A guide to paid and unpaid camping in Kakadu National Park

Discover some of the best campgrounds Kakadu has to offer to suit all budgets.

One of the largest national parks in Australia, Kakadu is a beautiful region that is about a two and a half hour drive from Darwin. Within the national park, there is a selection of campsites from paid to unpaid.

Camping in Kakadu gives you the opportunity to explore the lush wetlands, see the wildlife, go bushwalking, and learn about the Aboriginal culture.

Paid camping 

Paid camping options tend to have everything you need like showers, toilets, and camp kitchens that are available to use. There are often cabins available for those who want to upgrade from their tents for a few nights.

• Aurora Kakadu Lodge and Caravan Park

The Aurora Kakadu Lodge is a popular campground with caravan sites and an unpowered camping area. There are bungalows and lodges available to book.

The campground is also great for families and is filled with a range of facilities including a swimming pool, bar, bistro, and much more.

• Ngurrungurrudjba (Yellow Water) Campground

Right by Yellow Water billabong is a shady camping area that allows you to see incredible views and the local wildlife and the flora of Kakadu. There are plenty of basic facilities while also including a playground, swimming pool, and a restaurant. The Ngurrungurrudjba Campground includes powered and unpowered sites.

This campground is near some of Kakadu’s main attractions, making it easy to get everywhere you need to go.

• Breeze Holiday Parks – Mary River

Breeze Holiday Parks in Mary River is great if you want to go fishing, spot wildlife, and a chance to explore the wetlands. Breeze has a selection of facilities and offers safari tents and powered or unpowered sites.

Unpaid camping

For those who don’t want the luxury cabins and campgrounds, the unpaid camping grounds are perfect. You will need a 4WD to drive out to these campgrounds, so no caravans are allowed. However, these campgrounds are closed during seasonal closure. It’s best to check online before you make your way there.

• Alligator Billabong

Alligator Billabong is great for a bush camp experience and also is a great fishing spot. With no facilities in the area or a proper campground, you’re best to find a spot that’s shaded. Jabiru is your closest hub with restaurants, a general store, and a servo for fuel.

• Red Lily Billabong

This campground has three secluded areas and is best for those people who love adventure. There aren’t any facilities here, but there is a fireplace. The area is known as a good fishing spot, where a lot of locals will come by.

Nearby you also have Jabiru, where you can stop by a local restaurant, general store, or a servo for fuel.

• Four Mile Hole

Not a lot of travellers will come out to Four Mile Hole for camping, but it’s a popular fishing spot for the locals. The campground has a fire pit but there aren’t other facilities or a proper camp area. You can look for a shaded area to set up your tent or camp trailer.

• Bucket Billabong

The remote location is perfect for those who want some quietness and a place to fish. The campground doesn’t have any actual camping areas, so most people will find a shaded area to set up. There also aren’t any facilities besides a fire pit and a boat ramp.

Your nearest hub is Cooinda where there are restaurants, general stores, and fuel.

Ensure you purchase yourself a park pass before you arrive in Kakadu. Every visitor needs one when visiting the national park, and you can buy one online.

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.