Leave behind the creature comforts of home and spend the night under a million stars in the vast and exhilarating Northern Territory Outback.
Camping is a popular experience in both Darwin and the Top End and around Alice Springs and Central Australia.
The NT’s national parks and reserves are fully equipped for camping, whether you’re in a caravan or camper trailer, pitching a tent or sleeping under the stars in a swag. Many national parks have dedicated camping areas with toilets and showers, bins, barbecues and tables.
Most campgrounds work on an honesty system—put your money in the box when you enter. Some campgrounds are only accessible by four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle. Click here for a list of NT national parks and reserves with camping areas.
There’s also hundreds of caravan and tourist parks all over the NT with powered and non-powered sites and all the amenities you need.
Caravan & camping grounds in the NT
Glamping
You don’t have to do it tough to get close to nature in the Northern Territory, with these dedicated ‘glamping’ experiences ready to pamper you in every corner of the NT.
Cooinda Lodge
Experience unique camping and the natural beauty of Kakadu - a World Heritage listed National Park at one of Cooinda Lodge’s serviced and airconditioned glamping outdoor retreat tents.
Each tent is elevated with a private deck and can be configured with a queen-sized bed or a queen-sized bed and a single bunk, making it family friendly.
The lodge has two swimming pools, a restaurant with local cuisine including barramundi, crocodile, buffalo and kangaroo and is on the doorstep to many cultural and wildlife experiences.
Wildman Wilderness Lodge
Two hours’ drive east of Darwin towards Kakadu National Park is Wildman Wilderness Lodge in the heart of the Mary River wetlands.
Here, you’ll find ‘glamping’ on a grand scale—raised safari tents of 50sqm with timber floorboards, gorgeous linen, an ensuite and private veranda. There’s also air-conditioned ‘habitat’ cabins if you need a few more of those creature comforts.
Dine in the restaurant on local barramundi, beef, crocodile or buffalo infused with indigenous bush ingredients like lemon myrtle, pepper berry and bush tomatoes.
Longitude 131°
Overlooking Uluru, Longitude 131°’s 16 tented pavilions are nestled in red sand dunes among desert oak and spinifex. Gaze on the World Heritage-listed icon though the glass doors from the foot of your bed or from your private balcony.
Your glamping experience here includes a king-sized bed, ensuite, lounge, private balcony with fireplace, complimentary in-suite bar, wireless internet, music system, bathrobes, slippers, and twice-daily housekeeping.
Banubanu Beach Retreat
Simplicity is the appeal at Banubanu on Bremer Island, just north of Nhulunbuy in north east Arnhem Land, two short light plane flights from Darwin. This area is known for its beautiful beaches, abundant sea life and rich Yolngu Aboriginal culture.
Banubanu is an eco-sensitive beach retreat built in partnership with the Yolngu people. Your glamping experience here is in a deluxe beachfront eco tent with ensuite and timber deck, from which you can watch bobbing turtles surfacing at sunset. All meals are included.
Top End Safari Camp
Top End Safari Camp combines outback tours and activities with a comfortable glamping experience. You'll enjoy a gourmet BBQ feast around a fire pit with your favourite beverage after an exciting day of airboat and helicopter experiences spotting crocs, birds and other wildlife.
Bamurru Plains
Just west of Kakadu National Park on the Mary River floodplains, Bamurru Plains is about ‘wild bush luxury’. Glamp in one of nine safari bungalows, where the floor-to-ceiling mesh screening means you can be fully immersed in the gorgeous surroundings, bug free.
The bungalows have comfortable beds, organic cotton linen, ensuites, high-pressure showers and beautiful décor. There’s no TV, internet or mobile coverage here, so you have nothing to do but relax and recharge in your luxe digs.
Dreamtime Escarpment Glamping, Kings Canyon
In the escarpment of Kings Canyon in Kings Creek Station, this new glamping option offers elevated, spacious tents with quality linen, king-size or twin beds, private bathroom, bathrobe and slippers, bar, power, heating, air-conditioning and a coffee machine.
Toast marshmallows by your private fire while a chef prepares your three-course dinner for your first night. After that, cook your own three-course barbecue with the dinner hamper provided. Day tours are also included.
Squeakywindmill Boutique Tent B&B
Stay in one of two new elevated Eco-Structure Australia Tents just 15 minutes from Alice Springs at the Squeakywindmill Boutique Tent B&B. Your peaceful room has either a queen-sized bed or twin singles with an ensuite, patio, kitchenette and coffee machine.
There’s also split system heating/cooling, electric blankets, a TV/DVD player, pool, barbecue, bathrobe and a campfire in the evening. Enjoy a continental breakfast before hiking or cycling through the nearby MacDonnell Ranges.
