Explore the best campsites in Uluru. Get details on amenities, location, and what makes each spot unique for a perfect outback camping trip. Camping in Uluru offers a unique opportunity to connect with the heart of Australia’s Red Centre. The red rock and its surrounding landscape provides a spectacular backdrop for an unforgettable time away. Read on to find out what you need to know about camping in Uluru from the best campsites to essential tips and activities.

Camping in Uluru is a dream for many outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. The striking beauty of Uluru also known as Ayers Rock combined with the unique cultural and natural experiences in the region makes it an exceptional destination. Use this blog post to help you plan your camping trip and make the most of your time in this iconic part of Australia.

Why Go Camping In Uluru?

Uluru is not just a rock; it’s a place of deep cultural significance and natural wonder. Camping in Uluru allows you the time to begin to appreciate the stunning landscape. Spend time camping in Uluru so you can feel serene beauty of the desert, and experience the rich Aboriginal culture that goes deep in the area. Waking up to the sight of Uluru bathed in the morning light is an experience that stays with you forever.

Top Campsites In Uluru

Ok so I’m going to let you in on a secret. There really isn’t much camping in Uluru or near Uluru. That all died out way back around the time Michael and Lindy Chamberlain were putting their tent up for the night back in 1980.

The closest you’ll get is Ayers Rock Campground. We’ve stayed there before and it really is an excellent caravan park. It’s got everything you need. As you’ll be aware of if you’ve read our blog before we’re generally not caravan park people but when you have to you have to sort of thing. As massive bonus to staying at Ayers Rock Campground is being able to take part in all of the daily activities throughout the resort. The didgeridoo workshop, painting workshop, bush tucker presentations and talks in the town square given by the very knowledgeable indigenous guides are NOT to be missed.

So what we’ve done is listed all of the place you can camp as close as you can get to Uluru. At the bottom of each listing you’ll find the distances to the Uluru Sunset Viewing platform displayed. To be honest the furthest you’d want to travel to Uluru from daily would be Curtin Springs I reckon. Keep in mind that even from Curtin Springs you’ll have an hour each way commute to the rock or the Olgas. And remember if if you are coming back from viewing a sunset that’s an hour in the dark on outback roads with the hoppy buggers leaping around all over the place.

So anyway without any further waffling on here are the 10 Top Campsites In Uluru or as close as you can get!

1. Ayers Rock Campground

Ayers Rock Campground is one of the most popular camping options near Uluru, located within Ayers Rock Resort. Close to Uluru and Kata Tjuta Ayers Rock Campground is ideal for visitors wanting to explore the national park.

• Facilities: Showers, toilets, laundry facilities, swimming pool.
• Accommodation Options: Powered and unpowered sites suitable for tents, caravans, and campervans.
• Activities: Guided tours, cultural experiences, and sunset viewing.

Cost: Powered $90 / Unpowered $70* as at June 2024 (check their web site as it varies according to season)
Type: Caravan Park
Location: 173 Yulara Dr, Yulara 0872, Northern Territory
GPS: -25.238749°, 130.990129°
Phone: 0130 013 404
Web: https://ayersrockresort.com.au
Pet Friendly: Yes
Distance To Uluru Sunset Viewing Area: 15km

Camped At Ayers Rock Camp Ground

2. Yulara Overflow

Yulara Overflow offers a convenient location within Ayers Rock Resort. It gives you access to local amenities and attractions. It is only open when Ayers Rock Campground is full. Located in Yulara this campground is close to the visitor centre and cultural centre of Ayers Rock Resort.

• Facilities: Showers, toilets, camp kitchen, swimming pool.
• Accommodation Options: Powered and unpowered sites.

Cost: Unpowered $60* as at June 2024 (varies according to season)
Type: Caravan Park Overflow
Location: Yulara, Northern Territory
GPS: -25.233358°, 130.989135°
Pet Friendly: Yes
Distance To Uluru Sunset Viewing Area: 15km

Uluru Rent A Car And Visit Yulara Resort

3. Sandy View Roadside Rest Area

This is a free campground. It’s the only currently listed free camping area anywhere near Uluru.

• It is accessible to motorbikes, RVs, camper trailers and caravans.
• Camping in tents is allowed.
• You can stay here for up to 24 hours.
• This is a roadside site only.
• Free camping at Ayers Rock.
• Free camping at Uluru.
• Free camping at Yulara.

Cost: Free
Type: Roadside Camping
Location: Lasseter Hwy, Yulara, Northern Territory
GPS: -25.220208°, 131.229939°
Distance From Laverton WA: 1,133km
Distance From Uluru NT: 41km
Pet Friendly: Yes

Sandy View Roadside Rest Area

4. Curtin Springs Wayside Inn & Campground

On your arrival, please come into the store and obtain the information as to how the campground works, where you can set up and just as importantly, where you can’t set up. Curtin Springs is a very special part of Central Australia, owned by a family who have made this remote place their home. Curtin Springs Wayside Inn provides 27 accommodation rooms, campground, fuel, store and great homestyle meals for visitors when they are exploring the region. We have a small number of powered sites and unlimited unpowered sites. There is no charge for unpowered sites, there is a charge for powered sites. It is important to book your powered sites in advance.

• There is a per person/per shower charge that applies to everyone in the campground, whether in powered or unpowered sites.
• If you wish to fill your water tanks, please make a $10 donation into one of the charity tins in the store.
• Curtin Springs offers a perfect base from which to visit the Ayers Rock and Kings Canyon areas.
• ULP and Diesel are available.
• Good 4G Telstra coverage, we do have a small Optus satellite cell that gives limited Optus mobile coverage.

Amenities

• Facilities: Basic amenities including showers and toilets.
• Accommodation Options: Unpowered and powered sites.
• Activities: Stargazing, bird watching and cattle station tours.

Cost: Free / Showers $4 / Fee For Powered Sites / Fill Water Tanks $10 Donation
Type: Roadhouse
Location: Lasseter Hwy, Petermann, Northern Territory
GPS: -25.315585°, 131.756900°
Phone: (08) 8956 2906
Email: enquiries@curtinsprings.com
Web: https://www.curtinsprings.com
Pet Friendly: Yes
Distance To Uluru Sunset Viewing Area: 97km

Curtin Springs Not Quite Camping In Uluru

5. Petermann Rest Stop (Curtin Springs East)

This is a free campground. It is accessible to RVs, camper trailers, caravans and big rigs. Camping in tents is allowed. You can stay here for up to 24 hours. You must be fully self-contained.

Cost: Free
Type: Roadside Rest Area
Location: Lasseter Hwy, Petermann, Northern Territory
GPS: -25.265822°, 131.978467°
Distance To Uluru Sunset Viewing Area: 125km

Petermann Rest Area Lasseter Highway Camping In Uluru

6. Kernot Range Rest Area

This is a free campground. It is accessible to RVs, camper trailers, caravans and big rigs. Camping in tents is allowed. You can stay here for up to 24 hours. You must be fully self-contained.

Cost: Free
Type: Roadside Rest Area
Location: Lasseter Hwy, Petermann, Northern Territory
GPS: -25.176982°, 132.252288°
Dog Friendly: Yes
Distance To Uluru Sunset Viewing Area: 157km

Kernot Range Rest Area

7. Salt Creek Rest Area

Rest area located 48km N Lasseter Hwy, on Luritja Road, approximately 110km from Kings Canyon. You may stay up to 24 hours. Facilities include picnic tables, shelters and rubbish bins. Please DO NOT drive across or camp behind the sand dune. The area behind the dune is part of the Angas Downs Indigenous Protected Area, where the Imanpa community and Anangu traditional owners are looking after their country to protect animals, plants, culture and heritage. Access onto Angas Downs IPA without permission disrespects the Anangu custodians. Traditional owners have expressly asked that tourists do not camp behind the dunes and make sure they leave the area tidy. Bury your toilet waste properly and take your rubbish with you. Angas Downs Rangers are conducting patrols and will ask campers behind the dunes to relocate to the rest area beside the Luritja Road.

Cost: Free
Type: Roadside Rest Area
Location: Luritja Rd, Petermann, Northern Territory
GPS: -24.772757°, 132.306874°
Pet Friendly: Yes
Distance To Uluru Sunset Viewing Area: 201km

8. Gumtree Circuit Campground

This is a free campground. It is accessible to RVs, camper trailers, caravans and big rigs. Camping in tents is allowed. You can stay here for up to 24 hours. You must be fully self-contained.

Cost: Free
Type: Campground
Location: Luritja Rd, Petermann, Northern Territory
GPS: -24.639554°, 132.308414°
Pet Friendly: Yes
Distance To Uluru Sunset Viewing Area: 218km

Gumtree Circuit Campground

9. Docker River Camping

• This unpaid campground no longer offers toilets or showers.
• It is dog friendly.
• It is accessible to RVs, camper trailers, caravans and big rigs.
• Local community (shop and diesel) closed to other than residents.
• Camping in tents is allowed.
• Telstra reception
• NOTE: store/fuel at Docker River NOT OPEN SUNDAYS

Cost: Free
Type: Bush Camping
Location: Tjukaruru Rd, Docker River, Northern Territory
GPS: -24.865080°, 129.061564°
Pet Friendly: Yes
Distance To Uluru Sunset Viewing Area: 228km

10. Longitude 131°

Longitude 131° provides luxury camping (glamping) near Uluru. Nestled among ancient dunes, Longitude 131° is a gathering of sixteen tented pavilions designed to offer both luxurious sanctuary and a profound sense of place. Unparalleled views of Uluru’s changing lights play out from the end of the bed, or on balconies from the warmth of a luxury swag unfurled in the cool night air. Custom furnishings invite stylish lounging, while works by local Indigenous artists offer inspiration. Guests observe the sights of the outback through floor to ceiling windows, relax on outdoor decks and sleep under a blanket of stars. Located within the national park, offering stunning views of Uluru.

• Facilities: Luxury tents with ensuite bathrooms.
• Activities: Exclusive tours, gourmet dining experiences.

Cost: From $3,780 per night in a Luxury Tent* (price as per web site June 2024)
Type: Luxury Pavilion Style Tents
Location: Yulara, Northern Territory
GPS: -25.250038°, 131.008477°
Phone: +61 299 184 355
Email: reserve@baillielodges.com.au
Web: https://longitude131.com.au/stay/#luxury-tent
Distance To Uluru Sunset Viewing Area: 17km

Best Time For Camping In Uluru

The best time to camp in Uluru is during the cooler months from May to September. Temperatures are way more more comfortable at this time of year making outdoor activities possible. Summer months (December to February) can be extremely hot with daytime temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F). Even in Autumn and Spring the area can just be too damn hot to do anything outdoors without dripping buckets of sweat.

Respecting Indigenous Culture and Heritage

Uluru is a sacred site to the Anangu people. It’s important to show respect for their culture and traditions it’s also just basic good manners. Visitors are encouraged to learn about the significance of Uluru and to follow guidelines set by the traditional owners such as not climbing the rock.

Safety Tips for Camping in the Outback

• Stay Hydrated: Carry plenty of water and drink regularly.
• Be Prepared for Weather: Pack for both hot days and cold nights.
• Emergency Supplies: Have a basic emergency kit including a flashlight, extra batteries, and a whistle.
• Inform Others: Let someone know your itinerary and expected return.
• Stay on Marked Trails: To avoid getting lost and to protect the environment.

Top Activities Near Uluru

Sunrise and Sunset Viewing
The changing colours of Uluru at sunrise and sunset are truly mesmerising. Viewing platforms around the park offer the best vantage points. Make sure to arrive early to secure a good spot.

Guided Tours
Join guided tours to gain deeper insights into the geology, ecology, and cultural history of Uluru. Options include walking tours, segway tours, and helicopter flights.

Cultural Experiences
Participate in cultural activities offered by the Anangu people. These can include traditional dot painting workshops, storytelling sessions and guided walks. If you are camping in Uluru at the walk most of these activities are included.

Hiking and Walking Trails
Explore the various trails in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. The Uluru Base Walk is a must do offering a close up view of the rock and its surroundings. The Valley of the Winds walk at Kata Tjuta is another excellent option. Make sure to take PLENTY of water with you on these walks and wear good solid hiking shoes. Hats are mandatory as is slopping on plenty of sunscreen.

Stargazing
The clear outback skies provide a perfect canvas for stargazing. Without the interference of city lights, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Milky Way and other celestial wonders.

Wildlife to Watch For
The Uluru region is home to a large assortment of wildlife. Things you might be privileged to see include kangaroos, emus, dingoes and numerous bird species. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for wildlife spotting.

Environmental Considerations While Camping In Uluru

• Leave No Trace: Ensure you leave your campsite as you found it. Dispose of waste properly.
• Use Eco-Friendly Products: Biodegradable soap and shampoo are recommended.
• Conserve Water: Use water sparingly and be mindful of the limited resources.

Local Food And Dining Options

While camping, you might want to try some local cuisine. Ayers Rock Resort offers loads of dining options from casual cafes to fine dining. Don’t miss the chance to try bush tucker, traditional Aboriginal foods.

How to Get to Uluru

Uluru is accessible by road or air. The nearest airport is Ayers Rock Airport (Connellan Airport), with regular flights from major Australian cities. If driving, it’s about a 4.5-hour drive from Alice Springs.

Camping Etiquette

• Respect Quiet Hours: Be mindful of noise levels especially at night.
• Follow Campground Rules: Adhere to posted guidelines and instructions.
• Be Considerate of Others: Share communal facilities respectfully.

Conclusion

Camping in Uluru is a unique experience that allows you to connect deeply with the natural and cultural wonders of Australia’s Red Centre. By choosing the right campsite, packing essentials, and respecting the environment and local traditions, you can ensure a safe and memorable adventure.

Camping In Uluru FAQs Frequently Asked Questions