Last Updated on 1 August 2026 by Rob
If you’re looking for a campsite that truly captures the rugged, riverside essence of Limmen National Park, Towns River Campground is a premier choice. Perched on a limestone ledge overlooking the clear, dark waters of the Towns River, this site offers some of the most picturesque sunsets in the Gulf region. It’s a favourite for self-sufficient travellers who appreciate a choice in setup: you can opt for the designated, shaded bush sites near the amenities or head down to the broad sandstone platforms right on the riverbank.
Due to the park’s remoteness, you need to be self-sufficient to stay at Towns River Campground. There are no fuel or potable water sources within the park, but toilets are provided at the bush area campground.
As this is a national park, pets are not permitted at this campground.
Tents are permitted
Fires are permitted in the supplied fire pits.
Towns River Campground Quick Facts
| Campground Name | Towns River Campground Limmen National Park |
|---|---|
| Nearest Town | Roper Bar / Borroloola |
| GPS | 15° 2'8.23"S 135°13'10.36"E |
| Access Road | Unealed |
| Number of sites | 14 |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Water | No |
| Dump point | No |
| Power | No |
| Pets | No |
| Tents | Yes |
| Fires permitted | Yes |
| Telstra coverage | No |
| Optus coverage | No |
| Cost | $10 per person per night |
| Booking | online |
Campground Layout and Features
Towns River Campground has four marked campsites that must be booked online before arrival. There is also an overflow area for up to 20 people. There is no phone coverage at the campground. It is possible to book on arrival if you have a service such as Starlink.
The four marked campsites are located away from the river. They are of decent size, and a drop toilet is provided nearby. There is some shade in this area.
The overflow area is a better option for those who do not need the toilet facilities or are prepared to walk the short distance to them. They are in an open, rocky area near the river. There is no shade in the overflow area. The rocky platform is about 1.5m above the river, providing protection from crocodiles.
With 20 people able to be booked in the overflow area, so about 10 vans can camp there. Given that the area is not perfectly flat, not all possible spots are ideal.
The booking system allows you to pick a particular site for the four marked sites. Since the over-flow area is unmarked, you select a spot on arrival.
You can stay at this campground for up to 14 days.
Your stay must be booked online. As we use Starlink, we set up camp before booking.
Towns River Campsite Location
Towns River Campground is located a short distance from the unsealed Nathan River Road. With the road unsealed, conditions are highly variable, so a 4WD vehicle is recommended. There are a reasonable number of river and creek crossings, but on our trip, they were not very deep.
The map below shows the campground’s location. You can zoom out for a more general location.
The overflow area is the wider, light coloured area along the river to the north of the label for the campground.
What to Watch Out For at Towns River Campground
During our stay, we did not encounter any issues.
As is normal in this area, be mindful of crocodiles. Do not swim here.
Final Words
We enjoyed our stay at this campground and recommend it. For those in caravans, the overflow area is the best option.
This campground is used as part of our NT Savannah Way Itinerary.
Closeby Campgrounds
For those heading east, your next stay should be at Butterfly Falls.
Little Roper Stock Camp in Mataranka is a great place to stay while relaxing in the hot springs.
