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Hike-in Camping at Walker Creek in Litchfield National Park

Bybecwp

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Does camping in the Northern Territory with your very own private waterhole tickle your fancy?  If so then Walker Creek in the Northern Territory’s Litchfield National Park is absolutely not to be missed.

As the name suggests, the campsites are walk-in only. However, if thats not your thing don’t be put off just yet. The hike is very short, with all 8 of the campsites being scattered along a 2km trail that follows the crystal clear Walker Creek, meaning the furthest site is still less than 2km from your car.

Each camp site has a table, water access and space for a tent or 2. Ours also came with a complimentary water monitor (a type of a swimming lizard). The creek is deemed croc-free in the dry season once it has been cleared, however as usual with all swimming spots in the NT it’s best to be alert, but not alarmed.

You can walk along Walker Creek as a short 3.5km return day hike OR you can pop you name down on the blackboard on your way in and secure yourself your very own private campsite (complete with some form of plunge pool and maybe even a waterfall!).

The Trail

The trail is an easy 3.5km return trip that follows the creek via all 8 camp sites. You can also follow the trail up to where it links in to the multi-day tabletop track.

Throughout the day you could have hikers passing along the trail coming via your camp – however we didn’t see anyone is the 2 days that we were in our spot.

The Camp Spots

All 8 sites are pretty spectacular! When we arrived there wasn’t anyone else in any of the sites so we got to pick which one we liked the most. We chose site 3, which was our favourite due to the huge pool and small waterfall! There was also some shade which was nice during the day. Site 4 was also nice, and sites 7 & 8 were super private (at the very end of the trail).
Site 2 was probably our least favourite and also the least private as the trail walks straight past it (the rest are short side trips off the main trail).

The Reservation System

The reservation system is non-existent. You cross your fingers, show up at the start of the trail and hope there are some spots available on the blackboard. Yes, I said blackboard. 

At the beginning of the trail there is a board with all 8 campsites on it, you can either pick one at random and write your name on it and then hike in with your gear. Or you can go and check out the sites and then come back and pop your name down.

As we said earlier, our favourites sites were 3 & 4!

At the time of visiting in Sep 2020 camping was free due to vandalism of onsite payment collection boxes. 
Note that Walker Creek camping facilities are pretty basic, so come prepared with your own drinking water or means to treat the stream water before drinking. The sites share a couple of drop toilets which may be a little walk from your campsite – you’ll need to bring your own loo paper too!
For more ideas of things to do and see in the NT check out our 4 Week Northern Territory Road Trip Itinerary 

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2 Comments

  1. I’m from the UK and will be in Litchfield Park for a week in September this year. Looking forward to it so much. My first time in America!

    Reply

    1. Hey there! How exciting – an overseas trip! Feels like something we haven’t been able to do for a long while now!

      This Litchfield National Park is actually in Australia though, in the Northern Territory!

      ?

      Reply

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