The Complete Guide in Camping in Flinders Ranges in 2024

Thinking of camping in Flinders Ranges? Let me help you out!

Nestled amidst an ancient landscape, the Flinders Ranges is a vast and rugged region, rich in natural beauty, cultural heritage, and abundant wildlife.

This remarkable destination offers adventurers and nature enthusiasts impressive geological features, from towering peaks to deep gorges and expansive plains to vibrant red cliffs.

Camping in the Flinders Ranges allows you to immerse yourself in the raw and untamed beauty of this iconic Australian outback.

As you set up your campsite beneath a canopy of stars, you’ll feel an unmatched sense of tranquillity and connection with the land.

The region boasts an array of well-equipped campgrounds and secluded bush campsites, providing options for every camper style, from those seeking modern amenities to those who prefer a more remote and immersive experience.

Camping in Flinders Ranges: Sites to Visit

Camping in Flinders Ranges is an unforgettable experience that will awaken your senses and leave a lasting impression.

Prepare to be captivated by the stunning landscape, expansive skies, and vibrant wildlife.

I have compiled the best campsites for an incredible camping journey where adventure, serenity, and the spirit of the outback await.

1. Acraman Campground

Accessibility: 2WD high clearance and 4WD
Suitability: Tents and camper trailers
Amenities: Long-drop toilet, unpowered, campfires allowed, water tank available
Number of campsites: 4
Fees: Vehicle entry fee – $12.50 / Nightly rate – $24

If you’re looking for a campsite where you can sit back and unwind, go no further than this one! Use the Acraman campground as a starting point, and then take day excursions to see the rest of the region, including places like Brachina Gorge and Aroona. This modest campsite is located near Bunyeroo Gorge en route to Brachina Gorge. 

Moreover, if you’re staying at Wilpena Pound Resort, it is approximately 30 kilometres away and a wonderful place to visit during nice weather (not in summer).

2. Cambrian Campground

Accessibility: 2WD and 4WD
Suitability: Tents, camper trailers and caravans
Amenities: Long-drop toilet, unpowered, firepit, water tank available
Number of campsites: 13
Fees: Vehicle entry fee – $12.50 / Nightly rate – $24

Located at the northern end of the Bunyeroo Road, nestled between the Hey­sen and ABC Ranges, this campsite is surrounded by a serene setting of native pine trees and scattered riv­er red gums along the creek line.

3. Koolamon Campground

Accessibility: A small area for 2WD and 4WD for selected campsites
Suitability: Tents, camper trailers and caravans
Amenities: Long-drop toilet, BBQ plates, unpowered, campfires allowed, water tank available
Number of campsites: 13
Fees: Vehicle entry fee – $12.50 / Nightly rate – $24

The campground is famous for its ancient and rugged mountain vistas, serene river gorges, and abundant animals, especially during the spring and fall. About 95,000 hectares of Koolamon are open to the public.

You’ll find the Heysen Range, Brachina and Bunyeroo Canyons, and Wilpena Pound, not to mention a vast mountain amphitheatre.

Indulge your senses with various activities, such as bushwalking, four-wheel driving, bird viewing, photography, mountain biking, and great camping in Flinders ranges!

4. Brachina East Campground

Accessibility: Several campsites are 4WD only
Suitability: Tents, camper trailers and some sites suitable for caravans
Amenities: Long-drop toilet, campfires, unpowered, firepits, water tank available
Number of campsites: 13
Fees: Vehicle entry fee – $12.50 / Nightly rate – $24 (1 vehicle), and for other campsites that can have a maximum of 2 vehicles is $34.50

Brachina Creek and Aroona Creek provide two distinct camping experiences at this campsite. A portion of 2WD vehicles has six sites available on the southern bank, while a segment of 4WD cars has seven sites and is accessible by a rough road that crosses the creek.

5. Trezona Campground

Accessibility: 2WD and 4WD
Suitability: Tents, camper trailers and caravans
Amenities: Long-drop toilet, picnic area, campfires allowed, unpowered, water tank available
Number of campsites: 15
Fees: Vehicle entry fee – $12.50 / Nightly rate of:
1 vehicle: $24
2 vehicles: $34.50
3 vehicles: $45

This peaceful campground on Brachina Gorge Road is a great starting place for many of the area’s loop treks. Only a short walk separates the campground from the world-renowned Ediacaran Golden Spike, a geological wonder of international renown. 

6. Wilpena Pound Campground

Accessibility: 2WD and 4WD
Suitability: Tents, camper trailers and caravans
Amenities: Restaurant and bar, communal laundry, powered and unpowered sites, pool, communal camp kitchen, IGA express store
Number of campsites: 40 powered sites and 300 unpowered sites
Fees: Unpowered sites start at $58 per night (sleeps 6)

Wilpena Campground is a privately run campground with powered and unpowered sites. It also has excellent facilities such as a fuel station, public phone, ATM, internet access, picnic tables, and a general store.

Wilpena Pound Camping offers a beautiful experience with its amphitheatre and circle of hills. Scenic flights over this fantastic landscape will also make your camping trip to Flinders Ranges memorable.

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What to Bring When Camping in Flinders Ranges?

The quality of your camping vacation is usually determined by what you brought or didn’t bring.

Preventing this from occurring is easier if you have a well-planned camping checklist. I’ve listed some suggestions on what to pack when you’re camping in the Flinders Ranges.

✅ Tent

Experience the convenience of a full vestibule 5-person tent with an attached screen room designed to make your camping adventure even more enjoyable.

The vestibule easily converts into an awning using the included aluminium poles, allowing you to relax and enjoy the outdoors comfortably.

Tip: It’s not fun to set up a tent in the dark, mainly if it’s your first time doing it. Make travel arrangements to arrive during daylight hours since the sun sets sooner in the winter. 

The free-standing design, featuring fibreglass poles and steel uprights, makes the set-up a breeze. Thanks to the unique hub design, you’ll have your tent up in no time, leaving you more time to relax and soak in the beauty of nature.

✅ Sleeping Bag

For a Scandinavian company’s high level of workmanship and materials, the Singi sleeping bag from Fjällräven is a tad pricey.

Fjällräven’s “Down Promise” ponders are among the best outdoor enterprises since they use 90% sustainable goose down as insulation.

Tip: Your sleeping bag will serve as your primary source of insulation while you sleep. Investing in something comfy, light, and durable is well worth the money.

With the 2.8-pound technical hiking backpack, campers can keep warm to roughly 17 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s a great 3-season sleeping bag for travel since it’s light, small, and has its stuff pouch.

✅ Medical First Aid Kit

It is a versatile kit that covers a wide range of emergency needs and can be used for most light injuries sustained at home or while out and about.

The bright red case is easy to see and has a hard shell to protect the contents from damage if squashed or squeezed.

✅ Camping Lanterns

Introducing a versatile camping lantern that combines the convenience of rechargeable power with the reliability of batteries.

With a built-in battery and a USB charging cable, you can quickly recharge the lantern whenever needed.

Tip: Use a flashlight or a hand-held torch for visits to the restroom after dark. A free-standing lamp may be the only option if your space lacks a suitable location for hanging one.

Additionally, you can insert 3*AA batteries (not included) for the power supply. This dual battery functionality ensures you are never caught off guard in unexpected darkness.

Whether you recharge or rely on batteries, this lantern provides peace of mind while camping in Flinders Ranges.

Things to do in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park

Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of Flinders Ranges National Park, an ancient landscape filled with natural wonders.

From exhilarating hikes and bushwalks to wildlife spotting and rich cultural heritage, there is no shortage of activities to keep you enthralled.

Indulge in scenic drives and enjoy breathtaking views from lookouts, or unwind with camping and stargazing under the mesmerizing outback skies.

Discover the best things to do in Flinders Ranges and create lasting memories in this remarkable corner of the world.

📍Aboriginal Cultural Walk

Experience the wonders of the Sacred Canyon, an extraordinary site accessible only with the accompaniment of a local Adnyamathana guide.

Immerse yourself in the area’s rich cultural heritage as you explore ancient engravings, marvel at the magnificent landscape, and delve into the fascinating Aboriginal culture.

Your knowledgeable Yura guide will accompany you through the breathtaking Ikara-Finders Range National Park, sharing their expertise and deep connection to this remarkable site.

📍Half-Day Tour into Ikara-Flinders Ranges

Embark on a captivating journey through the “Corridor Through Time” within the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, where you’ll uncover millions of years of geological history.

As you venture through this remarkable landscape, witness the awe-inspiring Wilpena Pound, traverse ancient gorges, and marvel at the visible layers of fossils.

Continue your exploration along the Brachina Gorge Geological Trail, where you may spot the elusive Yellow Footed Rock Wallabies, take in the breathtaking vistas of Bunyeroo Valley, and admire the vibrant hues of the region’s ever-changing moss rocks.

Escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the beauty of the great outdoors, where you can witness ancient geology and the powerful forces of nature at work.

Looking for more in-depth things to do in Flinders Ranges? Check out my posts on 24 Best Things to Do in Flinders Ranges

Looking For Free Camping in Flinders Ranges?

Some great campsites offer free camping in Flinders Ranges, and there is no need to book in advance:

• Parachilna Gorge Camping—This is located on Parachilna Gorge Road and is one of many campsites along Parachilna Gorge. It has a small shelter and water tank.
• Hookina Ruins – Located on Barndioota Road, Hawker, five minutes from Flinders Ranges and the Outback Highway. This free campground has access to caravans, campervans and pets.

How to Get to Flinders Ranges?

The Flinders Ranges are approximately 500 kilometres or 311 miles north of Adelaide, making the journey about 5 hours if you drive a car. The park is best explored in a two-wheel-drive automobile, although I should warn you that many of the roads are unpaved and may be dangerous for cars with low ground clearance.

In heavy rain, routes may only be accessible by 4WDs or be temporarily blocked to all traffic. 

When camping in Flinders Ranges, look up the current road conditions in advance online and bring a Flinders Ranges map to avoid getting lost!

I would highly recommend hiring a car from Discovercars.com. Aside from saving you a lot of hassle, it is also budget-friendly and has excellent perks.

Map of Flinders Ranges

The Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park extends 500 miles or 800 km north from Crystal Brook to a point between Marree and Lake Callabonna (dry), forming flat grassland terrain.

Furthermore, on St. Mary Summit, the state’s second-highest peak, the Flinders vary from 3,000 to 3,825 feet with ranges that include Ediacara Fauna, an assemblage of Precambrian creatures. Their tourist attractions include Germein and Alligator Gorges, Wilpena Pound, and Arkaba Hills. 

Moreover, the Flinders Ranges can be explored in three days, but there is so much more to see and do in South Australia that it is necessary to go further. Travelling across the Flinders Ranges is like a tranquil journey of discovery.

The geography of these ancient ranges is world-famous, with steep mountains, deep gorges, and secluded streams dotting the landscape. Indeed, they’re a haven for animals and a treasure trove of history. 

The best months to go hiking in the Flinders Ranges are June-August when warm days of about 15°C provide pleasant walking. The temperature may dip as low as 3°C in the early morning and evening, make sure you have your winter warm clothing with you! 

Camping Rules in Flinders Ranges

Indeed, camping rules are essential in each society to guarantee everyone’s satisfaction. These guidelines are based on personal experience; however, some are expressed while camping in Flinders Ranges.

In this situation, it is the camper’s responsibility to learn about such restrictions ahead of time. Hence, follow these tips to make your vacation stress-free and enjoyable.

✅ Set Up Your Campsite In Well-Known Areas

Campgrounds in the Flinders Ranges usually have designated areas only for constructing campsites. Therefore, do not attempt to modify or build new sites when others have already done so. Set up your tent and then go about your business as usual. 

✅ Obey Quiet Hours

When camping in Flinders Ranges, the quiet hours generally start as early as 10 p.m. Most campers prefer to sleep at this time to wake up fresh and ready for the following day’s activities. As a responsible camper, you should be mindful of your noise levels when chatting or laughing late into the night.

✅ Open Fires Should Never Be Constructed

Build campfires in confined locations like the supplied fire rings and pits if allowed. Use the resources already at your disposal to keep the fire under control. In addition to being contained, you should always closely monitor a fire.

✅ Keep Garbage Away from the Fire Pit

Waste disposal around the campfire is not recommended since plastic bags and foil release harmful fumes into the atmosphere, contaminating the land and water. Not only is this practice detrimental to the environment, but it also defaces the place’s appearance.

✅ Pets are Strictly Prohibited

Unfortunately, the Flinders Ranges National Park does not allow pets. Their park amenities, waterways, rivers and streams, and wilderness areas all fall under this category.

FAQs on Flinders Ranges Camping

The Wrap-Up: Camping in Flinders Ranges

Flinders Ranges is one of Australia’s finest national landscapes, revered for its ecological, cultural, and geological importance. Wilpena Pound (Ikara) is well-known among the park’s high mountains. 

With its stunning natural views, Flinders Ranges National Park is a must-see destination for everyone visiting Australia. Despite Wilpena Pound’s magnificent scene being its most notable feature, the area also has breathtaking gorges and canyons.

During your free time, you can take a walk, scenic flight, or four-wheel drive trip around the area’s Mars-like scenery. 

While camping in the Flinders Ranges is an experience to cross off your Australian travel bucket list, after you’ve done so, you will undoubtedly want to return. Quite frankly, there isn’t any place else quite like it in the world.