5 Best Camping Spots in South Australia
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Time to read 7 min
Summary
Why Camping in South Australia Is Exceptional 1. Fitzgerald Bay – Beachfront Freedom Camping Why It’s One of the Best Camping Spots South Australia 2. Memory Cove – Secluded 4WD Adventure A Hidden Gem 3. Black Springs – Coffin Bay National Park Coastal Camping Why Black Springs Is Among the Best Camping Sites in South Australia 4. Mikkira Station – Camp Among Koalas Unique Wildlife Experience 5. Moolooloo Station – Flinders Ranges Outback Adventure Why It’s a Top Best Camping South Australia Destination Features Why You Should Visit L’Anse French Café During Your Camping Trip What Makes It Special South Australia’s Best Camping Sites Discover our entire range of pastries What our customers say about us
South Australia offers some of the most scenic and diverse camping experiences in Australia. This guide explores the 5 best places to camp in South Australia: Fitzgerald Bay, Memory Cove, Black Springs (Coffin Bay National Park), Mikkira Station, and Moolooloo Station (Flinders Ranges). From beachside escapes to outback adventures, these best camping spots South Australia deliver unforgettable experiences. Start your trip at L’Anse French Café in Port Lincoln, where artisan coffee and fresh pastries fuel your outdoor adventure.
Why Camping in South Australia Is Exceptional
Camping in South Australia offers a combination of rugged coastlines, serene bushland, and unique wildlife. Whether you’re exploring beachfront camping, inland lakes, or bush trails, the state provides some of the best camping sites in South Australia for families, couples, and adventure seekers.
Key advantages include:
Miles of pristine coastline
Abundant wildlife and birdwatching opportunities
Easy access to both coastal and inland best camping spots in SA
Opportunities to combine camping with activities like best spot for fishing, bushwalking, or kayaking
For travellers heading to the Eyre Peninsula, a stop at L’Anse French Café in Port Lincoln is a must. Starting your day with a strong coffee and freshly baked pastry ensures you’re energized for camping adventures.
1. Fitzgerald Bay – Beachfront Freedom Camping
Why It’s One of the Best Camping Spots South Australia
Fitzgerald Bay offers free beachfront camping near Whyalla, perfect for campers seeking scenic coastal views and tranquil beaches.
Features & Tips
Activities: Fishing, beach walks, photography
Access: 4WD recommended
Amenities: None; self-sufficient camping
Best Time to Camp: Autumn to spring
A morning visit to L’Anse French Café before driving to Fitzgerald Bay makes your beachside camping experience even more enjoyable. Grab a takeaway coffee and pastry for the road while enjoying coastal views.
2. Memory Cove – Secluded 4WD Adventure
A Hidden Gem
Located inside Port Lincoln National Park, Memory Cove provides a truly secluded camping experience. With only 5 campsites, it’s perfect for those seeking privacy and untouched beaches.
Camping Highlights
Cost: $33 per vehicle/night
Amenities: Drop toilet
Access: 4WD only
Activities: Bushwalking, kayaking, wildlife spotting
This site is ideal for adventurers who want to combine camping in South Australia with hiking or exploring nearby natural landmarks. After a day at Memory Cove, you can return to Port Lincoln and enjoy a relaxing coffee at L’Anse French Café, the perfect way to unwind and share your camping stories.
3. Black Springs – Coffin Bay National Park Coastal Camping
Why Black Springs Is Among the Best Camping Sites in South Australia
Black Springs offers quieter, scenic coastal camping than other Coffin Bay campgrounds. Ideal for families and anglers, it provides immediate access to beaches and fishing spots.
Features & Tips
Cost: $22,30/night
Amenities: None; self-sufficient camping
Access: 4WD/camper trailers
Activities: Fishing, hiking, photography
After a morning of coastal exploration or fishing, a stop at L’Anse French Café in nearby Port Lincoln ensures a comfortable break with artisan coffee and fresh pastries to recharge for the next adventure.
4. Mikkira Station – Camp Among Koalas
Unique Wildlife Experience
Mikkira Station offers camping among wild koalas, making it one of the best camping spots in SA for wildlife lovers.
Features
Cost: $36 to $72 per night
Amenities: Hot showers, flushing toilets
Access: All vehicle types allowed
Activities: Koala spotting, bushwalking, photography
This location combines comfort with immersion in nature. After a morning exploring or photographing koalas, a coffee stop at L’Anse French Café is the perfect way to start or finish your day.
5. Moolooloo Station – Flinders Ranges Outback Adventure
Why It’s a Top Best Camping South Australia Destination
Located in the Flinders Ranges, Moolooloo Station offers remote wilderness camping with red-rock scenery and star-filled skies.
Features
Cost: 20/30$ per night
Amenities: Limited; self-sufficient
Access: 4WD/bush access
Activities: Hiking, star-gazing, 4WD tours
For campers exploring the outback, pairing a stay here with Port Lincoln coffee at L’Anse French Café before departure enhances the experience and provides the energy needed for remote adventures.
Why You Should Visit L’Anse French Café During Your Camping Trip
L’Anse French Café isn’t just a coffee stop — it’s part of the South Australian camping experience. Located in Port Lincoln, it’s the perfect base for campers heading to Fitzgerald Bay, Memory Cove, or Mikkira Station.
What Makes It Special
Artisan coffee and freshly baked pastries
Breakfast and takeaway options ideal for early mornings
Friendly, welcoming atmosphere
A hub for planning local adventures like best places to visit in South Australia or fishing trips
Starting or finishing your camping adventure with a stop here enhances your experience of camping in South Australia, combining comfort, taste, and local expertise.
South Australia’s Best Camping Sites
Camping Spot |
Location |
Highlights |
| Fitzgerald Bay | Eyre Peninsula | Beachfront, free camping |
| Memory Cove | Port Lincoln NP | Secluded, shaded beaches |
| Black Springs | Coffin Bay NP | Coastal views, quiet |
| Mikkira Station | Near Port Lincoln | Koalas, wildlife sanctuary |
| Moolooloo Station | Flinders Ranges | Outback, red-rock scenery |
Discover our entire range of pastries
What our customers say about us
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"Lovely little French cafe. Owner was super lovely. Food was tasty and the pancakes looked like a work of art! Coffee was great also! We came around 11am and a lot of the pastries were sold out and we managed to get the last serving of pancakes. So suggest going earlier if you want to try all the options. At 11.30 you can order some savoury options. Would definitely recommend!"
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"The perfection of the croissants and cafe took me straight back to a renowned Boulangerie in Dijon. To mix it up a bit i had a raspberry croissant which you would expect in a Pâtisserie. Do take the time to indulge as it is truly worth it. C'est absolument délicieux!"
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"Never thought a simple croissant could make me come back two days in a row, and even take a few to-go before leaving Port Lincoln! If you're visiting, this place is a must-try. Every dish is delicious, but don't miss the croissants – they're a game changer! The Chili Scrambled Eggs are creamy with just the right amount of spice, and the Truffle Mushroom is perfectly rich and savory. The Croissant Madame is an absolute feast with truffle sauce, cheese, and a runny egg. Make sure to arrive early, as they're always busy!"
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"A charming French patisserie with absolutely delightful and flavorful creations! The croissants are also truly fabulous: light and full of taste. The service is warm and personal, making every visit feel special. I treated myself here for three days in a row and each time was pure joy. Many heartfelt thanks and see you again soon!"
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"We recently had breakfast while staying in Port Lincoln. It was amazing! I had the best scrambled eggs I had ever eaten and hubby had the breakfast board and he was very satisfied, although he also ate half of mine as they were very generous servings. We also purchased 4 of their award winning croissants and they were also delicious. If you are visiting Port Lincoln do yourself a favour and stop in."
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"The new spring menu is out and it is absolutely delicious!!! 5 stars just doesn't seem enough to give as a review!! My personal favourite is the Nduja & Fennel Sausage Ragu pasta! A great amount of heat with out of this world flavor. My husband raved about the Smoked Fish Croquette, and that bearnaise sauce deserves a standing ovation! The Pistachio cube is heaven on earth, that pairs beautifully with a hot coffee. Both of the owners Grace and Marvin go out of their way to make you feel welcome!"
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"Always amazing! Every visit feels special. The food is not only delicious but also beautifully presented, and the coffee is rich and perfectly made. What really makes this café stand out is the people, Pierre and Brendon went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and cared for. Their kindness, genuine smiles, and attention to detail made our time here unforgettable. Thank you for making every visit such a pleasure!"
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"A Port Lincoln must do!! Probably the most delicious croissant and pan au chocolat I've had other than in Paris. I've been to Lune Croissanterie in Melbourne and Sydney and these were far better! Flaky, buttery deliciousness. Coffee was good too. If you're after a quick takeaway coffee and croissant you won't get better. You can also see the pastry chef working the laminator through the window in store. 10/10."
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"The perfect gem in Port Lincoln! Excellent quality, one of the best croissants in Australia, and absolutely delicious vegetarian options. Great concept all along - the team definitely deserve their multiple awards"
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"A French Bakery......like kryptonite to Superman 😄 breakfast of Kings not to be missed. Once you've conquered the full fat delicious breaky you must take some pastry souvenirs 😋 Service was great, venue cosy and the star food sensational!!"