The best forest campgrounds near Penola, South Australia

Looking for an epic camping adventure near Penola, South Australia? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 177 options in the area, you'll find the perfect campsite to suit your accommodation preference, whether it's a tent, caravan, or cabin. And with an average price per night of $20 and options as low as $11, there's something for every budget. Need some recommendations? Check out these top campsites: Pine Ridge (200 reviews), Fulham Homestead (112 reviews), and Grampians Old Man Emu Stay (130 reviews). Plus, you'll have access to popular amenities like potable water, rubbish disposal, and pet-friendly sites. And don't forget to take advantage of the awesome activities in the area, such as fall fun, swimming, and surfing. Get ready for an unforgettable camping experience with Hipcamp!

99% (514) • 11 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Penola

Looking for an epic camping adventure near Penola, South Australia? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 177 options in the area, you'll find the perfect campsite to suit your accommodation preference, whether it's a tent, caravan, or cabin. And with an average price per night of $20 and options as low as $11, there's something for every budget. Need some recommendations? Check out these top campsites: Pine Ridge (200 reviews), Fulham Homestead (112 reviews), and Grampians Old Man Emu Stay (130 reviews). Plus, you'll have access to popular amenities like potable water, rubbish disposal, and pet-friendly sites. And don't forget to take advantage of the awesome activities in the area, such as fall fun, swimming, and surfing. Get ready for an unforgettable camping experience with Hipcamp!

99% (514) • 11 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Penola

1. Pine Ridge

96%

(695)

54km from Penola · 10 sites · Tents, RVs

We have 80 acres of farm, approximately 15 minutes from town. Our campsites are located in a paddock on our farm, perfect for off grid self contained campers. We are not far from The Blue Lake, The little blue is also close by, and is perfect for swimming in summer. The Umpherston Caves is literally just down the road, and is wonderful for a picnic, or on dusk feeding the possums. Sites are approx 20m x 20m, lined with trees, perfect for pitching a tent, parking a van, camper trailer, RV, or even a bus! You can even bring your boat! We are only 25 minutes away from Port MacDonnell, put your boat in, go fishing or just enjoy the beach. One van/tent per site (unless negotiated prior). Our sites are all located in a back paddock, it's quiet and peaceful. We have sites available to cater for RVs, vans and tents. Must be self-contained (no facilities provided, must dispose of waste at approved dumpsites in town), take your rubbish with you; dogs are welcome if they are friendly and well behaved.

2. Bella Mia Tuscany Paradise

100%

(3)

47km from Penola · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

A serene and breathtaking property surrounded by natural reserve and pinetrees. The perfect place to relax and unwind away frim the stress of modern day life. The road to the house branches off the main road down a laneway giving a sence of seclusion and escape as the lanewsy runs down a natural reserve witch hosts kookaburras, black cockatoos, kangaroos, wallaby's, ring tail possums and wide variety of bird life nestling amongst the towering cypress and gum trees. It is almost a private drive as Bella Mia is one of only 2 properties on this lane. Cool quiet pine forests are the back drop of this property. Owner of the property Nick is a pilot living in Europe, the property is managed by Kath a very experience holiday accommodation manager who knows what it takes to satisfy a range of guests needs and privacy. Kath lives on property so never far away if need her for anything. The main house on property is listed as a popular holiday accommodation house sleeping 6 guests. The house has access to a shared indoor pool (not heated) and a rustic tennis court. Camp sites for fully self sufficient campers is available in the paddoch area away from the main house. There is access to water tank refilling however no hook ups. 15 mins from Mount Gambier and the home of the famous Blue Lake and many sink holes in the area. 1 hour from the ever popular Coonawarra Wine Region and beaches are 30 - 45 min away. Enjoy star filled nights, stunning sunsets and sunrises and breathing in the fresh air surrounding Bella Mia.

3. Edge Of The Pines Rocky Camp

100%

(1)

44km from Penola · 1 site · Tent, RV

Peaceful 10-Acre Retreat Near Millicent A tranquil 10-acre property surrounded by pines on two sides and a small, shire-style suburb at the back. The setting brings great joy and tranquillity, with many birds, and friendly sheep and horses on neighbouring properties. This beautiful location is just a 30-minute drive to the first winery of the Coonawarra wine region, 20 minutes to the nearest beach at Southend, and not much further to Beachport. Perfectly central to everything the Limestone Coast has to offer, the property is only an 8-minute drive from the nearest town of Millicent. The magnificent Millicent Golf Course is just a short drive through the pines if that’s your thing. A portable toilet available for use when hiring the site. Gate must be closed at all times as there are sheep on the property Strictly no pets permitted

4. Talisker Homestead - 11 Bedrooms

100%

(1)

73km from Penola · 1 site · Lodging

Talisker is an 11 bedroom, 5 bathroom home at this stage. Initially forming part of the Merino Downs pastoral run (taken up by Francis Henty in 1836). Talisker passed to Francis’s daughter Caroline on the death of Francis in 1889. Merino Downs was one of the first three squatting runs established in Victoria. Following Caroline’s marriage to Angus McLeod, the Talisker Homestead was commissioned by architect Charles D’Ebro prominent for his design of Stonnington (Malvern) and Langi Willie (Skipton). The homestead (circa 1901) is a large U shaped designed Edwardian home of some 26 rooms (not all are available to guests as some parts of the home are undergoing further renovations). Featuring a viewing tower with expansive 360 degree views, elaborate plasterwork, colour leadlights and handsome timber and marble mantles throughout the home. The original garden design is evident with Bunya Bunya pines, a large Oak and a Kurrajong tree. Talisker is named for Angus McLeod’s (please note McLeod and MacLeod are used interchangeably) ancestral seat on the Isle of Skye. Talisker was for centuries a possession of the Clan MacLeod. In 1820 Donald Macleod, 6th of Talisker, sold his interest in Talisker and emigrated to Van Diemen's Land, now known as Tasmania. In 1825, Hugh MacAskill took over the Talisker estate and completed the clearance process begun under his predecessor. Five years later, in 1830, he founded the Talisker Distillery and the legendary Talisker whisky was born.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

T

Teri

1 week ago

Tent

5 nights at Bella Mia Tuscany Paradise

Kathy was lovely and communicative. Gorgeous view and sunsets. Few kangaroos watching us every evening. Great spot, would go back

A

Andres Luciano

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bella Mia Tuscany Paradise

I had a wonderful experience at this Hipcamp spot, nestled near a beautiful pine forest close to Mount Gambier. The location was incredibly accessible, and the property itself was fantastic. The host was welcoming, and everything was well-maintained, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful getaway.

A

Abby

2 weeks ago

5 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Pine Ridge

Plenty of space. Perfect location. Easy to find. Perfect for camping or caravan use. Would come again.

B

Bianca

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Pine Ridge

Lovely camp, plenty of room and great hosts. Will definitely be back!

R

Ruby

2 weeks ago

Tent

2 nights at Pine Ridge

The campsite plots are huge and have fire pits. Not far from town and easy to find. Pretty sunsets and sunrises with cows surrounding the lot. Pretty cool experience

A

Alix

2 weeks ago

6 m Class B

With kids

Weekend Trip to Pine Ridge

Beautiful big area, quiet and remote but a short drive to town and attractions. Camped only for one night, our first stop from Melb to Perth. Thank you

R

Richard

2 weeks ago

Tent

2 nights at Pine Ridge

Thanks for being accommodating on your land. We enjoyed our time with each space being well away from each other. Good luck with the bees and great honey!

H

Hayley

2 weeks ago

8 m travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Pine Ridge

Great spot, close to town and local attractions like the Umpherston Sinkhole just down the road. Plenty of space for the kids to run free while parents sit back, relax, enjoy a fire and the serenity. Great sun exposure for the solar panels too! Natasha and Damian were very welcoming and accomodating. We were lucky to be invited up to feed the goats including bottle feeding baby goat Milo… so adorable! Kids had an absolute ball! Thank you for opening up your property guys!

K

Kourtney

2 weeks ago

6 m travel trailer

With kids

1 night at Pine Ridge

We loved camping at Pine Ridge! The sites were spacious and the hosts were very accommodating!! Our kids loved playing on the hay bales, and feeding the hosts miniature goats. We even got some amazing honey and got to see all the hosts birds. Definitely worth staying.

Rachael

3 weeks ago

9 m travel trailer

2 nights at Pine Ridge

Beautiful location for a couple of nights to explore Mt Gambier. Close to all tourist hot spots so easy to day trip out. The Highland cow was a highlight 🥰

M

Megan

3 weeks ago

7 m travel trailer

With kids

3 nights at Pine Ridge

Great spot, close to town and all the sites. Nice big paddock with plenty of space. Kids loved the cow and feeding the goats. Only downside was the ants!

S

Samantha

December 2025

9 m travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Pine Ridge

We loved our time at Pine Ridge. So much space for the kids to play. Nice and close to town for all that Mount Gambier has to offer. We highly recommend!

T

Tyler

November 2025

7 m travel trailer

1 night at Pine Ridge

Great secluded spot close to Mt Gambier. Ours enjoyed watching the cows and we all slept well in the serenity.

A

Andree

November 2025

7 m travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Pine Ridge

Such a peaceful place to stay. The sunsets through the trees are lovely. Looking out on the farmland with cows and paddocks was very relaxing. We loved the friendly highland cow in the next paddock too, who was very welcoming. It is a short drive into Mt Gambier but far enough away to feel like you are in the middle of nowhere which we loved.

G

Gabriella

November 2025

8 m travel trailer

5 nights at Pine Ridge

We had a lovely stay at Pine Ridge Purple. It was a great base to explore Mt Gambier and the surrounding areas. It’s about a 10 minute drive into Mt Gambier. It was very quiet and relaxing. The site was large and mostly level - no issue with towing our caravan in or setting up. Natasha was fabulous and gave us a tour of her farm animals including getting to meet her adorable miniature goats! A beautiful farm stay.

L

Les

November 2025

9 m travel trailer

2 nights at Pine Ridge

Great quiet location, close to town. Easy booking and payment process.

B

Brad

November 2025

9 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Pine Ridge

Absolutely great place to stay, planned on 1 night stop over and stayed 3 nights. Mt Gambier had so much to offer and do with in the town Definitely staying again soon

Lauren

November 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Pine Ridge

Great paddock for an overnighter, plus they have a Highland Cow (say less). We are on our way back to Perth from Melb and this served as a nice spot to pull in for a night. Freezing cold and rainy but the highland cow (Nin) and the cows next paddock over were a nice treat to say hi to despite the weather. We’re traveling in a swag with our dog. Paddock was level and fire pit was provided. No complaints! Thank you

J

Jaiah

November 2025

6 m travel trailer

2 nights at Pine Ridge

Loved our stay here - sites are HUGE and each have a fire pit. The newest addition, the highland cow - was definitely the highlight. She’s a beautiful part of the farm stay experience. We definitely recommend.

S

Suzanne

October 2025

7 m travel trailer

With kids

1 night at Pine Ridge

Loved this place. Simple. Easy to get to. No problems 😊