Camping in Yorke Peninsula: The best Bush Camps, Permits & Map
Last updated: September 2026
If you’ve been dreaming about the kind of camping that includes turquoise water, epic coastal views and great surf? Let me introduce you to the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia. If you are planning to go camping in Yorke Peninsula, you’re in for a treat! This place still feels a bit like a hidden gem, even though more people are starting to discover its magic.
We recently spent some time camping our way around the peninsula, and it has become one of our absolute favourite spots to go camping in South Australia. When you love the water and the outdoors, and you’re into surfing, swimming and fishing, I guarantee you, you don’t want to leave this place.
But camping in Yorke Peninsula works differently from most places, and it can get confusing. There are two completely separate permit systems, nineteen council bush camps that most people have never heard of, a national park with its own booking site, and hardly any free camping left.
So here’s the whole picture in one place. What it costs, how to book, all 19 council-run campgrounds, and all seven inside Innes National Park.
➤ If you’re heading to the Yorke Peninsula, start with our complete Yorke Peninsula Travel Guide with a 5-day itinerary to start planning your trip.
Camping in Yorke Peninsula: Summary
|
Booking system |
Two systems: Yorke Peninsula Council operates 19 bush campgrounds at $20 per vehicle per night. Dhilba-Guuranda Innes National Park is separate, run by National Parks & Wildlife SA, at $27.50 per night plus a $14.40 vehicle entry fee. |
|---|---|
|
Bookings |
Book online, in advance |
|
Free camping |
There’s hardly any free camping left on the peninsula. |
|
Facilities |
Come self-contained. Almost nothing from these low-cost campgrounds have power, water or bins. |
|
Dogs |
Dogs are welcome at all council-run campgrounds, but not in the national park |
What does camping in Yorke Peninsula cost?
Fees and permits are the most-searched topics about camping here, so we’ve put them all together in one place.
Yorke Peninsula Council Bush Camping
Dhilba-Guuranda-Innes National Park
Do you need a permit to go camping in Yorke Peninsula?
Yes. For both the council-run campground and the national park.
For the 19 council-run bush camps, you need a Yorke Peninsula Council bush camping permit. Book online through Visit Yorke Peninsula or phone 1800 202 445.
Know before you book:
- One permit covers one vehicle and up to six people at one campground. A caravan or trailer can be added at the time of booking.
- Moving between camps means separate booking for each.
- Weekly permits no longer exists
- No refunds within seven days of your booking date
- Rangers do come and check registrations against the online booking database
For Innes National Park, you need a vehicle entry permit and a camping booking. Both can be booked through the official Parks & Wildlife SA website.
➤ If you’re planning on visiting this park, read through our complete guide to Innes National Park to plan your visit.
Is there any free camping in Yorke Peninsula?
Almost none… And this is what changed the most with when we first explored the Yorke Peninsula in 2022.
The Yorke Peninsula used to have a genuine free camping culture. You could pull up in a lot of places along the coast and no one minded. That’s largely gone. The 19 council-run bush camps are what replaced them, and they now cost $20 per night.
The council is fairly open about why. Bush camping had always run at a loss and been subsidised by ratepayers; visitor numbers climbed, and the coastline started to show it. Erosion, rubbish, and damage to the dunes. The $20 pays for rangers covering 500 km of coast, rubbish removal, campground clean-ups, fencing, revegetation, and the drop toilets.
Wauraltee Beach is the prime example of where that pressure led. In February 2025, the State Government banned overnight camping on the sand at both there and Second Beach, following reports of hundreds of caravans on the beach during holiday periods.
So, what are the cheapest options for camping in Yorke Peninsula?
All 19 Yorke peninsula council bush campgrounds
|
Campground |
Toilet |
Bin bank |
|---|---|---|
|
The Gap |
Yes |
No |
|
The Bamboos |
Yes |
No |
|
Wauraltee |
Yes |
No |
|
Barkers Rocks |
Yes |
No |
|
Port Minlacowie |
Yes |
No |
|
Len Barker Reserve |
Yes |
No |
|
Burners Beach |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Gravel Bay |
Yes |
No |
|
Swincer Rocks |
Yes |
No |
|
Gleesons Landing |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Daly Head |
Yes |
No |
|
South Coast (formerly Foul Bay) |
Yes |
No |
|
Sturt Bay |
Yes |
No |
|
Mozzie Flat |
Yes |
No |
|
Goldsmith Beach |
Yes |
No |
|
Wattle Point |
Yes |
No |
|
Parara |
Yes |
No |
|
Tiparra Rocks |
No |
No |
|
Foul Bay Boat Ramp |
No |
No |
17 of the 19 have a drop toilet. Tiparra Rocks and Foul Bay Boat Ramp have nothing at all, so only book those if you’re properly self-contained.
Only 2 – Gleesons Landing and Burners Beach – have a bin bank. The other 17 don’t. Everything you bring in comes back out with you.
Camping inside Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park
The national park is a completely different system with its own bookings, fees, and rules. There are seven campgrounds:
|
Campground |
From |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Stenhouse Bay |
$27.50 |
One of the two larger campgrounds. Suitable for caravans, camper trailers and tents. |
|
Pondalowie Bay |
$27.50 |
Car and tent area, near surf break. |
|
Pondalowe Caravan and trailers |
$27.50 |
Separate area for larger setups |
|
Casuarina |
$27.50 |
In the heart of the park, short walk to Pondalowie Bay. |
|
Shell Beach |
$27.50 |
Sheltered, shaded, near rock pool. |
|
Cable Bay Beach |
$27.50 |
Smaller, beachside |
|
Gym Beach |
$27.50 |
North side, accessed via Corny Point Road only |
Plus the restored heritage cottages at Inneston, if you want something else.
- Shepherds Hut from $76.50 per night
- Post Office Lodge from $140 per night
- Gatehouse from $172 per night
- Norfolk from $204 per night
- Malle from $208 per night
- Engineers and Managers Lodges from $210 per night
Beach Camping in Yorke Peninsula
This term means something slightly different here than it used to, so it’s worth being clear.
You can no longer camp on the sand. Wauraltee Beach and Second Beach were the last well-known spots where that happened, and both stopped in February 2025 under State Government restrictions supported by the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board. Caravans and moterhomes are no longer permitted on those beaches at all.
What you still can do – and what most people mean when they when they search for beach camping here – is camp within earshot of the water. Most of the 19 council-run camps are right on the coast, behind the dunes or on the low cliffs, and the walk to the sand is usally a couple of minuts.
Day access to the beaches, including driving on for boat launching and recreation, is still permitted at most spots, but coastal vehicle access across the peninsula is currently under review. Always read the signage before you enter.
Here are five of our favourite beachside campground that are ideal for soaking up the Yorke Peninsula vibes:
Wauraltee Beach
From $20 per night – Drop toilets – 2WD access – dogs welcome
You used to be able to camp on the sand here. That stopped in February 2025. But the bush camp behind the dunes is still stunning, and it’s a short stroll to the water. There are four separate camping areas and it makes a real difference which one you end up in, so we’ve written a separate complete guide to Wauraltee Beach. Day access is still open for swimming, fishing, kayaking and launching a boat.
➤ Full guide to camping at Wauraltee Beach.
Gravel Bay near Berry Bay
From $20 per night – drop toilet – dogs welcome – 2WD access
This one’s a gem! Gravel Bay Bush Campground is close to Berry Bay. A beautiful beach where you can surf and very likely spot a friendly pod of dolphins who are as curious about you as you are about them. Keep an eye out for the local seal too; he’ll happily come and say G’Day when you’re in the water.
➤ Find out more about Berry Bay in our Guide to the best beaches on the Yorke Peninsula.
Daly Head Bush Campground
From $20 per night – drop toilet – dogs welcome – 2WD access
Daly Head has many nice, wide camping sites, making it ideal if you’re camping with a group. Located right at the surf reserve, it’s the perfect spot to set up camp as a base for surfing, swimming, fishing or walking. This campground really ticks all the boxes! There’s a toilet available, but for the rest, you’re on your own.
Gym Beach Campground
From $27.50 per night – drop toilets – six sites – no dogs – 2WD access
This campground is part of Innes National Park rather than the council system, and you’ll need the $14.40 vehicle entry as well.
It’s located on the north side of the National Park, and you can’t reach it from inside the park. You get there via Corny Point Road.
Only six sites, which is exactly why it’s worth the detour. We stayed at site 6, which had its own beach access. A whole afternoon of swimming and paddleboarding without seeing anyone.
The Gym Beach hike to Browns Beach starts here; it’s 12 km one way, and it’s part of the Walk the Yorke trail.
Pondalowie Campground
From $27.50 per night – no dogs – 2WD access
Also inside Innes National Park near the Pondalowie surf break. There’s a car and tent area and a separate area for trailers and caravans. It’s very popular, and if surfing Pondalowie is on your list, this is where you need to be.
Worth knowing before you go: the Pondalowie Bay surfers viewing platform is currently closed due to storm damage.
➤ Read our full guide to Innes National Park before you go.
Are dogs allowed camping in Yorke Peninsula?
Yes, at all 19 council-run bush camps. Not within Innes National Park.
If you’re travelling with a dog, the council campgrounds are your whole trip, and it’s a pretty good one. Nineteen campgrounds to choose from, most of them beachfront, and all dog-friendly.
A few tips before you go:
- Bring your own water: There’s no drinking water available, only in the nearest towns.
- Toilet paper: Don’t forget this one! It’s not provided anywhere in the council-run campgrounds. You’ll thank me later.
- Leave no trace: Bring bin bags and take your rubbish with you
- Book ahead: Many of these campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially in school holidays.
- Come early: Even though you booked a place, there are often no designated sites. Come early to secure the best spot to set up camp.
- Dogs are welcome at the council sites: But, unfortunately, not in the National Park. Double check before bringing your furry friend
- Dump Point: There are a fair bit of dump points located in Yorke Peninsula towns, closest to the campgrounds listed above are Warooka and Minlaton.
Yorke Peninsula map
We’ve pinned all council-run bush campgrounds, all seven Innes National Park campgrounds, the Inneston heritage lodges, caravan parks, fuel stops, dump points and highlights on the Yorke Peninsula on this free Yorke Peninsula Map.
Is camping in Yorke Peninsula worth it?
Absolutely! The surf is good and far less crowded than anywhere closere to Adelaide. The beaches are absolutely stunning. There’s wildlife everywhere, from the dolphins at Berry Bay to the emus wandering through Innes National Park. And for $20. a night you’re getting beachfront sites that would cost you five times that anywhere on the east coast.
It just needs a bit more planning than it used to. Two booking systems, hardly any free camping and no water. Sort that out before you leave, and it’s one of the best camping trips in South Australia.
More Yorke Peninsula Travel Guides
If you’re planning on exploring the Yorke Peninsula, start with our complete guide and 5-day Yorke Peninsula itinerary. For more detailed guides, check out:
Camping in Yorke Peninsula FAQs
How much does camping on the Yorke Peninsula cost?
Yorke Peninsula Council Bush Camping is $20 per vehicle per night. Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Parks starts from $27.50 per night, plus a $14.40 vehicle entry fee.
Do you need a permit to go camping on the Yorke Peninsula?
Yes. A council bush camping permit is required for the 19 council-run campgrounds, and a separate national park booking plus vehicle entry fee for Innes National Park. Without a council permit, you risk a $315.50 fine.
Is there free camping in yorke peninsula?
Almost none. The council bush camps replaced most of the old free camping and is now $20 per night per vehicle.
Can you camp on the beach on the Yorke Peninsula?
Not on the sand. Overnight beach camping at Wauraltee Beach and Second Beach ended in February 2025. Most council campgrounds are beachfront but sit behind the dunes.
When is the best time to camp on the Yorke peninsula?
Autumn and spring are the sweet spot. Warm enough, quiet, and easy to get a good site. Summer is warmest for swimming, but it gets busy and windy.
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