A new user-friendly booking system for Yorke Peninsula Council Bush Camping is ready to launch as of 1 July 2024.
YPC Bush Camping features 19 campgrounds of different sizes, each offering a genuine coastal camping experience.
“Camping has increased significantly in popularity in the past few years, resulting in many campgrounds becoming over-crowded at peak times,” Mayor Darren Braund said.
“This has caused negative camping experiences, inability for visitors to find a spot at campgrounds, and significant environmental concerns.
“The new booking system addresses these issues and provides a sustainable management solution for the future of camping on Yorke Peninsula.”
Images from the new booking system – first image home page, second image campground page. Booking through the new site is simple and guarantees you a spot at the campground of your choice (unless at capacity).
What is changing?
Book a campground
The main difference for campers is that they will now be required to book into a specific campground. This is because all campgrounds now have maximum capacity limits. For instance, if a campground has a set capacity of 30 vehicles, then once the 30th person books, the system will not allow any more permit sales for that date. This guarantees campers will have space available to them. It will also ensure campgrounds do not become overcrowded, so campers have a more enjoyable time and the environment is not adversely impacted.
Moving between campgrounds
Council understands that some people enjoyed the freedom of the previous system which allowed campers to purchase a permit and then move between campgrounds. If you wish to move between campgrounds, please book accordingly, ie two nights at one campground, then two nights at the next, and so on. This will allow you to change campgrounds – but with the added bonus of knowing you have reserved a place at your next destination and won’t miss out due to lack of space.
Those purchasing monthly permits who wish to visit multiple campgrounds can contact Council on admin@visityorkepeninsula.com.au or by calling 8832 0000 to discuss options for this.
Annual permits are still available, and those interested must contact Council on admin@visityorkepeninsula.com.au or by calling 8832 0000 to arrange.
New booking experience
People can still book camping via yorke.sa.gov.au/bush-camping-permit – it will just have a fresh new look and added functionality. You can select your arrival date, nights staying, number of campers, and your desired campground. In fact, you can now read up on each campground, look at the amazing photos, and maybe find your new favourite holiday spot. Bookings require you to answer a few simple questions and payment is taken online. This is the same system currently used with great success by National Parks and on Eyre Peninsula among others.
More information
Better prepare for your camping adventure with all you need to know about each campground, from Google maps location pins to general advice about areas to set up camp, the road in, general levels of phone/internet reception and nearest facilities. Refer to the description, facilities and map tabs on each campground page when booking.
More convenience
The new system will allow you to update your own booking ie change dates, nights staying, the rego number of the vehicle you are bringing etc. This is much faster and more convenient than the previous system whereby all such changes had to be made by Council administrative staff.
Refunds
Bush Camping previously had a no-refund policy. Now, cancellations made at least seven days before the permit arrival date will be refunded (please allow time for staff to approve).
What is staying the same?
Genuine Bush Camping experience
All 19 campgrounds remain available for bookings. Bush Camping still allows people to experience nature and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. This does mean that campers are strongly encouraged to be self-contained (ie have and use their own toilets), with the toilets available to be used as a back-up option. It also means we expect campers to respect each other and the environment. Terms and Conditions still apply and are available online including at time of booking.
Permits still required
Permits must be purchased before setting up camp. You may not have internet access to purchase a permit upon arrival; please buy a permit beforehand (this will ensure you do not arrive to find that a campground is already at capacity). The fine for camping without a permit is $312.50.
Discounts available
Discounts are still available for:
- Weekly permits (stay 7 pay 5; applies to one campground per booking)
- Monthly permits (enter minimum 30 nights and select Special 30 Night Rate; applies to one campground per booking, to move between campgrounds during your month please contact Council via admin@visityorkepeninsula.com.au or by calling 8832 0000 before booking)
- Yorke Peninsula Council ratepayers (have your rates assessment number handy when booking)
Facilities
All but two of the 19 Bush Campgrounds have toilets, to be used as a back-up option with first preference being for campers to use their own facilities if self-sufficient. Toileting on the ground or in the sand dunes etc is strictly prohibited and fines apply. Bin banks are located in various towns and campers must take their rubbish to these locations and dispose of it appropriately; this system is designed to avoid having any rubbish placed within the campgrounds as they are situated in fragile coastal environments.
No specific sites
Once a camper books their preferred campground, they can still choose where to set up within the campground. And it is still first-in-best-dressed to find a site. There are not marked or numbered sites. Campers are asked to leave three metres of separation between structures, and to set up in a manner that does not spread across an unreasonable area (ie 90-degree park where possible).
Dogs and campfire rules
The same rules as before apply for bringing dogs and for having campfires (when campfires are permitted – strictly no campfires during Fire Danger Season). Please refer Terms and Conditions.
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