Marree Caravan Park: Marree Oasis Caravan Park & Cabins
If you’re driving through Marree – Marree Caravan Park is your only option. Marree Oasis Caravan Park & Cabins is in the middle of town. It’s got real outback character. Here’s the honest truth about what you’ll find warts and all. If you’re after a coastal style Big4 then the Marree Caravan Park isn’t for you.
Table Of Contents
Marree Caravan Park & Cabins Location And Info At A Glance
Cost: Powered $40. Unpowered $35.
Type: Caravan Park
Location: -29.646530°, 138.061902°
Pet Friendly: Yes
Distance From Marree: 0km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 405km
Distance From Marla: 659km
Marree Caravan Park
Marree Caravan Park Location
It’s right in the middle of Marree. Walk to the hotel, walk to the roadhouse, walk anywhere in town really. Perfect spot if you’re doing a Lake Eyre flight or just breaking up the trip on the Birdsville or Oodnadatta tracks. The people who run it are genuinely nice – patient, helpful. The sort of people who’ll bend over backwards to squeeze you in even when they’re packed to the rafters in peak season.
What You Get
It’s the outback so forget about fancy. Powered and unpowered sites, mostly flat enough to get your van level without too much mucking about. There’s a camp kitchen and fire pit where everyone ends up swapping stories after dark. The necessities are covered – hot showers, proper toilets, washing machine. Some folks reckon the facilities look a bit tired and could do with a makeover, but the shower pressure’s good albeit bore water. Can’t drink the water though – so bring your own with you
The Real Deal
Look, this isn’t the Ritz. Gets a bit rough around the edges, sites can be jammed together pretty tight, sometimes you’re practically camped in your neighbor’s kitchen. Want a pristine resort-style park? You’ll hate it. Come expecting outback conditions and you’ll find it does the job just fine, run by people trying their best in the middle of nowhere.
Marree Oasis Caravan Park Location On Google Earth
Poor Reviews On The Marree Caravan Park
I’ve spent a few hours reading through Marree Caravan Park reviews and there’s a very common theme. Most of the really bad reviews are written around the time of two big events. The camel races and the Big Red Bash. It kind of makes sense that the park will be well overloaded and running above capacity at these peak times. In reality it’s the only option in town so it cops an absolute hammering and things don’t get attended as they probably should. Outside of these times the bad reviews focus on the rundown amenities more so than a lack of general cleanliness.
We haven’t stayed there although we’ve been into the park a few times to use the dump point ($10 fee if not staying). we’ve found the people to be very helpful and nothing about the park has looked outrageously bad, certainly nothing that would warrant some of the poor and downright abusive reviews I have read.
Worth Knowing
- Book ahead in busy times or you’ll miss out
- Phone coverage is alright with Telstra and Optus, internet’s pretty ordinary
- Bore water showers are just how it is out here – works fine for getting clean
- Dogs welcome, just keep them behaved
The Good And Bad
- Sites are level
- Walk to everywhere
- Staff actually give a damn and help out
- Camp kitchen and fire pit
- Marree Hotel is just down the road for a proper feed and cold beer
- Public dump point – $10 fee payable if not staying in the park
Bottom Line
Pretty basic setup that could use some cash spent on it but it’s a lifeline in the middle of nowhere. Does what most people need and gives you a proper outback atmosphere. Don’t expect miracles, keep an open mind and the Marree Oasis Caravan park might just be the kind of authentic bush experience that sticks with you.