Adelaide RV Rental

Camper Champ compares over 20 campervan rental brands in Australia. In Adelaide, most campervans are available from depots located a short distance from the airport, making it convenient for interstate and international visitors.

The daily rental costs for a campervan in Adelaide usually average between $60-$500 per day. Rates depend on demand, duration of rental and campervan model. Vehicles range from affordable vehicles like the Jucy Crib to more spacious motorhomes such as the Mighty Big Six.

A strategic position between Western Australia and the Northern Territory makes South Australia a popular motorhome destination. Long-term travellers and cross-country “lappers” pass through in droves. As a result, you’ll find excellent RV infrastructure throughout the state, from campgrounds to dump points and water refills.

The cheapest time to rent a campervan in Adelaide is during the off-peak travel season, typically between May and June.

February, March and April tend to also be reasonably priced, with the summer months from October-January being the most expensive.

While there are only car rental desks directly at Adelaide Airport (ADL), there are several campervan rental companies within 0.5-6 miles.

Britz, Maui and Mighty Campers are within walking distance from the main terminal.

Traveling by campervan is the most cost-effective way to explore Adelaide and beyond. The savvy shoestring traveler can reduce expenses further by following these nifty money-saving tips.

Travel off-season: RV parks and rental fees surge during high season. Avoid major holidays like the Christmas/New Year period, Easter, and South Australian school holidays.

Book early: Like airlines, campervan rental companies adjust their prices according to availability. Booking early often means better rates.

Choose a modest vehicle: A basic, budget-friendly campervan will cost a fraction of a lavish, decked-out motorhome. If you’re traveling for under a week, you can save costs this way by opting out of all the luxuries.

Minimize backtracking: Plan a route that reduces backtracking to save big bucks at the gas pump.

Choose your gas stations: Some South Australian gas stations cost significantly more than others. Use an app like Petrol Spy to compare prices and refuel accordingly.

Buddy up: Traveling with a friend lets you share expenses for gas, campgrounds, and campervan rentals. Don’t know anyone who wants to come? Consider searching for travel buddies on social media (always pre-vet candidates).

Use low-cost campsites: Flashy RV parks with top-tier amenities cost a sizable sum. Give these a wide berth in favor of free or low-cost bush camps.

Find free activities: Ticketed attractions in Australia tend to be quite pricey. However, aside from a national park pass, hiking is entirely free. If you can fit it in, consider packing your mountain bike, surfboard, or inflatable kayak for more free thrills.

Cook at home: Eating out gets expensive in South Australia, but self-catering will slash your daily spend. Give those pricey restaurants a miss and unleash your inner master chef with your camper’s built-in kitchen.

The ideal season for a campervan trip to Adelaide and the surrounding region is fall or spring. Specifically, aim to travel during March and April or October and November to get the most temperate weather. Expect average daily highs and lows of around 22–26°C / 12–15°C.

South Australia is the country’s driest state, so don’t expect lush rainforests at any time of year. That said, spring brings the most greenery to the region, while fall foliage looks spectacular in the Adelaide Hills.

The most popular season for a campervan vacation in South Australia is summer, when average daily temperatures range from 29°C to 17°C. However, the mercury may rise to a scorching 40°C or more. Don’t even think about hiking in the outback during the sweltering summer months.

Winters get pretty chilly in Adelaide, with average daily highs and lows hovering around 15–16°C / 7–8°C. Still, thinner crowds and lower prices may prove all too tempting for hardy, budget-oriented travelers. Winter brings peak season to the outback; it’s the perfect time to explore the Flinders Ranges or cross the border into the Northern Territory.

South Australia is fittingly known as the “Festival State”. Some of the top Adelaide shindigs include the Fringe Festival (Feb-Mar), the Adelaide Festival (late Feb–Mar), Feast Festival (Nov), the Adelaide Film Festival (Oct), and Illuminate Adelaide (Jul).

The ideal timeframe for a road trip from Adelaide depends on your interests, travel style, and bucket list destinations. The capital itself only takes two or three days to explore.

Craving to sip South Australia's top wines?

You could savor premium wine at an esteemed SA winery like Barossa or McLaren Vale in just one day. A week would allow time to sample them all.

If the peninsulas beckon, allow three or four days for each. Kangaroo Island warrants five to seven days of exploration; allow about the same for the return trip to Flinders Ranges.

Parking is tight in Adelaide’s compact downtown. Spaces get snapped up quickly, and on-street spaces have varying time limits.

The City of Adelaide Council publishes an interactive downtown parking map covering all council-run spaces. Parkopedia also pulls together council and privately owned parking lots into one handy comparison tool.

On the plus side, downtown parking is much cheaper than in other Australian capitals. Expect to pay $6-8 per hour.

Bumper-to-bumper traffic and limited parking mean most motorhome travelers avoid driving downtown. Consider using the Park ‘n’ Ride program, where you leave your vehicle in a nearby suburb and take public transport into the city center. Most sites have plenty of room to accommodate large motorhomes.

Adelaide has several RV parks scattered around the city. The Adelaide Showground Caravan Park and Adelaide Caravan Park are the most central options. Adelaide Showground Caravan Park is about 5 minutes from downtown, and Adelaide Caravan Park is about 2 km from downtown.

Council bylaws prohibit camping or remaining overnight on City of Adelaide local government land (including in a vehicle) without permission.

If you’d like to stay overnight near Adelaide in a secluded bushland setting, try the Shiloh Hills or Pink Gum campgrounds.

The Eyre Peninsula is famous for its rugged ocean cliffs, and this off-the-beaten-path headland is a top spot to take it all in. A string of spectacular waterfront campsites lies scattered around the area, each affording breathtaking views. You'll need to be entirely self-sufficient as there aren't any facilities.

Price: free

Amenities: none

It's hard not to fall in love with Horseshoe Bay, the emerald green crescent-shaped beach that attracts vacationers to Port Elliot. Chock full of fancy amenities, this Big 4 branch puts you a few minutes' walk away. Take a day trip to nearby Victor Harbor to explore the picturesque Granite Island.

Price: from $39 per site per night

Amenities: restrooms, showers, drinkable water, powered sites, trash cans, bbq, camp kitchen, laundry

A dreamscape of ochre-hued mountains, the Flinders Ranges is South Australia’s trekking mecca. The reasonably priced Wilpena Pound Resort puts you right in the thick of it, with most trailheads just a few minutes' walk away. Excellent amenities and rugged outback scenery make it the obvious choice in the area.

Price: from $29.70 per site per night

Amenities: restrooms, showers, drinking water, electric hookup sites, trash bins, fire pits, BBQ, camp kitchen, laundry.

Deep within Deep Creek National Park, this classic bush camp is a great place to venture off the beaten track. Most travelers bypass the park en route to Kangaroo Island, but it’s well worth staying overnight here if you’ve got an extra day to spare. Abundant wildlife, splendid coastal hikes, and a picturesque waterfall enhance the appeal.

Price: from $26.60 per site per night

Amenities: restrooms, picnic shelter, fire pits

Untouched Innes National Park is the highlight of the Yorke Peninsula, and this popular campground is the best place to set up a base. A convenient central location gives you quick access to intriguing historical sites, windswept beaches, and picturesque trails. The campground is a beauty, with secluded sites set amid verdant coastal heath.

Price: from $26.60 per site per night

Amenities: restrooms

On the southern tip of the Eyre Peninsula is an oasis of green in an otherwise arid corner of the country. A myriad of picturesque campsites is scattered around the park, the best of which is September Beach. Private, spacious sites and direct access to sparkling turquoise waters make it a winner.

Price: from $22.30 per site per night

Amenities: restrooms, fire pits

A small network of spectacular council-run campgrounds stretches across Kangaroo Island, including the breathtaking Vivonne Bay. A short walk from the campground leads you to a striking white sand beach or a tranquil river—both a great way to cool off on a hot day. Get in early to secure a site and pay via the credit-card machine.

Price: from $22.50 per site per night

Amenities: restrooms, (paid) hot showers, BBQ, picnic shelters, playground

A South Australian summer institution, Rapid Bay is where the locals go on vacation. Arrive outside the peak season, and you’ll find a world-class beachfront campsite with only a smattering of other campers. The fishing is fantastic from the pier, and there’s an atmospheric (albeit somewhat smelly) sea cave on the eastern end.

Price: from $12.50 per adult per night

Amenities: restrooms, trash bins, BBQ, no water

Not far from Birdwood lies this aptly named farm stay, where jaw-dropping hilly vistas impress even the most seasoned campers. The friendly owners spent years exploring Australia in a converted bus and love hosting guests on their lush hinterland farm. As there are virtually no amenities, your rig needs to be fully self-contained.

Price: from $41 per site per night

Amenities: trash bins, fire pits, restrooms, drinking station, electric hookup sites, BBQ areas, shower

Well off the beaten path, Coorong National Park is awash with birdlife-rich wetlands, curious native animals, and psychedelic salt plains. A half dozen or so campgrounds lie scattered around the seldom-visited park, including the spectacular 42-Mile Crossing. Fancy a quick dip? There’s a beach nearby.

Price: from $19.10 per site per night

Amenities: restrooms, sheltered picnic area

Embark on an unforgettable journey through South Australia with this 7-day road trip itinerary. Get ready to explore charming towns, taste delicious wines, soak up the sun at the beach, and experience the thrill of adventure. With just the right blend of culture, nature, and relaxation, this itinerary is the perfect way to discover the best of South Australia in an exciting and memorable way.

MORE: 7-Day Adelaide Itinerary

Are you ready to explore the stunning landscapes, quaint towns, and fascinating attractions of Southern Australia? With your trusty campervan by your side, you'll embark on a journey filled with spectacular views, thrilling adventures, and unforgettable experiences.

MORE: Adelaide to Melbourne Itinerary

This 7-day road trip will take you through the heart of Australia, showcasing some of the country's most iconic landmarks, charming towns, and scenic mountain drives.

MORE: Adelaide to Sydney Northern Itinerary

Over the course of this jam-packed seven days, you'll travel through some of the most beautiful and diverse regions of southeastern Australia. With your campervan as your home base, you can adjust the itinerary and stay a little longer in each place.

MORE: Adelaide to Sydney Southern Itinerary

A flexible itinerary to fit your individual needs, preferences, and duration of travel, allowing you to explore the beautiful landscapes and unique experiences that South Australia and Western Australia have to offer. Whether you prefer to take your time and savor each destination or pack in as many sights as possible, this itinerary has it all!

MORE: Adelaide to Perth Itinerary

Hop in your campervan and let's explore the heart of Australia. It’s a chance to witness the beauty and diversity of the Australian Outback and Northern Territory. From the vibrant city of Adelaide to the rugged landscapes of the Red Center, we'll make our way to the tropical paradise of Darwin. Get ready to witness stunning natural wonders, learn about Aboriginal culture, and meet friendly locals along the way.

MORE: Adelaide to Darwin Itinerary