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An essential Canberra caravan park and camping guide

Connect with nature at one of these top spots.

Heading to town with the RV in tow or for a relaxed camping trip? There are plenty of caravan parks in Canberra catering to all types of travellers. We’ve rounded up the best options for your next stay, whether you’re after camping spots, caravan and RV sites, cabins or a stylish villa.

In short

Our pick for the best Canberra caravan park from an outstanding list? Cotter Campground will immerse you in the Aussie bush without having to forgo a nice, warm shower and flushing toilet.

1. Alivio Tourist Park

Boronia Villas at the Alivio Tourist Park
Sleep under the stars. (Image: 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 – but it’s just a five-minute drive if that’s more your thing, or you can hire an e-bike on site to tour around.

Sites can be a bit packed, especially during high seasons, and some reviewers found the cabin facilities a little on the older side, but overall the park has everything you’ll need. Think onsite restaurant, clean camp kitchen, full amenities and a water park that could rival a theme park offering, so you know the kids will be entertained for hours. There’s even an outdoor cinema for cosy movie nights with the family, and avid wildlife watchers will love all the Australian critters around the park! Due to all the creature comforts, prices are a little higher than usual, but definitely worth it.

Address: 20 Kunzea Street, O’Connor ACT

2. Capital Country Holiday Park

lakeside cabins at Capital Country Holiday Park, Canberra
Settle into tranquil lakeside cabins. (Image: Capital Country Holiday Park)

A little further out, you’ll find Capital Country Holiday Park , which caters to everyone from tent campers to larger groups. Still close to Canberra’s attractions (a 20-minute drive at most), this holiday park has unpowered and powered sites, en suite sites, cabins and lodges. Our pick? The Lake Villa, which has a balcony perched next to the on-site lake, making it the perfect spot for an evening drink.

Set on 15 hectares, the holiday park recently underwent a renovation of its recreational facilities, and now has an updated putt putt golf course, outdoor games area for basketball, soccer and beach volleyball, a seriously fun and huge futsal dart board, plus a brand new playground for the kids. This is also a dog-friendly caravan park, so your furry friend can come on holiday too. There are two bungalows that accept pets, plus four ‘dog freedom’ sites that feature full fencing around your RV or caravan.

Address: 47 Bidges Road, Sutton NSW

3. Discovery Parks – Canberra

The modern, recently developed Discovery Parks – Canberra might be the most stylish caravan park 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. The location can’t be beat, too – close enough to the city centre to make exploring easy, but in a quiet area for peaceful evenings.

Prices are still on the reasonable end, too. However, we wouldn’t recommend this tourist park for those with active little ones looking for entertainment – it is more of an accommodation-focused caravan park suited for couples or families with older children.

Address: Corner of Federal Highway and Old Well Station Road, Gungahlin ACT

4. Canberra Holiday Village

the BBQ area at Canberra Holiday Village
Fire up the grill in the expansive BBQ area. (Image: Canberra Holiday Village)

Conveniently situated in Symonston, close to Canberra’s CBD, Canberra Holiday Village is a popular Canberra caravan park with powered and unpowered sites, plus a range of cabins for those travelling without an RV.

Prices are competitive and affordable (visitors are often impressed with the prices during high seasons), 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 Avenue, Symonston ACT

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5. Crestview Tourist Park

a deluxe two-bedroom villa at Crestview Tourist Park
Book a stay in one of the deluxe two-bedroom villas at Crestview Tourist Park.

Situated at the south end of Canberra near Queanbeyan, Crestview Tourist Park is a great option if you’re less interested in being close to action and more looking for a relaxing holiday with proximity to some great Canberra restaurants. Nearby Kingston and Manuka have some of the best, like Onzieme, with many dotted along the foreshore of beautiful Lake Burley Griffin.

Powered sites are priced reasonably, and the park also offers self-contained accommodation in the form of villas (some of which can accommodate up to 12 people) and budget-friendly cabins. There is a lovely swimming pool onsite, as well as free coffee at reception, a playground for little ones and wi-fi throughout the park.

Address: 81 Donald Road, Karabar NSW

6. Eaglehawk Park

the cabins at the Eaglehawk Park Canberra
The cosy cabins are set among lush gardens. (Image: Eaglehawk Park Canberra)

Outside town, you’ll find Eaglehawk Park , which offers some of the cheapest accommodation near Canberra for those travelling with caravans and RVs. This doesn’t mean you’ll skip out on style and comfort, though.

The park has all kinds of properties, including powered and en suite sites, budget-friendly cabins, cosy cottages and fully furnished villas. There is also an outdoor pool, playground, barbecue area and plenty of green space. One real highlight is the Eagle Hawk Hotel, just a short stroll away, offering great pub fare and entertainment. Don’t miss the Thursday night meat raffle – you could be cooking up a storm in the communal BBQ area all weekend.

Address: 1246 Federal Highway Service Road, Sutton NSW

7. Queanbeyan Riverside Caravan Park

the scenic Queanbeyan Riverside Caravan Park
Views don’t get more serene than this.

Staying at Queanbeyan Riverside Caravan Park is 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, although buses service the area regularly and can drop you right into town. A real plus are the riverside caravan sites, which sit on the banks of the Queanbeyan River for an idyllic spot to set up.

All sites have access to power and water, including the designated camping spots, and even the riverside sites are in range of the park’s free WiFi. There’s a well-appointed camp kitchen and clean toilets, as well as laundry and drying facilities. The park is also pet-friendly and close to Queanbeyan shops and cafes.

Address: 41A Morisset Street, Queanbeyan NSW

8. Exhibition Park

the caravan and campground at Exhibition Park Canberra
Exhibition Park is a central place to camp or caravan in Canberra.

Canberra’s showground, Exhibition Park (or EPIC), offers caravan sites on a sprawling 75-hectare lot just eight minutes from the CBD. The pet-friendly park is a great option for families, with a local farmers market held every Saturday morning on the grounds.

The prices may be considered a little steep, but you’ll be in the centre of town, plus the park has full amenities including toilets, showers and laundry facilities. Bookings are essential, and the park is closed for certain events throughout the year.

Address: Corner Flemington Road and Northbourne Avenue, Mitchell ACT

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9. Cotter Campground

the entrance to Cotter Campground
Escape from the city noise at Cotter Campground.

Just 25 minutes outside of Canberra, you’ll find Cotter Campground , set on the tranquil Cotter River where it meets the mighty Murumbidgee. With hot showers, potable water, flushing toilets, barbecues and dishwashing facilities, it’s on the more glamorous end of Canberra camping spots, so it’s great if you want to stay somewhere for a while (or just like a few creature comforts).

If you’re looking for nature experiences, Brindabella Range and Namadgi National Park, are nearby, plus there are walking tracks, fishing and kayaking opportunities within the campground itself. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a platypus splashing about in the river. No dogs allowed.

Address: 1691 Cotter Road, Stromlo ACT

10. Woods Reserve Campground

the lush bushlands at Woods Reserve Campground
Embrace seclusion in the lush bushlands at Woods Reserve Campground.

Note: Woods Reserve Campground is closed until mid-2026 for an upgrade of facilities.

Not too far from Cotter Campground is Woods Reserve Campground , a dog-friendly site that is also in close proximity to Namadgi. It’s a good option if you’ve brought along the furry family member, but they must remain on leash to protect native wildlife.

It may be a little less luxurious, with no drinking water and no bins, but there are toilet and shower facilities, fire pits, washing amenities and picnic tables onsite. Take a stroll to nearby Gibraltar Falls for a refreshing wild swim.

Address: Corin Road, Paddys River ACT

11. Honeysuckle Campground

Known for its clean facilities and proximity to walking trails, Honeysuckle Campground is filled with history, including remnants of an old space tracking station. The Australian Alps Walking Track passes the campsite, so keen hikers can head off to explore nearby Mount Tennent or Booroomba Rocks, too. Entry is free, you just need to BYO firewood and water.

Address: Corin Road, Paddys River ACT

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Melissa Mason
Melissa Mason is a freelance journalist who loves road tripping and car snacks. Previously holding Editor roles at ELLE, marie claire, Broadsheet and Pedestrian.TV, she now writes travel and lifestyle content for a wealth of Australian titles like SMH, Mamamia and Urban List, as well as copywriting for international brands. Outside of writing, she loves walks with her dog Ted, a great Sunday afternoon with friends, and op shopping. If she could be anywhere right now it would be lounging on a hammock at a tropical resort with a great romantic fantasy book.
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6 of Australia’s best destinations to recharge in nature

(Credit: Hilton Cairns)

From coast to coast and everywhere in between, our collective backyard offers unforgettable nature experiences for every kind of traveller.

Whether you’re a hiking enthusiast or prefer to while away the day at the beach, Australia has some of the most incredible landscapes in the world (and some epic Hilton stays to return to after each day of exploring). Slow down, breathe in, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure, and these destinations are perfect for a nature escape.

1. Albany, WA

Aerial view of travellers exploring Granite Skywalk, located within Porongurup National Park.
Climb the Granite Skywalk fora unique nature experience. (Credit: Tourism WA)

Albany, in regional Western Australia, is a paradise for nature lovers, best known for its dramatic, rocky coastline and endless swathes of white-sand beaches. Explore it all from Hilton Garden Inn Albany, with a gorgeous waterfront location and close proximity to some of the most iconic natural landscapes.

Head to Torndirrup National Park, where you can venture out onto a see-through platform to watch the waves batter the shoreline below – if you dare. Further north, marvel at Porongurup National Park’s Castle Rock, an imposing granite range over a million years old that you can scale via the Granite Skywalk.

Between May and December, Albany becomes a whale watchers’ paradise as humpback whales, southern right whales, and even blue whales journey north towards the Kimberley. Pack your binoculars; there’s a good chance you’ll spot them from the shore.

2. Alice Springs, NT

views of the MacDonnell Ranges DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Alice Springs
Return from your explorations to enjoy views of the MacDonnell Ranges.

Surrounded by dusty red desert, rolling spinifex dunes, and eerie ghost gums, Alice Springs sits upon a landscape so unique it’s otherworldly. From here, plan a day trip to Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, where you can take in the unrivalled majesty of Uluru. While there, check out The Olgas, a cluster of 36 impressive rock formations perfect for hiking. Walking trails offer a mix of easy strolls and trickier hikes that wind through gorges and creek beds.

Other bucket-list-worthy experiences in the area include Stanley Chasm Angkerle Antwatye in the MacDonnell Ranges, best seen at midday for a spectacular view of the sun passing through its crevice, and the rim walk at King’s Canyon, which will leave you feeling breathless as you take in views of the desert from the top of 300m high sandstone walls.

Nestled on the banks of the Todd River with views of the MacDonnell Ranges, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Alice Springs offers the ideal spot to relax and recharge after a day of adventuring.

3. Busselton, WA

Busselton Jetty, Busselton
Watch the sunset reflect onto the endless blues at Busselton Jetty. (Credit: Tourism WA)

For a deeply relaxing nature getaway, look no further than Busselton. This charming seaside city is the gateway to the Margaret River Region, where you’ll find no shortage of lush greenery, winding coastlines and unique marine life. Start the day with a stroll and a swim at Busselton or Dunsborough beach, and plan for a sunset walk along the Geographe Bay Foreshore to drink in the changing light. How’s the serenity?

If you’re visiting Busselton in Spring, don’t skip a nature walk through Ambergate Nature Reserve, which is bursting with wildflowers of every colour once the weather begins to warm.

A stay at Hilton Garden Inn Busselton puts the Margaret River region on your doorstep. Sitting on the pristine shores of Geographe Bay, it’s just a handful of steps from Busselton Jetty and underwater observatory, where you can see the vibrant marine life up close without getting wet.

4. Cairns, Qld

view from a room at Hilton Cairns
Check into Hilton Cairns and soak in the beauty.

There’s no shortage of natural wonders to marvel at from Cairns. Get up close and personal with the underwater wildlife by diving or snorkelling through Australia’s underwater playground, the world-heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef.

Head away from the shore to the Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest surviving rainforest and home to iconic fauna like the cassowary, as well as infamous plants like the Stinging Tree.

Wherever you go, Hilton Cairns or DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns make the perfect home base for a Cairns adventure. Both sit so close to the ferry terminal to get out on the reef, and offer easy access to dining and bar options to top off an amazing day.

5. Darwin, NT

two people floating in Florence Falls, Litchfield
Explore Litchfield National Park’s beautiful swimming holes. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Safari Global)

Australia’s northernmost city has plenty to offer nature lovers. Day trip to Litchfield National Park and hear the thunderous roar of Florence Falls, take in the mangroves at Charles Darwin National Park, or head to Mary River Wetlands to marvel at the rare birdlife that call the wetlands home.

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation in Darwin, with  Hilton Darwin, DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin and Hilton Garden Inn Darwin all providing excellent access to the city’s natural attractions (and a leisurely pool to cool off in after a day in the sun). Meet the top end’s most famous (and infamous) animal inhabitants at Territory Wildlife Park, or take a leisurely stroll through George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens.

6. Gold Coast, Qld

Hilton Surfers Paradise
Stay at the iconic Surfers Paradise.

It might be known for being a literal paradise for surfers – it’s in the name, after all – but there’s more to the Gold Coast than initially meets the eye. Check into Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences to take advantage of direct access to iconic beaches, coastal wildlife and the best of Surfers Paradise.

But the hotel is also an easy drive away from the world-heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest, a hinterland treasure teeming with walking trails. Make a day of it by stopping off at some of the local food producers that abound in the Gold Coast hinterland.

Start planning your next nature escape at hilton.com.