Kathleen Creek campsite is a popular free camp site on the Oodnadatta Track. It’s about 84 kilometres from Oodnadatta heading towards Marla. The creek runs right alongside the track making it easy to spot.

Kathleen Creek Campsite Location And Info At A Glance

Cost: Free
Type: Free Camping / Bush Camping
Location: -27.204822°, 134.752916°
Pet Friendly: Yes
Distance From Marree: 489km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 84km
Distance From Marla: 170km

Kathleen Creek Camp Site Oodnadatta Track On Google Earth

Finding Kathleen Creek Campsite

There’s no sign telling you where to turn – you just pull off when you see the creek. You can camp on either side, east or west. Most people don’t drive too far in, maybe 100 to 500 metres at most. We’ve seen plenty of big caravans and motorhomes get in here without no trouble.

Recent roadworks have made access much better than it used to be. Still, you wouldn’t want to attempt this after heavy rain. The ground would turn into a real mess.

What’s Available

There are no facilities here. No toilets, no bins, no water taps. You need to bring everything with you and take it all away again. The ground is mostly flat and there’s usually some shade from the trees along the creek.

The creek itself sometimes has water in it but after dry spells it’ll have little to nothing in it. Sometimes there’s enough water for a quick wash or even a swim on a hot day. Other times it’s completely dry. Either way the trees are always there providing habitat for lots of birds.

Choosing Your Spot

• We’ve camped on the western side of the creek (the eastern side had more evidence of cattle).
• You can camp close to the road and still get nice creek views.
• If you want more privacy the tracks continue further along the creek with plenty of options.
• Even when there are several groups here there’s enough space for everyone.

Birds And Animals

The bird life here is fantastic, especially when there’s water around. We’ve seen budgerigars, wood ducks, various pigeons and plenty of other species. The constant bird chatter really adds to the peaceful atmosphere.

Dingoes and wild dogs visit regularly, particularly at night when they come down to drink. We’ve heard there are dog baits in the area so keep your pets close. You might also spot some feral cats and mice around the camp.

Flies are a problem during the day but they disappear once the sun sets. That’s pretty standard for this part of the country.

Kathleen Creek Campsite Oodnadatta Track

Campfires

Finding firewood can be hit or miss. Sometimes there’s plenty of dead wood lying around, other times you’ll struggle to find enough for a small fire. Don’t take more than you need – other people will be coming after you.

On our visit here we found a nice little stack of firewood and with some kindling that had been left by previous users of the Kathleen creek campsite. It was a nice surprise. We often do the same before leaving a camp and it was nice to have had the favour returned.

Things You Should Know

When it’s dry, the ground is solid and good for camping. After rain, expect mud and the potential of getting your vehicle bogged if you’re not careful.

There’s no mobile phone coverage here. You’ll need Starlink if you want a connection.

Why People Keep Coming Back To The Kathleen Creek Campsite

This Kathleen Creek campsite on the Oodnadatta Track captures everything good about outback travel. It’s quiet, clean, and feels genuinely remote. The creek setting with trees along the banks means lots of bird activity.

Most folks rock up planning just the one night but then don’t want to leave. You know how it is – you get settled in, the birds are going off, maybe there’s water trickling in the creek, and suddenly you’re thinking “why did I only book one night here?” That’s what happens at Kathleen Creek.

Of course it’ll only stay this good if people behave responsibly. Clean up your mess, put your fire out properly, don’t leave toilet paper lying around.

Halligan Bay Campsite has very basic facilities. The small campground is on Lake Eyre (Kati Thanda). Lots of people prefer the overflow sections for better views and space. The camping experience here changes dramatically depending on lake water levels – in August 2025 there’s plenty of water making it an exceptional time to visit but this isn’t always the case.

Halligan Bay Campsite Location And Info At A Glance

Cost: $22.30 Per Vehicle + National Park Entry Fee Also Applies
Type: National park Camping (Booking Required)
Location: -28.7648370, 136.9377810
Address: Halligan Bay Track, South Australia
Bookings URL: https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/parks/kati-thanda-lake-eyre-national-park/booking/73145
Pet Friendly: No
Distance From Marree: 261km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 272km
Distance From Marla: 470km
Distance From William Creek: 64km

Camping On Lake Eyre Kati Thanda

Halligan Bay Campsite Reality

Don’t expect luxury. The main camping area is small – basically an open field that some describe as resembling a car park. Most experienced campers prefer the overflow areas, particularly the western end which offers better views and more space. Sites are generally flat and easy to set up on.

The eco-toilets are hit and miss. Some visitors find them acceptable, others describe them as unusable due to smell. National Parks signage is reportedly faded and barely readable. There’s no water available so come completely self-sufficient.

Fees are $21.60 per night and yes the rangers do show up from time to time to check.

Halligans Bay

When There’s Water

• Lake Eyre with water is something special. Recent visitors describe walking out 200-700 metres onto the salt to reach the water’s edge, depending on levels.
• The contrast between the white salt and the water is incredible.

When There’s No Water

• Reviews from dry periods paint a different picture. Without water, you’re looking at endless salt flats and potentially lots of flies. Some visitors during dry times found the experience disappointing compared to other salt lakes like Lake Gairdner in the Gawler Ranges.

Getting To Halligan Bay Campground

Halligan Bay Campground sits inside Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park and you’ll need a 4WD to get there. The access track starts from a turn-off south of William Creek.

The drive from William Creek takes about an hour and fifteen minutes on a good day, longer if conditions are rough. Road quality varies enormously depending on recent weather and maintenance. Some travellers report freshly graded sections that make for easy driving, while others encounter severe corrugations, potholes, and sandy patches that’ll shake your fillings loose.

Recent visitors mention the first 70% of the track being in decent condition, with the final stretch getting rougher. A few have made it in regular 4WDs with lowered tyre pressures, but most recommend a proper 4WD vehicle. Several reviews mention people towing caravans, though not without consequences – blown tyres and damaged equipment seem common for those attempting it.

The landscape changes dramatically on the drive in. You’ll pass through gibber plains, areas of different vegetation, and fascinating hill formations before reaching the vast expanse of the lake.

Halligan Bay Campground Seen From Google Earth

The Route To Halligan Bay Campsite

Drive about 7 kilometres south from William Creek and look for the Halligan Bay track heading off to the east. This track runs for roughly 64 kilometres to the campground. Budget at least 2.5 hours for the drive – could be longer if conditions are rough.

Step-by-Step Directions

Starting from William Creek, head south along the main track that leads toward Lake Eyre. After approximately 7 kilometres, you’ll see the turn-off for Halligan Bay track on your left (heading east). Follow this track for the full 64 kilometres until you reach the campground at Halligan Bay.

The Experience

Weather can be extreme here. The site is completely exposed with no wind protection so expect it to be rough on windy days. The remoteness is part of the appeal – you’ll often have the place to yourself or share it with just one or two other groups. As you’d expect the campground gets comparatively busy when there is water in Lake Eyre.

Road Conditions – What to Expect

• Every review mentions road conditions and they vary wildly:
• Some sections are freshly graded and easy
• Corrugations range from mild to severe
• Potholes in white bulldust areas can cause damage
• Sandy sections require careful driving
• Washouts appear after rain
• Many experienced travellers recommend taking your time, lowering tyre pressures, and being prepared for equipment damage. Stories include lost damaged tyres, damaged caravans and various bits falling off vehicles.

Road Into Halligans Bay

Planning Your Visit

Check current conditions before heading out. Lake water levels fluctuate dramatically – what you see in photos might not reflect what you’ll find. Road conditions change after rain and not for the better.

Bring everything you need including water, food, toilet paper, and be prepared for basic facilities. If the toilets are unusable, have your own arrangements sorted.

Many visitors suggest this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, particularly when there’s water in the lake. The drive might be rough and the facilities basic, but being able to camp at Australia’s lowest point beside this iconic lake makes it worthwhile for most people.

Just manage your expectations – you’re not going to a resort, you’re experiencing one of Australia’s most remote and changeable landscapes.

The Oodnadatta Free Camp is on the edge of town and makes a decent base for exploring this historic railway town on the Oodnadatta Track. It’s a proper council run free camp with basic facilities and walking distance to everything Oodnadatta has to offer.

Oodnadatta Free Camp Campsite Location And Info At A Glance

Cost: Free
Type: Free Camping / Bush Camping
Location: -27.544493°, 135.446421°
Pet Friendly: Yes
Distance From Marree: 406km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 700m
Distance From Marla: 254km

Oodnadatta Free Camp Entrance Sign

Finding The Oodnadatta Free Camp

Look for the Free Camp sign on the northeast corner of town – you can’t miss it.When you get to Oodnadatta turn at the Museum sign and it’s on your left. The camp is right next to old Ghan railway line and museum.

What’s Available

Large flat area with room for quite a few rigs without getting cramped. Ground’s firm when dry but looks like it could turn into a bog if it gets wet. There are three shelters in decent condition, bins for rubbish and tables where you can set up for meals.

The electric BBQ is there but most people report it’s not working – makes a handy table for your camp stove though. You need to be fully self-contained as there’s no water or power.

Oodnadatta Free Camp From Above

Facilities And Town Access

Public toilets are about a 200 metre walk away – either at the Railway Museum or on the main road. They’re fairly new and kept clean. The walk’s not too bad during the day but most campers use their own facilities at night.

Everything in town is within easy walking distance. The Pink Roadhouse is your main stop – grocery store, gift shop, post office, meals, bar, and fuel all in one place.

Safety And Atmosphere

• This camp has a good reputation for safety. Multiple groups often camp here together, and there’s a real sense of community among travellers. People regularly mention feeling comfortable leaving their rigs during the day while exploring or doing day trips to places like Dalhousie Springs.
• Nights are quiet with minimal traffic noise.

What’s Around Town

The Railway Museum is worth checking out – grab the keys from the pub if it’s not open. There’s a playground nearby for kids, and the whole town’s basically a short stroll from the camp.

The pub across the road from the general store is bloody awesome. The Pink Roadhouse covers most of what you need. Their meals get consistently good reviews – large portions and decent tucker.

Phone coverage has improved recently with Telstra 4G now available in town.

Oodnadatta Free Camp

Things To Know About The Oodnadatta Free Camp

• Must be fully self-contained
• BBQ reported as not working but shelters and tables are available
• Toilets are a short walk away
• Safe to leave your rig during day trips
• Pink Roadhouse is your main supply point
• Good base for exploring the area

The Experience

This isn’t fancy camping but it does the job well. Clean, safe, and convenient to town facilities. You’ll likely meet other travellers doing the same journey, and the camp has that genuine outback community feel where people look out for each other.

Box Creek Bush Camp campsite is an amazing spot for free camping that most people miss driving past on the Oodnadatta Track. It’s where Box Creek and Old Woman Creek meet up about 3.5km from the old railway siding. No cost, no crowds, just proper bush camping the way it should be.

Box Creek Bush Camp Campsite Location And Info At A Glance

Cost: Free
Type: Free Camping / Bush Camping
Pet Friendly: Yes
Location: -28.714409°, 135.970542°
Distance From Marree: 248km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 157km
Distance From Marla: 411km

Finding The Campsite

Box Creek Bush Camp is easy enough once you know where to look. Coming from the north on the Oodnadatta Track, first left turn straight after you see the Box Creek sign. Drive right to the end – don’t stop halfway thinking you’re lost. It’s in about a kilometre from the track.

A few people reckon the turn can be hard to spot because the roads aren’t exactly what the maps show, but trust me – first left after that sign and keep going till you can’t go any further.

Box Creek Bush Camp Entry Point

What’s At Box Creek Bush Camp?

Box Creek Bush Camp isn’t a caravan park. No toilets, no water, no bins, no camp kitchen. You bring everything in, you take everything out. What you get instead is heaps of space, mostly flat ground and room for caravans of all sizes without getting jammed up against your neighbours.

Best spots are down the southern side about a kilometre in. The creeks form a bit of a bend here with some old coolabah trees giving decent shade. Ground’s pretty solid most of the time, but if it’s been raining stay off the softer patches or you’ll be reaching for the Maxtraxx and a shovel.

Fires And Firewood

Plenty of fallen timber lying around for fires. Every second review mentions this – seems there’s always enough wood to keep a fire going. Just check if there are any any fire bans in place before you light up.

Creek’s usually dry but when there’s water the mozzies turn up to the party. Flies are brutal here – probably the worst you’ll strike on the whole track. Bring a flynet or you’ll go mental.

Animals And Safety

Dingoes drop by regularly especially just before sunrise. Pretty amazing to see but keep your dog close and don’t leave anything interesting outside your van. Shoes seem to be a favourite thing to steal for some reason.

Birdlife’s excellent – wake up to proper bush sounds. Creek bed’s good for a wander, just watch the cats eyes from the local plants. They’ll go right through thin shoes.

Box Creek Bush Camp Oodnadatta Track On Google Earth

Why People Keep Coming Back

• Dead quiet out here. Far enough off the track that you won’t hear or see traffic. Most times you’ll have the whole place to yourself, though there’s room for half a dozen groups easy.
• Sunsets are something else. No light pollution so the stars are brilliant. When the desert flowers are out it’s pretty special.

Worth Knowing

• Turn up with everything – water, food, fuel. The nearest places to get anything at all from are at William Creek or The Oodnadatta Pink Roadhouse.
• Ground can get boggy after rain so pick your spot carefully. Dogs are welcome but watch them around the dingoes.
• Some people drive in, have a look, and decide it’s too early to stop. Big mistake – this spot’s worth staying for.

Box Creek Camp Campsite Is The Real Oodnadatta Track Camping Deal

Box Creek’s what outback camping used to be like everywhere. Free, spacious, no rules except the ones that matter – clean up after yourself and don’t wreck it for the next mob.

Not everyone’s cup of tea because there’s nothing here except what nature put there. But if you want proper bush camping this is as good as it gets on the Oodnadatta Track. Just don’t tell everyone about it – like we just did.

Travelling the Oodnadatta Track and want a proper bush camping experience? The overnight campsite near Irrapatana Sand Hills is worth considering. Sits just behind those red dunes with big views, some natural wind protection and proper outback quiet.

Overnight Campsite Near Irrapatana Sand Hills Location And Info At A Glance

Cost: Free
Type: Free Camping / Bush Camping
Location: -29.085839°, 136.529259°
Pet Friendly: Yes
Distance From Marree: 177km
Distance From Oodnadatta: 230km
Distance From Marla: 484km

Campsite Near Irrapatana Sand Hills Oodnadatta Track On Google Earth

Getting There

Turn off onto a dirt track that heads away from the main road, winds around behind the sand hills toward an old station. When heading towards Oodnadatta it’s on the left. Easy enough to get to when it’s dry and the camping area is mostly flat. Don’t even think about it if it’s been raining or looks like rain – turns into a bog.

What You’ll Find At The Overnight Campsite Near The Irrapatana Sand Hills

Plenty of room here, reasonably level, space for several caravans without being on top of each other. The sand dunes block some wind and make it feel pretty remote. There’s a fenced dam nearby that the local cattle use so make sure not to block access to it. Plenty of old fence posts and bits of wood lying around for a fire though you need to follow fire restrictions. Dogs are fine but keep an eye on them – cattle might be around and there’s no fencing to keep them separate. What remains of the old Irrapatana Siding on the Ghan Railway is not far away.

No Facilities

This is proper bush camping – no toilets, no water, no bins. You bring everything in, you take everything out. Need to be completely self-sufficient. If you want a basic stop along the track this works. Don’t expect anything else.

What To Like At The Overnight Campsite Near The Irrapatana Sand Hills

People like it for the space and quiet. Sandhills give it a nice backdrop and some shelter. Usually have the place to yourself. Good spot for caravans, camper trailers or just rolling out a swag. Decent place to break up the drive, get some rest or take photos of the red dunes. Sometimes get wildflowers through the area.

Irrapatana Sand Hills Turnoff On Google Earth

Know Before You Go

• Solid flat ground when dry, muddy mess when wet
• No facilities – no water, no shade, no toilets – it’s all up to you
• Usually wood around for fires but respect fire bans
• Zero little light pollution so good for looking at the stars

Bottom Line

The overnight campsite Near The Irrapatana Sand Hills is classic Oodnadatta Track camping – quiet, roomy, no frills. If you’re happy being self-sufficient and cleaning up after yourself it’s a nice place to spend the night. Red dunes, big skies, lots of peace and quiet. Look after it and it’ll be there for the next people coming through.