River, stream, or creek and dog-friendly camping near Adelaide
Encircled by beaches, wildlife, and vineyards, this cultural hub offers plenty of outdoor adventure.
- Adelaide
Popular camping styles for Adelaide
2 top river, stream, or creek and dog-friendly campgrounds near Adelaide
Noorla Farm (Happy Camping Ground)
Bolshack43 Riverfront Camp Mannum
River, stream, or creek and dog-friendly camping near Adelaide guide
Overview
From coastal walks and beach getaways to wine tasting in the Adelaide Hills or the wild desert plains of the Outback—Adelaide has all of it on its doorstep, and 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 near Eden Valley vineyards. 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 quiet camping spots within a 1.5-hour drive of Adelaide. 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 vines, stone villages, and some 150 wineries make the Barossa Valley one of Australia’s best wine regions. Just over an hour from Adelaide CBD, it’s an escape from urban life, where you can bike through the countryside, float over the vineyards in a hot air balloon, or try farm-to-table cuisine before checking into a campsite.
Yorke Peninsula
Northwest of Adelaide, the Yorke Peninsula curls its way around the St. Vincent Gulf, clocking up more than 700 kilometres of coves, beaches, and headlands. Just a 2-hour drive from the city, you can hike Innes National Park, play a game of golf, snorkel the Windara Reef, or go swimming, surfing, and fishing along the coast.
When to go
Summertime (December through February) is Adelaide’s busiest period, when 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 best for wildlife watching, when baby kangaroos are often seen roaming the bushlands of Kangaroo Island.
Know before you go
- Having your own vehicle is a big plus around Adelaide—public transport is limited in the surrounding areas.
- Fire bans are common during summer and dry periods, so be sure to check local recommendations before lighting your campfire.
- Adelaide Central Market is one of the largest in the country and a great spot to pick up picnic supplies and fresh produce.
