The best desert campgrounds in Northern Territory

Swag Inn is your go-to website for camping in Australia's Northern Territory, specifically if you're looking to explore the desert terrain. With 17 options available in the Northern Territory that cater to desert camping, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your adventure. Whether you prefer the convenience of Swag Inn (20 reviews), the proximity to Kakadu National Park at Camp Bundaleer on Kakadu Doorstep (8 reviews), or the rustic charm of Natural NT Bush Camp (1 review), there's something for everyone. Plus, you can enjoy popular facilities like potable water, pet-friendly sites, and the joy of gathering around a campfire. With an average price per night of $40 and options as low as $25, Hipcamp offers affordable camping experiences. So, pack your bags and get ready to embark on your desert camping escapade in the Northern Territory!

98% (98)

Top-rated campgrounds

Swag Inn is your go-to website for camping in Australia's Northern Territory, specifically if you're looking to explore the desert terrain. With 17 options available in the Northern Territory that cater to desert camping, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your adventure. Whether you prefer the convenience of Swag Inn (20 reviews), the proximity to Kakadu National Park at Camp Bundaleer on Kakadu Doorstep (8 reviews), or the rustic charm of Natural NT Bush Camp (1 review), there's something for everyone. Plus, you can enjoy popular facilities like potable water, pet-friendly sites, and the joy of gathering around a campfire. With an average price per night of $40 and options as low as $25, Hipcamp offers affordable camping experiences. So, pack your bags and get ready to embark on your desert camping escapade in the Northern Territory!

98% (98)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Swag Inn

100%

(99)

4 sites · Tents, RVs · Ross, NT

Our backyard campsite is only 9 km from the centre of Alice Springs. Its located in a rural/urban setting. Alice Springs is as famous for the personality of its locals and contemporary and traditional art as the natural wonders, including the stunning Larapinta Trail and the MacDonnell Ranges, which surround it. The Swag Inn camping spot has access to an outdoor shower and toilet and laundry sink. Enjoy the view of the ranges and the amazing stars in the desert night sky from your campsite. Listen to the bird calls and enjoy the peace. Campers are welcome to enjoy the BBQ Firepit and firewood, within local restrictions. Around town, there are numerous sites of historical significance to the region’s settler history, including the Old Telegraph Station Reserve, which marks the town’s important role as the mid-point of the 19th-century telegraph line running from Adelaide to Darwin. There are great places to eat and drink, with great views.

2. Athelle Outback Hideaway

100%

(1)

150 sites · Tents, RVs · Ti Tree, NT

Athelle Outback Hideaway is a famous Australian Outback tourist destination, steeped in the rugged beauty of Central Australia. Only a short 28km drive from the Stuart Highway, the farmland’s unique charm lies in its harmonious blend of modern amenities, with a deep respect for the land’s Indigenous heritage. Today Athelle Outback Hideaway stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Australia Outback. Welcoming visitors from around the globe, it is easy to become immersed in the untamed splendor and unwind amidst the boundless horizon.

3. Camp Bundaleer on Kakadu Doorstep

97%

(17)

5 sites · RVs · Marrakai, NT

Welcome to the Top End! Just 10 minutes from the famous Adelaide river jumping crocodiles and 15 minutes from the enormous Mt Bundy wild rice granite rock carvings. This is a secluded bush camp set amongst the trees with a fire pit, for self-contained campers only (who bring their own camping toilet/shower amenities). We are located on the Arnhem Hwy half way between Darwin and Kakadu National Park. Enjoy designated walking tracks, animal feeding, see native wildlife and birds. Relax as you watch amazing sunsets. This campsite is dog friendly. You must be self-contained. We are conveniently located just a short 9km drive from fuel and basic supplies.

Stories from the community

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Marie

October 2025

5 m Class B

1 night at Swag Inn

We loved staying at Swag Inn. Communication with Kathy was great, and the campground is very special! You can feel the love the owners gave to the space. Facilities were clean and good. We recommend it!

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Lyn

October 2025

7 m Class B

2 nights at Swag Inn

Friendly lovely just. Very clean ammenities. Felt safe peaceful. Just lovely

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Ian

September 2025

6 m Class B

1 night at Swag Inn

Recommend 100% Kathy will make sure you have everything for your stay. The place is a Finke Race museum on its own, amazing job! Plenty of space, quiet and there is all you need for the night. 👍 We cancelled our booking to G'day park and rebooked The Swag Inn for our night back to Alice Springs...

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Fran

September 2025

10 m pop-up camper

3 nights at Swag Inn

We loved our stay at swag inn. Close enough to town but away from suburbia. Hosts gave great tips for places to explore. An eclectic and peaceful place to stay. Great facilities. Would recommend.

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David

September 2025

10 m pop-up camper

With kids

1 night at Swag Inn

What a great spot to stop in Alice. After being out in the dust (which we love) over the few months it's always get to find a spot with a bit of shade, great facilities (esp good hot water!!) and a friendly host. The Swag Inn ticked all the boxes so we opted to stay and extra night.

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Ben

September 2025

4 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Swag Inn

Great vibe to the place, even though we were the only ones there! Excellent facilities, cool artwork, loads of space and good location to get to town easily.

J

Julien

August 2025

7 m Class B

With kids

3 nights at Swag Inn

Very pleasant site. All amenities are present. The universe into which our hosts invite us is incredibly well done. Thank you for the stay!

S

Sean

August 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Swag Inn

Great camps site. Really convenient. Great Ablutions. Kathy super helpful. Would highly recommend.

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vicki

August 2025

8 m Class B

1 night at Swag Inn

Lovely well planned area with lots of rustic art work from tables chairs to fences made from repurposing metal car parts farm equipment etc Kathy was very welcoming explaining the area and answered any concerns We had use of their great fire pit and wood. The shower was fantastic Very clean Would recommend and stay again

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Nep

August 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Swag Inn

My first time using Hipcamp and my experience here set the bar high. An excellent camp ground with running water, toilet facilities and a 15 amp powered site. As I arrived, Kathy started the campfire and ensured that my stay was pleasant. Ash’s creative artwork/decor gives a rustic yet modern feeling. They knew the NT very well and assisted me with my itinerary. I now have a positive outlook on Alice Springs due to camping here.

John

August 2025

7 m Class B

3 nights at Swag Inn

What an absolutely awesome campsite! Only 10 mins from town, tucked away behind the main residence, the camp area is quiet and charming. Kathy and Ashley have made a gorgeous quirky area with old metal and wood. The firepit is great! The amenities are amazing, great hot water. Would thoroughly recommend.

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Briar

August 2025

7 m Class B

1 night at Swag Inn

We enjoyed the unique camping experience at Swag Inn, the artwork especially. Kathy made us feel at home on arrival and we enjoyed having a campfire to sit around. The option of a cosy camp kitchen was also special.

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Michele

July 2025

5 m Class B

2 nights at Swag Inn

We loved Swag Inn, lovely artfilled spaces. Close to Alice but private and quiet. Great hosts, highly recommend.

Angelica

July 2025

Tent

1 night at Swag Inn

This was such an amazing campsite. Kathy was very helpful and explained where everything was, where to park, and even started a campfire for us. It was such a lovely stay and I would definitely stay here again!

J

Jimmy

July 2025

Tent

1 night at Swag Inn

Very comfortable and welcoming space. The design and aesthetic is also great. Recommended for anyone. The host came out and started a fire for us, just very great hospitality overall.

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Rodger

July 2025

5 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Camp Bundaleer on Kakadu Doorstep

Great location, lots of shade but also sunny spots if you need some solar boost

J

Jordan

November 2024

5 m car

1 night at Swag Inn

We loved our very brief trip to Swag Inn! Wish we could have stayed longer but it’s the perfect spot to explore Alice from. All the amenities are really well maintained and the site feels very secure, highly recommend. We also booked every last minute and Kathy was very responsive and helpful.