Free beach camping in SA: 10 top coastal spots

There’s nothing quite like waking up with the sea breeze in your nose, the sound of waves thumping the shore, and a thermos full of instant coffee that somehow tastes better when your feet are still coated in yesterday’s sand. Beach camping in South Australia hits different.

It’s not just about throwing up a tent—it’s about finding your slice of coast where the phone signal fades and the tide tells the time. I’ve spent years sniffing out these spots—some easy to get to, others tucked behind sand dunes or oyster farms. Here are ten of the best beach campsites across SA where you can cook snags, dodge mozzies, and staredat the stars like a tourist.

1. Cable Bay Campground – Innes National Park (Yorke Peninsula)

This is one of the best beach campsites in the state, hands down. Set inside the dramatic Innes National Park, Cable Bay gives you prime access to white sand, cliff walks, and turquoise water that’s freezing enough to make your voice go up an octave. Campsites are basic but clean, and you’ll likely be joined by a few emus and kangaroos wandering through like they own the joint. It’s a top spot for tent camping on the coast, especially if you like your views rugged and your phone reception non-existent.

2. Memory Cove – Lincoln National Park (Eyre Peninsula)

This one’s a bit special—and you’ll need a permit and a key from National Parks SA to even get in. Only a handful of vehicles are allowed per night, and the 4WD-only track in is slow and sandy. But mate, when you arrive, it’s pure magic. A protected cove with gin-clear water, absolute seclusion, and wild camping at its best. If you want coastal camping SA style without the crowds, this is the place to do it.

3. Coorong National Park – 42 Mile Crossing

Coorong camping is for the adventurous. At 42 Mile Crossing, you park the van or pitch the tent behind the dunes, then hike your gear over to the beach. The stretch of sand here feels endless, with salty air, crashing surf, and almost no one around. This is true free beach camping, with no powered sites, no nearby cafes, and no regrets. Just keep your gear sand-proofed and watch for the notorious coastal winds.

4. Fowlers Bay – Outback beach magic

Out past Ceduna, Fowlers Bay is wild, red and windswept in the most photogenic way. You’ll find a basic caravan park right on the dunes, or if you’re in a fully self-contained setup, there are remote camping areas dotted further out. Fishing here is a religion, and the sunsets would make a painter weep. It’s also a good chance to combine your beach camp with some whale spotting, dune drives or a yarn at the old general store.

5. Pondalowie Bay – surfers, roos and serenity

Another cracker from Innes National Park, Pondie is a favourite for surfers and fishos. You’re camped just behind the dunes, with a short walk to the beach and a good shot at nabbing a salmon or two. Kangaroos laze about like they’ve booked the place for the week. It’s family friendly, peaceful and pet-free (to protect local wildlife), and the facilities are simple but solid. A textbook South Australian beach camping experience.

6. Stokes Bay – Kangaroo Island’s quiet gem

Kangaroo Island’s known for its fancy eco-retreats, but Stokes Bay is where you go if you want beach camping in South Australia without the pretence. The hidden beach (through the rock tunnel—don’t miss it) is absolutely stunning, and the campground has all the basics you need. It’s a great one for kids, especially with the safe rock pool lagoon, and the wildlife is close enough to touch—though I wouldn’t advise it.

7. Brown Bay – Limestone Coast camping with rock pools

Down near Port MacDonnell, Brown Bay is a low-key spot with a solid 4WD track running alongside the dunes. There’s no need to book, and no fees—it’s old-school bush camping at its best. Drop a line, poke around the rock pools, or just park your chair in the sun and forget what day it is. Not much in the way of facilities, but plenty in the way of views and space.

8. Second Valley – sheltered cove and jetty camping nearby

Second Valley gets a bit of love these days on social media, but camping nearby still feels local. The beach is more of a cove—great for snorkelling and paddling—and the jetty offers squidding at dusk if you’re game. There’s a neat little caravan park with tent sites, and it’s just a short walk to the water. Not strictly off-grid, but one of the nicest camping spots near the beach if you like convenience and views in equal measure.

9. Wool Bay – low-key clifftop camping with sea views

This one’s more for the grey nomads and quiet types. There’s a designated RV and tent site right near the foreshore toilets and BBQs, with an honesty box for your fee. You get killer views across the bay, access to a good jetty for fishing, and a peaceful little community vibe. It’s one of the lesser-known coastal camping SA gems, especially during the shoulder season.

10. Speeds Point – remote fishing and 4WD beach access

For those who like their 4WD beach camping wild and woolly, Speeds Point (south of Cowell) delivers. It’s all dirt tracks, salty air, and off-grid living. You’ll want to be self-sufficient here, but the rewards are worth it—killer fishing, nobody around, and sunsets that slap. Bring shade, water, and enough supplies to avoid a dash back to town. You won’t want to leave.

My Verdict

South Australia punches well above its weight for beach camping. Whether it’s a secret surf cove, a wild 4WD track or a chilled-out jetty town, the diversity is the real magic. I’ve had some of my best nights under the stars in places like The Coorong and Innes National Park —just me, the ocean, and a snoring mate in the swag next to me. If you’re looking for something real, raw and ridiculously scenic, don’t sleep on these spots. Or better yet, do—under canvas, under stars, and preferably with sandy feet.