The best camping near Rapid Bay with climbing

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Hidden along the north shore of the Fleurieu Peninsula and hemmed in by soaring limestone cliffs, Rapid Bay makes a scenic stopover for intrepid campers. Once you’ve dug your toes in the sand and cooled off with a swim at Rapid Bay Beach, admire the views with a stroll along the Rapid Bay jetty, or head out to snorkel and scuba dive in the bay—known for its endangered Leafy Sea Dragon and numerous shipwrecks. Snag one of the unpowered sites at Rapid Bay Campground, or check into a holiday park or caravan park in nearby Second Valley, Yankalilla, or Normanville.

99% (502)

Top-rated campgrounds near Rapid Bay

1. Cooinda Retreats - RV and Camp Stay

95%
(270)
39km from Rapid Bay · 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. 🌞
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
AU$43
 / night

2. Camp Toondilla (Clarendon SA)

99%
(105)
61km from Rapid Bay · 3 sites · RVs
*camera to record car registration has been installed (near entrance) to track unauthorised entry and camping* "Current fire season began on 1st Dec 2025. Check CFS website for total fire ban days, and rules during fire season." Obviously vehicles lengths vary. Vans larger than 18ft will need experienced drivers who have towed in tighter locations and know how the wheels track behind the tow vehicle. Larger vans will need to take care. Under 18ft vans will easily fit, but care also needed. Family hobby farm on six green acres in the historical town of Clarendon (Toondilla), just half an hour south of Adelaide. Set in a gully with a winter creek (Willow Creek) running through (dry in warmer months). Conveniently located within walking distance to the main street of Clarendon - five minutes to the Bakery and 10 minutes to the Royal Oak Hotel and General Store! The property offers the best views of Clarendon via a short walk to the top paddock. There is a limit of 2 private, protected campsites near the creek, each well-maintained and level, with scattered gum trees that provide lovely shade in the morning and afternoon. Camp Toondilla is set up for self-contained campers who bring their own camp toilet and take all waste with them when they go. Well-behaved pets are welcome. Plenty of options in the area to keep the outdoor enthusiast busy, including: nearby wineries (some dog friendly), beaches (Moana and Aldinga/Silver Sands can be driven on), reservoirs (Mt Bold - hiking and views) and (Happy Valley - hiking, running, kayaking, fishing), Onkaparinga National Park and Scott Creek Conservation Park, ForestrySA land (including TreeClimb, Bone Gully MTB and parkrun on Saturdays at The Avenues - Kuitpo (Your host is the Event Director). Bakery, General Store, Clarendon Bowling Club, Riverbend Reserve, Op-shop and Emprades (antiques shop) and Royal Oak Hotel all in the mainstreet of town. Along with historical buildings, you can relax in the local town or venture further.
Water hookup
Pets
from 
AU$31
 / night

3. Alma's Hem Amphitheatre Retreat

99%
(378)
27km from Rapid Bay · 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
Toilets
Potable water
Picnic table
from 
AU$40
 / night

4. The Old Middleton Winery

99%
(61)
49km from Rapid Bay · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Kickback and relax far enough out of town that no one will bother you and also still be closer enough to duck to the shops for milk. We'd love people to come an enjoy our little farm 6km out the back of Middleton, SA. There are no facilities, power or access to water available but for anyone self contained you'll love it. We can offer you farm fresh EGGS pretty cheap though for breakfast. Check in from time from 1.00pm, but touch base if your'e early, we'll stretch for for you. Super close to some of the best beaches in the state. Middleton for surfing 🏄 Goolwa for fishing 🎣 Port Elliot for swimming 🏊‍♀️ Rates include you getting to hang out with the horse (Nick) who love a stray carrot or 10 and our beautiful sheep including Kevin (the white sheep of the family, you'll get the joke when you meet him) We do allow dogs on leads as long as they are ok with animals. Campfires permitting (depending on local fire restrictions). Scroll down for Map of location.
Pets
Campfires
from 
AU$34
 / night

Hidden along the north shore of the Fleurieu Peninsula and hemmed in by soaring limestone cliffs, Rapid Bay makes a scenic stopover for intrepid campers. Once you’ve dug your toes in the sand and cooled off with a swim at Rapid Bay Beach, admire the views with a stroll along the Rapid Bay jetty, or head out to snorkel and scuba dive in the bay—known for its endangered Leafy Sea Dragon and numerous shipwrecks. Snag one of the unpowered sites at Rapid Bay Campground, or check into a holiday park or caravan park in nearby Second Valley, Yankalilla, or Normanville.

99% (502)

Top-rated campgrounds near Rapid Bay

1. Cooinda Retreats - RV and Camp Stay

95%
(270)
39km from Rapid Bay · 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. 🌞
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
AU$43
 / night

2. Camp Toondilla (Clarendon SA)

99%
(105)
61km from Rapid Bay · 3 sites · RVs
*camera to record car registration has been installed (near entrance) to track unauthorised entry and camping* "Current fire season began on 1st Dec 2025. Check CFS website for total fire ban days, and rules during fire season." Obviously vehicles lengths vary. Vans larger than 18ft will need experienced drivers who have towed in tighter locations and know how the wheels track behind the tow vehicle. Larger vans will need to take care. Under 18ft vans will easily fit, but care also needed. Family hobby farm on six green acres in the historical town of Clarendon (Toondilla), just half an hour south of Adelaide. Set in a gully with a winter creek (Willow Creek) running through (dry in warmer months). Conveniently located within walking distance to the main street of Clarendon - five minutes to the Bakery and 10 minutes to the Royal Oak Hotel and General Store! The property offers the best views of Clarendon via a short walk to the top paddock. There is a limit of 2 private, protected campsites near the creek, each well-maintained and level, with scattered gum trees that provide lovely shade in the morning and afternoon. Camp Toondilla is set up for self-contained campers who bring their own camp toilet and take all waste with them when they go. Well-behaved pets are welcome. Plenty of options in the area to keep the outdoor enthusiast busy, including: nearby wineries (some dog friendly), beaches (Moana and Aldinga/Silver Sands can be driven on), reservoirs (Mt Bold - hiking and views) and (Happy Valley - hiking, running, kayaking, fishing), Onkaparinga National Park and Scott Creek Conservation Park, ForestrySA land (including TreeClimb, Bone Gully MTB and parkrun on Saturdays at The Avenues - Kuitpo (Your host is the Event Director). Bakery, General Store, Clarendon Bowling Club, Riverbend Reserve, Op-shop and Emprades (antiques shop) and Royal Oak Hotel all in the mainstreet of town. Along with historical buildings, you can relax in the local town or venture further.
Water hookup
Pets
from 
AU$31
 / night

3. Alma's Hem Amphitheatre Retreat

99%
(378)
27km from Rapid Bay · 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
Toilets
Potable water
Picnic table
from 
AU$40
 / night

4. The Old Middleton Winery

99%
(61)
49km from Rapid Bay · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Kickback and relax far enough out of town that no one will bother you and also still be closer enough to duck to the shops for milk. We'd love people to come an enjoy our little farm 6km out the back of Middleton, SA. There are no facilities, power or access to water available but for anyone self contained you'll love it. We can offer you farm fresh EGGS pretty cheap though for breakfast. Check in from time from 1.00pm, but touch base if your'e early, we'll stretch for for you. Super close to some of the best beaches in the state. Middleton for surfing 🏄 Goolwa for fishing 🎣 Port Elliot for swimming 🏊‍♀️ Rates include you getting to hang out with the horse (Nick) who love a stray carrot or 10 and our beautiful sheep including Kevin (the white sheep of the family, you'll get the joke when you meet him) We do allow dogs on leads as long as they are ok with animals. Campfires permitting (depending on local fire restrictions). Scroll down for Map of location.
Pets
Campfires
from 
AU$34
 / night

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The best camping near Rapid Bay with climbing guide

Where to go

McLaren Vale

Foodies, wine lovers, and sunseekers are all welcome in McLaren Vale, one of South Australia’s most prestigious wine regions. In between wine tasting, swing by local farmers markets and farm-to-table restaurants to dine on fresh, seasonal cuisine, walk it off bushwalking or biking along the Coast to Vines trail, then cosy up around the campfire in the evening hours. Campers can take their pick of beachfront holiday parks, luxury glampsites, and national park campgrounds.  

Fleurieu Peninsula

Stretching south of McLaren Vale, the Fleurieu Peninsula is the ideal destination for a long weekend from Adelaide, a family beach vacation, or a scenic coastal road trip. Surfers, snorkelers, and kayakers can explore the rocky coves and sea caves along the St Vincent Gulf shore, while the south coast towns of Victor Harbor and Goolwa are renowned for their wildlife-watching opportunities.

Kangaroo Island

Ferries and seaplanes set out from Cape Jervis at the tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula to Kangaroo Island, Australia’s third largest island. Wildlife-watching opportunities abound on the island, whether you’re marvelling at Admirals Arch and Remarkable Rocks in the Flinders Chase National Park, watching the Little Penguins in Penneshaw, or spotting seals and sea lions at Seal Bay. There are seven state-run camping areas to choose from, as well as several holiday parks and glamping options.

When to go

Summer is the busiest time to visit the Fleurieu Peninsula, when the vineyards are in full bloom and wildflowers speckle the coast. It’s often still warm enough for a beach day in late spring and early autumn, while winter visitors can make the most of the cooler weather with seaside hikes and seasonal whale-watching cruises along the coast.