16 Best Caravan Parks In The Northern Territory | Where To Stay in the NT

The Northern Territory is just primed for adventure, and you can’t navigate it overnight. Thus, it’s understandable why many people prefer to take a caravan when going on a Northern Territory road trip. Travelling the Top End in your caravan is an easy feat since many accommodations are big enough to house your home-on-wheels.

There are plenty of caravan parks offering powered and unpowered sites for your van at the Top End. Some big names include Discovery Parks and BIG4, but there are also more cozy and intimate options such as Kings Canyon Resort, Nitmiluk Gorge Caravan Park, Dundee Beach Holiday Park, and many more.

To help you decide where you’ll park and doze off under the stars, we’ve rounded up 16 caravan parks you have to see in the NT.

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Caravanning in The Northern Territory

Taking your motorhome or van to the Northern Territory is a great way to explore new horizons. You can feel at home while camping under the stars or grilling BBQ. You can even meet other fellow caravanners since most caravan sites have communal areas. This can include a camp kitchen or even a restaurant or cafe!

Caravanning at the Top End is not difficult since there are many available accommodations. If you need to recharge your motorhome, however, some places have limited powered sites, so it’s better to book in advance. Otherwise, come prepared with your own caravan solar panels.

Ensuite baths and showers are also not rare but are limited.

Though you are carrying your mobile home with you, we suggest you still pack light and use caravan storage hacks to organise your belongings. Remember that this is still a vacation, so you don’t need to carry heavy baggage, unless you’re planning a long term caravan trip.

Strategize where to stay for the night. Some parks have fueling stations on-site or nearby, and most of them have on-site restaurants or cafes. Some even have free BBQ and on-site mini marts where you can refill your pantry for the next leg of the trip.

Bring cash and plenty of water, and bring tools and check your vehicle before your adventure. Most of all, don’t forget to enjoy yourself!

For more inspiration on your next NT trip, see our list of best caravan trip destinations in the Northern Territory.

The Best Caravan Parks in Alice Springs Region

Alice Springs is a must-visit when you’re in the Northern Territory. Apart from appreciating the flora and fauna, you can check out the East and West Macs (MacDonnell Ranges), Rainbow Valley, Mushroom Rock, and the Araluen Cultural Precinct, just to name a few attractions.

After driving through those stunning landmarks with your motorhome in tow, here are some of the places you can park, charge, and recharge.

Discovery Parks, Alice Springs

Discovery Parks – Alice Springs (formerly BIG4 MacDonnell Range Holiday Park) is a household name for caravanning. This multi-awarded venue offers powered and unpowered blocks for your motorhomes. You also have an option between concrete and grass surfaces, as well as pet-friendly and no-pet zones.

Other amenities for your caravan include an ensuite private bathroom (some with a bathtub), water supply, and sullage. Those are of course aside from the view of the MacDonnell Ranges and nearby natural attractions, such as the Glen Helen (133 km away) and Kings Canyon (332 km away).

You’ll also enjoy a range of facilities and activities in Discovery Parks, such as the half-court basketball, heated lap pools with water slides, adventure playgrounds, and BMX track. The opportunity to make new friends with fellow caravanners at the camp kitchens and events—as well as the free pancakes—make this place worth your while.

Check out the availability of the campgrounds at Discover Parks – Alice Springs here.

Kings Canyon Resort, Kings Canyon

Kings Canyon Resort is an excellent caravanning spot right at the Red Centre. You’re surrounded by native flora and fauna as well as the Kings Canyon, itself, Uluru, and Alice Springs.

This powered campground has a petrol station, swimming pool, tennis court, and even coin-operated laundry machines and dryers. You can grill BBQs or buy from the convenience stores, restaurants, and bars on-site. Wi-Fi, electrical outlets, as well as a grassy area for tent campers are also available.

The resort also offers experiences such as canyon hikes, Karrke indigenous experience, and scenic helicopter flights.

Check out King Canyon Resort’s full camping and caravanning information here.

Alice Springs Tourist Park, Alice Springs

Alice Springs Tourist Park (formerly Stuart Park Caravan and Camping Tourist Park) sits near the town centre but still offers great natural views.

You can choose from powered and unpowered sites and have plenty of amenities right at your fingertips. There’s the staple BBQ and camp kitchen, as well as a swimming pool, mini mart, and kids’ playground.

This family park also offers activities such as exploring the MacDonnell Ranges, going back in time at the Telegraph Station, and riding a quad bike on a cattle station.

Since it’s near Alice Springs CBD, you can even join events in and around town. Check out the events before you visit or see the availability of the park here.

Devils Marbles Campground, Davenport

Devils Marbles Campground will be an unexpected adventure for you caravanners. It’s 400 km north of Alice Springs, and it is known for the Devils Marbles or Karlu Karlu, which is a sacred indigenous site known for its massive boulders “arranged” into a hair belt worn by Aboriginal men.

Because the site is unpowered and water is unavailable, this adventure might only be worth an overnight. Generators are not allowed, and the campground fills up past 4 pm, so make sure you claim your spot before then.

Things to do in and around the area are to see the Marbles at sunset, go to the aboriginal art galleries, tour the Battery Hill Mining Centre, swim at Lake Mary Ann, ride 4WD at Davenport Range National Park, and visit Connells Lagoon. If you’re in the area in August, make sure to attend the Desert Harmony Festival.

You can get more information about the Devils Marbles Campground and the Conservation Reserve here.

The Best Caravan Parks in the Katherine Region

Katherine is a country town in the Northern Territory. It is named after Katherine Gorge or Nitmiluk, its aboriginal Jawoyn name, which means Cicada Place.

Apart from Katherine Gorge, other sights to see here are the Kakadu National Park, the Northern and Southern Rockholes, Edith River Crossing, Edith Falls, and Sandy Camp, just to name a few.

If you need a place to park, charge, dine, and take a break from exploring Katherine, here are some parks you can station your caravans for a while.

Nitmiluk Gorge Caravan Park, Nitmiluk

The Nitmiluk Gorge Caravan Park sits right by the Nitmiluk entrance. It is conveniently situated 600 m from the departure point for boat cruises and canoes.

This powered campsite offers a shady refuge as well as a cool swimming pool. As per usual, this caravan park also has a BBQ and camp kitchen with a refrigerator. Gas refills, Wi-Fi, showers, and laundry stations are also available.

Rates and available dates can be found here.

Knotts Crossing Resort, Katherine

Knotts Crossing Resort offers caravans powered, ensuite sites good for four people. The block is landscaped and shaded and has a bay with an adjoining concrete annex base. There are also waste connection facilities and tea/coffee-making facilities.

As for the resort, there is a bar and restaurant, a swimming pool with bar service, a function room with a private bar, and laundry and shopping services.

Tour bookings for Katherine Hot Springs, Outback Experience, and Gorge Cruise are also possible. Oh, and did we mention that it’s only a two-minute walk from Katherine River?

Check for caravan and campsite availability here.

Territory Manor Motel & Caravan Park, Mataranka

Situated near Elsey National Park and the Mataranka Thermal Pool and Rainbow Springs, Territory Manor Motel & Caravan Park sits just an hour away from Katherine.

It offers unlimited unpowered sites and limited powered sites. It has a restaurant and will soon have dedicated walking trails for birdwatching. It has a swimming pool, spa, camp and communal kitchens, BBQ, and mini clothes lines.

If you’re bringing your kids, high chairs are available; and if you’re taking your furry friends, you can call them for per-friendly arrangements.

For more information, you can visit their website here.

The Best Caravan Parks in Darwin Region

The capital of NT, Darwin, is a coastal town that boasts access to plenty of amazing activities, such as the Mindil Markets, NT Museum and Art Gallery, Crocosaurus Cove, Charles Darwin Botanical Gardens, Casuarina Coastal Walk, WWII Oil Storage Tunnels, and more.

When you’ve hit two to three of those bucket-list items, park your caravan down these parks and resorts for a quick break and recharge.

Darwin Freespirit Resort, Darwin

Darwin Freespirit Resort is a tropical paradise in NT just 15 minutes south of Darwin. The park is pet-friendly, and wildlife also occasionally visit the park.

Amenities such as camp kitchen, BBQ, swimming pool, and the Kidz Korner are open 24-hours, but quiet time is observed at 10 pm. There’s a poolside bar and bistro, restaurant, café, and function venue.

There’s fuel in the adjacent roadhouse, a designated dump point, coin-operated laundry, and mail services.

Tour bookings are available at the resort office with complimentary pick-up and drop-off if you want to take a break from your caravanning adventure.

Check if your preferred dates are available here.

Dundee Beach Holiday Park, Dundee Beach

Dundee Beach Holiday Park is just under 2 hours from Darwin. This beach resort is one of the Top End’s hidden gems, a luxurious getaway for solo travellers, groups, or family.

There are powered and unpowered sites for caravan camping with the option of an ensuite bath. Sites can also be grassy, shady, small, or large and drive through. There’s a dumpsite and laundry available on-site, as well.

A boat ramp for easy fishing is just a 5-minute walk from the property, but you will also be surrounded by fun activities such as BBQ, a swimming pool, and a beachside bar right at the property.

This is a pet-friendly property, and Dundee Beach is also home to a large population of turtles and a good sightseeing spot for birds. Kids will love it!

For a comfortable tropical getaway with your caravan, you can check out Dundee Beach Holiday Park’s availability here.

BIG4 Hidden Valley Holiday Park, Berrimah

BIG4 Hidden Valley Holiday Park is a top-rated boutique caravan park tucked between the Stuart Highway and Tiger Brennen Drive. It is only 10 minutes south of Darwin CBD.

Sites are premium powered and grass powered with ensuite shower. Facilities available are BBQ and camp kitchen, laundry and dryers, a dump site, a pool, and a café. Activities and entertainment are also available on-site such as the Rain Forest Walk Ways, wildlife shows from the local Crocodile Park, musical performances, and movie screenings.

Pets are not allowed, but you can contact the park for other special requests such as wheelchair access, cots, or high-chairs.

If you want to book now, visit their website here.

Rum Jungle Bungalows, Batchelor

Rum Jungle Bungalows in Batchelor is an intimate tropical venue to rest and park your caravan. Just an hour away from Darwin, this tropical accommodation is near Litchfield National Park.

Amenities include a BBQ, swimming pool, communal lounge, and an outdoor dining area.

For more information, check out their website here.

BIG4 Howard Springs Holiday Park, Howard Springs

BIG4 Howard Springs Holiday Park is just a 25-minute drive from Darwin. Family-friendly and pet-friendly, this tropical paradise offers shaded and grassy powered sites with an option to get an ensuite shower.

Fun activities are available throughout the park, such as pools, spas, splash park, jumping pillow, playground, and free BBQ.

If you time your visit right, you can even get in on some events in Darwin, such as the Territory Taste Festival, Bass in the Grass Music Festival, or the Darwin Fringe Festival.

Other nearby attractions and adventures include the Litchfield National Park, Crocosaurus Cove, Wetland Cruises on Corroboree Billabong, Outback Floatplane Adventures, fishing and boating, as well as biking and hiking. Tours are available at the front desk, so you can talk to their friendly staff for recommendations.

To get more information and see the availability of the park, you can check here.

Tumbling Waters Holiday Park, Berry Springs

Tumbling Waters Holiday Park is just under an hour from Darwin. It offers plenty of unpowered sites and 100 powered sites in shaded, grassy areas, and the park has a dump point. It is also pet-friendly.

The camp kitchen has a fridge, microwave, toaster, kettle, dishwashing facilities, and free gas BBQ. Laundry facilities and showers are also available, as well as a PWD-friendly bathroom.

Park activities include a saltwater pool, restaurant, outdoor cinema, morning travellers’ mini markets, art and craft stalls, fishing, freshwater crocodile sanctuary, animal encounters, bingo, and a 5-km walking trail.

Though staying at the park has merits of its own, local attractions will also make you want to explore the area. Tumbling Waters Holiday Park is near Litchfield National Park, Territory Wildlife Park, Berry Springs Nature Park, Barramundi Adventures, Matt Wright Explore the Wild Tours, and Mandorah Beach.

For more information, you can visit their website here.

The Best Caravan Parks in the Kakadu Region

Anbinik Kakadu Resort, Kakadu

Anbinik Kakadu Resort is 2.5 hours away from Darwin. This award-winning site is inside Kakadu National Park and is 100% Aboriginal owned and operated.

The park offers ensuite powered sites and even has parking for boats. Some of its amenities include a swimming pool, conference facilities, gas BBQs, and laundry services. It also has easy access to restaurants, bakeries, and the town centre and its services.

They also offer tour services such as the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise and the Arnhemlander 4WD Tour, which are owned and operated by the Djabulukgu Association representing the traditional owners of Northern Kakadu and some parts of the Western Arnhem Land.

Interested? You can visit their website for more information.

Aurora Kakadu Lodge and Caravan Park, Kakadu

Aurora Kakadu Lodge is a massive accommodation that has 186 powered caravan and campsites and 100 unpowered campsites, apart from its other rooms and cabins. A 3-hour drive from Darwin, this park is worth the drive since you’ll be at the heart of Kakadu National Park.

Right outside your caravan, you can see wetlands, gorges, waterfalls, rugged escarpments, native wildlife, and ancient rock art. The Bininj/Mungguy people are open to giving you a glimpse of their ancient culture and history, as well, which spans over 65,000 years.

You’ll be surrounded by lush, tropical gardens and be blessed with amenities like a lagoon-style swimming pool and spa, BBQ, poolside bar and bistro, laundry facilities, and a souvenir shop. There are also disabled access rooms if you require.

For planned and unplanned stays, you can check out their website here.

Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge, Point Stuart

Two hours away from Darwin is Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge, which sits on Mary River Wetlands.

Facilities and amenities include a swimming pool, jumping pillow, bar and bistro, and BBQ. They also have a resident banteng and water buffalo.

If you’re planning to tour the Mary River National Park, Shady Camp Reserve, and Kakadu National Park, this is a great accommodation. Some of the activities you can avail of are barramundi fishing, 4WD Floodplain Wildlife/Sunset, wetlands cruise at Mary River, as well as birdwatching and wildlife tours.

Check out their website for more details and availability.

Best Caravan Parks with Water Parks in NT

Some of the best caravan parks with water parks or swimming pools are Dundee Beach Holiday Park, Discovery Park – Alice Springs, Anbinik Kakadu Resort, Tumbling Waters Holiday Park, and Point Stuart Wilderness Lodge.

Best Pet Friendly Caravan Parks in NT

Our top picks for pet-friendly caravan parks in NT are Dundee Beach Holiday Park, BIG4 Howard Springs Holiday Park, Darwin Freespirit Resort, and Tumbling Waters Holiday Park.

Some national parks don’t allow pets since wildlife roams free, and our furry friends don’t exactly know how to deal with them. Still, if you’re bringing your dog along for the trip, you have a couple of options.