Rocky Paddock Campgrounds | Mount Crawford Forest Reserve | South Australia

If you live in Adelaide (or travelling through) and looking for a quick weekend camping getaway without having to travel long distances, there are many beautiful places to chose from.  Whilst many of these camping locations are offered by national parks, Forestry SA also offers some brilliant camping grounds. 

In this trip we decided on Mount Crawford campgrounds located less than an hour's drive from the Adelaide CBD. It is easily accessible by any vehicle. No need for a 4x4 or a high ground clearance vehicle. However, in our case we went in our much loved Land Cruiser 80 series, more affectionately know as DICEROS. 

Within Mount Crawford there are two campgrounds - Chalk's campground and Rocky Paddock campground. We booked the latter. 

Camping fees are very affordable. Unlike with national parks, ForestrySA charges for the vehicle only. We paid $19 per day for the two of us. A family of four or five would pay the same as long as they all are in one vehicle. Fury friends are allowed too. 

There are 31 campsites to choose from. Each varying in size. Our trip was over a Monday and a Tuesday so we practically had the place to our selves. 

As the name suggests the entire area is littered with rocky outcrops in varying shapes and sizes. All this nestled amongst a vast expanse of tall pine trees providing shade throughout the year. Adding to the ambiance are bird sounds from a wide variety of birdlife. 

Talking for birdlife, if you are an avid bird watcher or photographer, then there is plenty to keep you occupied. 

Each campsite has a fire pit. You have to take your own firewood. Cutting wood is prohibited. Fires are not allowed during the fire ban season. Usually from 1 November to 30 April. Best is to check on Forestry SA website which is regularly updated. 

There is also many areas to go exploring both for kids and adults. If hiking is your thing then there are several trails too. In fact the famous Heysen trail passes alongside this reserve. 

Hope this information was useful to you. Our aim is to share as much information as possible about the places we travel to with others. However, if you require any further information please write to us. 

Cheers

Duncan & Ajanie 

Our SIGHTS & SOUNDS video series on Youtube provides a audio visual experience of this amazing location.