There is a new Bush Camping booking system to ensure campgrounds do not exceed capacity. Please go online and book early to avoid disappointment.

If your desired campground is booked out, then feel free to search through the Bush Camping site to see which areas do have capacity. There are 19 campgrounds waiting to be discovered.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

BUSH CAMPING ON YORKE PENINSULA

Q: How do I book?

A: Visit the Bush Camping booking site, select your dates, duration of stay and preferred campground then follow the prompts from there. Generally you will select “unallocated – one vehicle per site” but there is also an option for a one-month stay discount by clicking “unallocated – one vehicle per site [Special 30 Night Rate]. Please note you must complete the payment at the end of the booking process or your booking will be cancelled after 20 minutes.

Q: Why do I have to book into a specific campground now? Didn’t I previously buy a permit and then go to whichever campground I wanted?

A: Yes, the biggest change from the previous Bush Camping system is that you now need to book into a specific campground. This change was made necessary because of the large numbers of campers choosing Yorke Peninsula in recent years. This caused many campgrounds to become overcrowded, leading to negative camper experiences and environmental damage.

Q: Do the campgrounds have numbered sites?

A: No. If you have a permit, you are allocated a space within the campground – but once you arrive, it is first-in-best-dressed. This allows people to set up where they would like, including in groups if space allows. Just please don’t take up too much space during busy times (for instance, reverse park where possible).

Q: If there are no numbered sites, how do you know when a campground is at capacity?

A: Each campground has a capacity limit determined by the maximum number of caravans that can fit. For example, South Coast Campground can fit 60 bookings in one day, so when the 60^th permit is sold the bookings close for that date. If the campground you are staying at is fully booked, Council may email just to let you know out of courtesy.

Q: What is the benefit of booking into a specific campground?

A: If you obtain a permit for the campground you want to visit, you are allocated a spot. Under the previous system campers would travel to their preferred campground without knowing whether there would be space for them. Unfortunately, many visitors travelled from far afield to Yorke Peninsula only to be unable to find a camping spot – and unable to see which other campgrounds may have had room for them. Now they can plan ahead with a level of confidence  they will find a space and have an enjoyable holiday!

Q: So does that mean I can’t just book when I arrive at the campground?

A: You can still book upon arrival and in fact there are QR codes on the signs to direct you straight to the booking website. But this is not recommended because you may discover the campground is already at capacity and you cannot obtain a permit. Also, mobile phone coverage at some campgrounds is limited, possibly making booking on the spot difficult.

Q: But what if I can see there is space available in a campground, yet it won’t let me book because it claims to be at capacity?

A: You still cannot book. There will likely be people arriving later that day and they booked their spot first. Please try another nearby campground, you will be able to see which areas have availability on the booking website.

Q: What if I have a permit but I can’t find anywhere to park?

A: Capacity limits have been set to allow all permit holders to fit, even if everyone has a caravan. Most campgrounds (especially those with less-obvious camping spaces) have maps showing the different areas that allow camping when you book, please familiarise yourself with all the different spots. If you definitely can’t fit, sorry about that – it might mean people have taken up more than their fair share of space, or that some other campers are there without permits. Our Rangers patrol the campgrounds frequently but cannot respond immediately to reports of illegal camping. Therefore, we recommend that you drive on to your next nearest campground where there should be more space, especially if it is a larger campground. Port Minlacowie and South Coast Campgrounds are good bets to have space for you even at the busiest times.

 

MANAGING YOUR BOOKINGS

Q: I have booked but now I have an email saying the booking is cancelled. Why?

A: Upon booking you must complete the payment using one of the options provided. If you have not completed payment within 20 minutes, the booking will cancel. Please re-book and ensure you complete the payment.

Q: I made a mistake in my booking, can I change my booking details?

A: Yes, you can change almost all details of your booking before arrival including your arrival date and nights staying (provided the campground is not at capacity for those different nights). You can also change your car rego (for instance if you are bringing a different car than planned) and contact details etc.

Q: What if I want to change campgrounds?

A: Campers are encouraged to plan ahead and book each campground they want to visit in advance, for example two days at Len Barker Reserve, then two days at Gleesons Landing, then two days at South Coast. This can all be done under one itinerary to save you time. But if you want to change the campground you have booked, please book into the other campground and then drive there. You will then need to cancel your current booking remembering that refunds can only be provided if a cancellation takes place 7-days prior to arrival.

Q: Is there a way I can get a permit that allows me to move freely between campgrounds?

A: Yes, for monthly or annual permits only. You can purchase by contacting Yorke Peninsula Council – email admin@yorke.sa.gov.au or phone 8832 0000. You will then receive a code that you can enter every time you book and your bookings will be charged at $0. This way, you can still be assured that the campground you are heading to has capacity available and we can know where you are in case of an emergency.

Q: I have made several bookings because we are coming as a group, so I will have all of the permits in my name – is that okay?
A: Yes, but please include each person’s individual car and caravan/trailer registration number. This is how the Rangers confirm that you have a permit.