Looking to escape the crowds and disconnect from daily life? From the red cliffs of Nitmiluk to the peaceful waters of Lake Glenbawn, discover seven Australian campgrounds perfect for slowing down, switching off and embracing the outdoors.
Here’s the thing about unplugging - it’s not about going completely off-grid or proving anything. It’s about giving yourself space to think less, scroll less, rush less. Maybe get back to nature.
If you’re ready to properly switch off, these RV sites make it very easy to forget the outside world exists.
Nitmiluk Campground, NT
Nitmiluk Campground in Nitmiluk National Park, about 30km from Katherine, has that perfect tropical northern outback feel - warm air, red earth, and massive sandstone cliffs that make everything else feel small.
It’s just a 10-minute walk from the Katherine Gorge jetty, so you’re right on the doorstep of one of the NT’s most spectacular waterways. Days here don’t really follow a schedule. You might spend them canoeing through the gorge, hiking into the bush, or just floating around the Jatti Pool Bar & Bistro pretending you’ll do something productive later.
The campground itself is relaxed and well set up, with grassy shaded sites, powered and unpowered options, hot showers, BBQs, and a pool that feels very welcome after a dusty day out exploring. There’s even safari tents and cabins if you want comfort without effort.
At night, the stars come out in full force and the whole place goes quiet in a way that makes you forget your phone exists.
Discovery Resorts - Lake Argyle, WA
Discovery Resorts - Lake Argyle is outback camping with a seriously good view and a bit of “why would you ever leave this spot?” energy.
Perched above the massive Lake Argyle, it’s famous for that infinity pool where you can float around looking out over what feels more like an inland sea than a lake. You turn up in your RV, tent, or cabin, and quickly realise the afternoons are going to disappear in the best possible way - usually between swims, sun-soaking, and slow drinks at sunset.
There’s an on-site restaurant, easy access to tours, and plenty of ways to get out on the water if you can drag yourself away from the pool. The lake itself is packed with life too. More than 260 bird species, including Gouldian finches and fairywrens, plus plenty of freshwater crocs cruising below. Boat cruises take you through Ord River Gorge and remote swimming spots, with a bit of history and a very good lunch thrown in.
O’Reilly’s Campground, QLD
O’Reilly’s Campground is up on the Lamington Plateau in the Scenic Rim, about 2 hours from Brisbane and right in the middle of World Heritage-listed rainforest.
It’s set at around 930 metres above sea level in Lamington National Park, so it’s noticeably cooler than down on the coast, and you’re surrounded by dense Gondwana rainforest the whole time.
The campground itself is part of the O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat precinct. You’ve got powered and unpowered sites, safari tents, and access to shared facilities like a camp kitchen, amenities blocks, and a central hub area. From your campsite, you can walk straight onto a network of rainforest trails that lead to waterfalls, lookouts, and long ridge walks through the national park. There are also treetop walk sections, birdwatching, and guided activities nearby if you want them.
It’s also known for wildlife, especially birds and the rainforest setting that feels remote without actually being hard to access.
Huon Valley Caravan Park, Tasmania
Huon Valley Caravan Park is set on a 10-hectare working farm in Tasmania’s Huon Valley, about half an hour from Hobart and the animals are basically the main event.
There are cows, goats, sheep, chickens and ducks all over the property, and you can actually get involved in the daily routines. People collect eggs from the chook pens in the morning, help feed the animals, and watch the cows being milked. It’s not a “look but don’t touch” setup, you’re right in the middle of it.
They even have Tasmanian devils on site, which adds a bit of a surprise factor when you’re walking around the farm tracks or checking out what’s going on in the paddocks.
The whole place feels like a mix of caravan park and working farm, so instead of neat rows of sites and fences, you’ve got open space, animals moving around, and things happening throughout the day. It’s simple, hands-on, and very focused on the farm itself.
Discovery Parks – Nagambie Lakes, VIC
Discovery Parks – Nagambie Lakes sits right on the banks of the Goulburn River, surrounded by gum trees and open water views. You can stay in lakeside cabins, riverside spa cabins, or powered sites looking over the water. The setup is very “by the lake” - you’re either on it or looking at it most of the time.
The park itself has a big focus on keeping people busy on site if they want it: there’s an infinity pool, tennis courts, playground with a jumping pillow, and a pump track for bikes. But the real pull is the lake lifestyle - swimming, kayaking, boating, or just sitting by the water.
If you head out, Nagambie is nearby with wineries, olive farms, and wetland walks at places like Tahbilk. You can also get out on the Goulburn River or Lake Nagambie for watersports or cruises. It’s a mix of relaxed lakeside stays and easy day trips into wine and river country.
Oasis Tourist Park Coober Pedy, SA
Oasis Tourist Park is in the middle of Coober Pedy, a town known for being partly underground because of the heat. The park itself is simple and practical, with powered and unpowered sites, cabins, and even underground dugout-style accommodation.
There’s an indoor pool (a necessity in Coober Pedy), BBQ areas, and a games room. It’s a good base where you can cool off, reset, and then head back out into a very unusual landscape.
Outside the park, everything feels a bit otherworldly. Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park is full of red dirt, flat-topped hills, and wide open desert views, especially at sunset. The town also has quirky stops like the kangaroo orphanage, where feeding times let you get up close to joeys.
There’s even a drive-in cinema next door, with movie nights held every Saturday evening. It’s part desert outpost, part underground town, and part roadside stopover - all in a landscape that doesn’t look like anywhere else in Australia.
Reflections Lake Glenbawn - Holiday Park, NSW
Lake Glenbawn is a water-focused getaway set on a large dam in the Upper Hunter region of NSW. Reflections Lake Glenbawn - Holiday Park sits right on the shoreline, with grassy sites and cabins overlooking the lake and surrounding hills.
The main draw here is the water. It’s one of NSW’s well-known freshwater fishing spots, especially for bass, but it’s also popular for skiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, and general boating. The lake is big enough that it rarely feels crowded.
When you want a break from the water, Scone is a short drive away. It’s known as horse country, with stud farms, equine history, and a few local landmarks like the Big Blue horse sculpture. There’s also the Scone Horse Festival if you’re there at the right time of year.
Back at the park, it’s all about slow afternoons, lake views from your site or cabin, and that easy rhythm of being near the water without much else demanding your attention.
