The best ranch camping in Northern Territory

Name: Northern Territory
Address: Northern Territory
Rating: 4.9155

Vast desert landscapes, balmy tropical heat, and some of Australia’s most dramatic terrain—the Northern Territory is a region to be savoured. Give yourself ample time to explore the national parks’ ancient Aboriginal rock art; hike through sweeping gorges; or set out on an epic road trip all the way to the Red Centre. Here, each season offers its own appeal. Dry season (June through Sept) is the best time to hike, surf, or camp out in the wilderness, while in wet season (November through April), wildlife cruises and waterfalls are at their most impressive.

98% (199) • 195 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Northern Territory

Top Camp

1. Top Camp

100%

(15)

Humpty Doo, NT · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

Hobby farm with cattle/horses/pigs and chickens. Four spacious separate areas set up for each nomad to enjoy their own space. Water, 15amp, free laundry, shared ablution block with one toilet and one shower, dump point, fire pit all surrounded by beautiful green grass. Shaded areas to set up. Beautiful bush walks in immediate area. Kakadu National Park 111km and Litchfield National Park 83km from property location. The famous Humpty Doo Pub is 6.7km and the Humpty Doo Shops, chemist, doctor’s and Post office are 7.3km from property location. Secure fencing for dog (all dogs must be vaccinated and well mannered. Dog poo must be cleaned up after). One site = one vehicle/tent/ motorhome or caravan only. There are a total of 4 sites at Top Camp with plenty of room to spread out. Please do not ask for one site for 2 vehicles etc.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Berry Springs Labush Estate

2. Berry Springs Labush Estate

93%

(29)

Berry Springs, NT · 8 sites · Tents, RVs

Stay at our 26 acres in beautiful Berry Springs. The property offers plenty of tall trees for shade and space to pitch a tent or park a caravan, motor home or camper, and enjoy a campfire in a pit. Campers MUST be self-contained, with their own camp toilet. No waste disposal on site. No shower facilities The block is within a short 3km distance to Berry Springs Nature Park, a popular swimming hole also shops, a pharmacy, doctors, hardware store, petrol station and tavern. We have friendly cows and donkeys to pat and lots of bird life to see or photograph. Power and water can be made available. You are welcome to collect fallen timber for firewood from the property.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Campfires

Mambo Lodge

3. Mambo Lodge

98%

(53)

Howard Springs, NT · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

Small Hobby farm. Camping in serene surroundings amongst 350 mango trees with water and electricity connections for up to 4 x Caravans to maintain privacy. On site toilets and dump point. Close to all the tourist attractions Darwin has to offer. Access to splash pool. Pets by negotiation.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Ooraminna Homestead

4. Ooraminna Homestead

Ross, NT · 24 sites · Tents, Lodging

On 200 hectares, just 30 minutes drive from Alice Springs, Ooraminna is a place to feel grounded within the rugged beauty, vast landscapes, and tranquility of Central Australia. This is Arrernte Country, where for tens of thousands of years there have been continuous, culturally rich connections to its deserts, springs and mountain ranges. Over a century ago, Deep Well Station cattle began grazing the land, and in the 1980’s Ooraminna Homestead was imagined as a film set to bring legendary Aussie tales to life. Today, Ooraminna’s vision is to provide a place where the remarkable environment is protected and visitors feel a sense of belonging amongst the ancient bushlands. Trails lead to a spectacular lookout and a life-giving billabong. Secluded cabins sit shadowed by red rock outcrops, and campsites are circled by blue mallee gums. Cooling off in the swimming pool as the sun sets is a stunning way to end the day. Experiences at Ooraminna invite connections with people, place and nature. Escape into the wild, feel the rhythms of the red earth, and stay immersed in an untamed wilderness beneath starry desert skies.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Athelle Outback Hideaway

5. Athelle Outback Hideaway

100%

(1)

Ti Tree, NT · 150 sites · Tents, RVs

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.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Howard Springs Haven

6. Howard Springs Haven

100%

(157)

Howard Springs, NT · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Enjoy our tropical, secluded oasis and wake up to the sounds of native bird life each morning. As seen on The Feel Good Family season 4 ep. 102, and season 8 ep. 242. Conveniently located, we're a 30 minute drive from Darwin CBD , 15 minutes from two major shopping centres, 1 hour from Litchfield National Park , 1.5 hours from Kakadu National Park, 20 minutes from the public dump point, and only 5 minutes from the local IGA and post office, the family friendly Howard Springs Nature Reserve, and excellent pine forest mountain bike trails. We have only two sites, to give you excellent privacy and space. The sites are level and grassed, with dedicated water and power access. You are welcome to share our refreshing plunge pool. Wander the yard to enjoy the gardens or spot small lizards and frogs. We have fantastic recycling and compost facilities, in a small effort to reduce our collective impact on the environment. Kids will love having plenty of space to run, ride and explore. There is a kids cubby and mud kitchen, sandpit, swings and a climbing frame (all to be used at your own risk). You will need to be fully self-contained with your own camping toilet/shower. We are in a rural residential area, located at the end of a very quiet court, and while it's rare, you may hear normal neighbourhood noises from time to time. Pets may be accepted (please enquire before booking), and pet minding may be available so that you can get away to enjoy the Territory's beautiful national parks and swimming holes.

Electrical hookup

Campfires

Water hookup

Hillier Hideaway

7. Hillier Hideaway

98%

(30)

Howard Springs, NT · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

Hillier Hideaway is a beautiful 5-acre property located 2 minutes from Coolalinga Central. With 4 well shaded, spacious sites this is the perfect place to pull up and explore Darwin and its surrounds. Sites are not visible from the road and there are no dirt bike tracks or open land adjoining the property, making this a very secluded and safe site. We can accommodate vans up to 24 feet and have 1 dedicated site for either a camper trailer or tent. All sites have no power or water, so you will need to be fully self-sufficient. There is however a single shower and toilet for use if needed. There is a dump point at the Caravan Park across from Coolalinga Central that can be used for a small fee. All sites are well maintained with plenty of shade, please note during the dry season the grassed area will die off. There will be areas allocated for small campfires and guests must follow fire bans as the restrictions come up. There are wild peacocks that come in at dawn and dusk to get their daily feed, guests are welcome to come watch, Burdekin ducks and possums at night. Pets are allowed however dogs must remain on a lead as there is allot of wildlife that call the property home.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Livingstone Keep

8. Livingstone Keep

Livingstone, NT · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Livingstone Keep is a peaceful, secluded bushland escape set on 20 acres just off the Stuart Highway in Australia’s Northern Territory. Ideal for self-contained campers with tents or RVs, this off-grid property offers wide open space, natural surroundings, and a true Top End camping experience under big skies and star-filled nights. Located around 48 km from Darwin, Livingstone Keep makes a great base for exploring iconic nearby destinations such as Litchfield National Park and Kakadu National Park. You’re also a short drive from Humpty Doo and Berry Springs for supplies or a relaxed stop after a day of adventure. Guests can enjoy spacious natural camping areas suited to RVs or tents, with a rustic, unplugged atmosphere perfect for slowing down and reconnecting with nature. There are two camping pads available, and while there are no toilets, showers, power, or potable water, this minimalist setup is ideal for travellers seeking a genuine off-grid stay. When conditions allow, evenings can be spent around the fire pit area, soaking up the quiet bush setting and incredible night skies. This spot is best suited to road trippers, nature lovers, couples, or small groups looking for a simple, peaceful base while exploring the Top End’s waterfalls, wildlife, and outdoor adventures.

Pets

Picnic table

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Josh

1 week ago

9 m travel trailer

Group trip

1 night at Howard Springs Haven

Great spot, there was lots of room, plenty of shade, grass, water and power close by

Alain

2 weeks ago

12 m travel trailer

1 night at Mambo Lodge

Delightful camping experience a stone’s throw from Darwin. Well shaded with rows of mango trees running north-south. Peaceful at night with no traffic noise. Gerhard and Hanlie are very welcoming hosts. Highly recommended.

Jess

3 weeks ago

8 m travel trailer

With kids

1 night at Howard Springs Haven

Great spot to stop when exploring Darwin and the region. The spot was large and flat and felt secluded from the other campsite and main house. Access to power and water was straight forward and our kids lived the plunge pool and play area.

Garth

3 weeks ago

6 m travel trailer

With pets

10 nights at Top Camp

We had a lovely stay, we found Amanda & Pete very welcoming and nothing was too much trouble We would highly recommend this hipcamp

Cleo

3 weeks ago

11 m travel trailer

With kids

4 nights at Top Camp

I cannot recommend Peter and Amanda's site more! They are so accommodating and the sites are spacious and there is plenty of space for kids to run around and be kids! There is a really lovely firepit and communal area if you want to get together for a yarn. Although there is only one toilet and shower they are well maintained and clean. The washing machine is a godsend for anyone travelling. Overall it's a great quiet place to stay, for a night or for an extended period of time!

Lauren

August 2026

11 m travel trailer

With pets

6 nights at Top Camp

We loved our stay here, perfect spot to let the kiddies and the pups have a run around. This place has it all - power, water, communal fire pit, washing lines, washing machine, bins, shower and toilet! Not to mention the hosts Amanda & Pete are so friendly & accomodating! Thank you for a lovely stay guys!

Elisha

August 2026

6 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Mambo Lodge

We absolutely loved our stay at Mambo Top End. Gerhard and Hanlie were so incredibly welcoming and have created a little slice of paradise for everyone wanting to explore Darwin and surrounds. They have 3 beautiful doggies, our boys loved playing with them as we are missing our dogs so much. They have cheeky free roaming chooks who love to come and say hello. The sites are large, private and shaded by beautiful mango trees. It was amazing to have the beauty and privacy of a HipCamp while also having the comfort of power and water hookup. Onsite bathroom and dump point is such a bonus. Gerhard and Hanlie were so wonderful to our two young boys. They got out a little splash pool for the boys to play in, and some bikes to ride up and down the grassed area. I honestly could not recommend this stay highly enough, we really felt at home.

Rose

August 2026

11 m travel trailer

5 nights at Mambo Lodge

Mambo Lodge is the perfect spot for your visit to Darwin. The green sites among the mango trees and the friendly and welcoming hosts made our stay in Darwin a memorable experience. Thank you Gerhard and Hanlie for sharing your beautiful property with us!

Karen

August 2026

8 m travel trailer

With pets

7 nights at Top Camp

Amazing place to stay. Lots of room, great amenities including washing machine. Great hosts and location and very dog friendly. Would defiantly recommend to stay here. And the name is correct as it is a Top Camp.

Elisha

July 2026

6 m travel trailer

With kids

2 nights at Howard Springs Haven

Very tranquil and peaceful. The hosts were lovely and friendly. We felt very safe and welcome. Great base to explore what Darwin has to offer.

Tanya

July 2026

6 m travel trailer

With kids

7 nights at Howard Springs Haven

Great place to stay. We stayed a week and would have stayed longer if available. My son enjoyed being able to use the trampoline and play in the backyard with their children, like he would at home. Very safe area.

Daniel

July 2026

6 m rooftop tent

3 nights at Hillier Hideaway

Fantastic place to stay. The hosts are very lovely and welcoming and a beautiful spot to base to explore the region.

Karen

July 2026

9 m travel trailer

5 nights at Mambo Lodge

Gerhard and Hanlie are wonderful hosts. They made us feel so welcome and it was a pleasure to meet them. Their property is beautiful and very well managed. The sites generous on lovely green grass between the mangoe trees. We loved the chooks too!

Aaron

July 2026

10 m Class A

4 nights at Mambo Lodge

Beautiful green grass amongst the Mango trees, secure private location close to Darwin. Friendly hosts and some fresh eggs from the chooks! 😊 Clean toilets, power and water too. Dog friendly

Phillip

July 2026

9 m travel trailer

4 nights at Mambo Lodge

Our dogs enjoyed the stay as much as we did. A wonderful place to stay, green and lush, grassy site with friendly chickens too. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a quiet place to rest. Hosts were lovely people, so helpful and generous.

Ari

July 2026

6 m travel trailer

With kids

5 nights at Howard Springs Haven

We had a fantastic stay. The site was private, quiet, and nicely shaded, making it a great place to relax. Kristy and Clint were incredibly friendly, welcoming, and helpful throughout our stay. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this spot to others and would definitely stay here again. We have a 21 foot caravan and no issues in site 2.

site 1, this is a medium sized site and pretty much shade all day, this also fully grassed.

Ash

July 2026

5 m rooftop tent

1 night at Hillier Hideaway

Great location close to Darwin. Well laid out sites with plenty of privacy. Clean toilets and shower. Andrew was extremely helpful and very easy to get on with

Andrea

July 2026

7 m travel trailer

With kids

5 nights at Howard Springs Haven

Lovely peaceful camp. Very friendly host. Plently of space on site 1. Would stay again.

Graham

July 2026

4 m rooftop tent

1 night at Top Camp

We have learnt that all experiences on Hipcamp are different, proprietors take different angles on how the setup and present their sites Top camp was great, a fenced, open , well maintained paddock allowing for up to 4 camps. On our night we were lucky to have the whole place to ourselves A re-used shipping container housed the toilet and shower and a laundry, all well done Recommended

Drew

July 2026

6 m travel trailer

With kids

6 nights at Howard Springs Haven

This hip camp was such a great alternative to a caravan park just outside of Darwin. Kristy was so accommodating and her family was very lovely. If you are looking for an option other than a busy caravan park this is it!

Northern Territory camping guide

Where to go

Darwin

Darwin is the gateway to the Litchfield and Mary River national parks, where you can pitch a tent along the riverside, spot wildlife on a bushwalk, then cool off in a natural swimming hole. For the best of both worlds, stop at one of the city’s beachfront campsites and explore the parks on a day trip.

Kakadu

Cruise among crocs, uncover Aboriginal rock art sites, and swim in natural waterholes at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. Bush campgrounds provide an opportunity to get back to nature, while the park has over 30 marked rainforest hiking trails.

Alice Springs

Venture to Alice Springs, Australia’s Red Centre, to hike around King’s Canyon, hear Dreamtime stories of Aboriginal heritage, and lose yourself in the endless desert landscapes. Adventurers can roll out a swag beneath the desert stars and wake early to watch the sunrise over Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

Katherine

South of Darwin, the Katherine River is flanked by rocky gorges and savannah grasslands where you can hike, camp, or kayak away from crowds. In Nitmiluk National Park, you can also soak in natural thermal springs, visit ancient caves, or swim at Edith Falls.

Arnhem Land

Campers venturing to the northernmost corner of Arnhem Land are rewarded with deserted beaches, rocky promontories, and hidden waterfalls. You need a permit to visit the traditional lands of the Yolngu people and a four-wheel drive is best for getting around, but it’s worth the effort to discover one of Australia’s most undeveloped pockets of wilderness.