An Alternative Camping Index has ranked Australia as the best country for camping, beating the USA and Tanzania.

From the tranquil riverbanks to the windswept coastal dunes of Coorong National Park, the Murray River Lakes and Coorong’s diverse landscape is a camper’s paradise.

Wake up to the calls of native birdlife, spend your days kayaking through lagoons or fishing off the river’s edge, and end the night under a sky full of stars in one of the world’s best dark sky reserves.

One of the most sought-after camping destinations, 42 Mile Crossing in Coorong National Park, provides a spacious and semi-sheltered setting ideal for caravans, camper trailers, and tents. Facilities include an accessible long-drop toilet, disabled parking and sheltered picnic area.

The nearby 4×4 trail leads directly to the beach, making this a popular spot for those who love adventure and serenity.

Birdwatchers can spot rare and endangered species along the Coorong’s wetlands, a home for migratory birds and a must-visit for anyone who loves Australia’s unique wildlife.

For those drawn to the magic of the night sky, Bolto and Haythorpe Reserves offer an exceptional experience – and they’re both pet friendly!

Set along the banks of the Murray River near Mannum (close to the dual crossing ferry), these picturesque sites sit within the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the world’s best locations for stargazing.

Shielded from city lights by the Mount Lofty Ranges, the reserve provides celestial views, with darkness measurements among the highest recorded globally.

Campers looking for modern amenities can enjoy a comfortable stay at BIG4 holiday parks in the region.

Breeze Holiday Parks in Mannum, positioned on the riverfront, offers everything from powered caravan sites to waterfront cabins, along with family-friendly facilities such as playgrounds, barbecue areas, and a tennis court.

Closer to Shell V-Power Motorsport Park, BIG4 The Bend Holiday Park is a great option for families who enjoy motorsport.

The drive through powered sites are located next to toilets, showers, and the kids playground, so kids can live their best life (with full supervision).

They’ll spend their time swimming in the pool, swinging about on the playground, playing on the jumping pillow, and having a hit of mini golf. Plus, there’s kids BMX Pump Track, a basketball court, bush walking trails, air hockey, foosball, table tennis, and arcade games in the (airconditioned) rec room.

Also in Tailem Bend, the Waterfront Holiday Park is a fantastic caravan park perched on the riverfront. They even have their own private lagoon! Choose between a cabin or camping site, and bring your pet along.

If you’re looking for a lakeside escape, Lake Albert Caravan Park in Meningie offers a relaxed setting right on the water’s edge. With spacious powered sites for caravans and a mix of powered and unpowered camping areas, it’s a great spot to settle in. Summer brings plenty of watersport adventure on the lake so it’s perfect for a sporty group.

Over at Milang Lakeside Caravan Park, you’ll find a peaceful retreat just steps from the Lake Alexandrina foreshore. Camp under the stars or settle into a cabin, then spend your days fishing off the shore and exploring the water.

You can also try:

• Coonalpyn Soldiers Memorial Caravan Park: A charming option for those seeking a more rustic experience, offering basic amenities and a chance to connect with local history.
• Karoonda Tourist Park: Situated in a quaint rural setting, this park offers a serene getaway with basic facilities suitable for campers looking for a peaceful retreat.
• Wellington Caravan Park: Located near the Murray River, it provides a scenic backdrop for camping and offers essential amenities for a comfortable stay.
• Pinnaroo Caravan Park: Known for its friendly atmosphere, this park is ideal for families and travellers seeking a relaxed, small-town experience with access to local attractions.
• Ridley Conservation Park Campgrounds: For nature lovers, this offers a more primitive camping experience amidst beautiful natural surroundings, perfect for those seeking solitude and wildlife.
• Punyelroo Caravan Park: Offers a tranquil riverside setting with basic facilities, ideal for those looking to unwind and enjoy the scenic views of the Murray River.

For those who prefer a little extra luxury, glamping at Reedy Creek Retreat provides a unique way to connect with nature.

Offering the comforts of a hotel while immersing guests in the Mid Murray’s scenic landscapes, this experience blends the best of camping and boutique accommodation.

The two glamping tents “Haven” and “Burrow” stand alongside each other, so its popular for pairs of couples to coordinate their trips and explore the terrain together.

The Murray River, Lakes, and Coorong is packed with great stopover destinations for a road trip, including:

• Meningie: Views over Lake Albert with breathtaking sunsets. Meningie has petrol stations, a Storm Boy themed playground, and accessible restrooms at the local caravan park and public facilities.
• Wellington: This historic river port offers scenic beauty with basic restrooms at public areas and local shops.
• Swan Reach: Known for its cliff-top lookouts, Swan Reach has basic amenities, including restrooms and a general store. Petrol stations are available in nearby towns.
• Tailem Bend: Waterfront camping with access to petrol stations, playgrounds and restrooms.
• Karoonda: Silo art and enjoy dark sky stargazing with basic amenities, including restrooms and a petrol station.
• Coonalpyn: Home to impressive silo murals, Coonalpyn has limited amenities but includes restrooms and a petrol station.
• Lameroo: Offers basic amenities, including restrooms and a petrol station, with parklands for outdoor activities.
• Murray Bridge: The region’s largest town, with multiple petrol stations, playgrounds, and accessible restrooms.
• Pinnaroo: Known for its community spirit, Pinnaroo has basic amenities, including restrooms and a petrol station, with community parks for recreation.

Once you’ve set up camp, it’s time to explore. Make the most of the long summer days with a scenic drive to the breathtaking Big Bend cliffs – or tackle a bushwalking track at Mannum Waterfalls where the tracks weave through towering rock formations.

When dinner time rolls around, enjoy a classic pub meal at local favourites like the Swan Reach Hotel, Pretoria Hotel, Bridgeport Hotel, or Wellington Hotel.

As night falls, experience the magic of the cosmos with a stargazing tour in the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve. With professional astronomers and telescopes, you’ll witness the Milky Way in all its brilliance.

If you’re traveling on the freeway, be sure to stop by Monarto Safari Park to see Burma, the Asian elephant – but she’s popular, so pre-book your ticket in advance!

From the rugged beauty of Coorong National Park to the tranquil riverside retreats of the Murray, camping in our region is an opportunity to slow down, reconnect with nature, and create memories that last a lifetime.

Explore our other blogs here, and plan your full itinerary today.