Just 1.5 hours south of Adelaide, Rapid Bay Camping Ground is a stunning off-grid campsite right on the beach. Its raw, natural setting is ideal for unwinding by the sea or embracing an adventurous escape.

 

We Are Explorers acknowledges that this camping ground is located on the traditional Country of the Kaurna people who have occupied and cared for these coastal lands, seas, and skies for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

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Quick Overview

Rapid Bay Camping Ground is found in the town of Rapid Bay on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula. It’s an off-grid family-friendly campground that you can book ahead of time, but site allocation operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground is suitable for campervans, caravans, and tents.

Quick Facts

Distance from Adelaide: 1 hour 35 minutes/100km
Facilities: BBQ areas, toilets, beach access, dog friendly
Check in times: Check in 11am-5pm check out 10am
Nearest town: Rapid Bay
Cost: $12.50 per unpowered site per night
Where to book: Rapid Bay Campground

 

About Rapid Bay

Cresting the rolling hills of the Fleurieu Peninsula, we spot Rapid Bay, wedged between the gentle beach and the wild rocky hills of South Australia. The jetty beckons fishers and swimmers, the gentle ocean is perfect for kids or kayaks, and the surrounding hills boast gorgeous coastal views. 

 

Rapid Bay History

Rapid Bay is one of many significant sites for both the Kaurna and Ramindjeri people, and features heavily in the Tjilbruke creation story. This story tells how Tjilbruke created the hills, valleys, and waters of the tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula.

During the mid-20th century, there was an active limestone quarry at Rapid Bay. This resulted in the construction of a jetty to ship limestone around Australia. Today, two jetties remain at Rapid Bay. The original is falling to bits, but serves as an abundant refuge to marine life.

 

How to Get to Rapid Bay Camping Ground

Rapid Bay is a 1.5 hour drive from Adelaide. The roads along the tip of the peninsula can be narrow, so no speed racers out here, please! However, it’s 2WD and caravan accessible.

Nearby Accommodation

Skill Level

Beginner

Be aware there’s no power, water, or supplies close by, so you’ll have to bring everything you need.

If you want to try to spot marine life, be aware that the beach isn’t patrolled, so confidence in the water is essential.

Essential Gear

  • A campsite booking
  • Drinking water
  • Food + supplies
  • Togs
  • Well-secured tent/ awning – it can get windy!
  • Snorkel or SCUBA gear

What It’s Like to Visit Rapid Bay Camping Ground

After spending a couple of hours driving through the South Australian hills and farmland, Rapid Bay popped out of nowhere! Once we crested the hill, it opened up to a scenic view and started heading down into the campsite.

 

 

There are no allocated campsites, so we simply booked online and rocked up on our chosen date. A campsite manager checked us in, and then the ball was in our court – do we compete for one of the prime positions right on the beach or opt for a spot on the grass? Either way, the water was only a few steps from our campsite, and all spots are flat and level.

The vibe was super relaxed. Despite there being no allocated sites, everyone had great camping etiquette, and there was a mix of families, couples, and small groups. And dog owners rejoice! As it’s not a national park, your puppy dogs are allowed to hang out here as long as they’re under control.

Rapid Bay attracts many marine enthusiasts – from fishers and kayakers, to snorkellers and divers. The calm waters and long jetty mean there’s plenty of space for water recreation. The bay is also a well-known hot spot for the elusive Leafy seadragon and Weedy seadragon. Unfortunately, the visibility wasn’t the greatest during our time in Rapid Bay, so no seadragon spotting for us. 

We also took a 20-minute cruise to the nearby Deep Creek National Park, which has some epic trails through the bush with stunning coastal views.

Even if you decide to relax at camp for your whole stay at Rapid Bay, you’ll head back to civilisation feeling refreshed and immediately planning your next trip back to the Fleurieu Peninsula.

 

Rapid Bay Camping Ground Tips

  • The campground has flushing toilets and non-potable water, but no other facilities or drinking water, so we made sure to bring the essentials! 

Find More South Australia Adventures

This piece was brought to you by a real living human who felt the wind in their hair and described their adventure in their own words. This is because we rate authenticity and the sharing of great experiences in the natural world – it’s all part of our ethos here at We Are Explorers. You can read more about it in our Editorial Standards.