For caravanners, the perfect park is more than just a place to stay; it’s a sanctuary that combines essential amenities, spacious and private sites and a welcoming atmosphere.
So where are the best places to pull up?
As has become customary on The Flinders, I will list the best and most highly-rated caravan parks for each of the Southern, Central and Northern Flinders Ranges.
Let’s get started.
Southern Flinders Ranges
Carrieton Caravan Park
Carrieton Caravan Park is one of the smaller and less well-known on this list, but don’t let that put you off.
Set on the grounds of the old school and developed by the local community, the caravan park is located just off the R.M Williams Way in the small southern Flinders town of Carrieton. Classrooms, the library and even the former principal’s residence have now been converted into accommodation.
But what can you expect in the actual caravan park? Well, 16 powered sites occupy the former cricket ground area with grassy areas, shade and nice views of the Oladdie Ranges.
Amenities at Carrieton Caravan Park include clean and basic ablution blocks, a camp kitchen and a laundry. The park also provides a dump point for caravans and an ample water supply.
The community-run aspect of the park means you’ll receive a warm welcome from the helpful staff who are volunteers. Indeed, travellers often remark on the latter for their commitment to making people feel at home.
Group discounts are also available, and do note that Telstra is the only carrier with reception in the area.
Prices and how to book
Powered sites (8 grass, 8 gravel) – from $35 per night for 2 adults and 2 children
Unpowered sites (20 on grass and gravel) – from $25 per night for 2 adults and 2 children.
Enquire here for exact rates.
Quorn Caravan Park
Quorn Caravan Park bills itself as “The Natural Choice” and for this type of accommodation in Quorn, I could not agree more.
There is much to like about this caravan park in the Southern Flinders Ranges. It is surrounded by parkland on the outskirts of town that incorporates Quorn’s Pithi Kawi Bush Food Garden, sports oval, pool and parts of Pinkerton Creek.
Within the park are many native species of shrubs and tree that can be found in the local area (something I really appreciate). And it’s an easy walk to the Quorn Silo Light Show, railway station and centre of town where many historical buildings and delicious cafés await.
Some of the amenities are a little on the small side, but they (and the camp kitchen) tend to be spotlessly clean. Showers are hot and the pressure is decent!
There are also a few drive-through sites but if you miss out on one of these, there are plenty of unpowered sites in the bush camp area.
The staff are also very friendly here and I’m always checked in and out with a minimum of fuss.
Prices and how to book
Powered sites – $42 per night twin share
Unpowered sites – $36 per night twin share
Check dates here.
Spear Creek Holiday Park
Spear Creek Holiday Park (formerly Spear Creek Caravan Park) is set against the picturesque backdrop of the Flinders Ranges escarpment. Just the drive into the park along the dirt access road is beautiful.
Located 25 kilometres southeast of Port Augusta and 12 kilometres off Highway A1, the park is located on a vast 21,000-acre working sheep station.
For caravanners, Speak Creek offers the following products (all are pet-friendly):
• Premium powered sites – longer, more roomy sites with extra privacy with connection to water also included. Most premium sites are drive-through and big-rig friendly and can accommodate groups if two or more sites are booked together. These are spread throughout the bush, mountains and creek area.
• Standard powered sites – located in the main park grounds, standard sites are set on a solid gravel base and also have connections to power and water. Shaded sites are available on request. The good news with these is that you’re closer to the coffee shop!
• Bush campsites – all bush sites are located near the creek and offer fresh, drinkable spring water, fire pits and flushing toilets with 100 metres. All can also accommodate parties of up to 12 caravans. Some individual sites also have power!
Guests love the park’s peaceful atmosphere and the warm hospitality of the hosts, Tom and Jai, who have been praised for their hard work and dedication to creating a welcoming environment. Others have been so impressed by the place that they’ve extended their stays.
Amenities here are impressive and include:
• Two ablution blocks.
• A pop-up coffee and snack bar in a trailer.
• Fully equipped camp kitchen.
• Coin-operated washers and driers.
• Dining hall and communal television, and
• Picnic tables.
The park is surrounded by ancient river red gums (some as old as 600 years) and is close to the Spear Creek and Deep Creek walking trails. There is also ample opportunity to spot local wildlife such as wedge-tail eagles, peregrine falcons and echidnas.
In the park office, you can even purchase fresh saltbush Dorper lamb (in various forms) that once roamed the station itself!
Prices and how to book
Premium powered sites – from $45 per night twin share
Standard powered sites – from $38 per night twin share
Unpowered bush sites – from $30 per night twin share
Book direct here to get the best rates.
Central Flinders Ranges
Wilpena Pound Resort
The caravan park and campground is located at the base of Wilpena Pound and is dotted with native pines, eucalypts and saltbush.
On offer are hundreds of unpowered sites and 40 powered sites which are often fully booked irrespective of the season or holiday. But they are suitable for caravans, camper trailers and campervans.
Amenities include several toilet and shower blocks (some renovated, others earmarked for renovation), a well-equipped camp kitchen, laundry facilities and a swimming pool in the adjacent resort.
Staying at Wilpena Pound Resort in your caravan is essentially about convenience. The resort’s on-site restaurant and IGA supermarket offer almost anything you could need, while the location is also the jumping-off point for numerous hikes, tours, attractions and scenic flights.
Having said that, there’s a price to pay for convenience (see below) that some may find too steep.
Rawnsley Park Station
Rawnsley Park Station is the top-rated destination for caravan and camping enthusiasts with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 from hundreds of reviews. Visitors frequently commend the park’s stunning scenery, clean facilities and friendly staff.
Speaking of amenities, there is a modern camp kitchen, clean ablution blocks, a swimming pool and even a dog-minding service if you want to visit the adjacent national park. The shop also sells fuel and a decent selection of meat, produce and books on the surrounding area.
Like Wilpena Pound Resort, Rawnsley serves as somewhat of a hub for visitors. There are various bushwalks to be enjoyed on the station itself (including the magnificent Rawnsley Bluff walk) as well mountain biking trails, scenic flights and 4WD tours, among other activities.
There is also the popular Woolshed Restaurant, which serves a variety of local food and drink. Try the lamb shank, lamb share platter or any of their wood-oven pizzas.
Prices and how to book
Powered sites – $46 per night twin share
Unpowered sites – $32 per night twin share
Book online here.
Hawker Caravan Park
Many a time I’ve driven past the Hawker Caravan Park and seen it packed with tour groups, race participants and other large groups of people. So they must be doing something right!
Situated on the outskirts of town on Wilpena Road, the caravan park is in a prime location and serves as an ideal base to explore the Southern Flinders Ranges.
Powered sites are available for those who desire that option, although these sites are slightly less shaded than the unpowered sites. For those who don’t want to trudge to the ablution block, there are also a handful of sites with their own ensuites.
Otherwise, Hawker Caravan Park offers free WiFi, a camp kitchen, a pool, a playground and clean facilities with laundry services. The park – which is also pet-friendly – is praised for its country hospitality and peaceful atmosphere.
Prices and how to book
Ensuite suites – $65 per night
Powered sites – $45 per night
Unpowered sites – $39 per night
Book online here.
Northern Flinders Ranges
Copley Caravan Park
Located just up the road from Leigh Creek, the Copley Caravan Park is a favourite in the area.
The on-site Quandong Café and its fabulous pies, sweet baked goods and coffee have been loved and appreciated by travellers for decades. For lunch and dinner, the equally-loved Copley Pub is a mere 2-minute walk down the road.
Owners David and Shirley purchased the site in 1996 and turned the rundown Copley Roadhouse into a caravan park that is now an oasis in the desert.
Sites are flat and spacious and amenities are clean. There is also a communal fire pit with fantastic views.
Prices and how to book
Call (08) 8675 2288 for all enquiries.
Onya Eco-Camping Park
Onya Eco-Camping Park offers a serene and eco-friendly camping experience in the Northern Flinders Ranges.
Opened in 2022 just outside Blinman, this is not a caravan park in the traditional sense. Nevertheless, it is favoured by self-sufficient campers and caravanners who appreciate a peaceful, nature-based retreat and want to detox from modern life.
The park features spacious and private bush camping sites surrounded by abundant wildlife, including kangaroos, emus, and various bird species. The long drops are clean and don’t smell, but please bring your own loo paper. There is also a convenient shop on site for last-minute essentials.
Owners Mike and Paula are friendly and knowledgeable hosts, and Paul also puts his knowledge to good use as a tour guide in the nearby Blinman Mine. There are also flexible check-in and check-out times so you can relax and take some time to enjoy the fabulous surroundings.
Highly recommended!
Prices and how to book
Bush camping sites are available for $20 per vehicle per night.
Extra people are charged at $2.50 per night.
Book online here.
Arkaroola Caravan Park
Arkaroola Caravan Park, located in the heart of the Northern Flinders, is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, adventurers and those who want an authentic Outback experience.
The caravan park offers 50 powered sites and countless unpowered sites across a sprawling 300-hectare campground that is set among rocky cliffs and the usually dry Wywhyana Creek.
Reviewers frequently praise the natural beauty and peaceful ambience of the park as well as the clean (if not a little dated) ablution block. Other perks include a coin-operated laundry, a well-equipped camp kitchen and access to all facilities in Arkaroola Village such as the in-ground swimming pool!
A few tips for staying at Arkaroola Caravan Park:
• Bring as much drinking water with you as possible. Water is scarce and precious in the area and you will likely be unable to fill your bottle from a rainwater tank.
• Arkaroola does not sell or provide firewood. Collect it responsibly beforehand and consider the local environment when you do so.
• Unpowered sites do not need to be booked in advance.
Prices and how to book
Powered sites – $40 per night for up to 6 people.
Unpowered sites – $25 per night.
Book online
res@arkaroola.com.au
