The best dog-friendly campgrounds near Rapid Bay, South Australia

Rapid Bay draws pet lovers with over 270 pet-friendly campsites, many just steps from limestone cliffs and turquoise water. Most sites welcome dogs, and you’ll find campfires, toilets, and showers as standard. Fishing off the jetty or hiking the rugged coastline fills your days—locals swear the sunsets here are worth the wait. Nightly rates start at just $10, with an average around $45. Want tried-and-tested? Noorla Farm (Happy Camping Ground) (253 reviews) is known for generous hosts and plenty of space for pups to roam. Cooinda Retreats - RV and Camp Stay (136 reviews) sits close to the water and keeps things laid-back. For something tucked inland, Camp Toondilla (Clarendon SA) (62 reviews) has shaded bushland and easy wildlife-watching. Bring your lead, check the pet rules for each spot, and get ready for a campsite where tails wag just as much as campers do.

94% (1K) • 123 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Rapid Bay

Rapid Bay draws pet lovers with over 270 pet-friendly campsites, many just steps from limestone cliffs and turquoise water. Most sites welcome dogs, and you’ll find campfires, toilets, and showers as standard. Fishing off the jetty or hiking the rugged coastline fills your days—locals swear the sunsets here are worth the wait. Nightly rates start at just $10, with an average around $45. Want tried-and-tested? Noorla Farm (Happy Camping Ground) (253 reviews) is known for generous hosts and plenty of space for pups to roam. Cooinda Retreats - RV and Camp Stay (136 reviews) sits close to the water and keeps things laid-back. For something tucked inland, Camp Toondilla (Clarendon SA) (62 reviews) has shaded bushland and easy wildlife-watching. Bring your lead, check the pet rules for each spot, and get ready for a campsite where tails wag just as much as campers do.

94% (1K) • 123 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Rapid Bay

1. Camp Cygnet

100%

(9)

74km from Rapid Bay · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

You will be staying in a central location on the beautiful Kangaroo Island. Our working sheep farm is 24 kms from Parndana , 24 kms from Kingscote and a 45 minute drive from Penneshaw. Kangaroo Island is famous for its pristine beaches and abundant wildlife. These sites do not include toilet or water facilities, but we hope to offer this in the future. Please ensure you take all rubbish with you so we can maintain the beauty for the next guests. Please get in touch if you would like to bring well behaved pets or are travelling in a group. The camp locations are all private spaces.

2. Kuntha La

95%

(19)

57km from Rapid Bay · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

**Campground closed for maintenance until further notice ~ Apologies for inconvenience ** ‘Kuntha La’ - peaceful place… We are on the water’s edge at the junction of Currency Creek and The River Murray. Our property sits within the International Ramsar Wetlands. Come and enjoy the water birds, kangaroos, spectacular stargazing and wide open skies. Bring your kayaks, explore the waterways and experience the beautiful bird-life, including egrets, herons, harriers, black swans, pelicans, cormorants, moore-hens, ducks and more. Goolwa is at the mouth of the mighty Murray River and the entrance to beautiful Coorong National Park, so there’s plenty of places to explore. We are currently offering space for two self-contained campers. Please note that ALL CAMPERS MUST BE SELF-CONTAINED and LEAVE NO TRACE. There is public dump facility 5km away in South Goolwa. Grounds can be wet and soft during wet weather so please be mindful of your vehicle’s weight and ability to go through wet paddocks. Our property is approximately 4km from beautiful Goolwa township. Attractions include the Historic Steam Ranger Cockle Train which runs from Goolwa to Port Elliot and Victor Harbor each Sunday & Wednesday, and every day during school holidays. There are also a range of cafes, restaurants, galleries, and a distillery. Spirit of the Coorong cruises leave from Goolwa Wharf, where you can also board the historic Oscar W paddle steamer. Markets are held every Sunday at Jaralde Park adjacent to the Goolwa Wharf. For more information: - RAMSAR Wetlands https://www.dcceew.gov.au/water/wetlands/ramsar - Steam Ranger Trains https://www.steamrangerheritagerailway.org/our-trains/cockle-train/ - Spirit of the Coorong cruises https://www.spiritofthecoorong.com.au/ - Tourist Information https://www.visitalexandrina.com/

from

AU$31

/ night

3. SWAMPYS

100%

(3)

74km from Rapid Bay · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

A sand fire view with developing trees and native vegetation. We are 1km from. Lake Alexandrina. 1km from the township of Milang. Local wineries at Langhorne Creek and Currency Creek. 19 km to Strathalbyn, 30km to Goolwa and 45km to Victor Harbor. A lovely view of Mt Barker and the lower Lofty Ranges. We have 6 sites to choose from. Some walking trails being developed with more to come.. I have put bins out for you and put a tap on in the top corner for washing hands and dishes. Not for drinking. I have also got fire pits available for anyone who wants a fire. Some fire wood available, for a small fee.

4. Aldinga Bay Bungalows

33km from Rapid Bay · 2 sites · Lodging

Walk or ride along the beautiful Aldinga Sellick's beach, feed the ducks and chickens, enjoy our farm fresh eggs when the girls are laying, Say Hello to Bob and knuckles our family's Alpacas. See what's to pick from our veggie garden called Patch in the paddock, enjoy a beverage on the veranda while watching the sunset, wake up the sounds of the ocean and the bird life. BBQ in the courtyard or dine out at the many local restaurants like the Victory hotel or the Pearl. Visit the Willunga's farmers Market and grab yourself some organic ingredients to cook yourself a feast in our fully equipped Kitchen. Spacious 3 bedrooms 2 king beds 1 double.

5. Compass Country Cabins

100%

(1)

44km from Rapid Bay · 2 sites · Lodging

The Compass Country Cabins are located just a 50 minute drive from Adelaide, South Australia, in the midst of the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula. Mount Compass is located 15 minutes from Victor Harbor and Goolwa and the beautiful coastline there. Fully self contained & airconditioned accommodation in a peaceful bushland setting with ensuite bathroom, washing machine, kitchen, heating, cooling, bed, bath and kitchen linen, cutlery, crockery, TV and wonderful outdoor settings:

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

R

Ryan

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camp Cygnet

Been camping at kangaroo island for years to visit my dad / work etc. this is by far my favourite spot. Will definitely be back. Would be a perfect winter / autumn camp site

K

Ken

August 2025

10 m pop-up camper

With pets

2 nights at SWAMPYS

Nice spot.Plenty of things to do nearby.We had our dogs with us and they loved it.

Z

Zoe

July 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to SWAMPYS

Such a great bush camp with motorbike track. Helpful and communicative host, peaceful and so much space. Rubbish bins provided as well as fire pits. Hard to find a place that allows motorbikes but this camp even has a motorbike track which provided hours of entertainment for the kids. We absolutely will be back, a new fave!

M

Max

April 2025

Tent

1 night at Camp Cygnet

Thank you Abbi and Matt for your hospitality! It was truly mind bending to receive such a warm welcome after a long day on the bike, and brought a huge smile to our faces. The campsite was beaitiful, peaceful and out of the wind (although the midges took full advantage of my slowness on the bushman’s!) Both of Ian and I were so aware that the effort you went to to make our stay enjoyable was not a requirement, but the an unfiltered act of kindness. It speaks volumes. Thankyou.

S

Stefan

April 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camp Cygnet

We had a great stay at this Hipcamp! As soon as we arrived, we spotted an echidna which was a cool welcome. There were koalas in so many of the trees, possums running around at night, and even kangaroos hopping by. The campsite itself was really lovely, peaceful and well set up. It was a bit of a shame the river was dry, but that seems to be the case across most of SA right now. Still, it didn’t take away from the experience. Would definitely come back!

Sally-Anne

April 2025

8 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Kuntha La

It was lovely to sit and watch the bids and animals over water. Easy drive into town where there was lots to do. Gracious hosts, knowledgeable of area and there to great you.

S

Stephanie

April 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Compass Country Cabins

It was so peaceful with beautiful surroundings. The Cabin was well equipped, clean, comfortable, cosy and welcoming. Connie & Mark also made us feel very welcome. Thank you, we’ll be back! 😀

N

Nick

March 2025

Tent

1 night at Camp Cygnet

The site was peaceful as. We came in march so very dry and no water in the river. But that didn't bother us as we'll definitely be coming back in winter when everything is green and the river is flowing. Very thankful to Matt and Abbi for letting us stay.

N

Nick

March 2025

Tent

1 night at Camp Cygnet

Loved camping here. So peaceful. Stayed 2 nights in march so very dry and no water in the creek. But we didn't mind. The weather was beautiful. Can't wait to come back in winter time when everything is green and there's water flowing again.

David

March 2025

4 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Kuntha La

Lovely spot, very relaxing. Nice to get out on the water in the kayak. Good spot to set up and explore the close by towns, Goolwa, Middleton, Port Elliot and Victor harbour.

J

Julie

March 2025

6 m travel trailer

3 nights at Kuntha La

Very peaceful location with lots of birdlife. Gillian was the perfect host. Close to Goolwa and coastline for days of exploration. Unfortunately the weather was not kind to us so we could not get out on the kayak. That just gives us an excuse to come back. Thanks Gillian.

C

Cassandra

March 2025

7 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Kuntha La

Great place for a little stopover to explore charming towns and beaches of Goolwa and Middleton. Gillian is so lovely and welcoming.

Nichola

February 2025

10 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Kuntha La

Wow.. just wow Serenity at its best Totally away from it all Make sure to bring the kayaks.. absolutely amazing We will return

Jude

January 2025

7 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Kuntha La

Very peaceful, close to everything in Goolwa. We enjoyed our stay

Camper van parked along the creek at Camp Cygnet.

K

Katie

December 2024

5 m pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Camp Cygnet

Camp Cygnet offers peace and tranquility - a stark contrast to many camp grounds on KI where you are have less than a few metres between you and other travellers. We parked our van along the creek, under the shade of Eucalypts, and spent the afternoon sipping wine on a picnic rug, listening to birds, leaves rustling in the breeze, and the occasional bleat of nearby sheep. At night, the sky was splattered with stars, and the next morning a herd of sheep traversed along a path, as surprised to see us as we were to see them! Our little van has solar power and we have a chemical toilet so Camp Cygnet was perfect for us. Our only regret is we didn’t stay longer.