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

Leah McLennan Leah McLennan
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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.

an aerial view of Discovery Park Alice Springs
The caravan park a quick drive to the centre of town. (Image: Discovery Parks)

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.

the villas at Alice Springs Tourist Park
Settle into one of the private villas at Alice Springs Tourist Park.

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.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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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.

heritage caravan park alice springs
Heritage Caravan Park is a peaceful place to camp. (Image: Heritage Caravan Park)

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.

Wanngardi Park
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.

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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.

Leah McLennan
Leah McLennan is a freelance writer based in Darwin. She was a journalist in Sydney for over a decade and counts her time as travel editor for Australian Associated Press as one of the highlights of her career. From exploring remote campsites in the Top End with her family, to seeking out new art galleries in faraway cities, she’ll grab an adventurous or arty travel experience within her reach.
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The top Alice Springs accommodation for every traveller
Alice Springs

The top Alice Springs accommodation for every traveller

Chalk it up to friendly locals, boutique safari tents, fancy hotels, or the timeless charm of the desert, but we’ll never get tired of an Alice Springs getaway.

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8 experiences to restart and inspire your senses for 2026

    Katie Dundas Katie Dundas
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    Be invigorated by the sights, sounds and landscapes of the Northern Territory.

    If your 2026 travel goals focus on visiting inspiring and meaningful destinations, look no further than the Northern Territory. Rich in Indigenous culture, national parks and unique local cuisine, a journey deep into the Red Centre and Top End will awaken all your senses and leave you with lifelong memories. But you don’t need to do it on your own, as AAT Kings’ Small Group tours offer expertly led itineraries. They’re designed to take the guesswork out of travel planning and help you access remote regions in comfort while connecting with fellow guests, allowing you to delve deeper into destinations with insights from knowledgeable Travel Directors and local Indigenous guides.

    As Small Group tours with AAT Kings have an average of just 16 guests, there’s ample opportunity to ask questions and make meaningful connections on every visit. Here are just a few of the experiences on offer, with adventures designed to invigorate every sense.

    1. Under a Desert Moon dinner

    Under a Desert Moon dinner in northern territory
    Watch the stars come out over five courses.

    Over five courses, dine under the stars during an unforgettable Outback dining experience. As day fades to night, lit only by the moon and the crackling fire, this outdoor dinner features locally sourced seasonal produce, matched with Australian wines.

    It’s an intimate experience, showcasing the quiet grandeur of the Outback after nightfall. As you dine, feel connected to the land and its unique flavours, introduced by your impeccable waitstaff.

    Part of the Northern Territory Dreaming tour, the Under a Desert Moon dinner is the ideal way to connect with your small group of fellow travellers after an invigorating day in the Red Centre.

    2. Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience

    Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience
    Learn stories of the Red Centre at Karrke. (Image: Tourism & Events NT/ 75vibes)

    The best way to learn the stories of the Red Centre is by connecting with the land’s Traditional Owners. At the Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience, visited on AAT Kings Northern Territory Dreaming and Outback Contrasts tours, you’ll meet with members of the local Wanmarra community in Kings Canyon.

    On this immersive AAT Kings MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience you’ll walk on Country to learn firsthand about bush tucker, Indigenous medicine, wooden artefacts and the art of dot painting. Passionate guides will share stories that have been passed down for generations.

    3. Kungkas Can Cook

    Kungkas Can Cook set up at Simpson's Gap
    Taste local bush delicacies. (Image: Tourism & Events NT/ Mel Brautigam)

    The powerful senses of smell and taste are awakened on this exclusive experience led by Indigenous chef Rayleen Brown. Included in the Northern Territory Dreaming and Outback Contrasts tours, this is a unique opportunity to savour local bush delicacies and learn about Indigenous culture through the lens of food.

    Brown, a recipe author and guest judge for MasterChef Australia, works solely with native ingredients directly harvested by women from the Alice Springs community. It’s a 100 per cent Indigenous owned and run business.

    4. Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles)

    woman walking by Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles)
    See striking Karlu Karlu. (Image: Tourism & Events NT/ Dom And Jesso)

    Appearing out of nowhere, the huge granite boulders of Karlu Karlu seem to precariously balance on the barren Outback landscape. You’ll come across these geological formations as you cruise the Stuart Highway on the Northern Territory Explorer tour.

    Your AAT Kings Travel Director will share expert insight on the history and culture of Karlu Karlu, recognised as a sacred site of the Warumungu people. As you walk in awe amongst these stunning formations, formed many millennia ago, you’ll hear some of the stories behind why this place is so important to Indigenous storytelling and culture.

    5. Pudakul

    Pudakul Aboriginal Cultural Tours
    Experience this family-owned Indigenous experience. (Images: Tourism & Events NT/ Helen Orr)

    Make authentic cultural connections when you visit Pudakul, a family-owned Indigenous experience on the Adelaide River Flood Plains. On your Small Group Northern Territory Explorer tour your senses will be inspired by the sounds of First Nations music, the taste of local bush tucker and the beauty of art.

    This AAT Kings MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience is designed to take you deeper into the destination, helping guests learn from the people of the Limilngan-Wulna Land.

    6. Corroboree Billabong Wetland Cruise

    Corroboree Billabong Wetland Cruise
    Spot the wildlife of the billabong. (Image: Tourism & Events NT)

    Observing the unique wildlife of the Northern Territory – from formidable crocs to hearing gentle melodies from the many endemic bird species – is always one of the most memorable parts of your Northern Territory Dreaming tour.

    Travel in the comfort of your premium coach, taking in the stunning landscapes, before arriving at Corroboree Billabong. This special place is part of the Mary River Wetlands and is home to the world’s largest concentration of saltwater crocodiles. Your comfortable boat is designed to maximise wildlife viewing, giving you a front row seat to this spectacular ecosystem.

    7. Aboriginal Bush Traders

    artist at Aboriginal Bush Traders in darwin
    Visit for the art, stay for a bite. (Image: Tourism & Events NT/ Shaana McNaught)

    A visit to Aboriginal Bush Traders is the ideal introduction to the vibrant city of Darwin. This non-profit gallery, cafe and retail space supports Indigenous employment and is the perfect place to find a curated selection of ethical Indigenous gifts, including artwork and organic skincare.

    Your Northern Territory Top End National Parks and Northern Territory Dreaming tours include an exclusive native flavour tasting, offering cultural insight before travelling deeper into the Top End.

    8. Leliyn (Edith Falls)

    woman swimming in Leliyn (Edith Falls)
    Cool off at Leliyn (Edith Falls). (Image: Tourism & Events NT/ As We Wander)

    There’s something about a mighty waterfall that invigorates the soul like nothing else, with the picturesque Leliyn (Edith Falls) the perfect place to refresh on a hot day.

    On your Northern Territory Top End National Parks and Northern Territory Dreaming visit to Nitmiluk National Park, known for its epic sandstone gorges, you’ll pay a visit to the oasis that is Leliyn. It’s the ideal place for a swim, but it’s also home to ancient Indigenous rock art. And as your Travel Director will explain, it’s an impressive place of cultural significance, too.

    Make 2026 the year to discover the flavours, culture and beauty of the Northern Territory at aatkings.com.