Exploring the Northern Territory’s stunning National Parks and landscapes offers prime overnight opportunities for camping enthusiasts. In this article, we’ll highlight the top camping spots in the Northern Territory where you can pitch a tent. Additionally, we’ll share some fantastic camping and hiking recipes so you’re well-fed and energised throughout your adventures.
Here are the tastiest recipes to enjoy around the campfire and the best camping spots in the Northern Territory.
Top Camping & Hiking Recipes
Looking for easy camping recipes? We’ve provided a collection of delicious camping and hiking recipes that will keep you energised on your NT outdoor adventures. From hearty breakfasts to simple yet satisfying dinners, these recipes are perfect for cooking over a campfire or on a portable stove.
Camping Breakfast Ideas
Baked Eggs
Ingredients
- Capsicum sliced
- Red onion sliced
- Sausage sliced
- 1 tin of crushed tomatoes
- 50ml of chicken stock
- 4 eggs
- Grated cheese
- Salt, Pepper, 1 tsp. of garlic, ground coriander, and paprika
Instructions
Fry sliced capsicum in a heated skillet. Add the onion and sausage and cook for 5 minutes. Add the spices and seasoning and tin of tomatoes. Stir and let simmer. Add chicken stock and cook until the sauce thickens. Add eggs and cook. Sprinkle on the cheese and cook for 10 more minutes.
Pancakes
Ingredients
- Pancake mix
- Water
- Optional: maple syrup, jam, lemon, sugar
Instructions
Follow mix instructions. Serve with toppings.
Breakfast Sandwich
Ingredients:
- Damper bread mix
- Bacon rashers
- Eggs
- Tomato slices
- Cheese slices
Instructions:
Prepare the damper bread according to package instructions and cook over the campfire until golden brown. Cook bacon rashers in a skillet over the fire until crispy, then set aside. Fry eggs in the same skillet. Assemble breakfast sandwiches.
Vegemite and Avocado Toast
Ingredients:
- Bread slices
- Avocado
- Vegemite
Instructions:
Toast bread slices over the campfire until golden brown. Mash ripe avocado onto the toast. Spread a thin layer of Vegemite on top of the avocado.
Damper
Ingredients
- Flour, water, salt
- Butter or oil
- Optional: milk, raisins, golden syrup
Instructions
Knead dough with ingredients. Cook as a flat loaf or spiral on a stick over flames. Drizzle with syrup when browned.
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Camping Lunch Ideas
Pizza
Ingredients:
- Flatbread to use as a base
- Pizza Sauce
- Grated Cheese
- Topping options: tomato, capsicum, salami, ham, vegetables, herbs, olives, mushrooms, etc
Instructions:
Spread pizza sauce on your base and add cheese. Add toppings of your choice and more cheese. Oil the frying pan and place the stove on low heat. Place the pizza in the pan and cover with aluminium foil. Cook the pizza on low heat for 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts and the base is toasted.
Grilled Chicken
Ingredients:
- Chicken thighs
- Seasoning
- Oil
Instructions:
Season chicken thighs. Oil the grill, then cook seasoned chicken thighs for 5-10 minutes on each side.
Smoked Burgers
Ingredients:
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 500g mince (pork, lamb, beef, chicken, or vegetable)
- 1 cup chopped bread/breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper
- Cheese slices
- Bread rolls
- One egg (optional)
Instructions:
In a large bowl, add all the ingredients. Mix together and form large palm-sized patties. Place the burgers on the grill for about 15 minutes. Turn patties, top with cheese, cover, and cook for another 15 minutes until cheese is melted.
Tacos
Ingredients
- Mince or beans
- Taco shells
- Chopped tomato, capsicum, cheese, guacamole
Instructions
Heat mince or beans in a pan. Set up a serving station with shells and toppings.
Camping Dinner Ideas
Pesto Pasta
Ingredients:
- Pesto sauce
- Pasta
- Salt (for pasta water)
- Vegetables of your choice – cherry tomatoes, canned corn kernels, baby spinach or rocket, celery stalks diced, or capsicum
Instructions:
Cook pasta as per packet directions. Drain, then rinse under water. While pasta is cooking, add your choice of vegetables. Once the pasta is cooled, add the pasta to the vegetable bowl. Mix pesto through all the ingredients until they are well coated. Season with salt and pepper.
Lamb and Veggie Skewers
Ingredients:
- Lamb cubes
- Red onion, cut into chunks
- Capsicums, cut into chunks
- Zucchini, sliced
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Garlic, minced
- Rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Thread lamb cubes onto skewers, alternating with sliced of red onion, capsicums, and zucchini. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, salt, and capsicum for your marinade. Brush the marinade over the skewers until they’re well coated. Grill the skewers over the campfire until the lamb is cooked and the vegetables are tender. Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon juice.
Veggie Foil Packets
Ingredients:
- Assorted vegetables (such as potatoes, carrots, zucchini, and capsicums)
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Cut vegetables into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables and sprinkle with seasoning. Divide the seasoned vegetables among large pieces of aluminium foil. Fold the foil over the vegetables to create packets, sealing them tightly. Cook over the campfire for about 20-30 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Carefully open the packets and serve hot.
Fish Of That Day
Ingredients
- Freshly caught fish
- Butter, salt, garlic
- Lemon
Instructions
Gut, scale, and clean fish. Season with butter, salt, garlic. Wrap in foil and cook over a campfire for 15-20 minutes. Add lemon juice before serving.
One-Pot Wonder
Ingredients
- Oil, garlic, onion
- Chicken or turkey meat
- Salt, pepper, paprika
- Chopped carrot, capsicum, frozen peas
- Tinned tomatoes
Instructions
Sauté garlic and onion in oil. Brown meat and season. Add vegetables and tomatoes.Cook for 30 minutes.
Camping Snack Ideas
Trail Mix
Ingredients:
- Mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, and peanuts, etc)
- Dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, and apricots, etc)
- Chocolate chips or M&M’s
Instructions:
Combine mixed nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate chips or M&M’s in a large resealable bag. Shake the bag to mix everything together. Pack individual portions of trail mix.
Fruit and Cheese Kabobs
Ingredients:
- Assorted fruits (strawberries, grapes, pineapple, and melons, etc)
- Cheese cubes ( cheddar or mozzarella, etc)
- Skewers or bamboo sticks
Instructions:
Thread alternating pieces of fruit and cheese onto skewers, creating colourful combinations. Repeat the process until each skewer is filled.
Nut and Honey Energy Balls
Ingredients:
- Nuts, chopped
- Dried fruits (apricots, cranberries, etc), chopped
- Rolled oats
- Honey
- Desiccated coconut
Instructions:
Mix together chopped nuts, rolled oats, honey, coconut, and dried fruits until well combined. Roll the mixture into small balls. Chill the energy balls in a cooler or fridge. Pack them in an airtight container.
Camping Dessert Ideas
Smores
Ingredients:
- Chocolate-covered digestives
- Marshmallows (white)
- Extra digestives
Instructions:
Put a melted marshmallow on top of your chocolate-covered digestives, then place another digestive on top with the chocolate facing inward. Just squeeze together!
Grilled Fruit
Ingredients
- Pineapple or pear
- Butter, cinnamon or brown sugar
- Optional: whipped cream, chocolate topping, nuts
Instructions
Slice fruit and coat with butter and cinnamon/sugar. Grill in foil until caramelized.
Top Camping Spots in the Northern Territory
The Northern Territory offers a range of incredible camping spots, with landscapes that span its diverse National Parks. Here’s a guide to the best camping spots across this region, organised by area for your convenience.
Litchfield National Park
Wangi Falls Campground
Ideal for families, this campsite offers easy access to waterfalls and swimming holes. It’s equipped with facilities such as BBQ pits and toilets.
Buley Rockhole Campground
A great spot for those who like to camp in smaller, quieter areas. It’s close to cascading water pools that are perfect for a cool dip in the heat.
Kakadu National Park
Gunlom Campground
Known for its stunning waterfall and infinity pool overlooking the Arnhem Land escarpment, this campsite provides a magical experience. It includes basic amenities like picnic areas and toilets.
Merl Campground
This location offers a prime base for exploring the nearby Bardedjilidji Walk and the East Alligator region of the park. It’s a more remote option, which means fewer crowds.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Ayers Rock Resort Campground
Though not directly in the wilderness, this campsite offers modern conveniences such as a swimming pool, kitchen facilities, and a store. It’s an excellent base to explore Uluru.
Curtin Springs Campground
This camping area located about 100 km from Uluru, ideal for those on a budget. It offers basic amenities and the chance to explore a working cattle station.
West MacDonnell Ranges
Ormiston Gorge Campground
Known for its dramatic red cliffs and a waterhole that’s perfect for swimming, Ormiston Gorge has a well-equipped campsite with toilets and showers.
Redbank Gorge Campground
A more remote option that allows for a peaceful retreat. It’s a bit more rugged, but perfect for those seeking a quiet spot.
Nitmiluk National Park
Nitmiluk Camping and Caravan Park
Located near the entrance to Katherine Gorge, this campsite offers excellent facilities, including a pool, cafe, and access to tour operators.
Edith Falls Campground
Settle here if you love waterfalls and swimming in crystal-clear waters. The site is well maintained, with good facilities and access to several walking trails.
Explore the top camping spots in the Northern Territory and enjoy these delicious recipes on your next trip.
Do you love Northern Territory camping? Share your favourite camping spots and experiences below!
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