sometimes a BBQ and rubbish bins. Unfortunately due to rubbish being left at many of the old free sites, the council has elected to make permit-booking sites. Please remember to always leave no trace.
Can you camp for free on the Yorke Peninsula?
Yes! There are still a few places to camp for free, these are located in Maitland and Arthurton. Drop into the pub or the local shops and help the local economy.
Where can I get supplies on the Yorke Peninsula?
Kadina is your main hub for supplies. You’ll find most of the big-named shops such as Aldi and Coles. Stock up here if you’re planning on spending a number of days bush camping.
Maitland and of the other smaller towns have IGA shops or similar. Stop into the local butchers and bakeries for some top-quality food.
