The best camping near Nitmiluk National Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Nitmiluk National Park adventure.

Spectacular waterfalls and gorges draw campers to this Northern Territory national park.  

Popular ways to camp

Top-rated campgrounds near Nitmiluk National Park

95%
(75)

"The Escarpment" @ The Gorge

20 sites · RVs, Tents400 acres · Lansdowne, NT
Ereluk - Our personal name sake nestled between Jodetluk and Nitmiluk - Private, secluded, “Primitive Camp Sites” nestled around a 400 acre property in a unique Australian bush setting. Firstly named aptly “The Escarpment” for the truly beautiful ridge that runs kilometers along the block boundary, providing a perfect back drop to individual camp sites. Purpose built van pads spaced far enough apart to offer privacy and peace have been positioned with the Caravan in mind. Whilst waiting for the wet & the long grass to let us onto the flats, we have set up an initial 10 sites that are all year round accessible. These are a bit closer together as will be described in the description. Also a bit cheaper so happy campers all round! Ereluk - The true experience! Over The Creek - some of the best camping sites along the base of the escarpment are just waiting to be found. Yearly we fix up after the wet giving 4WD access to these hidden gems. A little more expensive but worth the extra for the views alone. On The Creek - Our most sort after sites! We have 3 sites only that are situated on the best part of the creek this block has to offer. Deep holes that are great for a swim with water so clear we drink it. Truly amazing and worth the extra $ for a sweet location. It is mostly 4WD access and all vans must be self-contained as no amenities, water or power are available at these sites. Those looking for a bush experience with plenty of activities to do during the day will not be disappointed.
Pets
Campfires
Trash
from 
AU$20
 / night
* Before taxes and fees

The best camping near Nitmiluk National Park guide

Overview

About

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.

Notable campgrounds

  • 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.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  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.

When to go

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.

Know before you go

  • 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.

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