Camping in Kakadu

The dry season is considered by some visitors as the best time to visit Kakadu, as it offers optimal wilderness camping weather, especially during the drier months of June, July and August.

In the Dry, the days are sunny with the average temperature ranging from 21°C to 36°C. There’s little chance of rain, and humidity is low so you can comfortably explore the escarpments, rock art sites, cultural tours, nature and wildlife before settling into a cooler night in your outdoor tent or swag.

Things quieten down during the Top End’s wet season, but if you love warmer weather and don’t mind rainfall, some visitors and locals think it’s the most beautiful time to visit the park. The waterholes and waterfalls are full and flowing, wildlife is active and the crowds are smaller. If you’re sensitive to the heat, we suggest staying somewhere with a resort pool and cabins.

Expect temperatures during this period to range from 24°C to 37°C, with 80% humidity. This time of year also brings some impressive and beautiful thunderstorms, so we recommend checking that all roads are open and accessible.

West Alligator Head is a secluded coastal beach camping area, and the only one in Kakadu. It’s very rarely visited by travellers, as it’s a bit out of the way down an 80km 4WD track, but there’s a reason you’ll find the local fishermen out there. It’s also a great place to spot flatback turtles who nest here for 9 months of the year.

The Mardukal campground is a great option to base yourself to explore Kakadu. It’s also right next to the Mardukal Billabong which is a known hot spot for chasing barra and saratoga. If the fish aren’t biting in the billabong, then the Jim Jim and Mary River regions are only a drive away.

There are only unpowered campsites available, but the campground does have toilets, showers and a boat ramp at Mardukal Billabong.

Jabiru is the perfect spot for any anglers who want a comfortable place to rest their head at the end of a successful day fishing, with East Alligator River and Yellow Water just a short drive away.

Being the main town in Kakadu, Jabiru has everything you need including a shopping centre, service station, medical clinic and even a golf course and swimming pool. Choose to stay at Kakadu Lodge or Anbinik Kakadu Resort.

Merl campground is right next to East Alligator River, which is a known spot for catching barramundi. When you’ve caught your fill, we recommend checking out the scenic walk through rock formations to Cahills Crossing or driving 3km to the Ubirr rock art site, one of the best places in the Top End to watch the sun set.

You’ll need a 4WD to get to Karnamarr campground. This shady campground is just around the corner from Jim Jim Falls (10km) and Twin Falls (18km), 2 of the most spectacular waterfalls in Kakadu.

There are only unpowered sites available, but the campground does have access to toilets, showers, drinking water, rubbish bins and fire pits.

Maguk campground is the perfect place to set up camp if you want to make the most of Maguk’s amazing plunge pool. You can leave the car at the camp as it’s just a short but beautiful 2km walk to this impressive location.

You’ll need a 4WD to get to the campsite and there are toilets and firepits available.

This simple, quiet little spot is a great central location to escape the crowds while also making the most of the Mary River region of Kakadu. 15km off the Kakadu Highway, this spot is close to Yurmikmik walks as well as Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin gorge).

The facilities here are basic, with toilets and firepits, no caravans allowed and you’ll need a 4WD to get here.

This beautifully secluded campground is surrounded by rocky ridges and cascades. The Jarrangbarnmi area holds great cultural significance to the local Aboriginal people so you’ll need a permit to camp and visit. You can apply for a permit to visit Jarrangbarnmi.

You’ll need a 4WD to get here, and there are no caravans allowed.

Cooinda Lodge sits alongside the beautiful Yellow Water billabong and offers lodge rooms, outback retreat glamping tents along with powered and unpowered sites.

The lodge itself has an inviting swimming pool, restaurant, bar and is an amazing place to base yourself to see Jim Jim and Twin Falls, Yellow Water and the Warradjan Cultural Centre.

In the town of Jabiru, nestled amongst a luscious, tropical rainforest garden, you’ll find Anbinik Kakadu Resort. Anbinik has something for every type of traveller from self-contained cabins, powered and unpowered campsites to safari style bush bungalows.

The resort also has a beautiful communal area including a swimming pool and BBQs and is walking distance from the Jabiru town where you’ll find a supermarket, library, post office, medical centre and other community facilities.

Mary River Roadhouse is so much more than just a roadhouse. It has cabins, powered and unpowered sites as well as backpacker accommodation.

Mary River Roadhouse makes for the perfect base camp for exploring Maguk, Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin gorge) or the Yurmikmik walks.

Kakadu Lodge is the activity hub of Kakadu, as all tours pick up and drop off from the lodge.

After a busy day seeing the sights and touring, come back and unwind by the swimming pool surrounded by lush tropical gardens complemented by a poolside bar, bistro and barbecue facilities.

There are large camping areas or caravan sites for those bringing their own bed, otherwise you’ll find a range of cabins and lodge rooms.

Four Mile Hole is one of those hidden gems, a secluded billabong filled with barra and popular with the locals. It’s a basic campsite with no facilities, so just keep your eyes out for a shady spot to get set up.

This beautiful billabong is the first of 3 billabongs along a single track. Red Lily Billabong (Djunda) is great for fishing and is named after the red lilies that you’ll find along the water’s edge.

Bucket Billabong is surrounded by foliage which makes for a nice shady spot to set up camp.

It’s only accessible in the Dry, and you’ll need to pass through a creek crossing, so make sure you’re well equipped with a 4WD.

Alligator Billabong is very secluded which makes it popular with fisherman looking for a peaceful day on the water. There are no facilities here, but that’s the charm of the place. You set up camp under a shady tree and get down to barra business.

Sandy Billabong is quite possibly one of the most beautiful areas on this list, as you’re welcomed by fields of waterlilies strewn across the water. A plethora of wildlife also call this billabong home including the iconic Top End crocodile and vast amounts of birdlife. You’ll wake each morning to the sound of white-bellied sea eagles, whistling ducks, cormorants and long-necked darters.

Always respect the land and country that you’re visiting and ensure the campsite looks exactly the same when you leave it as it did when you arrived. This means taking all your rubbish with you if there are no bins available.

To prevent the risk of bushfires while camping, take note of fire restrictions in the area and only light fires in fireplaces/fire pits provided. Never leave a fire unattended, and make sure you fully extinguish the fire when finished. Also, only use what you need, a lot of these sites are shared with others, so make sure you leave enough firewood for others to use. For more information visit our fire safety page.

During the wet season, roads can get washed out or close, restricting access to some areas. Before you leave be sure to check the road conditions.

We’re sorry but no pets are permitted in Kakadu National Park under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity (EPBC) Act.