An essential Canberra caravan park and camping guide

Heading to town with the RV in tow? There are plenty of caravan parks in Canberra and its surrounds catering to all types of travellers.

Whether you’re a grey nomad looking for a tranquil riverside retreat or an active family needing plenty of activities to keep the kids occupied, Canberra’s caravan parks are so plentiful and diverse.

And when it comes to camping, there are a lot of free campsites near Canberra, but don’t expect bells and whistles – these are usually rest stops on the highway, so we’ve included two of the best in terms of distance and needs.

However, prices for caravan parks in Canberra are competitive, and there are several budget-friendly options for those wishing to camp or pull up the RV without power or bulk amenities. Below, find our comprehensive guide to Canberra’s caravan parks and campsites.

Alivio Tourist Park

Offering a mix of caravan and RV sites, cabins and stylish villas, Alivio Tourist Park is all about proximity – just four kilometres from Canberra’s city centre, keen walkers won’t even need to take the car.

The park is also exemplary, with an on-site restaurant, clean camp kitchen with full amenities, and water park – there’s even an outdoor cinema.

You will be paying for all of these benefits, but drive-through sites start at $68 per night, which may be steep for those on a budget.

Alivio Tourist Park offers great family-friendly facilities.

Address: 20 Kunzea St, O’Connor, ACT

Phone Number: (02) 6247 5466

Capital Country Holiday Park

A little further out, you’ll find Capital Country Holiday Park, catering to everyone from tent campers to large group stays. Still close to Canberra’s attractions (a twenty-minute drive to most), this holiday park has competitive prices, with unpowered sites starting at $39 per night. This is also a dog-friendly caravan park, with two bungalows that accept pets, plus four ‘dog freedom’ sites that feature full fencing around your RV.

Address: 47 Bidges Rd, Sutton, NSW

Phone Number: (02) 6230 3433

Southside Village

Conveniently situated on the outskirts of Narrabundah close to Canberra city, Southside Village is a Canberra caravan park with powered and unpowered sites plus a range of cabins for those travelling without an RV. Prices are competitive and affordable, but this is definitely no-frills, budget accommodation – reviews mention sites are on the smaller side and cabin interiors are a little dated. Still, small dogs are allowed in the park, and reviews rave about the friendly staff and clean amenities.

Address: 250 Canberra Ave, Symonston, ACT

Phone Number: (02) 6280 6176

Canberra Caravan Park

This modern, recently developed Canberra caravan park might be the most stylish in the region.

The state-of-the-art camp kitchen is definitely a highlight, with large, modern fridges, cooking facilities and ample space to sit and enjoy a meal.

Find a well-equipped communal camp kitchen for use.

Prices are still on the reasonable end, too – drive-through sites start at $58. However, we wouldn’t recommend this tourist park for those with young, active kids looking for entertainment – it is more of an accommodation-focused caravan park, and there is no playground (although there is a grass space on site).

Address: 26 Old Well Station Rd, Gungahlin, ACT

Phone Number: (02) 6130 1000

Crestview Tourist Park

Situated at the south end of Canberra near Kingston and Manuka, Crestview is a great caravan park to stay at if you’re less interested in being closer to attractions and more about a relaxing holiday with proximity to some great Canberra restaurants and cafe culture.

Crestview Tourist Park boasts powered caravan sites with ensuite facilities.

Powered sites start at $55, and the park also offers self-contained accommodation in the form of villas and more budget-friendly cabins. There is a swimming pool onsite, as well as a playground and wi-fi throughout the park.

Opt for a stay in one of the park’s deluxe villas.

Address: 81 Donald Rd, Karabar, NSW

Phone Number: (02) 6297 2443

Eaglehawk Holiday Park

Outside of town, you’ll find Eaglehawk Holiday Park, which offers some of the cheapest accommodations near Canberra for those travelling with caravans and RVs. The property has powered and ensuite sites, budget-friendly dorms and self-contained cabins. Reviews are mixed – some praise the park for clean, well-maintained rooms, others found the property unkempt and weathered – although it seems in the past two years there has been a change in management, and reviews have been steadily improving.

Address: 1246 Federal Hwy Service Rd, Sutton, NSW

Phone Number: (02) 6241 6411

Queanbeyan Riverside Holiday Caravan Park

Staying in nearby Queanbeyan could be a good option if you’re arriving with a caravan in tow, although the distance from the CBD will mean ideally, you have a car you can detach for getting around in. A real plus are the riverside caravan sites, which sit on the banks of the Queanbeyan River for a truly idyllic spot to set up at.

Views don’t get more serene than this.

The park is also pet-friendly and close to Queanbeyan shops and cafes. The one criticism that often comes up is an impersonal approach, with electronic check-in and online booking. However, if you’re a fan of efficiency over a personal touch, this will likely not bother you.

Select a plum spot by the river to set up camp.

Address: 41A Morisset St, Queanbeyan, NSW

Phone Number: (02) 5114 3313

Cotter Campground

25 minutes outside of Canberra, you’ll find the tranquil Cotter Campground, set on the Cotter River. Here, you’ll find hot showers, potable water, flushing toilets, barbecues and dishwashing facilities, plus the location can’t be beaten if you’re looking for nature experiences – a short drive away is the Brindabella Range and Namadgi National Park, plus there are walking tracks, fishing and canoeing opportunities within the campground itself. Sites cost $16 per night, so it’s a bargain if you’re looking to camp without power. However, it is not dog-friendly.

Escape from the city noise at Cotter Campground.

Address: 1691 Cotter Rd, Stromlo, ACT

Woods Reserve Campground

Not too far from Cotter Campground is Woods Reserve Campground, a dog-friendly site that is also $16 per night, so a good option if you’ve brought along the furry family member. However, it’s a little less luxurious with no drinking water and no bins, so you’ll need to take rubbish with you and come with water. There are fire pits and picnic tables on-site, plus toilet blocks.

Embrace seclusion in the lush bushlands at Woods Reserve Campground.

Address: Corin Rd, Paddys River, ACT

Exhibition Park

Canberra’s showground, Exhibition Park (or EPIC) offers simple caravan sites starting at $35 per night for unpowered.

Exhibition Park is a central place to camp or caravan in Canberra.

The prices are a little steep, but you will be in the centre of town just eight minutes’ drive from the CBD, plus the park has full amenities, including toilets, showers and laundry facilities and is pet friendly. Stay on the weekend and enjoy the Saturday morning farmer’s market.

The park has the added bonus of being pet-friendly.

Address: Corner Flemington Rd and Northbourne Ave, Canberra, ACT

Phone Number: (02) 6205 5230

Hughie Edwards VC Rest Area

If you’re after free camping near Canberra, the Hughie Edwards VC Rest Stop is very popular. It’s extremely no frills – all you’ll find is a drop toilet, so don’t expect to be plugging in and powering up. Reports also suggest it’s very noisy at night with highway traffic. However, it is only 20 minutes from the city centre and has a few leafy spots for shade.

Address: Lot 219, Federal Hwy, Majura, ACT

Jeir Creek Rest Point

A little less noisy than the Hughie Edwards VC Rest Stop, Jeir Creek is notable as it’s dog friendly and has grassy patches for your pup to play on (and do their business). There is some shade, but you’ll have to get lucky with those spots, and a few picnic tables plus toilets.

Address: Barton Hwy, Jeir, NSW

For more recommendations on where to stay, read our guide to Canberra accommodation for everything from hotels to Airbnbs.