From coastal walks and beach getaways along the Fleurieu Peninsula, to wine tasting in Adelaide Hills, or the wild desert plains of the Aussie outback—Adelaide has all of it on its doorstep. Campers have plenty of options too. Check into a luxury caravan park within a short drive of the city, bed down in a retro caravan and enjoy a BBQ around the campfire, or pitch your tent
Read more...From coastal walks and beach getaways along the Fleurieu Peninsula, to wine tasting in Adelaide Hills, or the wild desert plains of the Aussie outback—Adelaide has all of it on its doorstep. Campers have plenty of options too. Check into a luxury caravan park within a short drive of the city, bed down in a retro caravan and enjoy a BBQ around the campfire, or pitch your tent amid the sloping vineyards of the Eden Valley. Adelaide is also well situated for exploring South Australia’s national parks, where campers can get back to nature at bush camping sites.
Fleurieu Peninsula
Stretching south of Adelaide, the Fleurieu Peninsula has beachfront walking trails, surf breaks, and tranquil camping spots within a 1.5-hour drive of the city. Sip Shiraz in the McLaren Vale wine region; head to the beach towns of Southport, Boomer Beach and Waitpinga; or drive over to Kangaroo Island to spot wild kangaroos, koalas, fur seals, and little penguins.
Barossa Valley
Lush sloping vines, picturesque stone villages, and more than 150 wineries make the Barossa Valley one of Australia’s most renowned wine regions. Just over an hour from Adelaide CBD, it’s an idyllic escape from urban life, where you can cycle through the countryside, float over the vineyards in a hot air balloon, or indulge in gourmet farm-to-table cuisine, before checking into a campsite in the heart of the countryside.
Yorke Peninsula
Northwest of Adelaide, the Yorke Peninsula curls its way around the St.Vincent Gulf, clocking up more than 700 kilometres of sandy coves, golden beaches, and rugged headlands. Just a 2-hour drive from the city, visit the peninsula to hike in the Innes National Park, play a game of golf, snorkel the Windara Reef, or enjoy swimming, surfing, and fishing along the coast.
When to Go
Summertime (December through February) is Adelaide’s busiest period, when huge crowds descend on the city to enjoy its summer festivals. To avoid peak season, the best camping times are spring (September through November) and autumn (March through May), when the weather is typically warm and dry—ideal for hiking, road tripping, and outdoor activities. Springtime is also the optimal time for wildlife watching, when baby kangaroos are often seen roaming the bushlands of Kangaroo Island.
Know Before You Go
- Having your own transport is a big plus around Adelaide—public transport is limited to destinations such as Kangaroo Island and the Barossa Valley.
- Fire bans are common in Australia during summer and dry periods, so be sure to check local recommendations before lighting your campfire or use the designated firepits.
- Adelaide Central Market is one of the largest in Australia and a great spot to pick up picnic supplies and fresh produce.
The best camping near Adelaide, South Australia.
Encircled by beaches, wildlife reserves, and vineyards, this cultural hub offers plenty of outdoor adventures.
Fleurieu Peninsula
Stretching south of Adelaide, the Fleurieu Peninsula has beachfront walking trails, surf breaks, and tranquil camping spots within a 1.5-hour drive of the city. Sip Shiraz in the McLaren Vale wine region; head to the beach towns of Southport, Boomer Beach and Waitpinga; or drive over to Kangaroo Island to spot wild kangaroos, koalas, fur seals, and little penguins.
Barossa Valley
Lush sloping vines, picturesque stone villages, and more than 150 wineries make the Barossa Valley one of Australia’s most renowned wine regions. Just over an hour from Adelaide CBD, it’s an idyllic escape from urban life, where you can cycle through the countryside, float over the vineyards in a hot air balloon, or indulge in gourmet farm-to-table cuisine, before checking into a campsite in the heart of the countryside.
Yorke Peninsula
Northwest of Adelaide, the Yorke Peninsula curls its way around the St.Vincent Gulf, clocking up more than 700 kilometres of sandy coves, golden beaches, and rugged headlands. Just a 2-hour drive from the city, visit the peninsula to hike in the Innes National Park, play a game of golf, snorkel the Windara Reef, or enjoy swimming, surfing, and fishing along the coast.
When to Go
Summertime (December through February) is Adelaide’s busiest period, when huge crowds descend on the city to enjoy its summer festivals. To avoid peak season, the best camping times are spring (September through November) and autumn (March through May), when the weather is typically warm and dry—ideal for hiking, road tripping, and outdoor activities. Springtime is also the optimal time for wildlife watching, when baby kangaroos are often seen roaming the bushlands of Kangaroo Island.
Know Before You Go