The Absolute Best Alice Springs Caravan Parks & Camping Sites

From swags and tents to caravans, cabins, or upscale glamping setups, Alice Springs offers an enchanting backdrop for camping in Australia’s heartland.

For the intrepid traveller seeking to immerse themselves in the Australian outback, the caravan parks and camping sites around Alice Springs serve up the perfect blend of adventure, tranquillity and convenience. Why fork out on a luxury Alice Springs hotel when you can pitch your tent or plug in your caravan surrounded by the rich reds and miracle greens of the desert? Here are the best Alice Springs caravan parks and camping options where you’re a stone’s throw from central Alice Springs but with scenery right from your doorstep.

Discovery Park Alice Springs

Looking for kid camping heaven? Make a beeline to Discovery Park. There’s a pool, waterslide, bouncing pillow, go-karts, games room and playground in the park.

The caravan park a quick drive to the centre of town. (Image: Discovery Parks)

Accommodation-wise, you can choose from powered (some pet-friendly) and unpowered sites for caravans and camping, a huge range of cabins that sleep up to six plus safari tents that sleep up to four in comfy beds under canvas. There’s a camp kitchen and kiosk on site, too. Alice Springs town centre is just a five-minute drive away.

safari tents at night, Discovery Park Alice Springs

It’s one of the best caravan parks in Alice to call home for a week or so.

Features: pet-friendly sites, fires allowed in dedicated fire pits, powered, unpowered sites, camp kitchen, barbeques, laundry, toilets, showers.

Alice Springs Tourist Park

Want to stay in the closest holiday park to the town centre? Then choose Alice Springs Tourist Park, where you can walk to the centre. There are shaded powered, unpowered and ensuite sites available as well as basic cabins and one- and two-bedroom villas.

Settle into one of the private villas at Alice Springs Tourist Park.

Kids are entertained by the pool, playground and television room, and there’s a mini-mart with your usual suspects, bread and milk and souvenirs, and an ATM machine.

Embrace a laidback afternoon swim.

Features: pet-friendly (at manager’s discretion), powered, unpowered sites, camp kitchen, barbeques, laundry, toilets, showers.

Heritage Caravan Park

With over five acres of dedicated bush camping space dotted with lemon-scented gums, Heritage Caravan Park is a top spot to push in the tent pegs. And don’t forget the marshmallows – there are small, contained fire pits in the bush area. For caravanners there’s a wide range of shady grassed sites, and for those seeking four walls, you’ll be happy to throw down your suitcase in one of the self-contained cabins that sleep up to four. Travelling with furry friends? Heritage Caravan Park has a dog wash facility and a dedicated off-leash run. Set five kilometres from the town centre, this park is in a peaceful setting with easy access to the West MacDonnell Ranges. There’s also a 30-metre pool and playground and a small kiosk.

Heritage Caravan Park is a peaceful place to camp. (Image: Heritage Caravan Park)

Features: pet-friendly, fires allowed in dedicated fire pits, powered, unpowered sites, camp kitchen, barbeques, laundry, toilets, showers.

Wintersun Cabin & Caravan Park

If convenience is top of your accommodation priorities, head to Wintersun Caravan Park on the Stuart Highway. There are self-contained cabins that sleep up to five, as well as grass sites and concrete slab sites for caravans. Dotted around this park is a pool, camp kitchen and three coin-operated barbeques. It’s 400 metres to the supermarket, pharmacy and butcher so you won’t need to go far for groceries and two kilometres to the town centre.

Features: powered, unpowered sites, camp kitchen, barbecues, laundry, toilets, showers.

Wanngardi Caravan Park

For the eco-conscious Wanngardi Caravan Park is a gem. Set 15 minutes’ drive from Alice Springs in a quiet bush area, this small family-owned park has solar panels and a focus on reusing, reducing and recycling. Don’t expect a pool or green grass as water is precious out here. Wanngardi is not connected to town water and has bores that are only replenished with rain. So short showers everyone and no washing of cars of vans. For the kids there’s a basic playground, plus plenty of birds and occasionally kangaroos and small reptiles to spot. You can have fires as long as there are no fire warnings in place – you’ll just need to bring some wood. Telstra and 4G reception are available and there is good security with two permanent onsite managers. Bookings essential.

Settle in at this eco-friendly family-owned caravan park. (Image: Wanngardi Park)

Features: fires allowed, bore water, powered sites, unpowered sites, two camp kitchens, barbecues, laundry, toilets, showers, washing machine.

Swag Inn

This hosted stay through Hipcamp is simply a backyard where you can pitch your tent or pull in with a camper trailer or campervan. Set nine kilometres from downtown Alice Springs, here you’ll have access to an outdoor shower, flush toilet (BYO toilet paper) and laundry sink – and plenty of bird song. What will be the highlight of your stay at the Swag Inn? Probably the night spent around the barbecue fire pit, looking up at the night sky packed with stars.

Features: powered sites (less than 30 amps), unpowered sites, fire pit, toilet, shower, laundry sink.

Squeaky Windmill Boutique Tent B&B

If you’re after a spectacular view of the ranges from your sumptuous glamping tent, this is the place to be.

glamping at Squeaky Windmill, Alice Springs

Wake up next to breathtaking vistas at Squeaky Windmill. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

Just 15 kilometres from central Alice Springs, these three luxury abodes boast a queen-size bed (single beds available on request), air-con, fluffy robes, barbeque, kitchenette, ensuite and deck. A light brekky is included in the overnight tariff.

a glamping tent at Squeaky Windmill, Alice Springs

Sleep in a glamping tent for spectacular views of the ranges. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

Don’t want to leave the view for dinner in town? Order a sunset platter or barbecue hamper of meats and fresh vegetables to cook on your Baby Weber Q. Over the road you’ll find Pyndan Camel Tracks, which does hour-long sunset tours. Open between April and October each year and closed for the summer months.

a wine and cheese platter with bonfire in the background at Squeaky Windmill, Alice Springs

Gather around the campfire of an evening. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

Features: glamping tents, toilets, showers, barbecues, fire pit.

Tropic of Capricorn Rest Area

Like the rest of the Northern Territory, camping is only allowed in designated areas in Alice Springs and surrounds. There are free camping areas in roadside rest stops outside of Alice Springs. The closest is the Tropic of Capricorn Rest Area, 29 kilometres north of town – look out for the small monument where the Tropic of Capricorn crosses through the Stuart Highway.

Features: toilets, barbecues, non-drinking water supply, picnic tables.

Mt Polhill Rest Stop

The closest free overnight rest stop to the south of Alice Springs is at Mt Polhill, 61 kilometres south of the town centre. Pets are welcome here and campfires are allowed when fire conditions permit.

Features: toilets, barbecues, non-drinking water supply, picnic tables, fires allowed.

For more incredible ways to explore, read our travel guide to Alice Springs.

Chalk it up to friendly locals, boutique safari tents, fancy hotels, or the timeless charm of the desert, but we’ll never get tired of an Alice Springs getaway.

Whether you’re venturing to the gateway town to delve into the rich Aboriginal culture, explore its rugged beauty, or stare at the millions of stars in the clear night sky, there’s a wide array of hotels to choose from (and camping options if you prefer). Want to tick off the magnificent monolith of Uluru and the Red Centre on the same trip? There’s plenty of incredible places to wash off the red dust and stay at Uluru and throughout the Red Centre.

Here’s our pick of the best spots to lay your head in Alice Springs.

1. Sturt Desert Pea House

If you’re looking for an oasis in the desert for a large family or group of friends, you’ll find it at the spectacular Sturt Desert Pea House, a 10-minute drive from central Alice Springs.

the living room interior at Sturt Desert Pea House

Historic charm and modern comforts meet in this spectacular stay just outside Alice Springs.

Here, you’ll have comfy beds for eight, kitchen stocked with quality coffee and teas, media room with a huge television, plus books and board games and even an office with a printer.

the reading area inside Sturt Desert Pea House

There are plenty of spaces to relax after a day of exploring.

In this historical house with all the mod cons, every seat is comfortable – impressive given there are three lounge areas, two dining tables and two outdoor tables. If you can drag yourself away from the saltwater pool or fire pit, there’s a Vietnamese restaurant just 300 metres away.

a bonfire setup outside Sturt Desert Pea House, Alice Springs

End the day around the fire pit.

2. Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters

If you’re seeking top-notch luxury in the desert, then some of the most opulent digs can be found at the Crowne Plaza. With its 205 rooms (including 12 suites) decorated with Aboriginal art and a well-stocked minibar plus four restaurants, superb pool, huge fitness centre, a spa with soothing treatments and nearby Lasseters casino, the Crowne Plaza caters to those who appreciate finer comforts.

a couple relaxing in the pool at Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters

Enjoy the expansive pool at Crowne Plaza. (Image: Tourism NT/Peter Eve)

Despite its seemingly secluded setting looking out to the majestic MacDonnell Ranges, this sprawling complex is just two kilometres from central Alice Springs – a bit far to meander to town, but there are plenty of taxis available to get you to and from your suite.

3. DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs

Home to one of the best Indian/Thai restaurants in the Northern Territory, Jimmy Shu’s Hanuman, the DoubleTree Hilton is the pick of the bunch for foodies. You’ll also find Saltbush here, a restaurant where fresh produce and Australian bush food form the foundation of its unique lunch and dinner menus.

nighttime at DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs

Views of the breathtaking MacDonnell Ranges are another highlight of every stay.

Beyond its gastronomic allure, this haven of luxury, featuring 228 slick guest rooms, is positioned a mere 500 metres from the casino and convention centre. Unwind by the pool or embark on a workout at the compact gym, all while admiring the surrounding MacDonnell Ranges.

The Double Junior Suite features a large living area and lounge.

4. Stay at Alice Springs Hotel

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option in a prime downtown spot, choose Stay at Alice Springs. Spend a night in one of the hotel rooms, or if you’re keen to prep your own meals, opt for a two-bedroom apartment with full kitchen. Outside, in the Todd Mall there’s all of downtown Alice Springs at your fingertips – restaurants, bars and shops. Cool off in the pool and utilise the handy guest laundry and onsite parking facilities.

the spacious surroundings at Stay at Alice Springs Hotel

Stay at Alice Springs Hotel is a spacious budget-friendly option.

5. Mercure Alice Springs

Nestled on the banks of the (usually dry) Todd River, the Mercure Alice Springs is a fuss-free stay, where you’ll find cheap and cheerful rooms. The pool is a hit on warm days, the buffet brekky is basic but satisfying and the on-site restaurant Barra on Todd serves up some winning meals, including fresh barramundi with a green apple salad. Positioned within an easy stride from the town centre, you’ll have access to cafes, shopping and dining, while still waking up to the tranquil sounds of chirping birds.

6. YHA Alice Springs

At this YHA, the movie experience is elevated, thanks to its unique history as a former open-air cinema, now repurposed into a budget-conscious hostel. Every evening, you can enjoy films under the stars on the original outdoor screen. Perfectly positioned in the centre of town, this hostel is an ideal spot for wallet-conscious backpackers, offering both private rooms and co-living rooms full of bunk beds, with female-only and male-only options.

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7. Diplomat Hotel Alice Springs

If you’re looking for an affordable place to stay, Diplomat Hotel Alice Springs stands out for its central location and excellent value. Single, queen and king rooms are simple with the bare essentials, but there’s an onsite tavern (catch live music on Thursdays and Karaoke on Fridays) plus a café serving breakfast and lunch and a pleasant saltwater pool.

8. Quest Alice Springs

Nestled amongst the eucalypts along South Terrace and within walking distance of town, Quest Alice Springs offers very comfy, quiet, apartment-style accommodation.

Quest Alice Springs is within walking distance from town.

With roomy studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments available, it suits solo travellers and families alike. The decent outdoor pool and BBQ area offer a great way to unwind after a big day out under the Alice Springs sun.

the room interior of Quest Alice Springs

Check into the spacious apartment-style accommodation at Quest Alice Springs.

9. Desert Palms

Nestled amidst lush palm trees, this slightly dated family-friendly motel is located on a quiet street about 30-minutes walking distance from town. Each of the 80 villas are private havens, boasting kitchenettes and verandas. The large swimming pool is a big hit with the kids. Just a short stroll away, you’ll find yourself at the Alice Springs Golf Club or casino. For breakfast either grab a bite from the on-site kiosk or visit the Double Tree by Hilton next door for a buffet breakfast treat.

Alice Springs caravan parks and camping – everything you need to know