The best campgrounds near Cape Jervis, South Australia with swimming

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% (1.2K)

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% (1.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Cape Jervis

1. Cooinda Retreats - RV and Camp Stay

95%

(270)

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. The Scrub Campsite - Inman Valley

98%

(653)

39km from Cape Jervis · 13 sites · Tents, RVs

The Scrub Campsite located in remnant vegetation (14 minutes from Victor Harbor ) is a rustic self check in campsite as the owners do not reside near the campsite. Campers choose their site in the designated camp spots. Sites are not allocated unless by prior arrangement. Persons under 18, youth groups, school groups or scout groups etc. are not permitted to book at the campsite. A communal camp kitchen, water tanks and compost toilet is available for campers use. Fire pits are located at each site. Campers will be advised of fire bans. Wood can be purchased from the self service white ibc container for $15 for 20kgs. Please adhere to the camp rules which are posted at each campsite. The campsite is located on the Heysen Trail and close to many Lower Fleurieu Peninsula beaches and attractions. The popular Belicious Cafe is a 45 minute walk. Whole campsite bookings can be made by contacting the owners. We ask that campers respect all other campers, the land that they are camping on and follow the campers motto - Leave nothing but your footprints. Once booked you will receive a text outlining the camp policies and instructions.

3. Breakaway Farmstay

99%

(599)

38km from Cape Jervis · 8 sites · Tents, RVs

Great location, best opportunity to spend time on the farm amongst the animals and nature. We are a small Farmstay in the heart of the Fleurieu Peninsula just out side Victor Harbor in Waitpinga. Powered and unpowered sites have use of bathroom facility. Waggon Flat campers do not have access to facilities. Limited Telstra ph service and wifi. And For Something New, Your welcome to visit our Onsite Distillery. Moo's Distillery is open Friday's to Sunday to taste new and vibrant Gins. If your hungry also try a pizza for Dinner. ***** We welcome you to make a booking with us at Breakaway Farmstay but when booking please make sure all your details are correct. So we do not have to decline the booking due to incorrect details. Also after you have placed a booking please check your messages to see if we have responded to you at some stage. We look forward to seeing you at Breakaway Farmstay Check in from time from 1.00pm. Check out is strictly 10.30 unless pre organised with management. Close to anything you would like to do in this fantastic part of the state of South Australia. From fishing to surfing to long walks on the Heysen Trail or wine tasting and whale watching, there is everything here you would ever want to do. On the farm you will be able to see our animals which include Sheep, cows, chooks, ducks, goats, alpaca - all are very hungry and looking for pats! Sorry we don't allow pets. Campfires permitting (depending on local fire restrictions). All Rubbish is to be taken home by campers, with the policy of what you bring you take home and leave nothing. Scroll down for Map of location. Check in time from 1.00pm. check out by 10.30am.

4. Alma's Hem Amphitheatre Retreat

99%

(378)

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

5. Kookaburra Cottage Farm

98%

(63)

25km from Cape Jervis · 1 site · Tent, RV

Here you'll find 6 acres of undulating land, surrounded by gum trees. The campsite is in a lovely bush setting, in a valley, which is quiet and private. Campers must be self-contained, we don't have facilities here. Its a birdwatchers paradise please check out the photos. Plenty of options for safe swimming and surfing beaches (10-20 minute drive) Visit the Alpacas (by arrangement) just across the road Jetty at Rapid Bay is the spot for fishing (20-minute drive) Hiking in Deep Creek Conservation Park is fantastic (15-minute drive) Find essentials at Yankalilla township, including a supermarket, craft shops, pub and medical centre (10-minute drive) A RV dump point is located at 75 Main Street Yankalilla. Lovely scenic drives in the area and Victor Harbour, a larger regional town is only 25 minutes away.

from

AU$39

/ night

6. Emu Bay Hideaway, Kangaroo Island

100%

(13)

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

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.

7. Gum Park Beef Farm

100%

(18)

52km from Cape Jervis · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

Gum Park is a working Cattle Property where our family lives and works full time. We also have a butchery on farm where we process our own beef and pork for sale at local farmer's markets. Gum Park is a certified organic farm, so no chemicals are sprayed on our pastures or anywhere within our property. Our property is at the top of the watershed, so we don't get run off from other properties nearby. We are situated 14 km from the centre of Victor Harbor on the top of Cut Hill. Other towns close by are Pt Elliot (9km) and Mount Compass (14km). The Hipcamp campsite is situated in a paddock setting, nestled up against native scrub.

Camper favorites near Cape Jervis

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Alma's Hem Amphitheatre Retreat

99%

(378)

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

Kookaburra Cottage Farm

98%

(63)

25km from Cape Jervis · 1 site · Tent, RV

Here you'll find 6 acres of undulating land, surrounded by gum trees. The campsite is in a lovely bush setting, in a valley, which is quiet and private. Campers must be self-contained, we don't have facilities here. Its a birdwatchers paradise please check out the photos. Plenty of options for safe swimming and surfing beaches (10-20 minute drive) Visit the Alpacas (by arrangement) just across the road Jetty at Rapid Bay is the spot for fishing (20-minute drive) Hiking in Deep Creek Conservation Park is fantastic (15-minute drive) Find essentials at Yankalilla township, including a supermarket, craft shops, pub and medical centre (10-minute drive) A RV dump point is located at 75 Main Street Yankalilla. Lovely scenic drives in the area and Victor Harbour, a larger regional town is only 25 minutes away.

from

AU$39

/ night

Emu Bay Hideaway, Kangaroo Island

100%

(13)

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

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.

Gum Park Beef Farm

100%

(18)

52km from Cape Jervis · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

Gum Park is a working Cattle Property where our family lives and works full time. We also have a butchery on farm where we process our own beef and pork for sale at local farmer's markets. Gum Park is a certified organic farm, so no chemicals are sprayed on our pastures or anywhere within our property. Our property is at the top of the watershed, so we don't get run off from other properties nearby. We are situated 14 km from the centre of Victor Harbor on the top of Cut Hill. Other towns close by are Pt Elliot (9km) and Mount Compass (14km). The Hipcamp campsite is situated in a paddock setting, nestled up against native scrub.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

P

Peter

2 weeks ago

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!

N

Nicole

2 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at The Scrub Campsite - Inman Valley

A lovely piece of nature to camp in. Saw echidnas & tiny blue wrens. The camp kitchen was well provisioned with water & bbqs as well as cooking equipment. Nice & quiet - we were the only ones there. Would definitely camp there again.

M

Michelle

2 weeks ago

9 m travel trailer

3 nights at Gum Park Beef Farm

We camped at Orchid campsite was lovely to be in the bush with views of the river gum trees.

A

Andree

2 weeks ago

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. .

H

Harry

3 weeks ago

4 m pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Cooinda Retreats - RV and Camp Stay

Loved camping at Cooinda, very friendly staff and good amenities, nice flat spots for camper trailers ect and great views of the ocean, would definitely recommend

Ilana

3 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at The Scrub Campsite - Inman Valley

Beautiful quiet spot and really thoughfully set up campsite. Stunning views over the hills with hundreds of birds. Was super easy to find with great signage! Camp fires available, camp kitchen, nice clean toilet. Everything we wanted! Thanks for having us.

C

Catherine

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Scrub Campsite - Inman Valley

Cute little getaway not far from Adelaide had a Ecco toilet and shower if you need 10 sites to choose from games to play wooden go carts swings fire pits at each site undercover communal are with 2 large bbq’s couch and table and chairs scattered around it’s has plenty of nature to see ducks on the dam bunnies and kangaroos hopping around cute little blue birds galas and white cockatoos true nature fix so close to home but you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere I highly recommend

Playing fetch can be exhausting, even for a resident farm dog.

Sean

November 2025

5 m car

With kids

3 nights at Alma's Hem Amphitheatre Retreat

Kylie is an amazing welcoming host and Alma's Helm is the perfect spot!

Lydia

November 2025

7 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Cooinda Retreats - RV and Camp Stay

The peace & quiet with beautiful grass & having a campfire made Cooinda the perfect site for our 18ft caravan

B

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Breakaway Farmstay

Lovely spot, had a lot of fun! Fire pit was great

L

Laura

November 2025

4 m Class B

Weekend Trip to The Scrub Campsite - Inman Valley

Serene. Lots of bird life. Appreciated having the compost toilet

M

Mal

November 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Cooinda Retreats - RV and Camp Stay

We stayed for 2 nights and the hosts were excellent. The site had great views, overall it was a great stay. Highly recommended.

I

Irfan

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Scrub Campsite - Inman Valley

An absolute gem of a campsite! The scenery is breathtaking, with towering trees and a tranquil lake. The facilities are top-notch, and the staff are friendly and helpful. Perfect for families, couples, or solo adventurers. We can't wait to return!

E

Ehsan

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Scrub Campsite - Inman Valley

Perfect facilities especially for kids, beautiful views, excellent kitchen area, shower, clean toilet, and so much more

A

Adrian

November 2025

6 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cooinda Retreats - RV and Camp Stay

We had a dog enclosure site (site 1) which was great. Dogs were Completely safe and we Could enjoy ourselves without worrying. The grounds were well maintained with beautiful green grass . The onsite caretaker and his wife were very helpful and courteous.

L

Liz

November 2025

7 m travel trailer

3 nights at Cooinda Retreats - RV and Camp Stay

Really nice quiet spot up in the hill overlooking the water and Granite island. Perfect size spots for a small van.

J

Jane

November 2025

5 m Class B

5 nights at Cooinda Retreats - RV and Camp Stay

This really is a hidden gem. I’d recommend it to those who enjoy tranquility and spectacular views. Amenities were clean and in excellent condition.

j

josh

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Scrub Campsite - Inman Valley

Absolutely amazing little place to camp! Will definitely be booking another stay soon

Tricia

November 2025

5 m pop-up camper

4 nights at Cooinda Retreats - RV and Camp Stay

I absolutely loved my stay at Cooinda, so much so I booked again before I even packed up and left! I was on site 1 which was fantastic for my dogs as it is fully inclosed. Over the 4 nights I had a rotation of great friends come and stay and they too loved everything. Cooinda is so pretty, peaceful and spacious with great facilities. The grass is so lush and green and the view towards the ocean was lovely. Can't wait to my next trip!

C

Cate

November 2025

6 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cooinda Retreats - RV and Camp Stay

Cooinda is a local favourite. Lovely owner and caretakers, well maintained campsites, convenient location and beautiful views. Give me this over a busy caravan park any day. Site 3b is spacious, flat and grassy so a very easy and relaxing place to set up and enjoy.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best camping near Cape Jervis with swimming 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.