While park entry remains free, camping fees have been increased or implemented for 197 of the state’s 680 national and state parks. 

See fee schedule  

In most cases fees cover up to six people, with no discount for only one or two.  A booking fee of $10 may apply and in some cases booking fee is $15 for group bookings.  Bookings apply only for a limited number of campgrounds. Concession card discounts may apply.  Off peak discounts also apply. 

Peak period fees apply for all weekends (Friday/Saturday nights) commencing Melbourne Cup weekend to the end of February, Melbourne Cup long weekend, December/January school holidays, Labor Day weekend, Easter school holidays, and Anzac Day long weekend (when applicable).

Shoulder period fees apply on weekdays November to the end of April, weekdays and weekends from 1^st March to the end of April (except for Easter school holidays), and September school holidays.

Off-peak period fees apply from 1^st May to the start of the Melbourne Cup weekend (except for September school holidays).

As an example, the previously free and very popular Johanna Beach campground in the Great Otway National Park will now cost $37.50 in peak periods, $35.90 in shoulder period and $34 off peak.  Bookings do not apply for Johanna Beach, but Blanket Bay in the same park is subject to a ballot system. 

Concessions:   

Concession card holders – discount for overnight camping fees only. A 10% per cent discount off the seasonal per night fee for campsites is available for holders of eligible means-tested concession cards. Eligible concession cards include:
Centrelink Health Care Card
Centrelink Pensioner Concession card
Veterans Affairs Gold Card for All Conditions
Veterans Affairs Gold Card War Widow
Veterans Affairs Gold Card TPI
Veterans Affairs Gold card POW & EDA 

1st July 2014

From 1^st August 2014 South Australia joins the other states with having an on line booking system for some National Parks campgrounds, commencing with two popular parks. These are the Innes National Park and the Mount Remarkable National Park. 

From this date camping bookings are essential and cash payments will no longer be taken at the parks. Book early if you’re planning to visit during peak periods such as long weekends and school holidays as the campgrounds are in high demand. Bookings can be made up to twelve months in advance.

This booking system will provide campers with basic information they need to know prior to booking such as:

¬ An image of the individual site

¬ What vehicles are suitable for the site i.e. caravan, campervan, tent etc.

¬ Where the site is located in proximity to the amenities

¬ Any other information i.e. shady site, near creek, fire pit etc

Why have bookings become necessary?  During school holidays and long weekends campers may travel some distance to popular parks only to find the whole park is at maximum capacity and they have nowhere to stay. For visitors do not carry cash or correct change, the online system allows visitors to use credit or debit cards. The most concerning issue we are currently faced with is vandalism and theft of our self-registration bays.

For those who do not have internet access or do not have credit or debit cards, the Visitor Information Centre at Innes National Park will have a self-service station with computers for card payments.  As the system develops, local businesses will act as agents who can make bookings. These will also take cash for visitors who do not have a credit or debit cards.

In coming months, the online booking system will be rolled out to other parks for entry, camping, accommodation, and park facilities such as tennis courts, dive permits and tours.

Visitors who have purchased park passes will need to book a campsite online, and provide their pass number when they book. The system will calculate what to charge the visitor according to the type of pass they have (i.e. entry only, camping and entry). Visitors with a camping and entry pass will not be charged.

Read more on National Parks South Australia  

23 July 2014