The Best Budget-Friendly Campsites/Holiday Parks in South Australia

Ready to explore the top things to do in South Australia while sticking to your travel budget? We've got your back. From sipping world-class wines in the Barossa Valley to embracing the rugged coastal beauty of Eyre Peninsula, a campervan hire from Adelaide to explore this remarkable state is nothing short of mesmerising. In this guide, we're diving deep into this land of kangaroos and vibrant coastlines, helping you discover the best budget-friendly campsites and holiday parks to set up camp for your adventure.

How to save money on a campervan trip in South Australia

Alright, let's face it: who doesn't love a good bargain or cheap holiday? Especially when it's intertwined with breathtaking landscapes and memorable experiences. Yep…us too. Well, to help, here are a few of our top travel budget tips for saving money when cruising South Australia in a cheap campervan hire from Adelaide.

Travel in shoulder seasons: Yes, peak seasons have their charm, but the shoulder seasons? They offer fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and, often, cheaper rates. Winning!
Embrace free things: Make the most of free activities in Adelaide and end the day cooking up a storm at camp kitchens peppered across the region. Utilise the campervan kitchen, and don’t forget to drop by local farmers’ markets for great cheap and local ingredients!
Limit dining out: We get it, local restaurants are tempting. But instead of dining out every day, save those special eateries for memorable occasions or treats.
Stay updated: Occasionally, holiday parks offer deals or discounts. It doesn't hurt to stay in the loop or ask around for a deal

What season is best to travel South Australia?

South Australia wears many hats when it comes to its climate. Prefer balmy weather and colourful festivals? Summer’s your time. However, if you're seeking mild temperatures, fewer tourists, and lower rates, the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) are your go-to.

10 of the best budget-friendly campsites/holiday parks in South Australia

For those with the spirit of adventure planning a road trip in a campervan hire in South Australia, there are plenty of gems waiting to be explored. Let’s journey through ten of these budget-friendly holiday parks (as well as the things to do in South Australia nearby!), ensuring your road trip memories are both priceless and affordable.

1. Port Lincoln Tourist Park, Eyre Peninsula

Perched beautifully on the tip of Boston Bay, Port Lincoln Tourist Park offers scenic ocean views right from your campervan window. With powered sites tailored for campervans, it's a dream for travellers seeking a blend of comfort and nature. Besides the competitive rates of the park itself, the plethora of free and cheap activities in the surrounding area ensures your travel budget stays intact. Extra facilities on site include free WiFi, boat ramp access/jetty, pet-friendly sites, and a food truck.

Things to do in the Eyre Peninsula

On the Eyre Peninsula, you can dive with the sharks, embark on scenic hikes, or simply laze around the pristine beaches. The proximity to Port Lincoln, the seafood capital, also guarantees plenty of choice if you want to splurge on a dinner out.

Getting to Port Lincoln from Adelaide

Starting your motorhome hire from Adelaide? A scenic drive of about 650 km along the A1 along the gorgeous South Australian coast is not only one of the best road trips in South Australia but will also land you directly in the Port Lincoln area. Need some inspiration? Check out our Adelaide to Eyre Peninsula road trip itinerary.

2. BIG4 Renmark Riverfront Holiday Park, Riverland

Nestled along the banks of the mighty Murray River, the BIG4 Renmark Riverfront Holiday Park is a paradise for those wanting to be cradled by nature. The holiday park is well-equipped with amenities and a riverfront view that's worth every penny. Apart from affordable campervan sites, the park offers BBQ facilities and camp kitchens, allowing you to save on meals. Plus, with so many things to do in South Australia right on the park's doorstep, you won’t have to venture far or spend much to experience the best of Riverland. Facilities on-site include a gym and yoga room, pump track, heated spa, jumping pillow, and outdoor movie theatre.

Things to do in Renmark

There are so many great cheap holiday experiences in Riverland to explore. From canoeing on the Murray, fishing, visiting the Black Stump, or tasting local wines at the local wineries, there's never a dull moment.

Getting to Renmark from Adelaide

Embarking on one of the best road trips in South Australia? A smooth 260km drive North/East from Adelaide will guide you to the Riverlands and this riverside retreat.

3. Discovery Parks - Robe, Limestone Coast

On the shores of Long Beach lies the scenic Discovery Parks in Robe. This park perfectly captures the spirit of the Limestone Coast while ensuring you say within your budget planner limit. With its sandy dunes and serene waters, it promises an unforgettable getaway in your campervan hire from Adelaide. Hosting an array of pocket-friendly campervan sites, a bevy of free activities around the town, as well as pet-friendly sites, Wifi, and a heated pool, Discovery Parks in Robe ensures you get all the amenities without your travel budget stretching too thin. For those wondering how to travel Australia cheaply, this park serves as a fine example.

Things to do in Robe

Robe is the picture-perfect little coastal town. Engage in local history at the Robe Obelisk, relish a scenic drive to Little Dip National Park, or simply indulge in the fresh seafood that the town is famous for.

Getting to Robe from Adelaide

After securing your campervan hire from Adelaide, Robe is just a 340km journey South along the coastal roads before you find yourself in this coastal paradise.

4. Edithburgh Caravan Park, Yorke Peninsula

Situated in the historic town of Edithburgh, the Edithburgh Caravan Park is a blend of heritage, nature, and sheer tranquillity. With its lush green spaces and proximity to the beach, this park offers a serene escape for campervan adventurers. From affordable campervan sites to BBQ facilities, Edithburgh Caravan Park has the budget traveller in mind.

Things to do in Edithburgh

Edithburgh's charm lies in its rich history and natural wonders. Dive into the famed Edithburgh Tidal Pool, walk the Edithburgh Jetty, explore the nearby Wattle Point Wind Farm, or take a walk down the Edithburgh to Saltana Point Walking Trail, part of the Walk the Yorke Trail, and glimpse the 96 mosaic rocks littered along the trail.

Getting to Edithburgh from Adelaide

After jumping into your motorhome hire from Adelaide, it's a straightforward 230km drive north all along the South Australian coast that brings you to this heritage-rich haven.

5. Hahndorf Caravan & Holiday Park, Adelaide Hills

Nestled amidst the enchanting Adelaide Hills is the Hahndorf Caravan & Holiday Park. Characterised by its serene setting, this park offers a respite from city life and takes you closer to nature, right in the heart of South Australia's oldest surviving German settlement. Embrace budget travel without skimping on experiences. With affordable campsite rates and wonderful facilities, coupled with endless cheap holidays activities in and around Hahndorf, your travel budget will thank you!

Things to do in Hahndorf

Hahndorf is a blend of German heritage and Aussie charm. From artisanal cheese shops to local boutiques, it's an incredible place to simply stroll around. Discover the Hahndorf Academy, delve into the Hans Heysen Art Studio, or take a leisurely stroll through the Beerenberg Strawberry Farm.

Getting to Hahndorf from Adelaide

A mere 30-minute drive east in your motorhome hire from Adelaide will bring you to the charming town of Hahndorf. A short journey, yet a world away from the hustle and bustle, perfect for a cheap holiday.

6. Port Elliot Holiday Park, Fleurieu Peninsula

Set against the panoramic backdrop of the stunning Fleurieu Peninsula, Port Elliot Holiday Park promises a coastal retreat like no other. With its cliff-top views and ambient surroundings, this park truly captures the essence of a dreamy beach vacation while still remaining one of the best places to park for a cheap holiday.

Things to do in Port Elliot

Dive into the aquatic wonders of Horseshoe Bay, ride the waves at Boomer Beach, or embark on the Port Elliot Maritime Heritage Trail. If you can stretch the travel budget, the region also boasts of the famed Cockle Train, providing picturesque views of the Southern Ocean.

Getting to Port Elliot from Adelaide

Just an hour's drive away from Adelaide in your cheap campervan hire from Adelaide, Port Elliot is a great spot to escape the city on a day trip or weekend getaway.

7. Port Augusta Holiday Park, Spencer Gulf

Deemed the “Crossroads of Australia”, Port Augusta is more than just the road trip fuel and snack stop that most Aussie travellers know it as. At the top of the Spencer Gulf, the area has so much to offer travellers exploring the top things to do around Adelaide, Australia. Port Augusta Holiday Park is the ideal vantage point to dive deep into the area. The allure of the Outback, combined with the park's budget-friendly accommodation options, makes it a compelling choice for travellers.

Things to do in Port Augusta

From the mesmerising wildflowers at Arid Lands Botanic Garden to the rich cultural insights at Wadlata Outback Centre, there's a myriad of the best things to do in South Australia right in town. Venture a bit further, and the ethereal landscapes of Flinders Ranges beckon and the opal mines of Coober Pedy are reachable within a few hour's drive.

Getting to Port Augusta from Adelaide

Setting out on one of the best road trips in South Australia, you're looking at a comfortable three-hour drive north of Adelaide to reach Port Augusta. From here, Australia’s vast network of roads is your oyster! This area is at the crossroads of Australia, so you could easily find yourself heading to Perth via the Nullarbor Plains, Darwin via Alice Springs or Mount Isa via the Flinders Ranges and Birdsville. The choice is yours. Need some inspiration? Check out our Adelaide to Alice Springs itinerary as well as our ultimate South Australia road trip.

Image: South Australia Media Gallery

8. Kingston Foreshore Caravan Park, Limestone Coast

Perched on the pristine shores of the Limestone Coast, the Kingston Foreshore Caravan Park (SE) promises a serene escape. With a backdrop of gentle waves and a canopy of twinkling stars, this park seamlessly blends relaxation with recreation. Ensuring an affordable yet enriching experience, the park's rates align perfectly with your travel budget. With ample facilities like fire pits, dog-friendly sites, fish cleaning facilities and nearby cheap holiday activities, it's a value-packed destination for your Limestone Coast sojourn.

Things to do in Kingston Foreshore

Kingston SE, apart from its iconic giant lobster, offers visitors a chance to wander around Lacepede Bay and indulge in cheap holiday activities like fishing, bird-watching, and beachcombing. If you want to splurge a little, you can also enjoy boating and sailing here. The Cape Jaffa Lighthouse and various wineries in the vicinity provide enriching day-trip options for all travel budgets.

Getting to Kingston Foreshore from Adelaide

Kickstart your motorhome hire Adelaide for a picturesque three-hour drive south along the coastal roads to make your way to Kingston SE.

9. Brighton Caravan Park, Adelaide

Tucked away along the pristine coastline, the Brighton Caravan Park is where city life seamlessly intertwines with the sea. Offering sites that back onto the ocean without the premium price tag is the perfect ode to cheap holidays. After all, why splurge on a city beach house when you can enjoy an oceanfront view right from your campervan at a fraction of the cost? What’s more, you can bask in the sun, take a leisurely walk on the sands, or simply listen to the rhythm of the waves, all while staying within a stone's throw of Adelaide's vibrant urban life and the top things to do in Adelaide, Australia.

Things to do in Brighton

Apart from the allure of Brighton Beach, the vicinity boasts the Brighton Jetty, a hub for casual strolls and sunset views. A short distance away, the bustling Jetty Road in Glenelg beckons with its shopping, dining, and entertainment. As a base just outside of Adelaide, the top things to do in Adelaide, Australia, are all within easy reach!

Getting to Brighton from Adelaide

After collecting your campervan hire from Adelaide CBD, it's just an easy 20-minute drive south and to the coast to reach this little gem.

10. Discovery Parks – Barossa Valley, Barossa

Set amidst the rolling vineyards and scenic beauty of Barossa, Discovery Parks – Barossa Valley serves as your wine country base camp. Discovery Parks strikes the right chord for travellers who wish to experience the essence of Barossa without burning a hole in their pocket. With ample facilities such as a jumping pillow, water park, dog-friendly sites and WiFi, as well as the region's attractions on your doorstep, this holiday park is a bargain!

Things to do in Barossa Valley

Dive deep into the world of wines with guided tours, tastings, and vineyard visits. Not just about wines, the region also boasts local farmer markets, artisan boutiques, and historical sites – a perfect snapshot of the top things to do in South Australia.

Getting to Barossa Valley from Adelaide

After picking up your motorhome hire from Adelaide, take a scenic drive north-east of just over an hour, and you will find yourself amidst the vine-clad landscapes of Barossa.

Image: South Australia Media Gallery

Stay in South Australia with Mighty

There you have it! Our top ten cheap holiday parks in South Australia to add to your campervan hire Adelaide (and beyond) itinerary. Ready to embark on your own campervan adventure? Secure your Mighty motorhome online today, then all that is left to do is to kick off your journey from the Mighty Adelaide branch. South Australia's treasures are just a drive away in your cheap campervan hire. Fuel your wanderlust, embrace the road, and discover the wonders of the vast and varied landscapes down under.