Campground north of Coober Pedy

That could be Cadney Homestead which is somewhere in between Coober Pedy and Marla.

We stopped at Marla about a week or so ago. The shop/supermarket is open 24 hours, has a bar too. Facilities are fine.

Can't comment on Cadney though.

Cadney Roadhouse used to have free camping available in the area immediately beside the roadhouse caravan park in front of the airstrip (the catch). We stayed there a couple of years ago and it was fine. I think we had to pay $2 or there-abouts for the use of the park toilet/shower facilities but I'm not sure. No doubt they work on the principle that you will spend some money in the roadhouse (we did). We even got to watch (close-up) a plane land on the airstrip. A quick phone call (08 8670 7994) would confirm that they still have the free camping.

While your there- order a 'truckies breakfast'. Guarantee it'll keep you going for a day or two. I was there just last week.

great spot we were there in June. Meals great. Have a wonderful time.
Regards Marion

Yep - Cadney Park - free camping alongside the complex (in a paddock) - you can use the ablution block for nix. Licenced roadhouse - good tucker - fuel - cabins etc. - Pool. You can camp within the grounds too, but not a lot of point for mine - its just gravel !

We too were impressed by Cadney.

Only stopped for lunch but it was very impressive. Much nicer than your average roadhouse. Roadhouses are often cold and very basic, Cadney felt much more inviting. Both my wife and I felt it would be a nice place to spend a bit more time. We will on the next trip up (or down ) through the centre.

Started my collection of little enamel cups ( to aid in the consumption of Port, for medicinal purposes of course) there. It makes me feel better every time I use it.

Duncs

I have just returned from the NT and was very dissapointed with their "official" rest areas for caravans and travellers. You will find that you will see signs that say so many kilometres to a rest area. When you get there you find that it is a service station where you have to pay to stay. These are usually very basic and they charge $20.00 upwards. I must say though that many of their off road camping areas have water and toilet facilities. Sometimes these are over 200kls apart. The NT government do not allow overnight camping in truck bays. I can understand this as they have some bloody great road trains up there. Fortunately there are many "unofficial" camp sites to use. I was not sorry when I crossed back into WA. I feel more free here to do what I want