The best camping near Litchfield National Park

Whether you want to hike to hidden waterfalls, spot crocodiles as you cruise along the Adelaide River, or cool off with a swim in a natural waterhole surrounded by lush tropical rainforest—Litchfield National Park is brimming with outdoor adventures. Just over an hour’s drive from Darwin, this park has some of the Top End’s most memorable sights. Magnetic termite mounds that tower up to two metres tall, cascading waterfalls and gurgling creeks, and a "Lost City" of ancient rock formations. The park’s six campgrounds come with big views, too, many of them within a short walk of the top attractions.

• Best for caravans: Wangi Falls is accessible for motorhomes, camper trailers, and caravans with facilities including a café, free wifi, and hot showers.
• Best for escaping the crowds: Central Valley Campground has unpowered sites with pit toilets and no other facilities. Access by 4WD only. 
• Best for 4WDs: Surprise Creek Falls Campground provides basic bush camping with pit toilets and seasonal access for hikers and 4WDs only.   

1. All national park campgrounds must be booked in advance; it is not possible to pay on arrival. You can reserve a campsite using the online booking system—camping fees vary by campground rating: A to D.
2. Campsites can be booked up to 12 months in advance. Book a minimum of three months in advance for holiday weekends and school holidays to avoid disappointment. 
3. Access to some campgrounds is during the dry season only, while others may close unexpectedly due to weather conditions, so be sure to check ahead.

Litchfield National Park is open year-round and has two distinct seasons. Most visitors come during the dry season (May through October), when the cooler temperatures and lower humidity provide the best conditions for bushwalking and exploring. During the wet season (November through April), the park’s rivers and waterfalls are often even more impressive, but heavy rainfall and flooding can limit access. Some campgrounds close during the wet season, and a 4WD is essential for getting around.

• Litchfield National Park is about 100 kilometres south of Darwin. The closest town is Bachelor, where you can find shops, a gas station, and a dump point. Make sure you have everything you need (including plenty of drinking water) past this point. 
• Park passes are required for the park, and day and 2-week passes are available. Passes provide entry to all Northern Territory parks.
• Phone coverage and wifi is patchy throughout the park. 
• There are accessible restrooms, campsites, and picnic areas at Litchfield National Park.