Immerse yourself in arid wilderness and relax amongst the sounds of the outback in one of the bush campgrounds dotted around the park. Several camp sites provide an ideal base from which to explore the park’s hiking trails. Please note that some sites are only accessible by 4WD vehicles.
The campgrounds are basic with pit toilets available at Grindell's Hut and Weetootla campgrounds. Other camping areas have no facilities.
Toilet and shower facilities are available at Balcanoona.
Fees apply and you must book in advance
Grindell's Hut (4WD accessible only)
Located approximately one hour’s drive west of Balcanoona via Wortupa Loop Track. Access is 10 km up Arkaroola Road then 17 km via the signposted 4WD track. Camp sites are located along the creek below Grindell's Hut. Please camp in designated sites. The Weetootla and Italowie Gorge hikes can be accessed from this camping area.
Facilities include fire pit, barbecue and pit toilets.
Mainwater Well (4WD accessible only)
The Mainwater Well camping area is approximately two hours drive north-west of Balcanoona via Wortupa Loop Track. A small camping area is located next to the old well alongside the tea-tree lined Mainwater Creek. This camping area provides a great base from which to explore the northern areas of the park and for hikers to explore Mainwater Creek.
Arcoona (4WD or high clearance 2WD recommended)
The campground is located on the western side of the ranges approximately one and a half hours drive from Balcanoona via the Copley-Balcanoona and Umberatana Roads. Camp sites are located near and around the end of the track just above the river red gums and native pines of Arcoona Creek. This camp provides a great stop for people travelling through the park and as a base for hikers wishing to explore Arcoona Bluff and the Gammon Plateau.
Weetootla Gorge, Wiriti Urdla (2WD and small caravan accessible)
Weetootla Gorge camping area is located to the west of Balcanoona at the end of Weetootla Gorge. Camp sites are located along Balcanoona Creek among mallee, native pines and bullock bush. The camping area is approximately 20 minutes from Balcanoona, 2 km towards Arkaroola then 5 km along the signposted track. The campground is located approximately 4 km from the self-registration station. Designated camp sites are set out adjacent to the pit toilets. These can also be found 1 km further on, near the Weetootla Gorge trailhead.
Italowie Gap, Ithala Awi (2WD and small caravan accessible)
The Italowie Gap camping areas are located approximately 20 minutes from Balcanoona on the Copley-Balcanoona road. There are two camping areas. The first area is on the south-western side of the gap via a small access track. This area is set amongst river red gums below a small cliff face and is a shady spot for summer. The second area is located on the north-eastern side of the gap, off the access track behind the self-registration station. These sites are set amongst wattles and river red gums near the start of the Italowie Gorge Hike.