Forest camping near Rapid Bay

Discover sandy beaches, soaring sea cliffs, and shipwrecks just 100 km from Adelaide.

98% (500 reviews)
98% (500 reviews)

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12 top forest campgrounds near Rapid Bay

98%
(397)

The Scrub Campsite

9 sites · RVs, Tents130 acres · Inman Valley, SA
Inglewood is a 130-acre property currently running beef cattle and sheep. The property has 15 acres of remnant stringy bark scrub which abuts the Heysen Trail. This private campsite is contained within the scrub although campers have access to the whole property. There are 13 bespoke sites available. The owner has the right to assist campers when choosing their site. This is determined by factors such as type of accommodation, group size. access to toilet and communal areas, weather and privacy needs. Specific sites cannot be reserved unless by prior arrangement with the owner. The whole campsite can be hired exclusively for large groups - contact me direct for booking details and costs. A wood package can be purchased for $50 the communal fire circle. We offer sites suitable for camper trailers, campervans, , rooftop tents, tents and swags and pop top caravans (sorry, no large caravans). During the non fire ban period all fires must be contained in the fire pits provided. Some firewood is supplied for you. Please bring firewood if you intend to have a campfire for an extended period or you may purchase wood for $15 for 20 kgs. A communal camp kitchen, barbecue, rain water and tables available. A composting toilet is available as is a solar and rocket shower system. Colloquially known as God's Country the property is conveniently located 1hr 20 mins from Adelaide, 14 mins from Victor Harbor, and 20 mins from Pt Elliot, Middleton, Waitpinga and Parson's beach, Hindmarsh Falls and Normanville. Other nearby localities are Deep Creek National Park, Newland Conservation Park, Springmount National Park, Granite Island and the Kangaroo Island ferry. The popular Belicious Belgium Cafe is a 60 min walk or 5 minute drive from the campsite. Walkers on the Heysen trail can access the campsite 100 metres away. Please note that the campsite has a no noise/music policy after 9pm week nights and 10pm Fri and Saturday. Children must be supervised at all times. Please note that a fenced off dam is located near the campsite and is out of bounds to all children unless supervised by an adult Rubbish must be removed by all campers as no bins are available. The Scrub Campsite was honored to have won 1st place for best campsite in South Australia for 2024. All campers are to respect other campers and the land that they are camping on. Plelease We look forward to welcoming you to The Scrub Campsite!
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AU$27
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
96%
(53)

Belair National Park Holiday Park

107 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Adelaide, SA
Situated in the beautiful Belair National Park this holiday park is made for those looking to surround themselves in the gorgeous wilderness of South Australia. Only 11km south of the CBD and ideal for families, couple getaways and nature lovers; we’ve designed this accommodation to truly allow you to be one with nature. With cabins, glamping tents, cottages and spaces for camping there is an accommodation option for everyone.We want guests to enjoy all the luxuries when camping so you can stay as long as you want with all facilities you will need; whilst never taking away from the beautiful surrounds.
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AU$33
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(326)

Alma's Hem Amphitheatre and Retreat

3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Inman Valley, SA
Located on Ramindjeri Country in the heart of the Fleurieu Peninsula, Alma’s Hem is a serene, private campground set by a winter creek on a working cattle farm. An abundance of bird life, wildlife and big night skies. Pitch your tent, swag or park your caravan or RV. Less than 1km from the the Heysen trail, giving you easy access to hikes. 15 minute drive from Victor Harbor for all your shopping conveniences. 20 mins to the stunning Carrackalinga beaches; Kayaking the Second Valley caves and beautiful drives to waterfalls, conservation parks and tourist attractions. Campsites are located on level grassy area. Flushing toilets, fire pit and firewood available. Perfect for a romantic getaway or for small and larger groups. Please note that our property has work dogs who live nearby and love to visit guests. When you arrive there is a map located on the right hand side of the driveway entrance with the sites marked. You are welcome to find your site get comfortable. We will welcome you at some stage! Please contact us if you'd like to book for more guests than listed and we will do our best to accommodate. Campground has shared facilities and respect of each other and the land is critical. We are a leave no trace site, which means everything you bring in you must take with you, which includes rubbish and broken things. The bins at the entrance are for residents only and as they are only collected fortnightly cannot cater for more than those who live here. Firewood can be brought in by you or we will provide wood for $30/night per site. Wood is not to be foraged from adjoining scrub as it is Heritage listed and to be left for habitat, ecosystem and your admiration only! We look forward to crossing paths! Best, Kylie and the Alma’s Hem Team
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AU$30
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(23)

Bradbury Nature Retreat

1 site · RV, Tent11 acres · Scott Creek, SA
Dreaming of a retreat in the heart of the Adelaide Hills? Bradbury Nature Retreat is located on a stunning 11 acre property that offers glorious uninterrupted views all the way to Aldinga Beach (just ask the host to show you where you can find this secret view). The property is accessed via a private road so it is incredibly quiet and serene. Instead, get lost in the sound of wild-life all around you! Your campsite is surrounded by native trees and scrub so it’s not unusual to have kangaroos, koalas, and native birds like kookaburras and cockatoos stop by for a visit. Behind your campsite there's an organic fruit orchard filled with ducks and chickens, and a piggery where Camilla the friendly pig lives. The property also features paddocks with roaming sheep and alpacas. Let the host know if you would like a farm tour or to join in feeding the farm animals. We are a small, family owned and run hobby farm. Eggs and other farm produce for sale on request when there is surplus. Campfires allowed in winter/when restrictions aren't in place (BYO wood or ask us about buying some). Experiences around Bradbury: • Our property is 5km from Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary, the home to countless Australian native animals and the only place on mainland South Australia where you can see the elusive platypus! • Just a 7-minute drive to Deviation Road Winery where you can unwind from a hard week at work with a sophisticated wine and an all-day food menu whilst surrounded by vineyards and heritage listed bushlands. • On the main street in Stirling you will find the artisan ice-creamery, chocolate and lolly shop, Hokey Pokey. Our favourite is their house-made ice-cream made with biodynamic dairy and local, seasonal produce! • If you’re looking for somewhere to go for dinner Bradbury isn’t far from the Aldgate Pump Hotel, the Stirling Hotel and the Crafers Hotel, just to name a few. • For the plant lovers, Tupelo Grove Nursery is a 7-minute drive away in the outskirts of Mylor. This family-owned nursery is a must see and is known to be the go to place for harder to find, unique plants!
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AU$45
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(4)

Meanfeat Downs

6 sites · RVs, Tents120 acres · Bay Of Shoals, SA
A beautiful location 12 km from Kingscote and a shot drive from Kangaroo island brewery. 300m from the bay off shoals and around the corner from Emu bay Boxing bay and Turners Drive looking over Kingscote Harbour. The property abundant with wildlife, kangaroos, wallabies, goannas, echidna and passing koalas. The bird life is spectacular and never ending. You can choose your spot to nestle in to overlooking the bay, Wisagna hills or the range behind Emu bay.
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AU$22
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(5)

Kuitpo Winter Wetlands Sanctuary

7 sites · RVs2 acres · Kuitpo, SA
Hello! We would love to share the Winter Wetlands Sanctuary in Kuitpo with you. The little sanctuary has been specifically designed to accommodate Campervans and Self-driven motorhomes WITH ON-BOARD TOILETTING & GREY WATER TANK. Please understand that our business model licence and insurance policy has stringent conditions attached to it. *WE ARE ONLY ABLE TO ACCEPT SELF-DRIVEN CAMPERVANS/MOTORHOMES THAT ARE 7.5m OR LESS IN LENGTH* They must be equipped with their own toilet facilities and grey water reservoir due to governmental zoning regulations. Do NOT book unless you have your own toileting amenities and grey water tank. No human waste policy applies. If you have to cancel your booking because you do not meet these requirements, you will NOT be refunded. It is out of our hands. Our Insurance policy disallows the following:- *NO CARAVANS, TRAILERS, OR TENTS.* *NO CHILDREN* *NO PETS* Now that THAT is all said: Forest Gate B&B has been receiving guests on the property for nearly 40 years and the Winter Wetlands is a small private sanctuary that we share with our guests who enjoy both privacy and open air. We run a small mixed farm in the Adelaide Hills, and over the past 10 years, have been developing this little safe haven in the Southern corner of our property. We are trying to encourage the proliferation of local wildlife that everyone can enjoy both now and in the future. The Winter Wetlands is NOT a 'caravan park'. It is a small, private, sanctuary, which is at it's best in the cold wet Winter months when the pond/ dam comes to life. Guests can kick back around the campfire overlooking the dam, as they listen to the crickets and frogs in the evenings. There is a resident Western Grey kangaroo, many possums (both ring-tail and brush-tail), native burrowing rats, koalas and an occasional wandering echidna (if you are lucky enough to see one). There's a plethora of birdlife, including favourites such as blue wrens, fairy wrens, and a resident family of white-winged choughs. The Sanctuary caters for a maximum of seven bookings (2 guests per booking) at any one time. Usually, you will have the Sanctuary all to yourselves. There are many little picnic spots. We request that guests leave no sign of visitation, and take all waste with them. CAMPERVAN SITES: As stated previously, regulations only allow the following: *SELF-DRIVEN CAMPERVANS OR MOTORHOMES THAT ARE 7.5m OR LESS IN LENGTH* *NO CARAVANS, TRAILERS, OR TENTS.* We have 7 independent, unpowered, sites that are suited for Class A or B campervans or motorhomes ONLY. ACCESS: There is easy, main road access into the 'Winter Wetlands Sanctuary' from Brookman road. GPS: -35.21694, 138.6970. There is a clearly marked, one-way, loose stone road that leads to all available sites. Look for the reflectors on the big gum trees on Brookman Rd, and the gate with the notice of Conditions of Entry denoting the way in. COMMUNAL AREAS: The communal shelter shed, picnic areas, and two communal camp fires offer a variety of places to relax and watch the local birds enjoy the area. NEARBY FEATURES include: - Directly across the road from the Heysen Trail in the beautiful Kuitpo Forest. - 3-4 minutes to exceptional SA wineries including K1 (4 mins down the road), and Perrini (in the nearby township of Meadows) . - Near Echunga Goldfields (Jupiter creek) (20 km away), and Prospect Hill (4 km away) for fossicking. - Kuipto Forest TreeClimb is only 2 km up the road and has thousands of visitors per annum. - Easy access to tourist townships of McLaren Vale (15 mins), Hahndorf (25 mins), Mt Barker (25 mins) and Willunga, which is well known for its Saturday Morning Market (15 mins). - Facilities such as Pharmacy, Medical clinic, Petrol Station, Hotel, and Bakery can be found in Meadows, only 5 mins away. The Winter Wetlands are fully fenced ensuring privacy. In the interest of the wellbeing of local wild life, nearby stock, and neighbours, we ask that you do not play loud music at night. WASTE: NO HUMAN WASTE. Guests staying in the Winter Wetlands must have self contained toilet facilities and grey water tank. There is a Waste Dump Point in Meadows (6 km away) near the footy oval (Brooks street rec. ground, GPS: -35.180278, 138.76). SIZE RESTRICTIONS: Due to the nature of the vegetation in the Winter Wetlands, and manoeuvrability of vehicles, size restrictions apply. Sites will suit campervans (7.5 m or less), but will NOT be suitable for caravans. Caravans, trailers and tents are NOT permitted. UNSUITABLE for CHILDREN and PETS: Forest Gate is a working farm. There are regularly livestock in the paddocks adjacent to the Winter Wetlands. There is also an open dam and a communal fireplace in the Winter Wetlands. Due to our insurance policy, we can not allow children or pets. Therefore, stays in the Winter Wetlands are only available to adults.
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AU$25
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(5)

Emu Bay Hideaway, Kangaroo Island

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Emu Bay, SA
30 hectares of peace, mainly vegetated with Kangaroo Island Narrow-leaved Mallee (Eucalyptus cneorifolia, a nationally-protected ecological community). Kangaroos and wallabies are in abundance. It has a wonderful feeling of remoteness and seclusion yet is so close to iconic Emu Bay. Those with 4WD may choose sites overlooking Shoal Bay towards Kingscote. Alternatively, you may set up camp anywhere on the property. There is even one under-cover position with a concrete floor for those concerned about the weather. There are no amenities so guests need to be 100% self-sufficient (including BYO drinking water and toilet) and leave no trace. It is a wild block and only five minutes from the iconic Emu Bay, where the white sandy beach runs for 4kms, most of which is backed by 10 to 20-meter-high dunes. It is one of the best beaches on the island with crystal-clear water. Check with me before lighting a campfire - this depends on the season and risk. Dogs are permitted if well controlled (register visiting dogs with local council). IMPORTANT: I have very limited access to the Internet, only periodically every few days, if that, therefore, I may take some time to respond to inquiries. It is preferred that if you have questions, you can text or call me, Rosalie, on 0490485123. Please note - all bookings MUST still go through the Hipcamp system, no exceptions. Kangaroo Island is serviced by regular ferry - check SeaLink for details.
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AU$20
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
Booked 1 time

Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary

1 site · RV, Tent28 acres · Mylor, SA
The Legend ContinuesVisiting Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary is a rite ofpassage. Founded in 1969, and opened to thepublic in 1985, Warrawong is the stuff of legends.Protected for over 30 years by the world's first feral prooffence, Warrawong is a stunning oasis forAustralian animals. It offers peace and tranquilityfor inhabitants and visitors alike. Now the nextgeneration can create their own memories, as somany have done before them.
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AU$464
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(6)

The Perfect Pitch Honeycombe Tent

2 sites · Lodging212 acres · Willunga, SA
See the starry sky at night and many constellations without light pollution, luxuriously staying in an 6 metre Bell Tent. Furnished with quality bedding and furnishings, and including a full queen sized sleigh bed. This site is designed to be a romantic couple getaway and quiet retreat. Located on the tourist trail of the Fleurieu Peninsula, close to local wineries and producers. Honeycombe Tent is sensitively situated in a woodland under an array of Gum trees. It has it's own flushing toilet and cold water basin housed in a shed 6 metres from the tent, plus hot water gas shower for exclusive use of tent occupants. Towels, soap and face cloths provided. The 212 acreage includes a walk in only area of over 15.5 hectares of protected heritage scrub. The site is located less than an hour drive South from Adelaide CBD, and 2km North East of the beautiful and friendly community based township of Mount Compass in the Southern Lofty Ranges. This bell tent is situated in a woodland under an array of Gum trees. It has it's own flushing toilet and cold water basin housed in a shed 6 metres from the tent, for exclusive use of tent occupants and a hot water gas shower. Towels, soap and face cloths provided. Walk in only during winter, approximately a 250 metre walk from the parking sight. There are nine Dams on the property, with guests are welcome to Kayak or fish for yabbies. Learn more about this land: We live on a working farm with the Homestead and home paddock approximately half a km from the tent. The 212 acres includes a walk in area only of over 15.5 Hectares of Protected Heritage Scrub.The property has an abundance of wildlife, including, but not limited to: Grey Kangaroos in large mobs. Echidna. Rosenberg's Goanna. Yellow Tailed Cockatoo. Beautiful Firetail. Koala. Yellow Footed Antechinus. Bibron's Toadlet. Cut leaf Xanthosia. There are too many species to describe here but a comprehensive list of Flora and Fauna is available to guests on request, some are rare or endangered.
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AU$200
 / night
* Before taxes and fees

Island Alive

1 site · Lodging7 acres · Pelican Lagoon, SA
Reconnect with nature at this unforgettable escape on picturesque Kangaroo Island. Only 15 minutes from the ferry terminal but a million miles from reality -deep in the native pine forest! We truly offer an island experience like no other! With privacy & complete immersion in the landscape you still have access to amenities such as steam sauna, hot tub, inside bathroom & fully equipped kitchen at the main cabin. Our tent comfortably sleeps 3 singles or easily converts to a luxurious double with high quality bedding & a double hammock under the stars. A sanctuary for couple's to retreat... or to create your own adventure! The bell tent is in a secluded patch of pine forest approximately 80 metres away from the main living cabins, which are hired out to other guests. Private and secluded but close to creature comforts if needed! A 6-seater traditional barrel sauna, ice bath, hot tub, studio and outdoor shower are situated on the outskirts of the cabins; that you can book private exclusive time to use for extra cost. The bell tent contains beds, sitting areas, outdoor lounging space and a hammock. A flushing electric porta-loo is right outside. You have your own BBQ and fire pit (seasonal) and access to the shared facilities at the main kitchen and full bathroom. The main living cabin is cosy and comfortable with an A/C for hot summer days and a roaring pot-belly for winter with open plan living area including a dining table and cosy lounge with TV and internet. The kitchen is modern and has a dishwasher, microwave and gas stove. When you hire the tent you have access to this if needed. The forest cocoons the cabins, there is a veggie garden for guests to access. Island Beach is a 3 minute drive away and Penneshaw is close enough to pop in for a coffee or pub meal. Retreat into nature or use our tent as a base for your Island adventures!
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AU$175
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
80%
(5)

Dudley Retreat

3 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Island Beach, SA
Property is 100 acres of a mostly narrow leaf native vegetation area. Natural limestone, wildlife home to abundant native fauna and flora including kangaroos, birds, echidnas goannas. The property is located 14km from Penneshaw and the ferry terminal. 6km from browns beach, American beach, and 5km back to Hog Bay road, the main tarred road on the island heading from Penneshaw towards Kingscote and other areas of the island. It is also located within easy access distances to Cape Willoughby, Dudley and False Cape wines, Sunset winery restaurant, American river, local shops and the Penneshaw end of the island on the Dudley peninsula. Walking tracks and natural camping areas are in the process of being established and available to park up in. Very basic natural environment. There is a main track as you enter the property with a large portion of our land (over half) to your right (east) of this central track. Don't get lost if you go exploring this area! A couple of clear areas just off to the right of this main track to park up and camp in. This is a dry native area so please be very mindful of this while camping, and of the wildlife. (Which is shy). If walking through native veg areas, wear good shoes, take a compass, and tread carefully. There is a lot of limestone, and tracks clear of small rocks are still being established, (although a lot of kangaroo tracks throughout areas). This would ONLY suit self contained campers, as no facilities provided at this stage. Rubbish is also to be taken with you when leaving please, to dispose of at public bins. There are amazing island and ocean views from the far western boundary of the property, with beautiful sunset views, either a short walk west through the trees from the central track, or along the western internal road. (left of main entrance gate). We have a limited rainwater supply in this western boundary area of our land currently, that may be accessed by arrangement at this stage, (with plans to provide a supply to other areas of the land in the future). There is a code lock on the entrance gate to the property, that the code will be advised on bookings. Please keep the gate closed during your stay. Of course, anyone using our main track on our property will be considerate and mindful of anyone else that may be driving along it and obviously drive in a safe and considerate manner. Our main track is a single lane private dirt road which of course you can safely pass another vehicle if need be, with care, and if necessary. Wildlife cross, and use, our internal roads often and regularly, so please drive slowly and carefully on any internal roads. All have native veg on both sides of roads. It is all national park directly across the road to our property on Doug road also, so watch out for wildlife on roads leading to our property entrance. (as with all roads on the island). Drive safely and enjoy your stay!! Please notify us if any issues or questions at all during your stay on our land, and we will be happy to assist.
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AU$20
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
Booked 1 time

Pear Tree Hollow

3 sites · Lodging8 acres · Torrens Vale, SA
For couples who love nature, high above Inman Valley, tucked in a eucalyptus forest with stunning views for kilometres over the central Fleurieu Peninsula, Pear Tree Hollow is an early settler homestead and small farm that has 3 accommodation options- a cottage, a bell tent with caravan cabin, and a bell tent with shelter.
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AU$145
 / night
* Before taxes and fees

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Forest camping near Rapid Bay guide

Overview

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.

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.

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