Caravan & Camping in the Clare Valley

There is nothing quite like hooking up the caravan or throwing the swag in the boot and jumping in the car for a weekend away. No matter if you want to experience full bush camping or if you prefer to enjoy a few of life's little luxuries (like power and a flushing toilet), we are certain you will find accommodation in the Clare Valley to suit. We know budgets are getting a bit tighter, but why should that stop you from enjoying your weekends?

At the southern end of the Clare Valley wine region sits the small but mighty town of Auburn. It’s home to eight cellar doors, Terroir Auburn Restaurant (which has been awarded a Chef Hat every year since it opened in September 2012), a classic country pub, The Rising Sun Hotel, a couple of great cafes, a gift shop, a supermarket, pharmacy, and an impressive arts culture. Absolutely everything you need is all within walking distance from the Auburn Community Caravan Park where they have showers, toilets, laundry, BBQ area, picnic tables and water.

A little further up the highway is the Clare Valley Caravan Park (previously Leasingham Cabins) where the new owners have been busy working on upgrades to the facilities. They always make time to greet guests and host their weekly Saturday night communal campfire. Facilities include amenities blocks, laundry, a camp kitchen, and – that always needed - dump point. This park is next door to Claymore Wines, with O’Leary Walker Wines & Restaurant just up the hill; Leasingham is a great base.

The biggest park in the region is Clare Discovery Park, 3kms south from the Clare township and next door to the Clare Valley Wine, Food and Tourism Centre where you can plan your stay with a coffee or join the locals for weekly Friday Night Drinks from 4pm to 7pm. At the Discovery Park, the kids will have fun on the jumping pillow, playgrounds, and pump track, and there’s a pool during the warmer months. An onsite laundry, camp kitchen, amenities blocks, a dump point (accessible by the public for a small fee or free for guests) plus there are electric bikes for hire meaning this place really does have it all.

Did we mention the much-loved Riesling Trail passes by all three parks?

Heading east towards the Goyder region is the heritage mining town of Burra. The Burra Caravan Park is situated on the banks of the Burra Creek on the eastern side of the main street. Here you’ll find a camp kitchen, BBQ area, laundry, dump point, toilets, and showers. Pop across to the Burra & Goyder Visitor Information Centre for your key to unlock the town's past with the Burra Heritage Passport or go for a wander to check out the shops and  grab your caffeine hit from one of the delicious cafes.

To the south of Burra you will discover the hometown of famous author Colin Thiele, Eudunda, where the late author has been memorialised in the latest silo art installation. We also highly recommend taking the time to explore the scenic drive, particularly admiring the views from Inspiration Point. The Eudunda Caravan Park has showers, toilets, water and a dump point for guests.

To the west of the Clare Valley is the agricultural township of Balaklava, where you simply must stop in at Wendy’s Café n Cakes. The Balaklava Caravan Park has cabins as well as sites, with an amenities block and an electric BBQ area.

Further south (again from the valley) you’ll find Riverton, a hidden gem. Ladies, you absolutely must pop into Sassy Lass Boutique, and we’d recommend finishing your shopping spree with lunch or coffee at the Emporium Bakehouse. Two excellent hotels to choose from for dinner, or if you’d prefer to eat at your campsite, order takeaway or stock up at the IGA. The Riverton Caravan Park is right next door to the community pool and oval which hosts local football and netball games every second Saturday of the season. The amenities here include laundry, toilets, and showers.

Saddleworth is a little further north, between Riverton and Auburn, and is home to the Saddleworth Country Market, which happens to be the biggest regional market in South Australia, and a hotel or café option if you need a bite to eat. The Saddleworth Caravan Park houses a laundry, camp kitchen, fire pit area and a dump point.

Conservation Parks are popular spots for camping, there are fewer people and therefore, more room. 

Burra Creek Gorge (or World’s End Reserve) is a free camp suitable for anything from swags to motorhomes, you can even bring your furry friends. Facilities include toilets and water (not for drinking), with fires permitted (BYO wood) during the appropriate season. Make the most of the gorgeous surroundings and explore the walking trails, or try some birdwatching around the area next to the permanent waterhole.

Camp beside the Mallee Trees at Red Banks Conservation Park east of Burra. There are 10 unpowered sites available (no bookings required) for camping, with toilets nearby. Explore the park’s creeks and waterholes, and don’t leave without heading out on the Landscapes of Change interpretive loop hike, uncovering the 65,000-year-old landscape where the megafauna roamed. Did we mention that your chances of wildlife encounters are boosted as you’re closer to their natural habitat? Use the bins provided for your rubbish, the food we eat is not good for the animals, nor is any packaging!

There are plenty of town ovals to park up the van for a few days whilst you go off exploring. Blyth is only 10 minutes' drive from Clare and has an art gallery, pub, café and even a cinema screening the latest releases (and a full-sized candy bar). Park at the Blyth Oval for up to 96 hours with water, toilets and a dump point, but be sure to check the local football and netball schedule - you can either join in the fun or plan your trip accordingly!

Brinkworth is only another 10 minutes on from Blyth and camping is available on the old tennis courts with power, hot showers and toilets. The town has a great pub and street library in close proximity to the camping area.

Burra Showgrounds allows you to camp for up to 72 hours, offering power, showers and toilets.

Farrell Flat, between Clare and Burra, has a sky-high art installation on the silos depicting its railway history, make sure you find the elephant! You can camp at the oval for up to 72 hours and facilities include toilets, a dump point, a dog park and a BBQ area.

Hallett is the start of Dare’s Hill Driving Trail. Be sure to pop past the Hallett General Store to collect the key to visit Sir Hubert Wilkins Cottage before you start the drive. Then call into the Hallett Recreation Grounds where there is power and toilets for guests to use.

The gateway to the Clare Valley, Tarlee is only 20 minutes north of Gawler and has a great hotel and bakery open daily. Power and toilets are available at the oval.

A downloadable guide to caravanning and camping in the Clare Valley can be found here.