The complete guide to camping and accommodation in Litchfield National Park

Litchfield National Park is a must-visit destination in the Northern Territory and Australia‘s top end. With great freshwater swimming holes and short and long walks, it is every outdoor adventurer’s dream. Being over an hour from the Northern Territory capital of Darwin, staying overnight near or in the park is highly recommended to get the most out of your visit. While writing The Ultimate Guide to the Litchfield National Park, it became apparent that camping and accommodation would need a whole other post to ensure everything was put into it! Thus, here it is, the complete guide to camping and accommodation in the Litchfield National Park. 

We acknowledge and respect the traditional owners of the Litchfield National Park, the Koongurrukun, Mak Mak Marranunggu, Werat and Warray Aboriginal People. We pay respects to their elders, past, present and future.

Can you camp in the Litchfield National Park?

Yes, you absolutely can. However, you can only camp in the designated campgrounds in the park. Please only camp in designated areas, and make sure you pay the camping fees onsite if there is one.

Do you need a permit for camping in the Litchfield National Park?

No, you do not need a permit to camp in the designated campsites in the Litchfield National Park. However, if you wish to camp outside a designated campground, you need to apply for a camping overnight outside a designated area permit. 

How to apply for a camp overnight outside a designated area permit:

To apply for a permit to camp outside a designated campground in the Litchfield National Park, you need to follow three simple steps:

1. Fill in the permit form on the Northern Territory Government Website.
2. Include a detailed map or plan of your campsite(s) and walking route to the permit application.
3. Submit your application and attachments to the concessions and permits unit by either email, fax or in person. 

Price:

When camping outside of designated campsites, there are still small fees that are owed, as detailed below:

Adults – $4 per night

Children (5 – 17 years) – $2 per child per night

Family (2 adults +4 children) – $10 per night.

Where to book Litchfield National Park campsites:

To book a campsite or check availability, please head to the Northern Territory Parks Booking System. It is best to book in advance, especially during the high season (the dry season), to avoid disappointment. Before you book, read the NT Governments rules and guidelines for safety, comfort and permits in parks and reservations.  

What to bring camping in the Litchfield National Park:

• Lightweight, sun-protective clothing
• Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
• Good walking shoes
• Sleeping system: tent, mattress, pillow, sleeping bag or equivalent if in a van. 
• Torch 
• Mosquito repellent spray and coils
• Plenty of water, at least 3 litres of drinking water per person daily.
• Nutrient-dense food
• Bin bags to contain all your rubbish and food scrapes (what you take into the park, you must take out or dispose of in proper bins).
• card games for nighttime
• Camera
• swimmers and lightweight towel
• Lightweight day pack
• Power pack
• PLB (Personal Location Beacon) if camping off-grid or hiking. 

Things to know about camping in the Litchfield National Park:

• Mosquitos and other bugs come out to play every night, so pack bug repellent/spray and coils to keep them at bay.

• Be Croc-wise. Never swim in an area that does not allow swimming, and never camp close to these areas. 

• Make sure to pack all your rubbish and food scrapes away at night, as Litchfield is home to many animals, including dingos. Always zip up your tents and close camper doors. Never approach a dingo, or leave a child unattended.

• Be Snake-wise. Litchfield National Park is home to many different types of snakes. In the unlikely event you are bitten, call for help, keep yourself calm and keep the bitten limb below your heart. Never approach snakes on purpose, and do not run away from them if you see them. Walk away slowly so as not to startle them.

• Try to book your campsite in advance to avoid disappointment, especially during peak times such as school and public holidays. 

• No shops are inside the park, so you must be completely self-sufficient. The last place to stock up before entering the park is Bachelor. 

• You can only make campfires in designated fire pits. You will need your fuel stove if you are away from one.

• Water in Litchfield is untreated; thus, it is recommended to bring your own. 

• The closest dump point to the Litchfield National Park is in Bachelor, so please make sure you dump before entering the park!

Campgrounds in Litchfield National Park:

There are six designated campgrounds within the Litchfield National Park, at which you can stay. However, some of these are only accessible with a 4WD; thus, I have separated them into two lists for convenience. Furthermore, more than just the campgrounds inside the park are worth looking into. The caravan parks just outside the park are great and give you are few more luxuries than the basic campgrounds inside the park. If caravan parks are still not enough, read a little more, and you will see the exclusive accommodations in Litchfield Park listed below. 

Campground Categories and fees:

Camping fees are determined in the Litchfield National Park by what facilities the campground has. Generally, campgrounds with more facilities are more expensive. As detailed below, the Northern Territory organises them into four categories, from A through to D.

Category A campgrounds:

Moderate camping facilities can include:

• toilets
• showers
• communal barbecues
• tap water (potential that it is potable)
• picnic tables
• rubbish bin
• cooking facilities

Prices:

Adults – $12 per night

Children (5-17 years) – $6 per night per child

Family (2 adults + 4 children) – $30 per night

Category B campgrounds:

These include youth camping and outdoor education camping areas. Have some camping facilities that may include:

• toilets
• communal barbecues
• picnic tables
• tap water

Prices:

Adults – $6 per night

Children (5 – 17 years) – $3 per night per child

Family (2 adults + 4 children) – $15 per night

Category C campgrounds:

Commercial operators manage these campgrounds. Therefore, not needed for this guide.

Category D campgrounds:

Premium and exclusive campgrounds; very limited in number. Access only via a locked gate. These campgrounds are in spectacular locations, making them the main attraction. Facilities can include any of the following:

• Picnic tables
• toilets
• communal barbecues
• tap water

Prices:

Adults – $20 per night

Children (5 – 17 years) – $10 per child per night

Family (2 adults + 4 children) – $50 per night.

2WD accessible campgrounds in Litchfield National Park:

Florence Falls:

Category A campground. 

There is both a 2WD and 4WD accessible campground at Florence Falls, both of which are rated category A. 

Facilities:

• Toilets and shower block close by
• Disability access
• Water
• ECD (emergency Call Device)
• Barbecues
• Information signs and shelters

The 2WD and caravan campground is accessible to all vehicles. Camp only in the designated sites; use the fire pits available if you wish to light a campfire. Toilet, shower-block close by, and a walking track leading directly to the falls from the campground. 

The 4WD campground is still a sealed road. However, it is pretty steep in sections. They are only suitable for caravans or trailers if they have good clearance. Again, a toilet and shower block is close, and a walking trail leads directly to the falls from the campground. 

How to get to Florence Falls campground:

Florence Falls campground is easily accessible from the main Litchfield Park Road. Take the turn onto Buley/Florence road, and follow until you reach the two right-hand turns offs. The first is for the 4WD campground; the second is for the 2WD campground. If you get to the Florence Falls car park, you have gone too far, but there is good signage. 

Walker Creek campsites:

Category B campground. 

Scattered along the creek bed are eight great campsites. 2WD accessible; however, you must walk into your camps via the walking trail. The furthest campsite is 1.8km from the car park. As it is a category B campground, there are fewer facilities than other sites in the Litchfield National Park. There are two basic toilet blocks; one is close to the car park, and the other is between campsites five and six. Use the toilets as much as possible, or choose a spot at least 100 meters away from camp and waterways and dig a 15cm deep hole in the soil. 

Swimming is permitted in the creek unless otherwise signed. There is a rock pool at campsite six that is incredible. 

Facilities:

• Toilets
• ECD (emergency Call Device)
• Barbecue 

How to get to the Walker Creek campsites:

Access to Walker Creek is via the main Litchfield Park road. Once parked in the car park, you must carry your camping gear and supplies to your campsite via the walking trail. A grade three trail, the furthest campsite is campsite 8, which is 1.8km from the car park. 

Wangi Falls:

Category A campground.

Wangi Falls is one of the most popular swimming holes in Litchfield National Park and one of the more popular camping grounds. Wangi is a vast swimming hole and is one of the best in the whole of Australia. With drive-in accessibility for all vehicle types, including caravans and more facilities than most campgrounds in the park, you can see why. 

Facilities:

• Cafe and food (Wangi Falls Cafe)
• Wifi
• Cooking facilities
• Disability access
• Information signs and shelters
• Toilets and showers
• Drinking water
• Barbecues
• Firepits
• caravan access
• ECD (emergency Call Device)
• Bas barbecues
• Generator
• Baby change tables
• Picnic tables

How to get to Wangi Falls campground:

Wangi Falls campground is accessible via the same access road as Wangi Falls itself. Take the Wangi Falls turn-off from Litchfield Park Road and follow the signs from the car park to the campground. 

4WD-only accessible campgrounds in Litchfield National Park:

Central Valley:

Category D campground. 

Central Valley is a secluded, seasonal campground open from May to November each year. Access outside these months is subject to weather, so check to see if it’s available! The campgrounds, of which there are three, are all located beside the East Reynolds River in the Central Valley. Across the three, there are 32 unpowered sites available, 22 of which are for high-clearance 4WD only. 

Facilities:

• Pit toilets in each campground
• No showers or water facilities
• Swimming in designated areas only
• 4WD access only. 

Before booking a Central Valley campground, please read the following:

• Booking is via a locked gate (keys can be collected from the head office in Palmerston – more information once booked).
• A $250 deposit is required for the key, but you get it back once you return it.
• Campgrounds one and two are for high clearance 4WD only (camper trailers permitted); campground three is for 4WDs.
• Only one booking per campsite; thus, only one vehicle and trailer per site.
• Max. 6 people per site
• The max. number of nights you can stay is 14.
• You must vacate your area by 10 am on the day you leave.
• You can only arrive at your campsite afternoon on the day of your booking.
• Generators and caravans are not permitted, only camper trailers. 

How to get to the Central Valley:

Take the Lost City Track to turn off from Litchfield Park Road. You will need your key to access this. It is an unsealed road; continue until you reach the Escarpment Lookout. From there, the three tracks lead to the different campgrounds. Track one to campground one, track two to campground two and three.

Surprise Creek Falls:

Category B campground.

Surprise Creek Falls Campground is one of the most remote and isolated campgrounds in the Litchfield National Park. Situated along the Reynolds 4WD track, it is one of only two campgrounds on this track. The site is well known for its multiple waterfalls that flow into their little swimming holes. With minimal facilities, you will need to make sure you are very prepared if you plan to camp here.

Facilities:

• Tin shed pit toilet (bringing your toilet paper is a must)
• Barbecue areas

How to get to the Surprise Creek Campground:

Firstly, you must have a 4WD to get to Surprise Creek. From Litchfield Park Road, turn off onto the Reynolds Track as if you were going to the Blyth Homestead. Instead of turning off to the Homestead, continue on the track until you see the signs for Surprise Creek. Allow ample time, as conditions can vary on the trail.

Tjaynera Falls (Sandy Creek) campground:

Category B campground.

This is the other campsite that is situated along the Reynolds 4WD track. A bush campground, it is a short walk to the Tjaynera Falls swimming hole. Great if you are looking for a secluded spot with few people. The site has simple facilities, including a toilet and showers and firepits.

Facilities:

• Toilets
• Showers
• Drinking water

How to get to Tjaynera Falls (Sandy Creek):

Again, you will need a 4WD to access the Tjaynera Falls campground. Take the Reynolds Track exit from Litchfield Park Road and follow along for approx. 20-30 minutes (depending on conditions). You will then take the exit to Sandy Creek/Tjaynera Falls. You will find the car park, from there it will be easy to spot the campground. Please ensure you check the Reynolds Track conditions before leaving. 

Caravan parks/accommodation around and in Litchfield National Park:

Pandanus on Litchfield:

Pandanus on Litchfield is located between Bachelor and the park itself and is a caravan park that offers cabins and budget accommodation. They provide a range of unpowered and powered sites and camping luxuries, including a swimming pool, a small licensed restaurant and a bar. Hot showers are also provided (however, I prefer a cold shower up here!).

To find out more about Pandanus on Litchfield, click here. 

Bachelor Holiday Park:

The Bachelor Holiday park provides a range of accommodations, including powered and unpowered campsites, large sites for ‘big rigs’, cabins and even villas. Located in Bachelor itself, it is far from the park and a bit older, but good to know about. To find out more, click here. 

Litchfield Banyan Tree Resort and Caravan Park:

The Litchfield Banyan Tree Resort has some of the best reviews for the Litchfield Park region. Offering both powered and unpowered sites, cabins and chalets, you will find the accommodation to meet your needs. They also have a bar, restaurant and pool to enjoy – even some sneaky live music! Find out more here.

Litchfield Tourist Park:

With probably the most extensive range of accommodation on offer, the Litchfield Tourist Park is a great place to stay. They even offer a whole house for large families and groups! We stayed here in July 2022, and the staff went above and beyond for us. Long story short, all our camp gear got wet from sprinklers while we were in the park (always put your rain sheet on!), and they ensured everything was dry before we got back! Find out more here. 

Zebra Stone Litchfield – Campground:

Unpowered sites only with basic facilities. $10 per adult and kids free, so if you are looking for authentic bush camping, then the Zebra Stone campground is for you! Their website is currently under construction at the time of writing this, so please click here to find their Facebook page. 

Litchfield Safari Camp:

This camp is for luxury campers. They provide powered and unpowered sites and glamping tents, and ensuite cabins. Newly built and renovated facilities, the glamping tents and cabins are fitted with modern comforts and air conditioning, so this is no average camping experience. Find out more here. 

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