The best campgrounds near Penola, South Australia with wildlife watching

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!

98% (522)

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!

98% (522)

Top-rated campgrounds near Penola

1. Pine Ridge

96%

(684)

54km from Penola · 9 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. Canunda Views

98%

(66)

57km from Penola · 8 sites · Tents, RVs

Our property is located in Canuda, the terrain is hilly with several clear, flat spots good for camping. The entire 33 acres is available for you to explore on a nature walk. The property also has a bath with a hand pump from which you can pump beautiful clear drinking water. There may be some fine particles in the water which will settle or can be filtered out. There are a number of good camping locations near the bath. Any clear area within the boundary is available to camp in. Being a declared scrub block it is undisturbed and both brown and tiger snakes are present but if you leave them alone they will mind their own business. Small fires are permitted, only where a fire ring exists and out of fire ban season. Check listing details for more information. Gas fires and BBQ are not permitted during total fireban. The Canunda National Park is only a 4km drive from the property and has plenty of stunning beaches and beautiful walks you can enjoy. It is also a popular fishing spot and has some great 4WD tracks to explore.

3. Erin Camping

100%

(11)

68km from Penola · 10 sites · Tents

Located in the heart of the Green Triangle region along the Victorian and South Australian border. Our farm is a sheep grazing property, with undulating hills, creeks and magnificent redgums. Camping is beside Pigeon Ponds Creek, a peaceful place approximately 1 km from the road, accessed by a farm laneway. Undulating surrounds, but the camp site is flat.No amenities so campers will need to BYO and leave no trace. Dog friendly. Campfires permitted when restrictions aren't in place.

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

S

Samantha

3 weeks ago

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 😊

N

Ngaire

October 2025

8 m travel trailer

With kids

2 nights at Pine Ridge

What a fabulous spot to explore Mt Gambier, only 10min out of town! The sites are HUGE, it was so peaceful, great for the kids to run around, and if you prefer space than being crammed in a caravan park, this is perfect. You need to be fully self contained. Owners were super friendly & even gifted us a jar of their delicious local honey. Would definitely recommend 🤗

K

Kiera

October 2025

5 m car

With kids

Weekend Trip to Pine Ridge

My family and I loved camping here, very peaceful, I love how they keep the firewood on the campsite to grab whenever you like! My daughter loved toasting her marshmallows. We would stay again ☺️

C

Chenaye

October 2025

9 m travel trailer

With kids

4 nights at Pine Ridge

Loved our stay here! Very large sites make you feel secluded. Not on a main road or next to a road so felt safe leaving the van unattended to explore the region. Owners very lovely and welcoming.

B

Bree

September 2025

7 m pop-up camper

6 nights at Pine Ridge

Such a beautiful place to stay. We stayed during the week and had the whole place to ourselves for all but one night, and the sites were well spaced so even when people were there it felt private. Beautiful views to wake up to and the sunsets were incredible. Hosts were lovely and gave us a jar of their honey before we left. Would definitely recommend to anyone who is wanting to be close to town but is looking for somewhere a bit on the quieter side.

B

Bruce

September 2025

6 m travel trailer

1 night at Pine Ridge

The farm paddock was nice and green. A few others staying also.

T

Tracy

September 2025

9 m travel trailer

2 nights at Pine Ridge

Great location, quiet & safe place to leave our van while out sight seeing. Loved having curious cows in the paddocks around us. Serenity ✨️

R

Rattler

August 2025

7 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Pine Ridge

Easy to find, plenty of space. Thoroughly recommend

N

Nadine

August 2025

6 m Class A

Weekend Trip to Pine Ridge

Great quiet spot for a quick stop over. We arrived just before dark and didn’t really get the full experience of the place. It was easy to find and affordable.

R

Renee

July 2025

6 m travel trailer

1 night at Pine Ridge

We loved our stay at Pine Ridge. Very spacious sites & the colour coding made it so easy to differentiate between sites. Only a few minutes drive out of Mount Gambier. Minimal highway noise.

P

Peter

July 2025

9 m travel trailer

2 nights at Pine Ridge

Great place to camp, peaceful, lots of room, lots of sun. Close to town and felt very safe. Wonderful hosts. Would definitely stay again.

C

Cindy

June 2025

7 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Pine Ridge

Great place to camp for a few days as you explore Mount Gambier 😍 Huge sites, $18 per night, no facilities so much be fully contained. But you can go see their 3 miniature goats. Highly recommend