Our Top Camping in the Northern Territory
Camping in the Northern Territory is an amazing experience. Enjoy fantastic balmy conditions in the dry season, and survive the heat and downpours for a sight to behold in the wet.
For us, a campsite will usually be classed as a favourite due to its natural features or uniqueness. Other times we'll find one that stands out simply because it is cheap amongst many expensive alternatives. If you read the description, you'll figure out why we've included it in our selection.
Virtually all of the sites we have listed are readily accessed by your average car and caravan.
Please be aware that any pricing given is indicative only, and was current during 2010.
We've broken the listings up into:
- Cheap Camping in the Northern Territory (less than $10 per site for a family)
- Good Value for Money Camping in NT
Not less than $10, but good value due to close proximity to towns/cities, attractions or campsite features.
- Good Roadside Camping in NT
Staying roadside is not generally the goal of a camping trip, but a means to an end. In an effort to save money en-route to a
destination, we often find ourselves camping by the side of a road for a night here and there. Some of these roadside stops are better than others, so here we list some sites that we have actually enjoyed (not just endured!)
Cheap Camping in the Northern Territory
Ellery Creek Big Hole, West MacDonnell National Park. (88km west of Alice Springs, access off Namatjira Drive).

Ellery Creek Big Hole, West MacDonnell National Park
- $3.30/adult, $1.65/child 5-15yrs, $7.70/family (2A + 4C). Per night.
- Flushing toilets and water available, but bring own drinking water.
- Gas BBQ's.
- Campfires allowed, but bring own firewood.
- Swimming hole only a short walk from the campground. Fantastic for a refreshing swim after a big day of sightseeing!
- Daytrip from here to the following places:

Glen Helen Gorge
Ormiston Gorge

Hermannsburg Mission

Palm Valley, NT
Good Value for Money Camping in the Northern Territory
Wangi Falls, Litchfield National Park
Located 1.4km east of Litchfield Park Rd, 66km west of Batchelor.
- $6.60/adult, $3.30/child 5-15yrs, $15.40/family (2A + 4Ch). Per day.
- 5 minute walk to fantastic waterhole.
- Cold showers (all you need in this climate!)
- Flushing toilets.
- View bats at night.
- Campfires permitted, bring own firewood.
Click here for information on the Best swimming in Litchfield National Park.
Good (FREE) Roadside Camping in the Northern Territory
1.NT-SA Border - 159km nth of Marla, 19km sth of Kulgera.
- Toilets
- Water
- Picnic tables
- Close to road.
- After spending much time camping in the red dirt, the bitumen surface was VERY welcome. Not so good for pitching a tent, though!
2. Attack Creek (Stuart Monument). Rest Area 47km nth of Three Ways, 87km sth of Renner Springs.
- Toilets
- Water
- Picnic Tables
- Close to road
- Historic value
3. Approaching Uluru Unofficial rest area approx 25km from Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
For travellers on a tight budget, Ayers Rock campground (the only campground) in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, is quite expensive. Pricing up to 31 March, 2011, is $19.50/adult (powered site), $17/A (non powered), $9.50/child 6-15yrs. Family rates: $48 powered, $43 unpowered.
The night before we entered the National Park, and the night we left, we camped FREE approximately 25km outside the park on the roadside. As there are no facilities, being completely self-sufficient is essential, but can save you $$$.
Many other campers joined us after dusk.
Have you stumbled across a wonderful campsite as you've travelled in the Northern Territory? Or do you have a favourite that you keep coming back to? We'd love to hear from you!
We'll publish your submission so that we and other visitors to this site can benefit from your experience - thankyou...
What is YOUR Favourite Campsite?
A secluded beachfront haven? A national park teeming with wildlife? A well-located, value-for-money site with friendly hosts?
Whatever made it special, share it here...
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