Camping
There are lots of camping areas around Kakadu National Park with various levels of facilities. Some are run by the park and others are commercially operated. The commercial camping areas are divided into 'generator' and 'non-generator' zones.
Please note that camping outside of designated camping areas requires a permit.
Camping Fees
Camping fees and restrictions for each site are divided into three categories:
Campground |
Category |
Fee |
Alcohol Permitted |
| Merl | 1 | $10 per adult per night | Under 16 years free | Yes |
| Muirella | 1 | $10 per adult per night | Under 16 years free | Yes |
| Mardugal 1&2 | 1 | $10 per adult per night | Under 16 years free | Yes |
| Garnamarr | 1 | $10 per adult per night | Under 16 years free | Yes |
| Gunlom | 1 | $10 per adult per night | Under 16 years free | Yes |
| Waldak Irrmbal (West Alligator Head) | 2 | $5 per adult per night | Under 16 years free | Yes |
| Malabanjbanjdju Tent | 2 | $5 per adult per night | Under 16 years free | No |
| Malabanjbanjdju Caravan | 2 | $5 per adult per night | Under 16 years free | No |
| Burdulba | 2 | $5 per adult per night | Under 16 years free | No |
| Sandy Billabong | 2 | $5 per adult per night | Under 16 years free | No |
| Jim Jim Billabong | 2 | $5 per adult per night | Under 16 years free | No |
| Maguk | 2 | $5 per adult per night | Under 16 years free | No |
| Kambolgie | 2 | $5 per adult per night | Under 16 years free | Yes |
| Gungurul | 2 | $5 per adult per night | Under 16 years free | Yes |
| Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge) | 2 | $5 per adult per night. Under 16 years free | PERMIT REQUIRED | No |
| 2 Mile Hole | 3 | Free | Yes |
| 4 Mile Hole | 3 | Free | Yes |
| Bucket Billabong | 3 | Free | Yes |
| Red Lilly Billabong | 3 | Free | Yes |
| Alligator Billabong | 3 | Free | Yes |
| Giyamungkurr (Black Jungle Springs) | 3 | Free | Yes |
| Bilkbilkmi (Graveside Gorge) | 3 | Free | PERMIT REQUIRED | no |
| Ikoymarrwa (Moline Rockhole Top) | 3 | Free | PERMIT REQUIRED | Yes |
| Ikoymarrwa (Moline Rockhole Bottom) | 3 | Free | PERMIT REQUIRED | Yes |
| Ferny Gully | 3 | Free | PERMIT REQUIRED | Yes |
Free Bush Camping Areas
There are also several free camping areas in the park, which have limited or no facilities. Drinking water is usually not available at these sites, so please bring your own.
Bookings
There is no booking system for campsites. Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis. It is advisable to contact the Bowali Visitor Centre to check on vacancies before driving to a campsite area.
Large Group Camp Sites
Large groups can camp at Merl, Muirella Park, Mardugal and Gunlom campgrounds.
Please remember
- Be considerate of other Park users
- Keep all equipment within the confines of your campsite and away from vegetation
- Set up tents at least 50m from water's edge when camping near water bodies
- If possible, please use gas appliances rather than fires for cooking
- Only light fires in the fireplaces provided
- Only collect wood from woodbins
- Do not feed the wildlife
- Please do not disturb the trees in the area, particularly young and small trees which will provide shade in the future
- Take your rubbish with you when you leave and place in bins located throughout the park
- Obey safety signs in the park.
Designated Camping Areas
South Alligator Area
Bush Camping Facilities
- Two Mile Hole (check wet season access)
This free bush camping area has no toilet facilities. Drinking water is not available, please bring your own. - Four Mile Hole (check wet season access)
This free bush camping area has no toilet facilities. Drinking water is not available, please bring your own.
- Fill out the Four Mile Hole Camp site survey form (Word - 267 KB) - tell us about your experience
Jim Jim Falls Area
Large Camping Facilities
- Garrnamarr campground (dry season only, 4WD)
This campground caters for up to 200 people. Facilities include showers and toilets, and there is drinking water available. The campground is locked from 8.30 pm to 6.30 am for visitor safety.
Jabiru Area
Large Camping Facilities
- Kakadu Lodge and Caravan Park tent sites
This commercial tent site has BBQ's, toilets and shower facilities, and there is drinking water available.
Bush Camping Facilities
- Malabanjbanjdju campground (check wet season access)
This free bush camping area has basic toilet facilities. Drinking water is not available, please bring your own. - Burdulbe campground (check wet season access)
This free bush camping area has basic toilet facilities. Drinking water is not available, please bring your own.
Mary River Area
Large Camping Facilities
- Gunlom campground (check wet season access)
This campground has shower, toilet and generator facilities, and there is drinking water available. - Wirnwirnmila Mary River Road House camp sites
This commercial camp site has BBQ's, toilets and shower facilities, and there is drinking water available.
Bush Camping Facilities
- Maguk campground (check wet season access)
This free bush camping area has basic toilet facilities. Drinking water is not available, please bring your own. - Gungurul campground (check wet season access)
This free bush camping area has basic toilet facilities. Drinking water is not available, please bring your own. - Kambolgie campground (check wet season access)
This free bush camping area has BBQ's and picnic tables, but no toilet facilities. Drinking water is not available, please bring your own.
Yellow Water Area
Large Camping Facilities
- Mardugal campground (check wet season access)
This campground has shower, toilet and generator facilities, and there is drinking water available. - Gagudju Cooinda Lodge tent sites
This commercial tent site has BBQ's, toilets and shower facilities, and there is drinking water available.
Bush Camping Facilities
- Jim Jim Billabong campground (check wet season access)
This free bush camping area has no toilet facilities. Drinking water is not available, please bring your own. - Giyamungkurr (Black Jungle Spring) campground (check wet season access)
This free bush camping area has no toilet facilities. Drinking water is not available, please bring your own.
Nourlangie Area
Large Camping Facilities
- Muirella Park campground (check wet season access)
This campground has shower, toilet and generator facilities, and drinking water is available.
Bush Camping Facilities
- Sandy Billabong campground (dry season only)
This free bush camping area has toilet facilities. Drinking water is not available, please bring your own.
East Alligator Area
Large Camping Facilities
- Marl campground (check wet season access)
This campground has shower, toilet and generator facilities, and drinking water is available.