Camping in Litchfield National Park

Best time to go camping in Litchfield

Litchfield is beautiful all year round, but for peak comfortable camping weather, the dry season is your best bet. The dry season starts in late April and goes through to late September. The days are still warm and sunny but humidity dropsdown and it can even get a bit chilly overnight.

Camping during the wet season isn’t recommended unless you have equipment that can withstand the rain, and don’t mind the heat during the day which can reach 37°C. Some roads may be closed during the wet season, check what areas are open in the wet season.

Can I camp for free near Litchfield?

There’s no free camping in Litchfield National Park and you can only camp in designated areas. Camping fees start at $3.30 per adult, depending on what facilities are available in that area.

Are permits required to camp in Litchfield?

You don’t need a permit to camp in designated campgrounds, but you’ll need one to bushwalk overnight or bushwalk and camp off-road. You should apply for a permit online and keep in mind that applications can take 5 days to process.

Camping under the stars in Litchfield

During the dry season, camping under the stars is not only possible but recommended. Without the lights of the big city, the night sky pops and you can spend hours staring into space.

Campgrounds in Litchfield National Park

You’ve decided to go camping in Litchfield – now its time to choose a campground. The best spot will depend on your vehicle access and what activities you want to do.

It’s important to note that generators and pets are not allowed in these campgrounds, and no matter where you camp, you should stay Crocwise.

Check out the options below:

Wangi Falls Campground

Wangi Falls is one of the most popular spots for camping. It’s accessible from a sealed road and is open year-round. The campground has unpowered sites and can accommodate caravans, camper trailers and campervans, as well as tents.

Sites cost from $6.60 per adult and $3.30 per child (up to 15 years) and give you access to a range of facilities including hot showers, flushing toilets, rubbish bins, picnic tables, cooking and cleaning facilities, BBQs, fresh water and a public pay phone. There’s also a café and Wi-Fi on site.

Swimming is available during the dry season. When swimming is closed you can view Wangi Falls from the viewing platform, trek the Wangi Falls Walk, or watch the local wildlife including wallabies and dozens of bird species.

Just a 45 minute drive away is the town of Batchelor where you can get supplies including fuel, food, ice and meals.

Florence Falls 2WD Campground

Florence Falls Campground is available year-round and is 2WD-accessible, perfect for caravans, camper trailers, campervans and tents.

Sites cost from $6.60 for adults and $3.30 for children (up to 15 years) and have nearby toilets, solar-heated showers, picnic tables and firepits.

For a refreshing dip, take the stairs down to the waterhole where you can swim right under the waterfall. Then follow one of the many walking and hiking trails through the rainforest and woodlands, spotting birds and wildlife as you go.

There’s a viewing platform at the top of the falls that gives you a stunning panoramic view of the park and an eagle-eyed view of the waterfall. This is also the closest campsite to Buley Rockhole – an accessible swimming hole.

Batchelor is just 35 minutes’ drive from Florence Falls and is a great place to stock up with the essentials for camping.

Walker Creek Campground

Walker Creek is a collection of 8 secluded creek-side campsites accessible only by foot. You can park nearby and walk the 600m to the first campsite at Rocky Falls. The campsites are 200m apart, are open only during the dry season and cannot be booked in advance.

Sites cost from $3.30 for adults and $1.65 for children (up to 15 years) and have basic facilities including picnic tables and a toilet near the car park.

You can swim in the creek near the picnic area or take a short drive to the Upper Cascades swimming hole. Try hiking along the nearby trail for bird watching, wallaby and possum spotting.

You can get all your supplies in Batchelor which is a one hour drive away.

4WD-only camping in Litchfield

Florence Falls 4WD Campground

For the more adventurous, the Florence Falls 4WD Campground is available most of the year and only accessible by 4WD and off-road camper trailers.

Sites cost from $6.60 for adults and $3.30 for children (up to 15 years) and give you access to toilets and non-drinking water.

The 4WD Campground has access to Florence Falls but it’s a bit further away than the 2WD Campground but still relatively easy to get to.

Batchelor is just a 35 minute drive from Florence Falls and a great place to stock up with the essentials for camping.

Surprise Creek Campground

Surprise Creek is a quiet and relaxing spot accessible only by 4WD thanks to the two river crossings on the access road. The 4WD track can sometimes be a victim of big rain so it’s best to check if it’s open before you set off.

Sites cost from $3.30 for adults and $1.65 for children (up to 15 years) and have very basic facilities including a toilet at the nearby car park.

A short walk from the car park and you’ll be at your campsite, right next to Surprise Creek Falls and a large waterhole open for swimming in the dry season.

The nearest township for supplies is Batchelor, which is a bit over an hour away, depending on the condition of the 4WD track.

Tjaynera Falls/Sandy Creek Campground

Tjaynera Falls/Sandy Creek Campground is accessible only by 4WD and it’s worth the drive. You’ll find a secluded and peaceful spot very rarely seen by visitors. The 4WD track is open seasonally so it’s important to check the road conditions before leaving.

Sites cost from $6.60 for adults and $3.30 for children (up to 15 years) and give you access to facilities including toilets, showers, picnic tables and BBQs.

The swimming hole is open only in the dry season and is a 2km hike away. Explore the walking tracks of varying difficulty levels and spot local birds and wildlife. This is the campground closest to the stunning Lost City.

Batchelor is a 90 kilometre drive, some of it on 4WD track, so allow 2 hours to get into town for supplies.

Serviced campgrounds around Litchfield

Litchfield Safari Camp

Litchfield Safari Camp can be found in the township of Batchelor, on the edge of Litchfield National Park and easily accessible by road. It’s the closest private camp to all of the attractions in Litchfield.

Both powered and unpowered sites are available, starting at $39 per adult for powered and $20 per adult for unpowered. Powered and unpowered sites can accommodated caravans, motorhomes and campers as well as coaches. Pets are welcome on-site but they must be controlled and on a lead.

Facilities include BBQs, grassed campground, an above-ground pool, disabled facilities, family bathrooms, washing machines, solar/gas hot water and walking tracks for easy bird and wildlife watching. There’s no mobile phone coverage at the park.

The camp is just 5 kilometres from Wangi Falls so it’s the ideal spot to base yourself and make the most of day visits.

Batchelor Holiday Park

Also in Batchelor is the Batchelor Holiday Park, with a range of camping sites available for every kind of adventurer. Easily accessible by road, the park includes both powered and unpowered sites and a range of on-site activities just a stone’s throw from the national park.

Powered sites start at $40 for up to 6 people, with unpowered sites starting at $27. Ensuite powered sites for up to 10 people are available from $54. Sites are available for every kind of experience from swags and tents on grassed shady areas right through to large campervans and caravans.

Facilities include a pool, BBQs, mini golf, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, and an information and booking desk. Bird feeding is available with huge flocks of birds visiting seasonally for decades.

The park is a 14 minute drive from the national park and is a great place to set up camp, ready for your Litchfield adventure.

Banyan Tree Resort

Banyan Tree Resort is located on the park entrance road in Rum Jungle. It’s been operating for 30 years and offers something different to visitors of the area.

Offering powered sites from $35 per couple and unpowered sites from $14 per person, there are sites for swags, tents, campervans caravans and camper trailers. Facilities include drinking water, a pool, hot showers and bathrooms. Pets are welcome on-site but they must be controlled and on a lead.

The restaurant and bar serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with regular live music. The place is very popular especially during the dry season so it’s wise to book ahead.

The resort is just 5 minutes’ drive from the national park so it’s perfectly located for a relaxing break away from the hustle and bustle.

Litchfield Tourist Park

Litchfield Tourist Park located in Rum Jungle is another perfectly placed camping location for your Litchfield National Park adventure. The Upper Finnis River runs right through the property so you don’t even have to leave the park to see – and fish for – some of the Territory’s best.

Powered sites start at $39 per adult and unpowered sites start at $25 per couple and $15 per single. The park can accommodate swags, tents, camper trailers, campervans and caravans. Pets are welcome on-site but they must be controlled and on a lead.

Facilities including a pool, hot showers, guest laundry, internet access and BBQs. The on-site café is open for breakfast and lunch and can make up meal kits and BBQ packs as well as sunset nibble hampers to make your camping experience a little easier.

The camp is just a few kilometres from the park entrance and the friendly staff are more than happy to give you some pointers about what to see and do.

Pandanus on Litchfield

Pandanus on Litchfield is a budget-friendly camping option for those wanting to stay close to the national park who are happy to be self sufficient.

Both powered and unpowered sites are available starting at $15 per person per night for a powered site and $13 per person per night for an unpowered site. The small caravan park is pet-friendly and welcomes swags, tents, camper trailers, caravans and campervans.

If you’d prefer not to camp, cabins are available.

There’s a swimming pool, BBQs, laundry, internet access and a café on-site with the closest national park attractions just an 8 minute drive away.

Litchfield Outback Resort

Formerly the Litchfield Motel, Litchfield Outback Resort has recently undergone a renovation. The resort includes a petrol station, restaurant, bar and bottle shop and is easily accessible via the sealed road.

Unpowered camping sites are available for swags and tents with motel-style rooms also available. Facilities available include a pool, laundry, toilet and shower facilities and free Wi-Fi.

Just 14 minutes from the edge of the national park and a tidy 1 hour from Darwin, the resort is a great spot to set up camp and still be able to get a good meal and a cold beverage.

Camping at events near Litchfield

There are plenty of things to do and see around Litchfield National Park, all within driving distance of the many campsites. Nearby events include the Adelaide River Market, held during the dry season, the Adelaide River Races, the Noonamah Rodeo and the Batchelor Markets which are held on the second Sunday of every month from April to December.

Check out the Darwin & Surrounds events page to see what’s on during your stay.

Camping in Litchfield – at a glance

Join a camping tour near Litchfield

There are a few camping tour options available if you’d like to experience a Litchfield camping adventure without all the organising.

If a camping tour is not your style, there are plenty of Litchfield day trip tour options available.

Sugarbag Safaris

Sugarbag Safaris offers a 5-day camping tour of Kakadu, Katherine and Litchfield in their custom 4WD. The local accredited tour guide will take care of everything, giving you insights on flora, fauna, history and culture of the areas and experiences of amazing scenery, stunning walks and secluded swimming spots. Check out the itinerary here.

Ethical Adventures

Ethical Adventures run both public tours and private charters as well as day trips. Their 2-day tours include hikes to secluded swimming spots, stargazing, campfires, wildlife spotting and an outback dinner. Guests are given a full appreciation of the country and the culture including information about food and medicinal plants in the area. Prices start at $750 per adult and $455 per child and include everything for a comfortable and entertaining camping trip.

Camping near Litchfield

If you want to camp a little further afield, there are plenty of options within an hour of Litchfield National Park.

Mary River National Park

Located inside the Mary River National Park, Shady Camp and Couzens Lookout offer both freshwater and saltwater fishing just a few minutes from the campsite. These sites are accessible by a 4WD track and only open seasonally due to the high volumes of water in the wet season.

Camping is basic costing $3.30 per night with access to toilets, picnic tables, fire pits and a boat ramp. There are no generators or pets permitted at this campsite. If you want to camp outside of the designated campground or bushwalk overnight, you’ll need a permit.

Dundee Beach Holiday Park

Right on the Daly River where the fishing is incredible, Dundee Beach Holiday Park offers heaps of accommodation options depending on how much you want to rough it.

Powered and unpowered sites are available from $30 per night in shady and private spots with access to an amenities block, BBQ, pool and beachside bar. Generators are permitted between 8am and 10pm, and small, controlled camp fires are okay.

Tumbling Waters Holiday Park

Just 30 minutes’ drive from Litchfield in the lush Berry Springs is the Tumbling Waters Holiday Park. The park offers villas and tropical cabins as well as powered and unpowered sites from as little as $35 per night.

The sites have access to amenities blocks, camp kitchen, free gas BBQ and picnic tables. Disabled bathroom and laundry facilities are also available.

It’s a quick trip to the Berry Springs Nature Park and the Territory Wildlife Park which are both brilliant days out and a good chance to see the wildlife in their natural habitat.

Where can I hire camping equipment for Litchfield?

If you don’t have equipment for your camping adventure, there are local businesses that can help:

• Gone Bush Camping and Outdoor Hire has camping packages available for 2 people, 4 people and motorhomes.
• Outback and Beyond Camper Trailer and Equipment can rent you a range of camper trailers with either basic equipment or deluxe inclusions.

Camping guidelines

Litchfield National Park is a spectacular unspoilt wilderness and we’d love it to stay that way. When camping, make sure you leave your site as you found it.

Rubbish

Make use of the bins provided at your campsite. If there are none, take the rubbish with you and find a roadside stop or shelter with bins provided.

Firewood

Fires are not permitted in any National Park, and each campground has specific rules about the lighting of fires. Fires should only be lit during the winter months and must be contained within designated areas.

Firewood must not be collected from inside national parks unless it’s signed as a designated area. Firewood can be purchased from hardware stores or camping supply stores in Darwin. Bringing firewood into a national park from other sources is a potential biosecurity hazard.

Pets

Pets are not allowed in national parks. Exemptions are available for guide dogs, hearing dogs and assistance dogs kept on a leash of no more than 3 metres long.

Each campground has its own rules about pets staying on site, so it’s best to check with them first. If you’re camping in a pet-friendly campground but heading into a national park for the day, you can negotiate with a fellow camper to swap dog-minding duties. Dogs should not be left in campgrounds on their own.

Road safety

If you’re driving, make sure you understand the challenges of driving in remote locations and how to stay safe on our roads.