The best camping near Nitmiluk National Park

Previously named Katherine Gorge National Park, Nitmiluk National Park is known for its numerous gorges and waterfalls, such as Edith Falls and the Nitmiluk Gorge, which can be explored by kayak. Visitors can also swim in the gorges and waterfalls, but only in the dry season–in the rainy season there’s a risk from saltwater crocs, which travel all the way from the coast. This national park is just northeast of the Northern Territory town of Katherine. Campers have many accommodation options in and around Katherine, as well as in the national park itself, of varying levels of accessibility.

• Best for families: Nitmiluk Campground is accessible for all vehicle types.
• Best for hikers: Sweetwater Pool Campsite is on the Jatbula Trail and near Leliyn/Edith Falls.
• Best for swimmers: Leliyn Campground is a short walk from the Edith Falls Plunge Pool.

1. Campsites in Nitmiluk should be booked in advance, either online or by phone.
2. The remote campsites along the Jatbula Trail must be booked and paid for in advance via the online Northern Territory parks booking system.
3. When hiking the Jatbula Trail, you can only stay at each campsite for one night, and you can’t skip campsites to complete the trail faster.
4. At the end of the Jatbula Trail, Leliyn Campground should be booked and paid for separately, as it’s not considered one of the trail campsites.
5. To hike and camp the Jatbula Trail outside of peak (off-season is October-March) you must apply for a permit and be with an experienced group or organisation.

This region of Australia experiences two main seasons: the dry season (April to October) and the wet season (November to March). Temperatures and humidity can be extremely high during the wet season, making camping and outdoor activities uncomfortable for many people. Further, some parts of the park may be flooded in the wet season. Most potential campers will find it much more comfortable to visit Nitmiluk National Park in the dry season.

• Up-to-date information about park accessibility and weather conditions is posted on the park’s website, so check this before planning a camping trip or day trip into the park. 
• Park rangers monitor the safety of the swimming areas within the park, which may be compromised by saltwater crocodiles or floods. Always swim in designated areas and follow official signs and instructions.
• Only the Nitmiluk Campground and Leliyn Campground are accessible by vehicle: all other campsites within the park are along the Jatbula Trail and can only be reached on foot.