Camping in Kakadu - here's where to have a thousand star experience

Camping in Kakadu National Park is guaranteed to be a thousand-star experience.

Visiting Kakadu National Park is a nature lover’s dream. To truly immerse yourself among the World-Heritage surroundings, make tracks with a tent in tow to discover campsites that provide a gateway to the great outdoors.

Kakadu National Park, which spans nearly twenty thousand square kilometres of Bininj/Mungguy Country, is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in Australia. We’ve rounded up the best places to camp in Kakadu, whether you’re looking for hiking trails, swimming spots or just a great base to pitch up and hang out.

Before setting out to camp in Kakadu, it’s important to be adequately prepared with information and supplies and check the Parks Australia Kakadu National Park website in advance for closures. Keep in mind what facilities are available, road conditions and 4WD access. But without further ado, here’s our list of the best places to camp in Kakadu.

Mardukal campground

This managed campground is an ideal base for holidaymakers looking to explore Kakadu National Park. The campground is located near Cooinda Lodge, just a stone’s throw from Cooinda’s Barra Bar and Mimi’s Restaurant.

Venture through Kakadu’s wetlands. (Image: Tourism NT; Tourism Australia)

It’s also convenient if you’re interested in taking one of Kakadu’s most popular tours, the Yellow Water Billabong cruise, which also runs out of Cooinda Lodge. With creature comforts in close reach and a short drive to some of the park’s main attractions, this campsite is perfect for a leisurely camping stay.

Join the Yellow Water Billabong cruise for an unforgettable experience. (Image: Tourism NT)

Cost: $15 per adult per night
Facilities: Flushing toilets, hot showers, bins, picnic area
4WD required: No

Merl campground

Merl campground is the best place to camp in Kakadu if you’re drawn to the park’s exquisite rock art. The campground is situated in the north of Kakadu, just three kilometres from the rock art site of Ubirr. Not only is Ubirr one of the best things to do in Kakadu, but it’s also an incredible spot to watch the sunset.

Take in incredible sunset views at Ubirr. (Image: Tourism NT)

Catch a glimpse of one of Kakadu’s most photogenic views, before heading back to camp to gather around a fire pit. If you’re a keen hiker, you’ll enjoy tramping along the trails threaded throughout the East Alligator Region, too.

Hike up the Nawurlandja Lookout for breathtaking views across Kakadu. (Image: Tourism NT)

Cost: $15 per adult per night
Facilities: Flushing toilets, hot showers, bins, picnic area
4WD required: No

Karnamarr campground

If you’re keen to pay a visit to Kakadu’s famous waterfalls, then you’ll be in prime position at Karnamarr campground.

Kakadu National Park is renowned for its stunning waterfalls. (Image: Tourism NT; Che Chorley)

The campsite is located a short drive between Twin Falls and Jim Jim Falls – two waterfalls that are not only miraculously beautiful, but sites of deep spiritual significance for the Bininj/Mungguy Traditional Owners. The campground is named for the red-tailed black cockatoo, a common sight to behold around the area.

Admire Kakadu’s rugged beauty from above. (Image: Tourism NT; Sean Scott)

Cost: $15 per adult per night
Facilities: Flushing toilets, hot showers, bins, picnic area
4WD required: Yes

Maguk campground

If a refreshing soak in emerald waters beneath cascading waterfalls sounds pleasant to you, then make a beeline for Maguk campground.

Float in picture-perfect emerald waters. (Image: Tourism NT; Adriana Alvarado)

This campground is a little more on the wild side than the mainstream sites, but the rewards are certainly well worth it. Campers will be a stone’s throw from Maguk’s beautiful plunge pools, located just a short walk away through a lush rainforest canopy.

Follow the scenic route to the cascading waterfalls near Maguk. (Image: Tourism NT)

Take a dip before moseying back to camp in the evening for a feed and some stargazing. When swimming or travelling near bodies of water, it’s important to be CrocWise. National Parks remove crocodiles each year, but it’s vital to exercise caution and follow local advice.

Take a refreshing dip. (Image: Tourism NT; @helloemilie)

Cost: $6 per adult per night
Facilities: Pit toilet, no drinking water (bring your own)
4WD required: Yes

Kambolgie campground

Ditch the crowds and carve out a pocket of peace at Kambolgie campground. If you’re looking for a quiet place to camp in Kakadu, Kambolgie might just fit the bill. This charming spot is close to a lot of Stone Country highlights, such as the Yurmikmik walks which wind around creeks and waterfalls. The campground is also just a little more than 10 minutes from the Kakadu Highway, making it a convenient base to explore the rest of the park.

Plunge into the cold waterfalls. (Image: adeshfr on Flickr)

Cost: $6 per adult per night
Facilities: Pit toilet, no drinking water (bring your own)
4WD required: Recommended

Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin) campground

For those looking to get off the beaten track, Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin) is a gorgeous place to base yourself in the south of Kakadu. It’s a bit of an effort to drive in, but it will be well worth the sweat. You’ll be surrounded by waterfalls and rocky ridges and close to the start of the stunning Jarrangbarnm (Koolpin Gorge) walk. It’s important to note that you need a permit to camp and bushwalk here. There are also sacred Indigenous sites that are off-limits to visitors, so keep informed and stay aware of local signage.

Be surrounded by waterfalls and rocky ridges at Koolpin Gorge. (Image: Mattfrancey-on-Flickr)

Cost: $6 per adult per night
Facilities: Pit toilet, no drinking water (bring your own)
4WD required: Yes

West Alligator Head (Waldak Irrmbal) [temporarily closed]

Keen fishermen will be as happy as Larry at West Alligator Head (Waldak Irrmbal), one of the best places to camp in Kakadu if you’re hoping to reel in some barramundi.

Explore the remote landscapes of West Alligator Head (Waldak Irrmbal).

Located at the very north of the park facing the sea, West Alligator Head is one of Kakadu’s more unexplored corners. You’ll find mainly local fishos here, but if you’re a traveller with a penchant for adventure, West Alligator Head is a blissfully remote escape.

The remote beauty of the landscape will stay with you.

Cost: $6 per night
Facilities: Pit toilet, no drinking water (bring your own)
4WD required: Yes

Glamping in Kakadu National Park

Want to feel close to nature, but still crave small luxuries? Glamping combines the best of both worlds. We’ve rounded up the best glamping spots in Kakadu and the rest of the Northern Territory, where you can feel all the perks of the great outdoors – from the comfort of a cosy bed. Rather go the more conventional accommodation route? We’ve got you covered with our accommodation guide to Kakadu.

Go glamping to feel closer to nature. (Image: Tourism NT; Tourism Australia)

The best time to camp in Kakadu

The most popular time to camp is during the drier months between May and October. However, if you don’t mind the rain and your gear is up to scratch, visitors can experience Kakadu in every season. We’ve gone into depth into the different seasons to visit Kakadu as well as the six Indigenous seasons of Kakadu National Park. If you’re combining your Kakadu visit with a road trip, we’ve also compiled some of the best campsites from Darwin to Kakadu and Katherine, too.

The best time to camp in Kakadu is between May and October. (Image: Tourism NT; Tourism Australia)

Can I camp for free in Kakadu? 

Yes! If you’re after the ultimate wilderness experience, there are some sites where you can pitch a tent free of charge. Check out Alligator Billabong, Four Mile Hole and Bucket Billabong, for instance. Free campsites tend to have minimal facilities and be 4WD accessible only, so make sure you have all the key information before heading out.

Get cosy in a Billabong Safari tent. (Image: Tourism NT; Helen Orr)

Kakadu National Park pass & permits

All visitors require a park pass to access Kakadu, although passes are free for Northern Territory residents. Cost varies depending on the season and passes are available either online or at select venues within the park. Some campgrounds, such as Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin) campground, require specific permits. Consult Parks Australia for more information.

Want to know more about staying and playing in Kakadu? We’ve got your ultimate guide to Kakadu National Park right here.