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An essential Canberra caravan park and camping guide

Connect with nature at one of these top spots.

Heading to town with the RV in tow or for a relaxed camping trip? There are plenty of caravan parks in Canberra catering to all types of travellers. We’ve rounded up the best options for your next stay, whether you’re after camping spots, caravan and RV sites, cabins or a stylish villa.

In short

Our pick for the best Canberra caravan park from an outstanding list? Cotter Campground will immerse you in the Aussie bush without having to forgo a nice, warm shower and flushing toilet.

1. Alivio Tourist Park

Boronia Villas at the Alivio Tourist Park
Sleep under the stars. (Image: Alivio Tourist Park)

Offering a mix of caravan and RV sites, cabins and stylish villas, Alivio Tourist Park is all about proximity – just four kilometres from Canberra’s city centre, keen walkers won’t even need to take the car – but it’s just a five-minute drive if that’s more your thing, or you can hire an e-bike on site to tour around.

Sites can be a bit packed, especially during high seasons, and some reviewers found the cabin facilities a little on the older side, but overall the park has everything you’ll need. Think onsite restaurant, clean camp kitchen, full amenities and a water park that could rival a theme park offering, so you know the kids will be entertained for hours. There’s even an outdoor cinema for cosy movie nights with the family, and avid wildlife watchers will love all the Australian critters around the park! Due to all the creature comforts, prices are a little higher than usual, but definitely worth it.

Address: 20 Kunzea Street, O’Connor ACT

2. Capital Country Holiday Park

lakeside cabins at Capital Country Holiday Park, Canberra
Settle into tranquil lakeside cabins. (Image: Capital Country Holiday Park)

A little further out, you’ll find Capital Country Holiday Park , which caters to everyone from tent campers to larger groups. Still close to Canberra’s attractions (a 20-minute drive at most), this holiday park has unpowered and powered sites, en suite sites, cabins and lodges. Our pick? The Lake Villa, which has a balcony perched next to the on-site lake, making it the perfect spot for an evening drink.

Set on 15 hectares, the holiday park recently underwent a renovation of its recreational facilities, and now has an updated putt putt golf course, outdoor games area for basketball, soccer and beach volleyball, a seriously fun and huge futsal dart board, plus a brand new playground for the kids. This is also a dog-friendly caravan park, so your furry friend can come on holiday too. There are two bungalows that accept pets, plus four ‘dog freedom’ sites that feature full fencing around your RV or caravan.

Address: 47 Bidges Road, Sutton NSW

3. Discovery Parks – Canberra

The modern, recently developed Discovery Parks – Canberra might be the most stylish caravan park in the region. The state-of-the-art camp kitchen is definitely a highlight, with large, modern fridges, cooking facilities and ample space to sit and enjoy a meal. The location can’t be beat, too – close enough to the city centre to make exploring easy, but in a quiet area for peaceful evenings.

Prices are still on the reasonable end, too. However, we wouldn’t recommend this tourist park for those with active little ones looking for entertainment – it is more of an accommodation-focused caravan park suited for couples or families with older children.

Address: Corner of Federal Highway and Old Well Station Road, Gungahlin ACT

4. Canberra Holiday Village

the BBQ area at Canberra Holiday Village
Fire up the grill in the expansive BBQ area. (Image: Canberra Holiday Village)

Conveniently situated in Symonston, close to Canberra’s CBD, Canberra Holiday Village is a popular Canberra caravan park with powered and unpowered sites, plus a range of cabins for those travelling without an RV.

Prices are competitive and affordable (visitors are often impressed with the prices during high seasons), but this is definitely no-frills, budget accommodation – reviews mention sites are on the smaller side and cabin interiors are a little dated. Still, small dogs are allowed in the park, and reviews rave about the friendly staff and clean amenities.

Address: 250 Canberra Avenue, Symonston ACT

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5. Crestview Tourist Park

a deluxe two-bedroom villa at Crestview Tourist Park
Book a stay in one of the deluxe two-bedroom villas at Crestview Tourist Park.

Situated at the south end of Canberra near Queanbeyan, Crestview Tourist Park is a great option if you’re less interested in being close to action and more looking for a relaxing holiday with proximity to some great Canberra restaurants. Nearby Kingston and Manuka have some of the best, like Onzieme, with many dotted along the foreshore of beautiful Lake Burley Griffin.

Powered sites are priced reasonably, and the park also offers self-contained accommodation in the form of villas (some of which can accommodate up to 12 people) and budget-friendly cabins. There is a lovely swimming pool onsite, as well as free coffee at reception, a playground for little ones and wi-fi throughout the park.

Address: 81 Donald Road, Karabar NSW

6. Eaglehawk Park

the cabins at the Eaglehawk Park Canberra
The cosy cabins are set among lush gardens. (Image: Eaglehawk Park Canberra)

Outside town, you’ll find Eaglehawk Park , which offers some of the cheapest accommodation near Canberra for those travelling with caravans and RVs. This doesn’t mean you’ll skip out on style and comfort, though.

The park has all kinds of properties, including powered and en suite sites, budget-friendly cabins, cosy cottages and fully furnished villas. There is also an outdoor pool, playground, barbecue area and plenty of green space. One real highlight is the Eagle Hawk Hotel, just a short stroll away, offering great pub fare and entertainment. Don’t miss the Thursday night meat raffle – you could be cooking up a storm in the communal BBQ area all weekend.

Address: 1246 Federal Highway Service Road, Sutton NSW

7. Queanbeyan Riverside Caravan Park

the scenic Queanbeyan Riverside Caravan Park
Views don’t get more serene than this.

Staying at Queanbeyan Riverside Caravan Park is a good option if you’re arriving with a caravan in tow, although the distance from the CBD will mean ideally, you have a car you can detach for getting around in, although buses service the area regularly and can drop you right into town. A real plus are the riverside caravan sites, which sit on the banks of the Queanbeyan River for an idyllic spot to set up.

All sites have access to power and water, including the designated camping spots, and even the riverside sites are in range of the park’s free WiFi. There’s a well-appointed camp kitchen and clean toilets, as well as laundry and drying facilities. The park is also pet-friendly and close to Queanbeyan shops and cafes.

Address: 41A Morisset Street, Queanbeyan NSW

8. Exhibition Park

the caravan and campground at Exhibition Park Canberra
Exhibition Park is a central place to camp or caravan in Canberra.

Canberra’s showground, Exhibition Park (or EPIC), offers caravan sites on a sprawling 75-hectare lot just eight minutes from the CBD. The pet-friendly park is a great option for families, with a local farmers market held every Saturday morning on the grounds.

The prices may be considered a little steep, but you’ll be in the centre of town, plus the park has full amenities including toilets, showers and laundry facilities. Bookings are essential, and the park is closed for certain events throughout the year.

Address: Corner Flemington Road and Northbourne Avenue, Mitchell ACT

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9. Cotter Campground

the entrance to Cotter Campground
Escape from the city noise at Cotter Campground.

Just 25 minutes outside of Canberra, you’ll find Cotter Campground , set on the tranquil Cotter River where it meets the mighty Murumbidgee. With hot showers, potable water, flushing toilets, barbecues and dishwashing facilities, it’s on the more glamorous end of Canberra camping spots, so it’s great if you want to stay somewhere for a while (or just like a few creature comforts).

If you’re looking for nature experiences, Brindabella Range and Namadgi National Park, are nearby, plus there are walking tracks, fishing and kayaking opportunities within the campground itself. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a platypus splashing about in the river. No dogs allowed.

Address: 1691 Cotter Road, Stromlo ACT

10. Woods Reserve Campground

the lush bushlands at Woods Reserve Campground
Embrace seclusion in the lush bushlands at Woods Reserve Campground.

Note: Woods Reserve Campground is closed until mid-2026 for an upgrade of facilities.

Not too far from Cotter Campground is Woods Reserve Campground , a dog-friendly site that is also in close proximity to Namadgi. It’s a good option if you’ve brought along the furry family member, but they must remain on leash to protect native wildlife.

It may be a little less luxurious, with no drinking water and no bins, but there are toilet and shower facilities, fire pits, washing amenities and picnic tables onsite. Take a stroll to nearby Gibraltar Falls for a refreshing wild swim.

Address: Corin Road, Paddys River ACT

11. Honeysuckle Campground

Known for its clean facilities and proximity to walking trails, Honeysuckle Campground is filled with history, including remnants of an old space tracking station. The Australian Alps Walking Track passes the campsite, so keen hikers can head off to explore nearby Mount Tennent or Booroomba Rocks, too. Entry is free, you just need to BYO firewood and water.

Address: Corin Road, Paddys River ACT

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Melissa Mason
Melissa Mason is a freelance journalist who loves road tripping and car snacks. Previously holding Editor roles at ELLE, marie claire, Broadsheet and Pedestrian.TV, she now writes travel and lifestyle content for a wealth of Australian titles like SMH, Mamamia and Urban List, as well as copywriting for international brands. Outside of writing, she loves walks with her dog Ted, a great Sunday afternoon with friends, and op shopping. If she could be anywhere right now it would be lounging on a hammock at a tropical resort with a great romantic fantasy book.
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After dark: 6 experiences along the Murray lighting up the night

(Credit: Serena Munro)

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
    See the Murray region in an entirely different light by exploring its night-time experiences and attractions.

    By day, the mighty Murray River is a majestic and ever-changing sight, with river red gums and wetlands stretching along 2500 kilometres. But by night, its cities, towns, villages and landscapes totally transform.

    From Albury Wodonga to Mildura, and everywhere in between, you’ll be in for a multi-sensory and memorable treat encompassing mesmerising light shows, guided ghost tours and vibrant celebrations that capture the nocturnal magic of the river.

    This is no ordinary nighttime adventure; the region becomes an entirely different world when the sun sets. Discover six must-do activities along the Murray that can only be enjoyed after dark.

    1. Share in ghostly tales

    Port After Dark tour Murray at night
    Hold on to your nerve when learning local ghost stories. (Credit: Campaspe Shire Council)

    If you’re up for something a little more spine-tingling, Port After Dark in Echuca is your best bet. Rumour has it that the Port of Echuca Wharf and the buildings around it have long been home to lingering ghosts and mysterious events – like the vengeful woman said to haunt an old tramway bridge and spirits searching for stolen money through the town centre.

    You can hear all about them on this guided lantern tour, which takes place on Wednesday and Saturday nights after dark. The stories are atmospheric and intriguing – you may even spot a ghost or two yourself. If you’d like a more intimate experience, private tours are also available to groups of 15 or more.

    2. Wander art installations

    Bruce Munroe's Fibre Optic Symphoinic Orchestra Murray at night
    See Bruce Munro’s immersive art installation. (Credit: Serena Munro)

    Right near the Perry Sandhills, sits an experience that feels almost otherworldly. Artist Bruce Munro (of Uluru’s Field of Lights fame) has created a Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra, a network of 80 Hills Hoists illuminated with fibre optic light combined with the sounds of an orchestra. The clotheslines glow and pulse in time to the specially composed score, immersing you in a dreamscape of light and sound.

    For a different light experience, you’ll find stillness at Trail of Lights, also curated by Munro. Located just 30 minutes away on Lock Island in Mildura, thousands of lights stretch over the landscape, spotlighting both the river and a series of Munro’s sculptures. The trail is intended to be a peaceful and meditative setting for wandering and reflecting.

    3. Learn through lasers

    Heartbeat of the Murray at night
    Travel 30 million years into the Murray’s past at Heartbeat of the Murray. (Credit: Ewen Bell)

    Discover a fascinating history in this dual act of lights and projections on the banks of the Little Murray River. Legends of the Mallee is a multimedia show in Swan Hill combining lasers and lights, which tells the story of the region’s rich past. Learn about the Wamba Wamba and Wadi Wadi Peoples who first inhabited the area, as well as the figures and events that shaped the Mallee of today.

    The river steals the spotlight in the Heartbeat of the Murray, a multimedia spectacle inside the Pioneer Settlement encompassing lights, lasers, sound and special effects against the natural backdrop. Through a sequence of large-scale animated projections, you’ll go back 30 million years to explore the Murray River’s formation before travelling to the present to learn how it supports modern communities.

    4. Light up the lake

    Lake Mulwala Laser Light Show Murray at night
    Watch the lights and lasers of Lake Mulwala. (Credit: Mulwala Water Ski Club)

    Travelling with kids? Head to Yarrawonga Mulwala and nearby Lake Mulwala for the family-friendly Laser Light & Sound Show. Lights and lasers are projected over the lake and onto curtains of fog, creating a colourful and high-energy visual display. The show suits all ages and tastes, set to a mix of songs that everyone knows and loves.

    You can take in the spectacle from either the grassy banks of the lake or book a table at the Mulwala Water Ski Club’s Malibu Deck Cafe, serving pub-style food and refreshing drinks, including excellent classic cocktails. If you’re watching from the foreshore, the show is entirely free, making it a great budget-friendly option.

    5. Be captivated by local culture

    Bullanginya Dreaming Murray at night
    Soak in the culture of the Bangerang People. (Credit: Laser Vision)

    Set aside an evening to explore Bullanginya Dreaming in Cobram Barooga – you’ll want ample time to take in the stories and symbolism of this immersive laser light and sound trail. The 1.8-kilometre trail explores the storytelling and culture of the Bangerang People, who have long cared for the lands around Bullanginya Lagoon in Barooga. The trail features 12 activations – each telling a different story – and combines dramatic lights and lasers with water and fire.

    Intertwined with the visual displays are Bangerang narratives, giving you meaningful insight into the area’s Indigenous heritage. It’s designed to be explored over 90 or so minutes, encouraging you to move slowly and thoughtfully.

    6. Discover a winter glow

    winterglow festival
    See the streets of Albury Wodonga come to life after dark. (Credit: Visit Albury Wodonga)

    Albury Wodonga comes alive as the weather drops, with an annual celebration of the season on Saturday, 15 August. WinterGlow takes over the CBD and features a vibrant program of things to see, do, learn, eat and drink.

    Take part in hands-on workshops that let you try different art forms and crafts. Feast on street food and winter warmers from local eateries. Browse for artisan wares at the night markets. Watch musical acts on the main stage. Or get involved in different activations, including a silent disco and giant maze. Artificial snow will be falling to add to the festive atmosphere.

    Even wandering the streets and laneways and soaking up the late-night energy will leave you feeling enchanted.

    Start planning a day-to-night adventure along the Murray at visitthemurray.com.au.