The Northern Territory is a rich landscape filled with an array of impressive natural sights and scenery. From sprawling deserts to magnificent waterfalls residing within lush rainforests, there is plenty to explore at Australia’s top end.
So, if you’re looking for a pleasant place to get away or discover something new, then check out this list of every free campsite you need to know about in NT.
Related: Everything You Need To Know About Free Camping In Australia
- Taylor Creek Rest Area, Davenport
- Little River Rest Area, Cape Crawford
- Robinson River Crossing, Calvert
- WW2 Gorrie Airstrip Free Camp, Elsey
- Mud Tank Free Camp, Anmatjere
- The Pebbles Free Camp (Kunjurra), Warumunga
- Wolfe Creek Camp, Halls Creek
- Neil Hargrave Lookout
- Vince Connolly Crossing
- Saddle Creek Camp
- Birthday Waterhole Campground
Taylor Creek Rest Area, Davenport
Taylor Creek Rest Area sits approximately 180km from Tennant Creek, along the Stuart Highway. While this free campsite appears small, Taylor Creek Rest Area has a range of facilities on offer. As the name suggests, this spot is situated close to Taylor Creek, where campers can enjoy some shade.
Showers/Toilets: Toilet.
Access: 4WD; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: No.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: BBQs; Picnic tables; Access to water (not drinkable); Shelters.
Time Limit: None.
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Little River Rest Area, Cape Crawford
Situated roughly 10km West of Cape Crawford, Little River is a tranquil little spot by the water. Cape Crawford is considered to be a popular destination within NT as this location is known for its impressive waterfalls and ancient rock formations. This means that this camping spot offers campers a range of scenic delights to enjoy and explore.
Showers/Toilets: No.
Access: Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: No.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Pet-friendly.
Time Limit: None.
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Robinson River Crossing, Calvert
Located 105km South-East of Borroloola, Robinson River Crossing is the perfect spot to embrace some peace and quiet.With plenty of shade surrounding the campsite, campers can enjoy a bit of R&R before heading back onto the road. As well as this, campers are free to fish in the Robinson River.
Showers/Toilets: No.
Access: Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: No.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Pet-friendly.
Time Limit: None.
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WW2 Gorrie Airstrip Free Camp, Elsey
During WW2, the Gorrie Airstrip was the largest airbase for services and repairs throughout the NT. This airstrip, now abandoned, makes a great place to set up camp while also taking in a bit of history. As the campsite is set on the airstrip itself, there is plenty of room to roam. Not to mention, the kids will love learning about the history surrounding this site.
Showers/Toilets: No.
Access: Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: No.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Pet-friendly.
Time Limit: None.
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Mud Tank Free Camp, Anmatjere
Also known as a popular Zircon fossicking area, Mud Tank Free Camp is a great place to take the whole family. At this free campsite, campers can spend hours fossicking through the creek beds and at the mine sites for the semi-precious gemstone, zircon. Also, this free camp is nice and spacious so there is plenty of room for you to spread out and stretch your legs.
Showers/Toilets: Drop toilets.
Access: Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: No.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Bore-water nearby.
Time Limit: None.
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The Pebbles Free Camp (Kunjurra), Warumunga
Located around 12km north of Tennant Creek, the Pebbles Free Camp is a nice quiet spot to pull up for a night or two. This campground is situated among the outback alongside an interesting rock formation, offering a great spot for some photo ops!
Showers/Toilets: Drop toilets.
Access: Caravans.
Phone Service: No.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Firepits.
Time Limit: None.
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Wolfe Creek Camp, Halls Creek
Located approximately 130km South-East of Halls Creek, the Wolfe Creek free camps sits close to the second largest meteor crater in the world.
Many years ago, a large meteorite hit Earth leaving an 880 metre-wide crater; a crater that is now known as Wolfe Creek National Park. Given the history alone, venturing through National Park is a definite must. From here, visitors can go on 200m walk to the top of the crater rim to enjoy a spectacular view. But, this walk is considered to be a steep climb, so it’s not for the faint-hearted.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: 4WD; Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: No.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Information shelter.
Time Limit: None.
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Neil Hargrave Lookout
Located in the West MacDonnell Ranges, this campsite gives you direct access to some amazing sights and experiences, from massive gorges and chasms to learning about Indigenous culture.
Take the time to have a read of the plaque about Nathaniel Charles (Neil) Hargrave, who is renowned for his work towards granting self-governance to the Northern Territory. He is also celebrated for preserving conservation areas in the West MacDonnell Ranges.
Showers/Toilets: No.
Access: Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: Patchy service.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: BBQ area; Picnic tables; Pet-friendly.
Time Limit: 24 hours only.
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Vince Connolly Crossing
You can find this free campsite 58km south-west of Katherine and 138km north-east of Victoria River. There’s plenty of wide-open spaces for vehicles of a range of sizes, suitable for an overnight stay. Keep in mind that while it is a roadside camp area, it is set away from the road, so you can be assured to have very limited noise from traffic.
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: No.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Drinking water; Toilets are disable-accessible; Pet-friendly; Dump point; Fireplaces.
Time Limit: 24 hours only.
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Saddle Creek Camp
The last free campsite before you’re in Western Australia, this beauty is located 68km from the NT/WA border. If you’re looking for a nice place to stopover on your travels, you’re in luck, because this free camp offers a range of ammenties.
It’s a hit with fellow travellers, so get in early to secure yourself a spot!
Showers/Toilets: Toilets.
Access: Caravans; Big Rigs.
Phone Service: No.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: Water (not suitable for drinking); Toilets are disable-accessible; BBQs; Fireplaces; Bins.
Time Limit: 24 hours only.
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Birthday Waterhole Campground
Located near the Hugh River in the West MacDonnell National Park, Birthday Waterhole is a great spot to cool off from the NT heat and, you can also camp here!
You will be treated to a scenic view of Red River Gums lining the waterhole, and can even spy a few waterbirds and desert rainbow fish hanging around. It’s the perfect place to chill out and appreciate everything the NT has to offer. It’s important to note though that there are absolutely no amenities available, so only those who are self-sufficient campers should venture here.
Showers/Toilets: No.
Access: 4WD only.
Phone Service: No.
Booking Required: No.
Other Amenities: None.
Time Limit: None.
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