The best pets off leash campgrounds near Cape Jervis, South Australia

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.

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Top-rated campgrounds

1. Emu Bay Hideaway, Kangaroo Island

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(13)

51km from Cape Jervis · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Emu Bay, SA

Welcome to your dream destination!! We have two different locations available in Kangaroo Island with some options of sites in each. FIRST LOCATION: EMU BAY HIDEAWAY-30 hectares of peace, mainly vegetated with Kangaroo Island Narrow-leaved Mallee (Eucalyptus cneorifolia, a nationally-protected ecological community). Kangaroos and wallabies are in abundance. It has a wonderful feeling of remoteness and seclusion yet is so close to iconic Emu Bay. Those with 4WD may choose sites overlooking Shoal Bay towards Kingscote. Alternatively, you may set up camp anywhere on the property. There is even one under-cover position with a concrete floor for those concerned about the weather. There are no amenities so guests need to be 100% self-sufficient (including BYO drinking water and toilet) and leave no trace. It is a wild block and only five minutes from the iconic Emu Bay, where the white sandy beach runs for 4kms, most of which is backed by 10 to 20-meter-high dunes. It is one of the best beaches on the island with crystal-clear water. SECOND LOCATION: Farm Stay about 15 km from Emu Bay and 20km from the main town of Kingscote. This is an operating small sheep farm of over 100ha. For security reasons the exact location is not advertised, but will be disclosed upon arrival on Kangaroo Island. There are several beautiful sites. This location is fairly central to most KI visitor attractions. It is a secure place to set up camp and have peace of mind that your belongings will be safe while you are away from the site. The host takes care to situate sites to give campers the feeling of exclusiveness. NOTES; Check with me before lighting a campfire - this depends on the season and risk. Dogs are permitted if well controlled (register visiting dogs with local council). IMPORTANT: As I have very limited access to the Internet, It is preferred that if you have questions, you can text or call me, Rosalie, on 0490485123. Please note - all bookings MUST still go through the Hipcamp system, no exceptions. Kangaroo Island is serviced by regular ferry - check SeaLink for details. As the service requires advance bookings, please secure your passage to the island before booking your site. Thank you.

2. Longview Camp

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(1)

36km from Cape Jervis · 1 site · Tent · American River, SA

Longview camp is a scrub block on picturesque Kangaroo Island, located at peaceful american river, overlooking the bay you can have a peaceful stay with close proximity to all Kangaroo Island has to offer. There is the oyster farm shop, Kingscote, Emu Bay, Stokes Bay and the world famous Flinders Chase National Park all at your fingertips from this amazing location

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.

100% (13)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Emu Bay Hideaway, Kangaroo Island

100%

(13)

51km from Cape Jervis · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Emu Bay, SA

Welcome to your dream destination!! We have two different locations available in Kangaroo Island with some options of sites in each. FIRST LOCATION: EMU BAY HIDEAWAY-30 hectares of peace, mainly vegetated with Kangaroo Island Narrow-leaved Mallee (Eucalyptus cneorifolia, a nationally-protected ecological community). Kangaroos and wallabies are in abundance. It has a wonderful feeling of remoteness and seclusion yet is so close to iconic Emu Bay. Those with 4WD may choose sites overlooking Shoal Bay towards Kingscote. Alternatively, you may set up camp anywhere on the property. There is even one under-cover position with a concrete floor for those concerned about the weather. There are no amenities so guests need to be 100% self-sufficient (including BYO drinking water and toilet) and leave no trace. It is a wild block and only five minutes from the iconic Emu Bay, where the white sandy beach runs for 4kms, most of which is backed by 10 to 20-meter-high dunes. It is one of the best beaches on the island with crystal-clear water. SECOND LOCATION: Farm Stay about 15 km from Emu Bay and 20km from the main town of Kingscote. This is an operating small sheep farm of over 100ha. For security reasons the exact location is not advertised, but will be disclosed upon arrival on Kangaroo Island. There are several beautiful sites. This location is fairly central to most KI visitor attractions. It is a secure place to set up camp and have peace of mind that your belongings will be safe while you are away from the site. The host takes care to situate sites to give campers the feeling of exclusiveness. NOTES; Check with me before lighting a campfire - this depends on the season and risk. Dogs are permitted if well controlled (register visiting dogs with local council). IMPORTANT: As I have very limited access to the Internet, It is preferred that if you have questions, you can text or call me, Rosalie, on 0490485123. Please note - all bookings MUST still go through the Hipcamp system, no exceptions. Kangaroo Island is serviced by regular ferry - check SeaLink for details. As the service requires advance bookings, please secure your passage to the island before booking your site. Thank you.

2. Longview Camp

100%

(1)

36km from Cape Jervis · 1 site · Tent · American River, SA

Longview camp is a scrub block on picturesque Kangaroo Island, located at peaceful american river, overlooking the bay you can have a peaceful stay with close proximity to all Kangaroo Island has to offer. There is the oyster farm shop, Kingscote, Emu Bay, Stokes Bay and the world famous Flinders Chase National Park all at your fingertips from this amazing location

Stories from the community

R

Rodney

October 2025

6 m travel trailer

Group trip

1 night at Emu Bay Hideaway, Kangaroo Island

Beautiful spot at emu Bay hideaway on the flat as you come in the gate,

N

Nikki

April 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Emu Bay Hideaway, Kangaroo Island

The property was nice and close to the local town, stunning views of the landscape, a lovely camp spot next to the creek (not running due to drought). Rosalie was a lovely host, very accommodating and welcoming. The campsite itself was set away in a private location so lots of space for the kids to explore, teeming with wildlife and some cheeky sheep, this is a perfect spot for experiencing KI in its natural state.

S

Simon

April 2025

Tent

With kids

11 nights at Emu Bay Hideaway, Kangaroo Island

Wow. A wonderful environment that provided the perfect escape and recharge. The position was perfect, the host helpful, knowledgeable and respectful. A hidden gem. Definitely would recommend to those wanting the true off grid escape for the whole family. We hope to be back.

Would be spectacular in spring, but it was still a great spot

Chris

April 2025

1 m pop-up camper

3 nights at Emu Bay Hideaway, Kangaroo Island

Rosalie was a great host. Good directions and a friendly welcome. The site was perfect. Even though SA and Kangaroo Island is in drought, the site was picturesque and peaceful. Very quiet and at night very dark!! The campsite is on a working farm and the sheep loved to visit. The site is well located, only 20mins to Kingscote and many of the NE attractions.

G

Graeme

February 2025

5 m travel trailer

1 night at Emu Bay Hideaway, Kangaroo Island

Rosalie helped us out a lot on a particularly hot day. Found us shade under a shed on her property.

S

Sally

January 2025

5 m car

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Emu Bay Hideaway, Kangaroo Island

We camped with an Outlook to the west so enjoyed beautiful sunsets. Very peaceful.

N

Na

January 2025

With pets

3 nights at Emu Bay Hideaway, Kangaroo Island

The host is very nice and welcoming, the location of cottage is easy to be found. We had a wonderful time in the cottage. We are happy to be the first guest of the cottage, we can find almost everything we need in it. It’s not a modern style living, but comfortable, pet friendly, kids can have a walk after dinner in the farm, thanks Rosalie for offering us the stay on Kangaroo Island!

M

Maïwenn

November 2024

Tent

3 nights at Longview Camp

Simple basic land, without electricity or toilets but drinking water available. Easy access, quiet and perfect location to visit the surroundings. Kangaroos will come to say hello to you at sunset and sunrise, perfect for nature lovers. Go admire the pelicans and black swans at sunset on the edge of the American River, just 5 minutes on foot.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best pets off leash camping near Cape Jervis 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.