Camping spots you've never heard of!

Often we strain our brains, thinking of new places to go on the weekend and do something different – especially if you want to escape the crowds! Well, look no further, here is a special list of places that although we can’t guarantee you’ll have them to yourself – they are generally far less chaotic than the likes of the Buley Rockhole and other family campgrounds during the dry!

Sandy Creek Falls & Surprise Creek Falls- Litchfield

Accessible by 4WD in Litchfield National Park during May to November. This place is magic knowing that 85% of the tourists who go to Litchfield are in a 2WD and can't access this area. The camping grounds are smaller in size and those already camping are of a like-mind who want to get off the beaten track.

Koolpin Gorge- Kakadu National Park

Chances are you may not have heard of Koolpin Gorge, as you need a permit to get there. This place is known by some as the jewel in Kakadu's crown and is a very pretty gorge with great views from the top by the waterhole. Take a dip in the plunge pool, stroll through the scenic bush surrounds or enjoy a picnic by the water's edge. A special place restricted to only a small number of tour operators and vehicle, so get your permit early.

Douglas River Conservation Area

Everybody loves to go to the Douglas Hot Springs but have you tried camping there in the Dry? The Daly River Esplanade area has 9 well-spaced bush campsites along the river. Sites must be booked through the Douglas Daly Tourist Park, and it's worth having a scone or two while you're there! Hot tip - get in real early for one of these exclusive spots!

Butterfly Gorge - Douglas Daly

Tucked away at the base of a low sandstone plateau. The sheer rock faces, edged by dense vegetation and rocky spinifex country, offer shaded riverine walks and beautiful scenery. This place is only accessible with a 4WD, which again eliminates thousands of tourists with a conventional 2WD vehicle. Camping is only permitted at the nearby Douglas Hot Springs.

Perry's On the Daly - Daly River

Camping down at the Daly can be rather hectic, particularly when the barra are on. Perry's limit the number of visitors to the Park to ensure you of a quiet and relaxing stay on the river. There are bush walking and nature trails, a bush golf course, a boat ramp, mango orchard, tackle & marine shop and great hospitality.

Umbrawarra Gorge Nature Park - Near Pine Creek

This special place protects a beautiful isolated gorge with steep red cliffs. You can take a 1km walk to the gorge but if you want to go further along the creek you will have to swim and rock-hop. The rocky pools have small sandy beaches that provide a lovely place to swim and relax. If you look carefully you will see Aboriginal art on the gorge walls. A small campground with a pit-toilet is located close to the gorge entrance. No water is provided so you will have to be self-sufficient.

Garig Gunak Barlu National Park - Cobourg Peninsula

If you've got more than a couple of days to escape, is the ultimate place to spend 4500 sq kms with only 14 other vehicles! There are two campgrounds and plenty of things to see and do while you're out there. Book your permit well in advance as this place is hot on the to-do list by many locals. While your there make sure you see Victoria Settlement.

OTHER GREAT CAMPING SPOTS