The best camping near Coorong National Park

South Australia’s coast doesn’t get much wilder than the Coorong National Park. Stretching for more than 140km along the Coorong Lagoon, it’s an untamed expanse of rolling dunes, wildlife-filled wetlands, and near-deserted beaches. Seaside walks and 4WD beach trails afford spectacular views of the Southern Ocean, or you can take to the water to boat, kayak, and fish along the lagoon. Bird watchers will be in their element here, too, with over 200 species of birds to spot, including the Australian pelican. Sixteen campgrounds provide plenty of variety from hike- or boat-in tent campsites to beachside caravan sites or sleeping on the beach in a swag.

• Best for families: 42 Mile Crossing Campground has spacious unpowered sites suitable for caravans, camper trailers, and tents. 
• Best for beach views: Ocean Beach provides tent and swag camping right on the beach, but you’ll need a 4WD and a permit.  
• Best for escaping the crowds: 28 Mile Crossing Campground has five unpowered sites accessible by 2WD and suitable for caravans.

1. Advance booking is required for all campgrounds, including boat-in, hike-in, and beach campsites. 
2. You can book your campsite online via the South Australia National Parks & Wildlife Service website up to 12 months in advance. 
3. Campsites can book up fast during peak season (December-Feb), so book at least three months in advance.

Summer and autumn (November through April)are the most popular times to visit Coorong National Park, when the warm, dry weather is ideal for camping and beach activities. Winter visitors may find access is limited to certain parts of the park, although there are some great bird-watching opportunities along the coast. Whatever time of year you visit, it’s important to pay attention to the tides—beach driving should always be timed for low tide.

• Coorong National Park is located about a 2.5-hour drive south of Adelaide, and there are various access points off the Princes Highway. There are five crossings between the beach and lagoon at Tea Tree, 42 Mile, 32 Mile, Wreck, and 28 Mile. Parts of the park are only accessible by 4WD.
• There is no admission fee for the park, but booking fees apply for all campsites. 
• Facilities within the park are limited, so bring everything you need with you, including sun protection, insect repellent, food, and drinking water. There are toilets, picnic areas, boat ramps, and non-potable water sources available. 
• The risk of bushfires is high from November through April, and a total fire ban may be put in place at certain times. Wood fires are only permitted in the designated area on Ocean Beach, but gas fires and stoves are permitted year-round, except on days of a total fire ban.
• There are accessible restrooms, campsites, and parking at Coorong National Park.