Beach camping near Coonawarra with campfires

South Australia’s Red Centre is the state’s best-kept secret for wine lovers.

Popular camping styles for Coonawarra

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Beach camping near Coonawarra with campfires guide

Overview

Famous for their limestone-rich red soils—they don’t call it the Limestone Coast for nothing—Coonawarra’s patchwork vineyards are a striking sight. It’s not just the landscapes that are unique: the bold red wines are some of South Australia’s most distinctive, making this a top destination for wine lovers. Wine tasting is the number one pastime, and there are 25 cellar-door wineries to choose from, along with the scenic Vine to Wine walking trail. Campers have limited options in town, but you can park your motorhome at the caravan park or enjoy a glamping experience in a luxury bell tent. 

Where to go

Southern Ocean Drive

South of Coonawarra, Mount Gambier is the gateway to the Limestone Coast and the starting point of South Australia’s Southern Ocean Drive. The epic road trip covers more than 940 kilometres, linking the lakes and lagoons of the Limestone Coast with the ocean views and vineyards of the Fleurieu Peninsula, then continuing all the way to the wildlife reserves of Kangaroo Island.

Canunda National Park

Jagged limestone cliffs, secluded surf beaches, and vibrant offshore reefs make up the wild coastline of Canunda National Park, just an hour’s drive from Coonawarra. Bushwalking, birdwatching, and sea fishing are all popular pastimes, after which you can take to the water to surf or snorkel. There are six campgrounds in the park, with a mix of powered and unpowered sites, some right on the beachfront. 

Limestone Coast Lakes

Further up the Limestone Coast, a string of lakes and lagoons separate the beach towns of Beachport and Robe. Camp right on the beach at Beachport Conservation Park, enjoy bush camping on the shores of Lake St Clair, or drive your 4WD along the beach and through the sand dunes at Long Beach.

When to go

Spring and summer are the most popular times to visit Coonawarra, when wildflowers speckle the countryside, and the vines are in full bloom. Time your arrival for the month-long Cabernet Festival in October, or combine a summer visit with a road trip along the coast. Don’t worry about missing out if you visit out of season—the town also hosts a winter wine festival in July.

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Hipcamp Hand

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

About us

Camp Your Way™

Find the perfect site to match your camping style. Explore the largest collection of private campsites, caravan parks, cabins, and glamping—including 120,000+ sites you won’t find anywhere else. Explore our maps, filter by your camping style, read real camper reviews, and book directly in our app. Hipcamp is the simplest way to find yourself outside under the stars.

Download the Hipcamp App

© 2024 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved.
Hipcamp acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.