The best camping near Kakadu National Park

With more than 1.7 million hectares of UNESCO-listed wilderness to explore, Kakadu National Park is a tropical wonderland for campers and adventurers. Cruise through lush wetlands and crocodile-filled billabongs, hike to waterfalls and hidden waterholes to cool off with a swim, or venture off-road in a 4WD. Enjoy a scenic flight over Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls, then take an aboriginal heritage tour to see ancient rock art sites and sample bush tucker in the rainforest. Camping is an adventure, too, whether you snag a spot at one of the managed campgrounds or escape the crowds at a free bush camp.

• Best for families: Kakadu Lodge campground has plenty of space for caravans and motorhomes, plus amenities such as a restaurant, shop, and swimming pool.
• Best for outdoor activities: Ngurrungurrudjba (Yellow Water) Campground has powered and unpowered sites with amenity blocks, plus easy access to Kakadu’s most-visited spots.
• Best for budget campers: Two Mile has free bush camping sites with no toilets or fresh water, near the northern entrance. Access in dry season only.

1. All national park campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping fees are collected by the on-site campground manager.
2. Managed campsites can fill up fast during peak season (June-August), so arrive early to avoid disappointment.
3. For the park’s commercial campsites, it’s recommended to book at least three months in advance—or six months for holiday weekends.

Kakadu National Park is open year-round and has two distinct seasons. Most visitors come during the dry season (April through September), when the cooler temperatures and lower humidity provide the best conditions for bushwalking and wildlife spotting. Wet season visitors (October to March) will get to see the park’s rivers and waterfalls at their most dramatic, but heavy rainfall renders parts of the park inaccessible, and a 4WD is essential. Some tours and campgrounds are also only available in dry season.

• Access to Kakadu National Park is via the Stuart Highway from Darwin or Katherine. The park’s main town is Jabiru, where you’ll find the Bowali National Park Visitor Centre, a gas station, and shops and restaurants. Shops and services are also available at Cooinda, and you’ll find restrooms and picnic areas throughout the park. Make sure you have everything you need before you leave the main hubs, including food, sunscreen, bug spray, and plenty of drinking water.
• Park passes are required for the park and are valid for seven days. Prices vary depending on the season.
• There is no mobile phone coverage or wifi throughout most of the park, but you’ll find some coverage, along with charging stations, payphones, and wifi at Bowali Visitor Centre. 
• There are accessible restrooms, campsites, and lookout points at Kakadu National Park.