The best campgrounds near Cape Jervis, South Australia with climbing

Most campers only find themselves in Cape Jervis for one reason only—to catch the ferry to Kangaroo Island—but there are plenty of good reasons to stay on the mainland too. Perched at the western tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula, the ferry port is also a strategic base for exploring the sandy beaches, rocky coves, and sea cliffs of the south coast. Set out from Cape Jervis to hike the 745-mile (1,200-kilometre)-long Heysen Trail, go wildlife watching at Deep Creek Conservation Park, or hike and fish along the pebbled beaches of Rapid Bay.

99% (547) • 17 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Cape Jervis

Most campers only find themselves in Cape Jervis for one reason only—to catch the ferry to Kangaroo Island—but there are plenty of good reasons to stay on the mainland too. Perched at the western tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula, the ferry port is also a strategic base for exploring the sandy beaches, rocky coves, and sea cliffs of the south coast. Set out from Cape Jervis to hike the 745-mile (1,200-kilometre)-long Heysen Trail, go wildlife watching at Deep Creek Conservation Park, or hike and fish along the pebbled beaches of Rapid Bay.

99% (547) • 17 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Cape Jervis

1. Cooinda Retreats - RV and Camp Stay

95%

(284)

47km from Cape Jervis · 33 sites · Tents, RVs

Cooinda Retreats – Nature’s Happy Place 🌿 Find your peaceful bushland escape where the stars shine brighter, the air feels lighter, and your stay gives back. Nestled among native scrub with sweeping sea views, Cooinda Retreats blends the magic of nature with modern comforts — hot showers, clean facilities, Wi-Fi, and space to breathe. 🌟 Why Camp With Us? 🌿 Nature + Comfort Combined Wake to birdsong, not crowds. Wander through native bushland, relax by your fire pit (when permitted), and enjoy rustic charm with creature comforts. 💚 Camping That Makes a Difference Every stay supports our not-for-profit mission, funding inclusive programs for people doing it tough. When you camp here, you’re helping others find their happy place too. 🔥 Campfires Allowed only in designated platforms during safe periods (outside Fire Danger Season). Strictly no fires during bans. ✨ Seasonal Sites – Limited Time Only! On public holidays and school holidays, we open 12 extra seasonal sites across our grassy oval and bushland edge — spacious, scenic, and available only a few times a year. Check our Seasonal Sites listings to grab one while you can! 🔍 Choose Your Spot Powered & Premium Sites – some with pet enclosures 🐾 Site 1 – 15A powered, dog-friendly, fully enclosed (7 × 10 m) 🐾 Site 2a – Premium 15A powered, dog-friendly, fully enclosed (8 × 9 m) ⚡ Site 2b – Premium 10A powered (9 × 13 m) ⚡ Site 3a – Premium 10A powered (10.5 × 12 m) Non-Powered Sites ⛺ 3c – Swag / small tent zone 🏠 3d – Motorhome / rooftop tent layout 🌅 4 – Gentle slope, large site (12 × 9 m) 🐾 5 – Dog-friendly, fully enclosed (16 × 12 m) 🌳 6 – Quiet bushland retreat (7 × 11 m) 🌿 7 – Premium non-powered (11 × 7.5 m) 🌄 8 – Open & scenic (10 × 10.5 m) 🌊 9 – Lawn with ocean views (10 × 10.5 m) 🌊 10 – Elevated ocean outlook (10 × 10.5 m) ✅ Included with Every Stay 🚿 Hot showers & toilets 💧 Potable water 🍽 Camp kitchen + Wi-Fi 🚐 RV dump point ♻️ Leave No Trace We don’t provide rubbish bins — this helps protect the environment and keeps site costs affordable for everyone. Please take all waste with you and help us keep this place clean, wild, and wonderful. Camp with heart, unwind under the stars, and know every sunrise at Cooinda Retreats helps someone else find theirs. 🌞

2. Camp Toondilla (Clarendon SA)

99%

(116)

73km from Cape Jervis · 3 sites · RVs

*camera to record car registration has been installed (near entrance) to track unauthorised entry and camping* "Current fire season began on 1st Dec 2025. Check CFS website for total fire ban days, and rules during fire season." Obviously vehicles lengths vary. Vans larger than 18ft will need experienced drivers who have towed in tighter locations and know how the wheels track behind the tow vehicle. Larger vans will need to take care. Under 18ft vans will easily fit, but care also needed. Family hobby farm on six green acres in the historical town of Clarendon (Toondilla), just half an hour south of Adelaide. Set in a gully with a winter creek (Willow Creek) running through (dry in warmer months). Conveniently located within walking distance to the main street of Clarendon - five minutes to the Bakery and 10 minutes to the Royal Oak Hotel and General Store! The property offers the best views of Clarendon via a short walk to the top paddock. There is a limit of 2 private, protected campsites near the creek, each well-maintained and level, with scattered gum trees that provide lovely shade in the morning and afternoon. Camp Toondilla is set up for self-contained campers who bring their own camp toilet and take all waste with them when they go. Well-behaved pets are welcome. Plenty of options in the area to keep the outdoor enthusiast busy, including: nearby wineries (some dog friendly), beaches (Moana and Aldinga/Silver Sands can be driven on), reservoirs (Mt Bold - hiking and views) and (Happy Valley - hiking, running, kayaking, fishing), Onkaparinga National Park and Scott Creek Conservation Park, ForestrySA land (including TreeClimb, Bone Gully MTB and parkrun on Saturdays at The Avenues - Kuitpo (Your host is the Event Director). Bakery, General Store, Clarendon Bowling Club, Riverbend Reserve, Op-shop and Emprades (antiques shop) and Royal Oak Hotel all in the mainstreet of town. Along with historical buildings, you can relax in the local town or venture further.

3. Alma's Hem Amphitheatre Retreat

99%

(379)

37km from Cape Jervis · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

Welcome to Alma’s Hem 🌿 Peaceful farm camping in the heart of the Fleurieu Peninsula Located on Ramindjeri Country, Alma’s Hem is a private, tranquil campground set beside a winter creek on a working cattle farm. Enjoy birdlife, wildlife and big starry skies. It boasts space, scrub and it's own natural amphitheatre, popular for weddings and celebrations when privately booked. * Camping options Tents, swags, caravans and RV's welcome Level, grassy and spacious sites Easy access all year for any vehicle King Deluxe swags with all bedding available to make camping extra easy! * Comforts and features Modern flushing toilets (yes, even camping can be luxurious) Undercover camp kitchen with gas BBQ table and chairs Fire pit at every site Firewood available to order. * Location highlights Less than 1 km to the Heysen Trail 15 mins to Victor Harbor for all your shopping needs 20 mins to Carrackalinga Beach 30 mins to Myponga Reservoir Close to kayaking, waterfalls, conservation parks * Good to know No foraging for firewood — surrounding scrub is heritage listed Friendly farm dogs may visit (can be kept away if needed) Leave No Trace: take all rubbish * Arrival Site map at the driveway entrance Contact us for larger group bookings We look forward to welcoming you ✨ Kylie and the Alma’s Hem Team

4. The Old Middleton Winery

99%

(62)

58km from Cape Jervis · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

Kickback and relax far enough out of town that no one will bother you and also still be closer enough to duck to the shops for milk. We'd love people to come an enjoy our little farm 6km out the back of Middleton, SA. There are no facilities, power or access to water available but for anyone self contained you'll love it.. Check in from time from 1.00pm, but touch base if your'e early, we'll stretch for for you. Super close to some of the best beaches in the state. Middleton for surfing 🏄 Goolwa for fishing 🎣 Port Elliot for swimming 🏊‍♀️ Rates include you getting to hang out with the horse (Nick) who love a stray carrot or 10 and our beautiful sheep including Kevin (the white sheep of the family, you'll get the joke when you meet him) We do allow dogs on leads as long as they are ok with animals. Campfires permitting (depending on local fire restrictions). Scroll down for Map of location.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

M

Mark

1 week ago

8 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Camp Toondilla (Clarendon SA)

We loved having a van at Steven’s place. Flat, quiet and beautiful trees surrounding. It was a bit tight getting in and out but enough room to manoeuvre once on the flat. Easy walk to town, and short drive to plenty of attractions in the area. Steven was a great help with local knowledge and tips on places to visit. Would recommend.

Peaceful, beautiful environment for a relaxing stay

J

Jenny

1 week ago

8 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Camp Toondilla (Clarendon SA)

Steven’s property is beautiful. You wake up in the morning to nothing but the sounds of nature.

A

Annette

1 week ago

7 m Class B

1 night at Camp Toondilla (Clarendon SA)

Well located, lovely host, kangaroos, quiet, what’s not to like!

J

James

1 week ago

5 m car

With pets

1 night at Camp Toondilla (Clarendon SA)

This is a beautiful little spot Great location and host Highly recommended. You won’t be disappointed.

M

Max

1 week ago

6 m Class B

With kids

1 night at Camp Toondilla (Clarendon SA)

Had an excellent time at this spot, tucked away on a nicely grassed area. Steve was more than welcoming. There was a zipline and swings for the kids to play and there are also some resident koala’s you can spot in the trees. We would definitely stay again if we head to South Australia again!

J

Jadie

1 week ago

6 m travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Camp Toondilla (Clarendon SA)

Steve Was a wonderful host land was beautiful and shady plenty of room. Bit tricky to get into but if you follow Steve’s instructions which were great you will be fine. Close enough to Adelaide to enjoy the city but still far enough away to be in piece and quiet

M

Martin

2 weeks ago

5 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Cooinda Retreats - RV and Camp Stay

Beautiful camping site very lots of native scrub and amazing view of the beach in Victor Harbour. Very pet friendly too and nice board walk through native scrub near by. Will come back!

J

Jessica

2 weeks ago

9 m travel trailer

With kids

4 nights at The Old Middleton Winery

Our second stay here, and it was another great stay! Such accomodating hosts, happy to help where they can. A lovely property in a great location to explore the surrounding area. Thanks for having us again, see you next time!

R

Russell

2 weeks ago

10 m travel trailer

4 nights at Camp Toondilla (Clarendon SA)

Good spot but pretty tight for 10 mtr van few to many trees in the way

R

Rachael

2 weeks ago

7 m travel trailer

2 nights at Cooinda Retreats - RV and Camp Stay

Lovely grassed site with some ocean views, small and well maintained park. Great location to be able to visit Victor Harbour and Port Elliot. The hosts were very welcoming and friendly, loved a chat. Would highly recommend.

G

Georgia

3 weeks ago

5 m car

1 night at Camp Toondilla (Clarendon SA)

Great location, everything is not too far away! Cute little level patch of grass and very shady. We had a rooftop tent and towed a boat and had no troubles getting in and out of the site.

T

Tanya

December 2025

7 m pop-up camper

4 nights at Cooinda Retreats - RV and Camp Stay

Great camp. Very neat and tidy. Clean toilets. Hot showers. Welcomed warmly on arrival. Good sized lots so even if we’d had other campers adjacent to us it wouldn’t feel like we were packed in. Would definitely stay again if looking to stay in the area.

N

Nicole

December 2025

5 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cooinda Retreats - RV and Camp Stay

Well maintained campground, clean amenities, short drive into Victor Harbor. Our dog loved to grassy fenced in site and we enjoyed the tranquility and the view of Granite Island.

Jude

December 2025

7 m travel trailer

With pets

10 nights at Camp Toondilla (Clarendon SA)

Steve was very welcoming, best hipcamp for us on our travels so far. Peaceful, safe, great location, dog friendly. Highly recommend! 😊

M

Monique

December 2025

11 m travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Camp Toondilla (Clarendon SA)

Great little spot off the main road and perfect distance to Clarendon township which offers a great pub and bakery. We were able to allow our dog to wonder without issue and would be great area for families. Would stay again.

R

Romney

December 2025

5 m car

1 night at Alma's Hem Amphitheatre Retreat

The camp site was peaceful. There is only 3 sites but I was the only person there. Kylie uses the site for live music gigs once or twice a year and people can hire the place for weddings. It's picturesque and the dogs, Juno and Audrey are gorgeous. I got my doggy fix . Kylie came down for a chat while I was at the camp kitchen. She's a lovely host. I would recommend the site to anyone who likes a quiet and scenic camp. Oh, the toilets were fancy and fabulous.

P

Peter

December 2025

7 m travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Cooinda Retreats - RV and Camp Stay

We stayed in site 3a, beautiful large site, well maintained green grass! The care takers were lovely and keep the place immaculate. I highly recommend staying at Cooinda! Oh and the views from this site, next level!

M

Meredith

December 2025

10 m pop-up camper

With pets

4 nights at Camp Toondilla (Clarendon SA)

We had a lovely stay at Toondilla 1. Beautiful spot, a wonderful nature getaway. The instructions were very helpful and accurate, the 2 sites are well maintained and far enough apart to ensure peace and privacy. There was plenty of level space for the set up of our camper trailer and annexe. Steve was a very welcoming host and provided great suggestions for exploring the surrounding area. We walked to the bakery for a coffee and pastry each day and enjoyed a meal from the hotel one evening. Would definitely recommend as a lovely camping spot and keen for another visit in the future.

A

Andree

December 2025

7 m travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Cooinda Retreats - RV and Camp Stay

A lovely peaceful place to stay in Victor Harbor, with lovely water views, well kept sites and very welcoming hosts. We loved the views, the amenities and also being in a quiet location a little out of the town. The hosts and the amenities were great and we highly recommend to others. .

c

caroline

December 2025

8 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camp Toondilla (Clarendon SA)

A lovely peaceful spot. Steven owner was very helpful & responsive to text messages. A narrow and little steep descent to the site but rewarded when you get down there, perfectly ok if you are a competent driver.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best camping near Cape Jervis with climbing guide

Where to go

Fleurieu Peninsula

Road-trippers driving from Adelaide to Cape Jervis can take in the highlights of the Fleurieu Peninsula along the way. Swing by the Willunga Farmers Market, ride a horse-drawn tram from Victor Harbor to see the penguin colonies of Granite Island, or hop aboard the famous Cockle Train at nearby Goolwa.

Kangaroo Island

Car ferries set sail from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island—about a 45-minute journey—from where you can explore the island’s sandy beaches and wildlife-filled bushlands. Stop at Seal Bay to admire the sea lion colony, go sandboarding at the Little Sahara sand dunes, then venture off-road in the Flinders Chase National Park, home to natural wonders like Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch.

McLaren Vale

The vine-clad foothills of the Mount Lofty Ranges and the Adelaide Hills make up the McLaren Vale wine region, home to some of South Australia’s oldest and most prestigious wineries. Rent a bike to explore the Shiraz trail, stopping off at boutique wineries and cellar doors, then check into a tranquil country campground, spend a night in a solar-powered eco-cabin, or go glamping in a bell tent.

When to go

The most popular time to visit Cape Jervis is during the summer months (Dec through Feb), when crowds flock to the surrounding beaches and ferry port. Ferries run from Cape Jervis to Kangaroo Island year-round, although they are occasionally cancelled in winter if the weather is particularly rough. June through October is whale migration season, so keep a lookout as you hike or cruise along the south coast.