The Absolute Best Alice Springs Caravan Parks & Camping Sites

From swags and tents to caravans, cabins, or upscale glamping setups, Alice Springs offers an enchanting backdrop for camping in Australia’s heartland.

For the intrepid traveller seeking to immerse themselves in the Australian outback, the caravan parks and camping sites around Alice Springs serve up the perfect blend of adventure, tranquillity and convenience. Why fork out on a luxury Alice Springs hotel when you can pitch your tent or plug in your caravan surrounded by the rich reds and miracle greens of the desert? Here are the best Alice Springs caravan parks and camping options where you’re a stone’s throw from central Alice Springs but with scenery right from your doorstep.

Discovery Park Alice Springs

Looking for kid camping heaven? Make a beeline to Discovery Park . There’s a pool, waterslide, bouncing pillow, go-karts, games room and playground in the park.

Accommodation-wise, you can choose from powered (some pet-friendly) and unpowered sites for caravans and camping, a huge range of cabins that sleep up to six plus safari tents that sleep up to four in comfy beds under canvas. There’s a camp kitchen and kiosk on site, too. Alice Springs town centre is just a five-minute drive away.

safari tents at night, Discovery Park Alice Springs — It’s one of the best caravan parks in Alice to call home for a week or so.

Features: pet-friendly sites, fires allowed in dedicated fire pits, powered, unpowered sites, camp kitchen, barbeques, laundry, toilets, showers.

Alice Springs Tourist Park

Want to stay in the closest holiday park to the town centre? Then choose Alice Springs Tourist Park , where you can walk to the centre. There are shaded powered, unpowered and ensuite sites available as well as basic cabins and one- and two-bedroom villas.

Kids are entertained by the pool, playground and television room, and there’s a mini-mart with your usual suspects, bread and milk and souvenirs, and an ATM machine.

the pool at Alice Springs Tourist Park — Embrace a laidback afternoon swim.

Features: pet-friendly (at manager’s discretion), powered, unpowered sites, camp kitchen, barbeques, laundry, toilets, showers.

Heritage Caravan Park

With over five acres of dedicated bush camping space dotted with lemon-scented gums, Heritage Caravan Park is a top spot to push in the tent pegs. And don’t forget the marshmallows – there are small, contained fire pits in the bush area. For caravanners there’s a wide range of shady grassed sites, and for those seeking four walls, you’ll be happy to throw down your suitcase in one of the self-contained cabins that sleep up to four. Travelling with furry friends? Heritage Caravan Park has a dog wash facility and a dedicated off-leash run. Set five kilometres from the town centre, this park is in a peaceful setting with easy access to the West MacDonnell Ranges. There’s also a 30-metre pool and playground and a small kiosk.

Features: pet-friendly, fires allowed in dedicated fire pits, powered, unpowered sites, camp kitchen, barbeques, laundry, toilets, showers.

Wintersun Cabin & Caravan Park

If convenience is top of your accommodation priorities, head to Wintersun Caravan Park on the Stuart Highway. There are self-contained cabins that sleep up to five, as well as grass sites and concrete slab sites for caravans. Dotted around this park is a pool, camp kitchen and three coin-operated barbeques. It’s 400 metres to the supermarket, pharmacy and butcher so you won’t need to go far for groceries and two kilometres to the town centre.

Features: powered, unpowered sites, camp kitchen, barbecues, laundry, toilets, showers.

Wanngardi Caravan Park

For the eco-conscious Wanngardi Caravan Park is a gem. Set 15 minutes’ drive from Alice Springs in a quiet bush area, this small family-owned park has solar panels and a focus on reusing, reducing and recycling. Don’t expect a pool or green grass as water is precious out here. Wanngardi is not connected to town water and has bores that are only replenished with rain. So short showers everyone and no washing of cars of vans. For the kids there’s a basic playground, plus plenty of birds and occasionally kangaroos and small reptiles to spot. You can have fires as long as there are no fire warnings in place – you’ll just need to bring some wood. Telstra and 4G reception are available and there is good security with two permanent onsite managers. Bookings essential.

Settle in at this eco-friendly family-owned caravan park. (Image: Wanngardi Park)

Features: fires allowed, bore water, powered sites, unpowered sites, two camp kitchens, barbecues, laundry, toilets, showers, washing machine.

Swag Inn

This hosted stay through Hipcamp is simply a backyard where you can pitch your tent or pull in with a camper trailer or campervan. Set nine kilometres from downtown Alice Springs, here you’ll have access to an outdoor shower, flush toilet (BYO toilet paper) and laundry sink – and plenty of bird song. What will be the highlight of your stay at the Swag Inn? Probably the night spent around the barbecue fire pit, looking up at the night sky packed with stars.

Features: powered sites (less than 30 amps), unpowered sites, fire pit, toilet, shower, laundry sink.

Squeaky Windmill Boutique Tent B&B

If you’re after a spectacular view of the ranges from your sumptuous glamping tent, this is the place to be.

glamping at Squeaky Windmill, Alice Springs — Wake up next to breathtaking vistas at Squeaky Windmill. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

Just 15 kilometres from central Alice Springs, these three luxury abodes boast a queen-size bed (single beds available on request), air-con, fluffy robes, barbeque, kitchenette, ensuite and deck. A light brekky is included in the overnight tariff.

a glamping tent at Squeaky Windmill, Alice Springs — Sleep in a glamping tent for spectacular views of the ranges. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

Don’t want to leave the view for dinner in town? Order a sunset platter or barbecue hamper of meats and fresh vegetables to cook on your Baby Weber Q. Over the road you’ll find Pyndan Camel Tracks, which does hour-long sunset tours. Open between April and October each year and closed for the summer months.

a wine and cheese platter with bonfire in the background at Squeaky Windmill, Alice Springs — Gather around the campfire of an evening. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

Features: glamping tents, toilets, showers, barbecues, fire pit.

Tropic of Capricorn Rest Area

Like the rest of the Northern Territory, camping is only allowed in designated areas in Alice Springs and surrounds. There are free camping areas in roadside rest stops outside of Alice Springs. The closest is the Tropic of Capricorn Rest Area , 29 kilometres north of town – look out for the small monument where the Tropic of Capricorn crosses through the Stuart Highway.

Features: toilets, barbecues, non-drinking water supply, picnic tables.

Mt Polhill Rest Stop

The closest free overnight rest stop to the south of Alice Springs is at Mt Polhill , 61 kilometres south of the town centre. Pets are welcome here and campfires are allowed when fire conditions permit.

Features: toilets, barbecues, non-drinking water supply, picnic tables, fires allowed.

For more incredible ways to explore, read our travel guide to Alice Springs.

Summer transforms the Northern Territory into a lush paradise of colour and life, as a visit during the ‘low-season’ reveals secrets the locals willingly share.

Waterlilies bloom, floodplains are alive with birdlife, waterfalls are gushing, and everywhere the green is dazzling. Summer in the Top End and the Red Centre is a kaleidoscope of unexpected wonders that delight and surprise visitors. Of course, the locals know only too well that the Northern Territory low season is often the best time to see and experience this amazing part of Australia.

Here are some of the reasons why savvy travellers – avoiding the crowds – are discovering a new dimension to the Territory. Remember that you’ll need a Parks Pass to visit national parks.

1. Take a dip in the Florence Falls waterhole

Wander through savanna woodland and monsoon forest to discover the perfect place to cool off – the waterhole at the base of spectacular Florence Falls in the magnificent Litchfield National Park , just 90 minutes’ drive from Darwin. The falls flow year-round but are most spectacular during the summer. Camping is available nearby but bookings are essential and must be made online before you visit.

Surrounded by lush forest, a woman cools off in Florence Falls, just one of many incredible things to do in the Northern Territory. — Cool off beneath the cascading waters of Florence Falls. (Image: Joshua Griffin)

2. Wind down at Buley Rock Hole

Another popular local swimming spot in Litchfield National Park is Buley Rock Hole , open year-round. This is a great place to wind down after exploring everything the park has to offer, including towering termite mounds. Wade through the rock pools, soak up the scenic bush or just lie back and relax as the cool water rolls over you.

Buley Rockhole, Litchfield National Park — Let the cool water wash over you. (Image: Tourism Australia)

3. Tour the Tiwi Islands

The Tiwi Islands , a scenic 80km flight from Darwin across the narrow Clarence and Dundas Straits, reveal a different side to the Territory, with their own distinctive culture. Take a day tour with Tiwi by Design to visit Bathurst Island and learn about creation stories, the Mission days, World War II history and the islanders’ obsession with AFL!

Take a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of Tiwi Design’s screen-printing workshop and pick up a great souvenir in the form of art. Choose from contemporary or traditional Tiwi designs and a wide range of work including carvings, paintings, pottery, printmaking, bark paintings and tunga (bark baskets).

A creative moment shared inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing space. — Take a peek inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing studio. (Image: Tourism NT)

4. Dine in Darwin

Foodies are spoilt for choice in multi-cultural Darwin. Try Sri Lankan flavours at Ella by Minoli, where Masterchef contestant Minoli De Silva creates delectable dishes, or head to Charlie’s of Darwin for gin-tasting, cocktails and more. Bowls of fragrant laksa, excellent coffee, fresh vegetables and authentic crafts are all part of a weekend visit to Darwin’s Parap Markets , Rapid Creek Markets and the Nightcliff Markets .

Prefer to catch your own dinner? Book a Top End fishing charter to bag a barramundi – and from October register for the annual Million Dollar Fish competition. Hooking one of the tagged barra released each year in waterways across the Territory could win you up to $1 million.

A bowl of Laksa. — Eat your way through multicultural Darwin. (Image: Tourism NT)

5. Up close with Uluṟu

The magnificent monolith Uluṟu is even more magical when the summer rains fall. When it rains on The Rock, the locals come out to watch – consider yourself lucky if that happens when you visit. Waterfalls cascading off the sides of Uluṟu is a sight that relatively few tourists see.

There’s so much to do at Uluṟu, from guided walks to learn the stories of the Aṉangu people and the ancient landscape they live in to scenic flights for a bird’s-eye view or a leisurely walk around the base of Uluṟu. Book ahead to spend the evening wandering through the Field of Light installation by Bruce Munro.

A closer look at Uluru and uncover its ancient stories, sacred sites, and striking natural beauty – one of the most iconic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Discover the details that make Uluṟu truly sacred. (Image: Tourism NT)

6. Drive the Red Centre Way

From Alice Springs, take an epic road trip along the Red Centre Way, taking in Uluru and Watarrka National Park, home to the magnificent Kings Canyon. Allow at least a week to drive through the red heart of Australia by 4WD, a little longer on the sealed road by 2WD vehicle, travelling through ochre deserts, palm-lined valleys and dramatic gorges. Stop off at waterholes for a refreshing dip along the way.

Kings Canyon offers hiking options for all levels of fitness, from the three-hour Rim Walk atop soaring sandstone walls to the gentler Kings Creek Walk. Either way, you’ll have breathtaking views.

SEIT Outback Australia is a small group touring specialist offering exciting, adventurous, exclusive and specialised iconic, pioneering and cultural touring in the Red Centre of Australia, giving you the time to learn, absorb and relax in the heart of Australia.<br /><br />This innovative tour company focuses on providing clients with the ultimate interpretive touring experiences with a range of products and customised touring itineraries for small groups and bespoke private charters.<br /><br />The company bases its philosophies from the key words of Spirit, Emotion, Intellect and Task (SEIT). — Drive through Australia’s heart. (Image: Outback Australia Tours)

7. Take a walk at Kata Tjuṯa

Head out early to tackle the Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuṯa . This natural wonder, also known as The Olgas, is a labyrinth of soaring ochre domes that glow golden at sunrise and sunset (the walk may be closed during the middle of the day as temperatures rise).

Walking trails range from easy to longer, more difficult tracks. At the Kata Tjuṯa dune viewing area, take in the panoramic view of the domes. The longest of the trails is the Valley of the Winds Walk, a 7.4km circuit that winds between the domes and through creek beds. It’s moderately difficult and steep in places, but offers stunning views – and occasional encounters with kangaroos.

The Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuta is one of the most awe-inspiring things to do in the Northern Territory, especially at sunrise when the domes glow golden. — Step into the golden light of Kata Tjuṯa. (Image: Tourism NT)

8. Explore Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges

Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park lies 135km west of Alice Springs, with many fascinating natural features to beguile visitors. The ‘West Macs’ formations include chasms, gorges and waterholes – take your swimsuit for a dip at Ormiston Gorge waterhole, open year-round. The Ormiston Pound Walk is a three to four-hour circuit that leaves from the visitor centre and loops back along the gorge via the main waterhole. Other places of interest in the park include Simpsons Gap , Standley Chasm , Ellery Creek Big Hole and Glen Helen .

Soaking in the serenity of Ormiston Gorge, these two travellers enjoy one of the most scenic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Take the plunge at Ormiston Gorge waterhole. (Image: Joshua Griffin Litchfield)

Start planning the NT road trip of a lifetime at northernterritory.com

Alice Springs caravan parks and camping – everything you need to know