The best river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Peterborough, South Australia

Set up camp on the banks of Peterborough’s rivers, with over 90 riverside sites to choose from. Expect options as low as $20 a night, with the average stay costing around $30. Campfires are allowed at many spots, pets are welcome, and showers keep things civilised. You’ll spot wildlife, cast a line, or catch a wave—sometimes all in a single afternoon. Favourites with locals include Heyson Base Camp (58 reviews), Bendleby Ranges (14 reviews), and Rocky River Off-Grid (6 reviews). These aren’t just places to sleep—they’re launchpads for fishing trips, wildlife-watching, and riverside fires under the stars.

82% (89)

Top-rated campgrounds

Set up camp on the banks of Peterborough’s rivers, with over 90 riverside sites to choose from. Expect options as low as $20 a night, with the average stay costing around $30. Campfires are allowed at many spots, pets are welcome, and showers keep things civilised. You’ll spot wildlife, cast a line, or catch a wave—sometimes all in a single afternoon. Favourites with locals include Heyson Base Camp (58 reviews), Bendleby Ranges (14 reviews), and Rocky River Off-Grid (6 reviews). These aren’t just places to sleep—they’re launchpads for fishing trips, wildlife-watching, and riverside fires under the stars.

82% (89)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Echo Holiday Parks - Port Pirie

100%

(3)

79km from Peterborough · 61 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Solomontown, SA

Framed by the remarkable Southern Flinders Ranges, Echo Holiday Parks - Port Pirie beckons to travellers, inviting them to explore beyond the Park when embarking on a journey to further adventure into the iconic outback or taking time to immerse within the Park when seeking a calm holiday on the waterfront. The Park is right next to Solomontown Beach, which is great for leisurely strolls, a refreshing swim and fishing off the jetty. It is also only a short drive from the main street of Port Pirie, where guests can stock up on necessities, get a bite to eat, and discover the historic pride of the town. Experience a sense of place at Echo Holiday Parks - Port Pirie

2. Heyson Base Camp

95%

(116)

55km from Peterborough · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · Willalo, SA

This property is a portion of a large working farm. We have cattle, sheep, cropping, and horses. The property is approx 12,000 acres with amazing ranges that sometimes see snow in winter. Tent, Swag or Campervan at Heyson base camp. Enjoy the lovely Gum lined Dry Creek with blue stone ruins of times gone by. Enjoy a short hike to the Wind Turbines and see up close how magnificent these green energy windmills work. Or enjoy a hike along the famous Heyson Trail at the top of the range. See the stars in all their glory whilst cuddling up in front of the camp fire. Wake up to grazing cattle, sheep and wildlife on a beautiful working farm. The campsite is nestled amongst beautiful old gums and pine with sweeping views of the valley in front and a gorgeous range out the back. Plenty of Shade and places to explore. Dogs on Lead only. Host approval required at booking. Pit toilet available, BYO toilet paper. Bin provided for waste. Please use this or take it home with you. There are livestock on the property, please do not approach livestock unless Host is with you. Just a short drive of 30 minutes to the town of Burra you can enjoy the Passport Key and see the rich heritage of the copper mining era. Jamestown is 25 minutes drive where you can explore the bundaleer forest or see the tesla battery.

3. Bendleby Ranges

100%

(17)

69km from Peterborough · 41 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Belton, SA

Bendleby Ranges is an adventure tourism destination, located on a working sheep and cattle station in the Flinders Ranges, an easy three and a half hours drive North of Adelaide. We offer serenity and tranquility in an unspoilt natural environment, with remote campsites nestled amongst gum lined creeks and set into the hills of the Bendleby Ranges. Private powered or un-powered campsites in the main camp ground are surrounded by native pines and located within walking distance to the Sunset Camp Kitchen. Affordable, well presented, quality accommodation decorated in country inspired styles are Crotta Homestead, Gumdale Cottage, Acacia Cottage and The Shearers Quarters. We are passionate about maintaining the natural environment and for the length of your stay all firewood is supplied. Relax and take in all the property has to offer - from 4wding, bushwalking, horse riding, mountain bike riding, incredible sunset views and some world class star gazing.

4. Rocky River Off-Grid

78%

(9)

53km from Peterborough · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Wirrabara, SA

This campsite is mostly flat with the Rocky River running through my property, surrounded with river gum trees and plenty of bird life including kookaburras and Corellas. The property is fairly central to the localities of Laura, Stone Hut, Wirrabara, Melrose and Wilmington. Port Pirie is about 50km away if you need any major conveniences or supplies. You will need to be self-contained with your own camping toilet/shower and drinking water supply. We grow veggies on our land - if you would like some for your campfire dinner please ask me. Campfires are allowed. Dogs welcome.

Stories from the community

S

Sophie

October 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Heyson Base Camp

We booked last minute and the host responded quickly, which was great. The site was clean, including the drop toilet, and the land was beautiful and peaceful. It’s quite remote, so a nice relaxing evening.

p

paige

September 2025

6 m Class B

With pets

2 nights at Rocky River Off-Grid

We had a lovely 2 night stay. Wet on the second day, but peaceful, minimal traffic. Lots to do in Wirrabara and nearby Melrose. Host Paul was very welcoming.

J

Justin

June 2025

Tent

2 nights at Rocky River Off-Grid

Paul was a lovely guy! Had some firewood out for me, a little shelter I could pitch my swag under and offered help with anything else I needed. Great little spot that’s close to the southern flinders ranges areas. Thanks, Paul!

M

Macklin

April 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Bendleby Ranges

Great campsites and 4x4 tracks! Can’t wait to come back

Jo

April 2025

5 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Echo Holiday Parks - Port Pirie

Lovely caretakers at the park close to everything nice quiet Easter enjoyed riding our bikes around tracks close to park👍

L

Larry

April 2025

3 m travel trailer

2 nights at Echo Holiday Parks - Port Pirie

Very enjoyable overnight stay. I was impressed with the rustic atmosphere and the cleanliness.

M

Mark

April 2025

5 m pop-up camper

With pets

4 nights at Bendleby Ranges

Great remote camping with a composting toilet, firewood supplied including kindling. Great variety of 4WD tracks & sunset views. Great spot!

S

Seksea01

March 2025

7 m travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Rocky River Off-Grid

Paul was a considerate and accommodating host. The site was a bit close to the road to have our dogs off-lead.

Dale

March 2025

8 m pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Bendleby Ranges

Stunning campsite. So off grid and peaceful. Great trails for biking, driving and hiking. Cracking views. Really good facilities all round. Also you will not meet a more welcoming couple than Warren and Jane. Recommend it highly.