Desert camping near Moorook with campfires
This wild area of wetlands and waterways offers adventure in South Australia’s Riverland region.
- Moorook
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Desert camping near Moorook with campfires guide
Overview
A little over 200 kilometres east of Adelaide along the Sturt Highway lies the vast conservation area of Moorook, home to a game reserve and the Loch Luna Game Reserve. This region is a haven for nature lovers, bird watchers, canoeists, kayakers, and hikers thanks to stunning scenery, camping areas, and holiday parks dotted throughout the area. Riverside campsites at Kaiser Strip, Loch Luna, and Moorook are suitable for camper trailers, caravans, and motorhomes—most with fire pits and canoe launch access on either the Murray River or Chambers Creek.
Where to go
Kingston on Murray
The town of Kingston on Murray sits at the heart of the Riverland on the bank of the Murray River, which feeds into Wachtel's Lagoon. Area caravan parks typically offer powered and unpowered sites on the river’s shores, most pet-friendly and popular for birdwatching and kayaking. Facilities may include modern camp kitchens, BBQs, picnic tables, swimming pools, and nearby boat ramps.
Loxton
On the southern bank of the Murray, Loxton is a charming town that wears its history on its sleeve. Don’t miss Loxton Historical Village, where local characters roam the streets, or the Tree of Knowledge on the Murray River banks, where historical flood levels have been carved into the tree’s impressive trunk. Stay at a Loxton area holiday park to find riverfront glamping tents and tent sites.
Cobdogla
The small town of Cobdogla is a few minutes drive along the Sturt Highway from Barmera. Cobdogla Swamp and Lake Barmera are the main attractions for bird watchers, kayakers, and canoeists. Here, campsites link to the Murray and offer caravanners options for riverfront relaxation.
When to go
The Riverland region is a year-round destination that benefits from a sunshine-influenced Mediterranean climate of warm, dry summers and mild winters. Moorook and Loch Luna Game Reserves and the Murray River may sometimes be impacted by flooding due to unseasonably high rains.
Know before you go
- The Riverland region is Australia’s largest wine growing area, home to an abundance of vineyards and wineries offering cellar door sales and tastings.
- Hiring a kayak or canoe is one of the best ways to explore the Moorook floodplains, creeks, and waterways.
- Duck hunting is permitted in the Moorook and Loch Luna Game Reserves—check with Parks South Australia for seasonal opening times and exclusions.
- Low-lying wetlands make the region susceptible to flooding, so campers should stay alert during adverse weather conditions when roads and access to towns may close.
- Pick up fresh produce at nearby Waikerie, the hub of South Australia’s fruit growing industry.
