The Northern Territory's best free and budget camping spots
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Time to read 7 min
Join us for the second instalment of our free and budget camping spots series by state/territory — this time we’re covering the beautiful and varied Northern Territory.
Budget-friendly campsites in the Northern Territory
The Northern Territory spans a landmass larger than the combined areas of France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Austria, yet it’s home to a population of only 250,000 — less than 1% of Australia’s total population. Were it an independent country, it would hold the title of the least densely populated nation in the world. It is a region renowned for its vast, open spaces and an unmatched sense of freedom.
No other country boasts as many dual-listed UNESCO World Heritage sites combining both natural beauty and cultural significance as Australia does. Out of Australia’s four such sites, two are in the Northern Territory: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and Kakadu National Park.
To truly immerse yourself in a place of immense space, freedom, expansive skies, towering escarpments, breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife, stunning sunsets and a deep connection with Aboriginal culture (Kakadu has been inhabited for more than 40,000 years), a self-drive tour and camping trip is hard to surpass.
The Northern Territory is divided into seven tourism regions: MacDonnell, Lasseter, Katherine Daly, Litchfield Kakadu Arnhem, Alice Springs, Barkly and Darwin. These regions offer incredible diversity and stunning scenery, each with its own charm and a range of free or budget-friendly campsites.
Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) Campground, Kakadu National Park, Litchfield Kakadu Arnhem Region
Located in Kakadu National Park, Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) is a picturesque waterfall and plunge pool nestled among steep gorge walls. Accessible by a short walk through monsoon rainforest, this site is perfect for bush camping. Facilities include a pit toilet, picnic tables and firepits. While the campground can accommodate tents and camper trailers, caravans are not permitted.
A 4WD vehicle is necessary for access, and a Park Pass is required for entry (Northern Territory residents are exempt). Camp fees are low, and payment is made in cash to the campground manager. The campground operates on a ‘first come, first served’ basis, so no bookings are required.
Alice Springs Tourist Park, Alice Springs Region
A favourite among families, Alice Springs Tourist Park is conveniently located near the town centre, opposite the Araluen Arts Centre and Museum. Formerly Stuart Caravan and Cabin Tourist Park, this large oasis in the desert offers a range of accommodation options, including villas, budget cabins and various powered and unpowered sites for caravans, camper trailers and tents. The park boasts extensive facilities, including a communal camp kitchen, swimming pool, children’s playground and more. It’s an ideal base for exploring the West MacDonnell Ranges and beyond. Bookings are available online.
Coolalinga Tourist Park, Darwin Region
This charming caravan park, just under half an hour from Darwin, is ideally located for visits to Berry Springs Nature Reserve, Kakadu National Park and Litchfield National Park. Offering a range of ensuite, powered and unpowered sites, as well as cabins and units, it is pet friendly and features a dog exercise area. The park also provides two amenities’ blocks, large camp kitchens, free barbecues and other services.
While fees apply, the park’s extensive facilities make it a popular choice. Please note that online bookings between 4pm and 8am are not serviced, therefore be sure to phone (08 8983 1026) to ascertain booking availability. If you are likely to arrive after 5pm, you will need to phone the office prior to 4pm. Book here.
Coolalinga Tourist Park
Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve, Barkly Region
Nestled near the iconic Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles boulders, this peaceful campground offers unpowered caravan/camper trailers sites, a designated tent camping area and basic amenities such as pit toilets and shaded picnic tables. As a Category B campground, camping fees apply and reservations must be made online.
The site is popular and often fully booked, especially during the dry season. Bookings are available online. You must bring your own firewood and water supply.
Generators, drones and pets are prohibited, with the exception that pets on a leash are permitted in the day-use car park (not the campground).
*Hot tip* Only around 8km southward along the Stuart Highway you’ll find the Devils Marbles Hotel (around 395km north of Alice Springs or 113km south of Tennant Creek) which has powered and unpowered sites (fees apply), barbecue facilities, a licensed restaurant with beer garden and a swimming pool for overnight guests. It sells ice and fuel and has a range of air-conditioned cabin accommodation available (some with ensuite bathrooms, some share bathroom facilities with the caravan park) if you want to have a break from sleeping under canvas. Booking is easy through their website.
Boggy Hole Bush Camp, MacDonnell Region
Located in Finke Gorge National Park, Boggy Hole is an off-the-grid campground accessible only by high clearance 4WD. With no facilities, it is ideal for those seeking a true wilderness experience. The site is perfect for tents, swags and offroad camper trailers. Campers must bring their own water and firewood. Note that access to Finke Gorge National Park is restricted during wet weather, so check the NT Road Report before heading out.
*FREE* Eagles Nest, Lasseter Region
Situated along the Hay River Track in the Simpson Desert, this remote campsite offers unparalleled solitude. Though basic with no facilities, the serene surroundings make it a memorable experience. Only accessible by high clearance 4WD, this site is ideal for experienced campers.
*FREE* Gunn Point, Darwin Region
Located about an hour from Darwin on Gunn Point Peninsula, this free bush camp offers a peaceful environment near Murrumujuk Beach. While there are no amenities, the area is great for fishing, and you can camp with your dog (on a leash). Note that saltwater crocodiles and box jellyfish are present, so swimming is not recommended.
You do not need a permit, so camping is free ... as are the sublime Top End sunsets.
Gunn Point Beach
Overnight Rest Areas
Between the South Australia/Northern Territory border there are four rest areas which permit 24-hour overnight camping, being NT/SA Border Rest Area, Desert Oaks Rest Area, Finke River Rest Area and Mt Polhill Rest Area. All are equipped with barbecues, picnic tables, water supply, shelter and toilet facilities.
Tropic of Capricorn Rest Area, Connors Well Rest Area, Prowse Gap Rest Area, Central Mount Stuart Historical Reserve Rest Area, Taylor Creek Rest Area and Bonney Well Rest Area, all situated between Alice Springs and Tennant Creek, also allow 24-hour overnight camping and have barbecues, picnic tables, water supply and shelter. Taylor Creek Rest Area, Prowse Gap Rest Area and Tropic of Capricorn Rest Area have toilets, whereas Bonney Well, Central Mount Stuart Historical Reserve and Connors Well do not.
Also located between Alice Springs and Tennant Creek is Karlu Karlu Devils Marbles Rest Area. It has barbecues, picnic tables, water supply, shelter, toilets and an information bay. 24-hour overnight camping is permitted but camping fees apply.
Attack Creek Rest Area, Newcastle Waters Rest Area, Warloch Rest Area and King Rest Area — all between Tennant Creek and Katherine — also allow 24-hour overnight camping and have barbecues, picnic tables, water supply, shelter and toilets.
*FREE* Kiana Turnoff Rest Area, Barkly Region
This free, pet-friendly rest area is ideal for an overnight stop along the Tablelands Highway. Facilities are minimal, with just a firepit and picnic tables (no toilets), so campers must bring their own supplies. There is almost boundless space for camper trailers (and other RVs) to park up for the night. All conventional vehicles can access this site, however a 4WD is recommended for the Tablelands Highway given that it is only a single lane of bitumen and in many places along its 375km length the bitumen has seen better days.
This rest area should be fairly quiet at night, although as the Tablelands Highway is more of a ‘beef road’ than a highway, any vehicle driving past at night while you’re trying to sleep is far more likely to be a noisy 53.5m road train hauling cattle than a whisper-quiet electric vehicle!
*FREE* Sandy View Rest Area, Lasseter Region
Lastly, this free, pet-friendly stop is a favourite destination not far from Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. The site is entirely exposed, offering no shade except for a covered picnic table, so it’s wise to set up your awning right away to make the most of the much-needed shelter in the hot Red Centre sun.
The rest area accommodates motorhomes, caravans, camper trailers, motorbikes and large rigs. The only available amenities are the picnic table, a rubbish bin and a water tank, so you'll need to be fully self-sufficient for anything else.
Overnight stays are limited to a maximum of 24 hours, and since the surrounding land is Aboriginal Freehold Land, no entry beyond the rest area is allowed.
*Hot tip* Although this rest area offers plenty of space, if it’s full or temporarily closed for maintenance, consider heading to Curtin Springs Station, located about 85km east of Voyages Ayers Rock Resort. Curtin Springs provides cabin accommodation, including budget and family rooms, as well as powered sites starting at $60 per night. Alternatively, you can camp on their unpowered sites for free but note that these are available on a first come, first served basis. If you’re using the unpowered sites, you’ll need to pay a $4 per person shower fee. There’s a barbecue area, but no camp kitchen, and campers are welcome to use generators and campfires — just remember to turn off the generator by evening and fully extinguish the campfire before bed. BYO firewood and shade!
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