Yorke Peninsula camping (South Australian Tourism Commission)
Clear turquoise water, long stretches of white sand, dramatic cliffs and campsites just a stone’s throw from the beach — South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula is a haven for rugged coastal camping.
These spots give you all the dreamy ‘WA coast’ vibes — without the cross-country drive to get there.
Just a few hours from Adelaide, Yorkes is perfectly placed for a long weekend escape — whether you’re heading north to the Red Centre, west to tackle the Nullarbor or weaving it into a Kangaroo Island itinerary.
Council camps, national park stays and what to know before you tow in
If you like camping close to the water — the kind where you can hear the waves from the van and wander down with your morning coffee — Yorke Peninsula delivers in spades.
One of the biggest drawcards is how accessible it is. Within easy reach of Adelaide, you’ll find 19 low-cost, council-run camps scattered along the west, south and east coasts, plus the more rugged (and undeniably spectacular) campgrounds inside Dhilba Guuranda–Innes National Park at the peninsula’s tip.
This isn’t caravan park-style camping. There’s no power and limited to no facilities, so you’ll need to be self-sufficient. But that's the beauty of it. Trade a few luxuries and you’re rewarded with stunning coastal views, easy beach access and the kind of laidback outdoor lifestyle that keeps people coming back year after year.
To help you plan your Yorke Peninsula escape, we’ve rounded up some standout options — along with the key things to know before you tow in.
Sunset in Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park (Robert Crack)
How bush camping works on Yorke Peninsula
Yorke Peninsula Council manages 19 bush campgrounds across the region — and yes, you do need to book. If it’s been a while between visits, it’s worth brushing up on how the system works because it’s changed in the last year.
Bookings are made online. You select your dates, length of stay and preferred campground, then purchase a camping permit for that period ($20 per night). There’s also a 30-night option if you’re settling in for longer and want to access the monthly discount.
One of the biggest changes compared to the old system is that you must now select a specific campground. The old ‘buy a generic permit and camp anywhere with space’ approach is gone.
That said, you’re not reserving a numbered site. Your permit covers you for that campground during your chosen dates, but sites themselves remain unallocated — it’s still first come, first served once you arrive. If the campground has only six spots, only six people will be able to book during the same time period. The shift was introduced to better manage capacity and avoid overcrowding at the most popular spots.
Finding a deserted beach to walk along is not hard (Robert Crack)
If you’re grumbling about having to plan ahead, don’t stress. You can still travel with zero plan in place and book online via the QR codes on the signs once you arrive (but before you set up camp) — the website will let you know if all the spaces have been allocated or not.
There are no marked bays, so it pays to arrive earlier in the day — especially during school holidays and long weekends — if you’ve got your eye on a prime clifftop or beachfront angle. Outside peak periods, it’s often far easier to find breathing room.
Make sure you check the map and stick to designated camping areas. Some locations, such as Wauraltee Beach, previously allowed camping right on the sand, but that’s no longer permitted due to environmental damage and overuse. Protecting the dunes is key to keeping these camps open.
Facilities are very basic. Most council campgrounds have a toilet of some description, although a couple (including Foul Bay Boat Ramp) don’t provide any facilities at all, meaning you must be fully self-contained. None supply drinking water or power, and rubbish services are limited or non-existent. Bring your own water, pack out all waste and throw a spare roll of toilet paper in for good measure.
There are dump points in several peninsula towns, including Warooka and Ardrossan, making it relatively easy to reset between stays.
If you’re bringing your pooch, you’re in luck! Dogs are permitted at council bush camps and on the beaches, provided they’re kept under control (which may mean on a lead). Dogs are not allowed inside Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, however.
Cape Spencer Lighthouse in Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park (Robert Crack)
If you’re keen to camp within the national park itself, those campgrounds are managed separately through Parks SA. Bookings are required, and park entry and camping fees apply.
There are several campgrounds within the national park, and these are run through Parks SA and must be booked individually. A vehicle permit is required (free) and camping fees apply.
With the logistics sorted, let’s take a closer look at some standout campgrounds worth adding to your Yorkes hit list.
Best Yorke Peninsula Council bush campgrounds
As mentioned, there are 19 council-run bush campgrounds around Yorke Peninsula, with the lion’s share being on the western side thanks to its rugged, dramatic coastline.
We’ll start at the top of the western side and work our way down and around the peninsula.
Tiparra Rocks Bush Campground
Tiparra Rocks is one of the first three council-run campgrounds you’ll find as you start your way down the northwest coast. Located in the Copper Coast region of Yorkes, Tiparra Rocks is only 4km north of Balgowan and a short drive from Moonta and Maitland.
It's on the smaller side, with only five camping spots available, separated out among the dunes with a low cliff separating you from the beach. Because there are limited spots, we recommend getting in early — especially if you’re travelling with mates — and being conscious of leaving space for other allocated bookings (sites aren’t marked).
There’s a sandy, often overgrown access road in, and while it’s caravan-friendly, remember to slow down and lower your tyre pressures, especially if your rig is on the larger side.
Campers will also need to be fully self-sufficient here as there’s no toilet or any other facilities. Bring the gear you need and respect the fragile dune environment in every way — the dunes do not double as a loo.
The beach is typically calm, good for swimming and family-friendly, particularly in settled weather (although it’s important to remember you are on the coast, and wind is an inevitability not an exception).
While fishing isn’t the main drawcard, especially compared to some of the other beaches along the peninsula, there’s still enough going on in the water to not make you regret casting a line.
There’s a natural boat ramp if you want to get out on the water, and snorkelling can be quite good.
Wauraltee Beach Bush Campground
Heading further south you’ll find Wauraltee Beach Bush Campground, one of the peninsula’s most iconic beachside stops, and it’s only a two-and-a-half hour drive from Adelaide. While camping right on the beach is no longer permitted (new restriction as of February 2025), it’s easy to see why this campground is still popular.
With its long stretch of white sand and calm water (when the wind isn’t blowing), it’s a picture-perfect place to set up camp and enjoy swimming, kayaking, fishing, amazing sunsets and relaxing with views of the crystal-clear turquoise water.
Wauraltee Beach Bush Campground
The designated bush campground sits just behind the dunes with easy walking access to the shoreline. The camping area is spread out among sandy tracks and low vegetation, and conditions can be quite soft, particularly if you’re towing a heavier van. A good tow vehicle and lowered tyre pressures make a big difference here.
Facilities are limited to a toilet, so plan accordingly.
Like most coastal campsites throughout Yorkes, wind direction can play a big role in your experience here. In settled weather, you’ll love the calm vibes and not feel the lack of shade or shelter too much. In strong westerlies, you may feel a bit exposed and notice some seaweed making its way in. Bringing an extra tarp or two to hook onto your awning probably wouldn’t go amiss.
Wauraltee Beach, Yorke Peninsula (Credit Riley Williams – South Australian Tourism Commission)
Burners Beach Bush Campground
Heading down and around the curve of the peninsula, Burners Beach is one of the larger council-run campgrounds with around 40 unmarked sites available. It has a mixture of open and grassy areas, with the opportunity to camp close to the water (but not on the beach itself).
The adjacent beach is generally more sheltered than some of the peninsula’s west-facing stretches, making it great for families or anyone who enjoys a calmer coastal camp.
Facilities-wise, there are toilets and bins (these can fill up quickly), so you’ll have to be self-sufficient.
It is one of the more popular campgrounds and can be one of the first to fill up, so make sure you’re conscious of how you park (90-degree angle is requested) and leave space for others.
Burners Beach is only around 13km from Point Turton, making it an easy town to duck into for supplies or a meal, especially if you’re setting up camp for several days.
There’s a boat ramp not far away, and if you enjoy casting a line, the rocky outcrops nearby offer some good fishing opportunities, and there are other beaches within easy driving distance if you feel like exploring.
Swincer Rocks Bush Campground
If you’re after raw, beautiful coastal camping, then Swincer Rocks delivers in spades. Located down on the southwestern side of the peninsula, it’s only a short (16km) drive from Corny Point. Alternatively, Warooka, Point Turton and Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park are all within 40km, albeit in different directions.
It’s a fairly open campground, with sites scattered along the clifftop and coastal tracks, with several spots offering stunning ocean views. One of the prime sought-after spots is as far north as you can go in the campground, right next to a big rock that marks a dead end — it’s not big, but it’s worth the journey.
This isn’t a perfectly maintained campground, and that’s part of the appeal. The sites and tracks can be uneven, so your airbag suspension or ramps will be put to work and be ready for exposure to the wind. The access road is unsealed but manageable.
There are toilets available, but you’ll need to be fully self-sufficient otherwise.
This section of the coastline (Point Annie down to Daly Head) falls within a rock lobster sanctuary zone, so make sure you’re across current fishing regulations before heading out.
Enjoy long walks along the beach, brilliant sunsets and swimming in the clear but chilly waters.
Gleesons Landing Bush Campground
Next in line is Gleesons Landing, one of the larger bush campgrounds on the peninsula and one of the more popular options thanks to the fact it feels more spread out than other campgrounds, particularly outside peak periods.
There are around 58 camping spots spread out among the vegetation on the cliffside, many with ocean views or only a short walk from the water. Sandy tracks wind through the campground, so if you’re towing a big van then we recommend walking it first to find a campsite, especially if it’s busy and space is limited.
Gleesons Land Bush Campground 
Point Annie looking south over Berry Bay towards Gleesons Landing
One of the best things about this beach is the large reef found just offshore. At low tide it becomes a natural playground for adults and kids alike. If you’re an angler, the reef might not be so friendly to your rods and the rocks to the south or the beach to the north can be better. The beach near camp is great for swimming, snorkelling and surfing.
Toilets are available near the main entrance area, but depending on where you set up, they may be a walk away. And like most bush campgrounds on Yorkes, there’s no drinking water or power.
Daly Head Bush Campground
Just a bit further south, Daly Head Bush Campground sits above a well-regarded break ideal for those who like surfing and paddleboarding. But even if you’re not hitting the waves, it’s well worth checking out for the stunning setting alone, plus the walking, swimming and fishing opportunities.
The camping area is large and open, which makes it one of the better council-run options if you’re towing a bigger van or travelling with a group. The access road can be rough and corrugated in sections, so take your time coming in.
One thing to be aware of is that there is a bit of a trek to reach the beach, which is accessed via a long staircase from the campground. So, if you’re looking for a campground where you can roll out of bed and be on the sand within a minute or two, this might not be it.
Views from the Daly Head Bush Campground (Sam Richards and Emma Warren)
But for those who make the effort, Daly Head rewards. Views from the clifftop are prime, and once you’re down the stairs you’ve got a broad sweep of sand, rock pools and fishing potential.
There’s a toilet at the campground, but you'll need to bring everything else.
Foul Bay Boat Ramp Bush Campground
Skipping around the southwestern side of Yorkes (we’ll get to that in a minute), Foul Bay Boat Ramp Bush Campground is situated on the southern coast around 37km from Warooka. It’s smaller and more low-key than many of the popular west coast camps and its name is both misleading and accurate — there’s nothing foul about this coastal camp and it is next to a boat ramp, ideal for those wanting to get out onto the waves.
There are only a handful of sites and no toilet, so you must have your own setup sorted. And just like Tiparra Rocks, using the dunes as your personal toilet is strictly prohibited. The trade-off of no amenities is fewer people and easy access to the water for kayaks and small boats.
Conditions along the south coast can change quickly, so it’s important to monitor the weather. On calm days, it’s a peaceful place to base yourself and enjoy the stunning WA-reminiscent waters. On rough days, you’ll understand just how exposed this coastline can be.
Parara Bush Campground
Heading up the east coast, Parara is the last council-run campground on this side of Yorkes (or the first, depending on which way you drive). There are around 35 spots spread throughout the big area where you can camp basically a stone’s throw from the water.
The campground is open, flat and fairly easy to navigate, making it simple for caravans. Facilities are limited to a toilet, but Ardrossan is only a 5km away for supplies, services and activities.
One of the perks of this campground, and others along the eastern coast, is that you can generally enjoy calmer waters and peaceful views overlooking Gulf St Vincent. But if the easterlies are blowing, you may need to batten down the hatches.
Another of its drawcards is its population of blue manna crabs (if you come when they’re in season, roughly September to April), another WA-style activity without having to make the trek to the west coast.
Parara may not have the dramatic surf coast feel, but it does offer calmer waters, level sites — and sunrise views over Gulf St Vincent will never disappoint.
Camping at Dhilba Guuranda–Innes National Park
At the southern tip of the peninsula, Dhilba Guuranda–Innes National Park offers a different style of camping. With a rugged coastline that offers great fishing and surfing, hidden historic treasures and more structured campgrounds, there’s something for everyone.
This southwestern corner of Yorkes is known as one of the best surfing locations in Australia, so its beaches are both glorious and challenging — swim and surf with care and to your skill level.
Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, Yorke Peninsula, SA (Credit Bayside Glamping – South Australian Tourism Commission)
Visitors will need to organise a vehicle entry permit (free) and book a specific campsite in advance, which can be done here. Unlike the council-run campgrounds, sites here are allocated and dogs are not permitted.
The park is 2WD accessible, so it’s perfect for both a day-visit and an extended stay at one of the various campsites. There’s also plenty of bushwalking opportunities, with trails ranging from 30-minute walks to four-hour treks.
Stenhouse Bay is a beautiful spot to visit in Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park (Robert Crack)
There’s a mixture of lodge and caravan and tent-friendly camping available throughout the park, but here are a few of our caravan-friendly recommendations:
Gym Beach Campground
Quiet and set away from the hustle-and-bustle on the far northern outskirt of the national park, Gym Beach has only six sites, with selected sites suitable for caravans. It has easy access to the water, and the beach itself is stunning and offers great snorkelling opportunities. There’s no power, and a long drop toilet is the only facility provided.
Pondalowie Campground
Pondalowie is one of the national park’s best-known locations, for many reasons. The campground is located in the centre of the park and is well-organised, with separate areas for different vehicle types (the Pondalowie caravan and trailers campground is the one you’ll be looking for). The caravan-friendly section has 26 allocated sites nestled among coastal vegetation, a couple of long drop toilets and is unpowered. There’s some shade, depending on the site you choose. Given its central location, the campground is only a short drive from most of the park’s key attractions and is only a short walk from the Fishing Village boat ramp and Pondalowie Bay. If you’re up for beach driving, you can take a short trek on the sand at Pondalowie Bay.
Boardwalk to Pondalowie Bay, Yorke Peninsula, SA (Credit South Australian Tourism Commission)
Cable Bay Beach Campground
Positioned on the southern side of the national park, Cable Bay Beach Campground is more exposed but rewards you with its proximity to coastal walks and striking views of the offshore islands. There are nine campsites, two of which are suitable for caravans, and the south-facing options have limited wind protection and little to no shade. All sites are unpowered and there is a long drop toilet available. It also has great access to Cable Bay Beach, Chinamans surf break (experienced surfers only) and Cape Spencer Lighthouse.
Chinamans Hat Island with Seal Island, Haystack Island and Althorpe Island in the background (Robert Crack)
WA-style coastal camping, just a few hours from Adelaide
Yorke Peninsula has been growing in popularity for years, and while it may not be the hidden gem it once was, it’s by no means any less treasured. The bush camps here aren’t fancy, but they give you all the best WA-style beach camping vibes — listening to the waves from your rig, breathing in the salty air and soaking up the serene surroundings. Come prepared, respect the coastline and its fragile environment, and you’ll quickly see why so many travellers return year after year.
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