Now more than ever people are looking for cheap caravan and camping destinations if they exist, and I’m happy to say that there are still some great low cost options and some even free, out there, if you’re a bit prepared before you go.

The Murray River in South Australia is a lovely, peaceful destination to head to and there are a number of places you can stay along the banks of the river. Some have basic amenities and others don’t, but they all have serene river views and allow you to relax by the river for a bit of quiet time.

Most caravans are well equipped with 12 volt capability to enable off grid stays for days, and you can always carry some light weight roll out solar panels to boost your supply if needed.

Make sure you’re carrying enough water to last, carrying some extra drinking water will ensure you can stretch the reserves, and look for 12 volt appliances that you can use too. 12 volt fans do the job when the weather is hot and having a diesel or gas heater in the van will get you through cold days.

Meals prepared on a BBQ, or using a butane cooker will sort out all your meals and other than that, all you need is a fishing rod, a good book and comfy deckchair for a dream getaway.

Here are some of my favourite spots for caravanning on the Murray River.

Renmark

Plush’s Bend is 6 kilometres out of town but there are 15 signposted sites right on the river banks that you can book and pay for online. Another 15 spaces are unallocated and all sites cost $10 per night. The area has basic toilet facilities and dogs are allowed on leash.

For all the details visit the booking website here.

Overland Corner / Heron Bend Reserve (FREE)

What’s not to love with a free camp in walking distance to an historic pub! Around 30 kilometres west of Berri on the Old Coach Road, you’ll find the Overland Corner Hotel, which is an easy walk from the river’s edge, where you can stay at Heron Bend.

Because this area is on a floodplain, it’s not always accessible after flooding and rain events, so it pays to check before planning to stay by the river but when you can, it’s a beauty for nature lovers.

It’s best for self-contained vans here, there was one long drop toilet when we last visited but it wasn’t close to accessible camping areas. Dogs are allowed under effective control at Heron Bend.

Martin Bend – Berri

You won’t be setting up the caravan right next to the water here, but it’s only a short walk away and for $7 per night and only 2 kilometres out of the town of Berri, it’s a good one. There is a toilet block here as well and a dump point.

There are 40 unallocated sites and it’s a popular area for swimming, fishing and bush walks.

Lake Bonney – Barmera

There are a number of cheap bush camps around Lake Bonney, around 15 kilometres from Berri that start from around $7 per night. Dogs are allowed on leash, and all details and booking information can be found here.

Hogwash Bend – Cadell (FREE)

Around 22 kilometres east of Morgan, is Hogwash Bend a free camping area with no facilities, so you have to be in a self-contained van to stay.

The beauty of this spot is the wide sandy beach that edges the camping area, which makes it popular for swimming, fishing and boating – it can get busy at holiday times.

The camping areas are full of large eucalyptus trees so you should be mindful of this when you pick a spot to set up camp, as falling branches can be a hazard to watch for.

Swan Reach (FREE)

Around 30 kilometres south of Waikerie is Swan Reach and the terrific free camp of Tenbury Hunter Reserve. You can find quite a few spots to relax and set up on the riverfront and there’s a good toilet, ferry access within walking distance of the reserve and the Swan Reach Hotel right across the river.

A great spot for bird watching , paddle wheelers pass by and self-contained fires are allowed at the right time of year.

Swamp Hen Reserve & Hettner Landing – Walker Flat (FREE)

Walker Flat is around 58 kilometres south of Blanchetown and these two different camping areas are totally free and have basic toilets to use nearby. They have open, grassy sites along the riverbank and you’ll find spaces suitable for all size rigs. The Walker Flat general store is nearby for basic supplies, fuel and ice.

Great areas for watching passing river traffic, birdlife and a spot of fishing.

Bolto Reserve and Haythorpe Reserve – Mannum

These two camping areas are across the river from Mannum town but easily accessible via the ferry. It’s only a short walk back into town from the campsites once you’re set up.

Bolto Reserve has toilets and there’s a fee of $10 per night for sites, some directly on the riverfront.

Haythorpe Reserve used to have toilet facilities and a dump point but after the last (2023) Murray River flooding event, they have been demolished and for that reason you can now stay here for free, but must be self-contained.

These are just a few of the best spots to caravan and camp along the Murray River in South Australia, but with this many choices you’re bound to find the perfect one for you and your rig, and at such low cost or in some cases, free places to stay, you can afford to splash a bit of cash around in the towns that have provided such great escapes.

Enjoy

Glenys