The best camping spots on the Eyre Peninsula make every trip feel like an adventure.
With numerous beaches, national parks, and secluded bush camps to choose from, finding the perfect site can be overwhelming.
Some offer stunning coastal views, while others sit tucked away in quiet, sheltered spots.
This guide breaks down the top camping locations, making it easier to plan a trip that suits any traveller – whether it’s a relaxing coastal escape, a family getaway, or a remote outback experience.
Camping on the Eyre Peninsula
Camping on the Eyre Peninsula feels like stepping into a slower, quieter world.
The coastline stretches for hundreds of kilometres, packed with quiet beaches, rugged cliffs, and peaceful bushland.
There’s no shortage of spots to pitch a tent or set up a swag, from basic free camps to well-equipped caravan parks.
The beauty here is the variety. Some campsites sit right on the beach, where waves become the morning alarm.
Others are tucked away in national parks, surrounded by native bush and wildlife.
Many locations are off-grid, so it’s essential to bring enough water, food, and supplies.
Facilities range from drop toilets and simple BBQs to full holiday parks with power, showers, and camp kitchens.
Peak holiday times can get busy in popular spots, but heading out during the shoulder seasons makes it easy to find space and quiet.
The peninsula’s mild winters make it a year-round destination for camping.
Whether it’s a quick weekend escape or a more extended road trip, camping on the Eyre Peninsula offers the chance to slow down, unplug, and enjoy some of Australia’s best coastal scenery.
1. Beachfront Simplicity: Port Gibbon Campground
Port Gibbon Campground sits right on the edge of the Spencer Gulf, just a short drive from Cowell.
The white sands stretch out for ages, meeting clear blue waters that stay calm and inviting.
It’s one of those rare spots where absolute beachfront camping still feels untouched.
This is a no-frills campground. There’s no power and no fancy facilities – just a single coin-operated hot shower. Everything else needs to be packed in.
Camping costs $15 per night, with a self-registration system in place. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The unsealed roads are suitable for 2WD, so getting there isn’t too much of a hassle.
What makes Port Gibbon special is its simplicity.
The dramatic red cliffs rise behind the beach, adding a splash of colour to every sunrise and sunset.
Long beach walks, quiet fishing sessions, and a bit of beachcombing fill the days.
It’s peaceful, with the chance to enjoy the beach all to yourself, especially outside the busy summer months.
Winter and the shoulder seasons offer the best mix of comfort and solitude, avoiding the heat and wind that can pick up in summer.
Quick Facts:
- Absolute beachfront camping
- $15 per night, up to 14 days
- 2WD accessible on unsealed roads
- Pet-friendly
- Basic amenities with one coin-operated hot shower
The serenity, ocean views, and laid-back vibe make Port Gibbon a favourite for those chasing a simple, peaceful camping experience right by the water.
2. Surfer’s Paradise: Sheringa Beach Campground
Sheringa Beach Campground sits quietly near Elliston, offering one of the Eyre Peninsula’s best beach camping experiences.
The long stretch of white sand, backed by towering dunes, creates a peaceful escape that feels far from the busy tourist spots.
The surf here draws in surfers looking for consistent waves, but there’s plenty of space for everyone to enjoy.
The campground is simple but comfortable. Managed by the local council, it’s got flushing toilets, an outdoor cold shower, and bins for rubbish.
The fee is $20 per vehicle per night, paid by cash permit. Permits are easily obtained on-site or from the Elliston Information Centre.
The wide 2WD tracks make it accessible for caravans, RVs, and standard cars.
Sheringa’s beauty lies in its mix of solitude and scenery. It’s perfect for beach walks, fishing, and swimming.
Summer brings warm days ideal for lazing by the shore, although strong winds can occur at any time of year.
The wide-open beach means there’s always room to spread out, whether for a weekend surf trip or a longer coastal stay.
Quick Facts:
- Wide surf beach with towering dunes
- $20 per vehicle per night (cash permit)
- 2WD accessible with wide tracks
- Flushing toilet, outdoor cold shower, bins
- Great for surfing, swimming, fishing, and beach walks
Sheringa Beach Campground keeps it simple but delivers the kind of peaceful beach camping that’s hard to find.
3. Remote Wilderness: Scotts Beach (Fowlers Bay Conservation Park)
Scotts Beach is situated deep within Fowlers Bay Conservation Park, offering one of the most remote camping experiences on the Eyre Peninsula.
This is pure wilderness camping with no toilets, showers, or shade. Just 20 unmarked bays rest beside a clear blue lagoon, giving self-sufficient campers a real off-the-grid escape.
Getting there requires some planning. The sandy 4WD track winds through dunes, so a 4WD or high-clearance vehicle is the safest option.
Once there, the scenery makes the effort worth it. Sea lions sometimes rest on the shore, fairy terns fly overhead, and during migration season, southern right whales pass close to shore.
Fishing here is excellent, too, with salmon and whiting often biting right off the beach.
Camping costs $13.50 per night, booked through SA Parks. There are no walk-ins since space is limited.
Everything needs to be brought in, from water to firewood, making it ideal for those who enjoy a fully self-sufficient camping adventure.
The cooler months, from late autumn to early spring, offer the best conditions and the chance to spot whales just offshore.
Quick Facts:
- Remote, off-grid wilderness camping
- $13.50 per night (book through SA Parks)
- 4WD or high-clearance vehicle strongly recommended
- No facilities – bring everything
- Excellent whale watching, fishing, and wildlife spotting
Scotts Beach is for those chasing true solitude, untouched nature, and the kind of remote adventure that stays in the memory long after the trip ends.
4. Secluded Paradise: Memory Cove (Lincoln National Park)
Memory Cove is situated at the southern tip of Lincoln National Park, offering one of the most exclusive camping spots on the Eyre Peninsula.
With only five campsites available, it offers a peaceful and secluded experience, surrounded by mallee woodland and backed by steep, vegetated cliffs.
Access is limited to just 15 vehicles per day, keeping the crowds at a manageable level. A 4WD is essential to tackle the sandy track, and caravans aren’t allowed.
Bookings must be made online in advance, which includes a parking pass and a gate key.
Camping costs $13.50 per night, and campers need to be entirely self-sufficient. There are pit toilets and some non-potable water, but no power, showers, or BBQs.
The reward for the effort is a stunning white-sand bay with calm, clear waters.
Coastal hikes lead to lookouts with sweeping views, while the beach itself is perfect for swimming, kayaking, or simply taking a relaxing break.
Wildlife is a big part of the experience, with dolphins often seen offshore and southern right whales passing through during winter.
The best time to visit is late winter to spring when wildflowers bloom and whale spotting is at its best.
Quick Facts:
- Secluded wilderness camping with only five campsites
- $13.50 per night (permit and pre-booking required)
- 4WD access only – no caravans
- Pit toilets and non-potable water
- Great for hiking, swimming, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife spotting
Memory Cove offers a quiet, untouched slice of the Eyre Peninsula where nature takes centre stage, and every visit feels like a private escape.
5. Private Coastal Beauty: Fishery Bay (Whalers Way)
Fishery Bay rests inside Whalers Way, a private coastal property southwest of Port Lincoln.
This stretch of coastline is renowned for its breathtaking beauty, where towering cliffs meet turquoise waters and long beaches stretch out beneath open skies.
Blowholes, sea caves, and rugged headlands add to the sense of adventure, making it one of the Eyre Peninsula’s most scenic and peaceful camping spots.
Camping here is only allowed with a permit. The cost is $40 per vehicle for the first night, with an additional $10 charge for each subsequent night.
Permits must be organised in advance either online or at the Port Lincoln Visitor Information Centre.
The camping spots are basic – flat, open areas suitable for tents, camper trailers, or 4WD vehicles – but no facilities are available. Everything from water to food needs to be brought in.
The unsealed roads are primarily suitable for 2WD vehicles, although some tracks, such as the one leading down to Red Banks Beach, require a 4WD vehicle for optimal navigation.
Fishery Bay’s main draw is its isolation.
Rugged coastal walks offer views of cliffs dropping into turquoise waters, while whales and sharks can sometimes be spotted offshore.
The long beaches are ideal for fishing, clamming, and surfing, especially in autumn and winter when the surf conditions improve, and the cool weather makes exploring more comfortable.
Quick Facts:
- Private coastal camping with dramatic scenery
- $40 per vehicle for first night, $10 for extra nights (permit required)
- No facilities – fully self-sufficient camping
- Mostly 2WD accessible, some 4WD tracks
- Great for surfing, fishing, clamming, and coastal walks
Fishery Bay delivers a raw, private camping experience where nature puts on a show, and the crowds feel a world away.
6. Rustic Farm Retreat: Coodlie Park Farm Retreat
Coodlie Park Farm Retreat blends bush camping with a few creature comforts on a peaceful stretch of private farmland near Venus Bay.
Tucked just 7 kilometres from the famous Talia Caves, this eco-friendly spot offers a mix of camping options that suit both traditional campers and those after something a bit different.
Campers can choose from basic tent sites, quirky swag huts raised off the ground, or two simple cabins.
One cabin has electricity and a kitchen, while the other maintains a rustic charm with a tin shower.
Camping fees sit at $25 per vehicle, and all visitors check in at the farm’s homestead between 9 am and 7 pm.
Facilities include composting toilets, hot tin showers, a camp kitchen, gas BBQs, and a communal fire pit.
There’s no mains power here – solar runs the essentials, keeping the vibe eco-friendly and straightforward. Dogs are welcome on a leash.
The private beach offers quiet spots for swimming, fishing, and watching the sunset.
Talia Caves are close by, perfect for exploring at low tide, while Mount Camel Beach makes for another scenic stop.
The retreat remains open year-round, although summer and early autumn offer the best weather. School holidays can get busy, so planning is a good idea.
Quick Facts:
- Eco-bush camping on private farmland
- $25 per vehicle per night
- Swag huts, tent sites, and two rustic cabins
- Composting toilets, tin showers, camp kitchen, BBQs, communal fire pit
- Private beach access, close to Talia Caves and Mount Camel Beach
- Pet-friendly (dogs on leash)
Coodlie Park offers that laid-back farm feel mixed with quiet beaches and just enough comfort to make camping easy and relaxed.
7. Simple Coastal Camp: Farm Beach Campground (Lincoln NP)
Farm Beach Campground is situated 53 kilometres south of Port Lincoln, within Lincoln National Park, offering a laid-back, affordable spot for coastal camping.
Backed by dunes and set right on a sheltered beach, it’s an excellent base for fishing, swimming, boating, and exploring the park’s walking tracks.
The council-run campground keeps things simple with 40 unpowered sites, pit toilets, and rubbish bins. There are no showers or BBQs, but fires are allowed in drums, adding to the relaxed camping vibe.
Camping costs $10 per night, and sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis with self-registration at the sign-in box.
Since it’s in a National Park, a parking permit is also required and can be purchased through the Eyre Peninsula website.
The beach itself is vast, calm, and perfect for family swimming or casting a fishing line.
Summer is the busiest season, but spring and autumn also offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds.
The surrounding Lincoln National Park offers numerous coastal tracks to explore once the tents are set up.
Quick Facts:
- 40 unpowered sites, $10 per night
- First-come, first-served (self-registration)
- Pit toilets, rubbish bins, fires allowed in drums
- Parks permit required
- Family-friendly beach for swimming, fishing, and boating
- Close to walking tracks in Lincoln National Park
Farm Beach Campground keeps camping simple, affordable, and peaceful, making it an easy choice for families and anyone after a quiet beachside break.
Best Time to Go Camping in the Eyre Peninsula
The Eyre Peninsula’s weather can fluctuate significantly throughout the year, so selecting the right time makes a substantial difference.
While it’s possible to camp year-round, some seasons are more comfortable than others, depending on the nature of the trip.
Autumn and spring are the sweet spots. From March to May and September to November, the temperatures stay mild and pleasant.
The days are usually warm enough for swimming and fishing, while the cooler nights make sleeping in a tent much more comfortable.
These seasons also avoid the worst of the summer winds and heat.
Winter can be great for those chasing solitude, whale watching, and coastal hikes.
The southern right whales migrate along the coast from June to September, and campsites are often much quieter. The weather stays cool but not too cold, especially along the coast.
Summer brings long sunny days perfect for beach activities, but it also means higher temperatures, stronger winds, and more crowds at popular sites.
Shade can be hard to find at some of the more exposed campgrounds, so bringing plenty of water, sun protection, and windbreaks helps.
Regardless of the season, it’s always a good idea to check the local weather forecast and park alerts before heading out.
Tips for Camping in the Eyre Peninsula
Camping on the Eyre Peninsula is all about preparation. Many campgrounds are remote and have limited facilities, so a few simple tips can make the trip run more smoothly.
✅ Pack Self-Sufficient Gear
Many areas lack power, showers, and drinking water. Bring enough water for drinking, cooking, and washing.
A portable toilet and shower can make a big difference, especially at the more basic sites.
✅ Check Access Before Arriving
Some campgrounds require a 4WD vehicle to access, especially after rain. Always check road conditions and ensure the car is suitable for the track.
High-clearance vehicles handle most unsealed roads better.
✅ Book Ahead When Needed
A few campsites, like Memory Cove, require pre-booking and permits. Others run on a first-come, first-served basis.
Always check the site’s rules beforehand to avoid disappointment.
✅ Bring Proper Shelter And Wind Protection
The Eyre Peninsula can get windy, even in summer. Solid tents, strong pegs, and windbreaks help keep the campsite secure and comfortable.
✅ Respect The Wildlife
Sea lions, whales, and plenty of birdlife call this area home. Maintain a safe distance, refrain from feeding the animals, and store food securely to prevent attracting unwanted visitors.
✅ Stay Up-To-Date On Park Alerts
National parks sometimes have fire bans, track closures, or weather warnings. Checking the latest updates before leaving helps avoid surprises.
FAQs: Best Camping Spots on the Eyre Peninsula
Do I Need A Permit To Camp On The Eyre Peninsula?
Yes, some camping spots on the Eyre Peninsula need a permit. National parks like Lincoln and Memory Cove require bookings and passes, while private sites like Whalers Way sell permits too.
Many council-run sites use self-registration. Always check the rules for each campground before the trip.
Is 4WD Necessary For Camping On The Eyre Peninsula?
A 4WD isn’t always necessary for camping on the Eyre Peninsula, but some spots do need it.
Campgrounds like Scotts Beach and Memory Cove have sandy or rough tracks best suited for 4WDs.
Many other sites, including Farm Beach and Coodlie Park, are 2WD accessible.
Always check access details before heading out.
When Is The Best Time To Go Camping On The Eyre Peninsula?
The best time to go camping on the Eyre Peninsula is during autumn and spring.
These seasons offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and great conditions for outdoor activities.
Summer can get hot and windy, while winter is cooler but perfect for whale watching and quiet coastal walks.
Each season has something different to offer.
Are The Campsites Pet-Friendly?
Some campsites on the Eyre Peninsula are pet-friendly, but it depends on the location.
Private sites like Coodlie Park allow dogs on a leash, while many national parks, including Lincoln and Memory Cove, don’t permit pets to protect wildlife.
Always check each campground’s pet policy before bringing animals along.
Are There Facilities At The Campsites?
Facilities at the campsites on the Eyre Peninsula vary widely. Some spots like Coodlie Park offer toilets, showers, and camp kitchens, while others like Scotts Beach have no amenities at all.
Many sites are basic and require campers to be self-sufficient, so always check what’s available and pack accordingly for the trip.
Can I Have A Campfire?
Campfires are allowed at some campsites on the Eyre Peninsula, but only in designated fire pits or drums.
Sites like Farm Beach permit fires in drums, while others may have restrictions.
Fire bans are common during high-risk seasons, so always check current fire regulations before lighting any fires to stay safe and follow the rules.
Do I Need To Book Campsites In Advance?
Booking campsites in advance on the Eyre Peninsula depends on the location.
Some sites like Memory Cove require pre-booking and permits, while many council-run campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis with self-registration.
During busy periods like summer and school holidays, booking ahead or arriving early helps secure a spot.
Is Camping Suitable For Families?
Camping on the Eyre Peninsula is suitable for families, with many campgrounds offering safe beaches, easy access, and activities like fishing and walking.
Spots like Farm Beach and Coodlie Park are family-friendly with calm waters and basic facilities.
Always check each site’s amenities and conditions to make sure it fits the family’s needs.
Is There Mobile Reception At The Campsites?
Mobile reception at the campsites on the Eyre Peninsula can be patchy or non-existent, especially in remote areas like Scotts Beach or Memory Cove.
Some spots closer to towns may have limited coverage. It’s best to download maps, weather updates, and any important information before leaving to avoid connectivity issues.
Are There Any Safety Concerns When Camping On The Eyre Peninsula?
There are some safety concerns when camping on the Eyre Peninsula, mainly due to weather, wildlife, and remote locations.
Strong winds, rough seas, and limited facilities can pose challenges.
Always check weather forecasts, follow park guidelines, carry enough supplies, and let someone know the travel plans, especially when heading to isolated campsites.
Conclusion: Discover Your Perfect Eyre Peninsula Campsite
The best camping spots on the Eyre Peninsula show just how much variety this part of Australia offers.
From peaceful farm stays and quiet beachfront to rugged cliffs and remote wilderness, there’s a campsite to match every style of adventure.
Some spots are perfect for families looking to relax by calm waters, while others suit those chasing off-the-grid solitude with nothing but nature for company.
With a bit of planning—whether it’s checking permits, packing enough supplies, or choosing the right season—you can make the most of what the Eyre Peninsula has to offer.
Every trip brings a chance to slow down, unplug, and experience stunning coastal scenery, local wildlife, and starry night skies.
Now’s the perfect time to start planning your Eyre Peninsula camping trip. Pick your spot, pack your gear, and get ready to explore one of South Australia’s best outdoor playgrounds.
