If you’ve already cruised through the Victorian High Country or completed a NSW coastal run, South Australia (SA) offers a completely different pace. Often underrated, SA is home to the most accessible outback in the country and some of the best free camping Australia has to offer along its rugged peninsulas. Whether you’re crossing the Nullarbor or sipping Shiraz in the Barossa, SA is a state that rewards the self-sufficient traveler.
South Australia is officially the driest state in the country. While the southern coast is Mediterranean and mild, the northern outback is a land of extremes.
- The Peninsulas (Best in Spring/Summer): The Yorke Peninsula camping scene and the Eyre Peninsula are legendary from October to March. Expect crystal clear water and perfect seafood weather.
- Flinders Ranges & Outback (Best in Winter/Spring): May to September offers cool, crisp days and cold nights. In 2026, we’ve seen increased search interest for “Desert Stargazing,” making the winter months peak season for the interior.
- Heat Warning: Avoid the far north (Coober Pedy and beyond) from December to February, where temps regularly soar past 45°C.
2. Pests and Safety: The "Bush" Fly and The Mallee
While the “spicy” bugs of the tropics aren’t here, SA has its own survival hurdles.
- The Australian Bush Fly: If you’re heading inland during spring, the flies can be relentless. A head net isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a sanity saver.
- Mosquitoes: A major factor along the Murray River. With Japanese Encephalitis a known risk in the region, ensure your van screens are midge-proof and your repellent is high-strength DEET.
- Be “Croc-Free” but “Shark-Aware”: You don’t have to worry about snaps in the water here, but always check local signs for shark activity when swimming or surfing on the Eyre Peninsula.
3. Booking Your SA Adventure: The Digital Gatekeeper
South Australia has moved to a strictly online booking system for all National Parks. You cannot pay cash to a ranger on-site.
National Parks SA: All camping must be pre-booked via the National Parks SA website.
- The “Nullarbor” Logistics: If you’re heading west, your Big Lap budget will take a hit on fuel, but the free camps along the Great Australian Bight are world-class. Use apps for finding campsites to locate the best “cliff-top” spots that are safe for your rig’s weight.
- Yorke Peninsula Permits: Unlike some states, many council-run camps on the Yorke Peninsula require a weekly or monthly “Bush Camping Permit” which offers great value for long-term travelers.
4. Tech on the Road: Connectivity Across the Plains
South Australia is the king of the “dead zone.” Once you leave the major highways, reception disappears. Starlink for Caravans Australia has transformed the SA experience, especially for those crossing the Nullarbor.
- The Gear: A Starlink Mini Mount is ideal for quick setups at roadside rest areas.
- Powering Up: If you’re spending a week in the Flinders, a 12V Starlink conversion allows you to stay connected to weather alerts and offline maps without draining your house batteries via an inverter.
5. Top Dog-Friendly Picks
South Australia is notoriously strict with dogs in National Parks, but their “Council Camps” and “Station Stays” are fantastic alternatives:
- Rapid Bay: A stunning beachfront camp on the Fleurieu Peninsula where dogs are welcome on leads.
- Cockatoo Lake: A beautiful, grassy free-camp near Naracoorte that is 100% pet friendly.
- Wauraltee Beach: One of the best Yorke Peninsula camping spots where you can camp right on the sand with your pup.
Our Favorite Moments: Exploring South Australia
South Australia was a landscape of extremes—from the underground life of the Opal Capital to the vast, open horizons of the outback. This is how we saw the state from our rig.
6. Logistics: Biosecurity and Towing
South Australia is the front line for Fruit Fly protection.
- Biosecurity: DO NOT bring fruit or vegetables into the Riverland or across the border from WA/VIC without checking the current exclusion zones. There are mobile checkpoints and heavy fines apply.
- Towing: Before you hit the corrugated roads of the Oodnadatta Track, check your Essential Caravan Pre-Departure Checklist. Ensure your caravan sway control is serviced and your towing capacity accounts for the extra water and fuel you’ll need to carry in the outback.
PRO TIP
South Australia is home to some of the most epic—and unforgiving—drives in the country. Between the shimmering heat of the Nullarbor and the bone-jarring corrugations of the Flinders Ranges, your caravan’s wheel bearings, tires, and suspension will be working overtime. Don’t let a preventable mechanical issue strand you in the outback. Before you tackle the long stretches between roadhouses, visit Caravan and Camper Repairs for a professional safety check to ensure your rig can handle the heat and the dust.
Heading further west? Make sure you’re prepared for the long haul with our Easy Camping Meals—perfect for those nights when you’re too tired to cook after a day on the road.
