Your guide to South Australia’s coolest parks for camping in summer

When it comes to camping in summer it’s all about the location. While some of the state’s inland national parks swelter during the hot South Australian summer, our coastal parks offer some relief courtesy of cooling sea breezes.

All of these parks have a cooler average January maximum temperature than Adelaide’s average of 28.6 degrees, making them perfect destinations for a summer camping holiday.

Here’s where:

1. Deep Creek National Park

Average January maximum temperature – 23.6 degrees

Located on the southern coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula, Deep Creek National Park is famous for its spectacular coastline and its views across Investigator Strait to Kangaroo Island.

This park enjoys a much cooler climate than Adelaide, with the average maximum temperature 6 degrees less than the city.

Stringybark Campground, nestled in a stringybark forest, is a favourite for summer campers with extensive shade and facilities that include flushing toilets and showers.

Top tip: Get the inside scoop with Ranger Simon Oster’s tips for visiting the park.

2. Little Dip Conservation Park

Average January maximum temperature 24.4 degrees

Featuring a ruggedly beautiful coastline and large areas of coastal sand dunes, this park near Robe on South Australia’s Limestone Coast is great for a summer holiday.

The beaches offer good surf fishing and the lakes are a haven for birdwatchers.

The local park rangers suggest Old Man Lake Campground – set among a grove of melaluca trees, as the campsites offer shade from the sun and protection from the wind.

3. Flinders Chase National Park

Average January maximum temperature 24.6 degrees

Encompassing the western portion of Kangaroo Island, the iconic Flinders Chase National Park is most known for its geological landmarks and the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail – Recovery Experience.

The park also enjoys a cooler climate thanks to its island location.

4. Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park

Average January maximum temperature 25.1 degrees

Home of the iconic Ethel shipwreck, Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, located on the southern tip of Yorke Peninsula, has been a favourite summer holiday destination for generations.

Rugged cliffs, sheltered bays, excellent fishing and pumping surf breaks make this park perfect for a summer getaway.

There are plenty of campgrounds dotted around the park, all within a short walk of the beautiful beaches.

One of our favourites is Shell Beach Campground, which offers shady and sheltered campsites that are only a short walk away from the stunning Shell Beach and the famous Blue Pool rockpool.

Top tip: There’s lots to see and do in this stunning park – check out How to spend a day in SA’s Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park for inspiration.

5. Coffin Bay and Lincoln national parks

Average January maximum temperature 26.2 degrees

Located on Southern Eyre Peninsula, these parks are renowned for their stunning beaches that look like something out of a travel brochure.

Cooling sea breezes from the Great Australian Bight offer relief from high temperatures and the azure blue waters are just beckoning you to dip your toes.

Our local park rangers suggest Surfleet Campground in Lincoln National Park, and Yangie Bay Campground, Morgan’s Landing Campground (4WD only) and The Pool Campground (4WD only) in Coffin Bay National Park for campsites that offer shade in those parks.

Want more ideas about spending time in nature this summer? You might enjoy 5 fun things to do at Adelaide’s beaches.

Main image: Taylors Landing, Lincoln National Park (image courtesy of @dodd_life Instagram)

This story was originally posted in December 2019