Wirrabara Forest Reserve
Wirrabara Forest Reserve is about 3 hours north of Adelaide, located in the Southern Flinders Ranges. Head to the township of Wirrabara, and then 8km west you will find the Reserve on Forest Road.
There is a Forestry Office on Forest Road where further information could be sought.
There is one established campground, with the name of Ippinitchie. It doesn't appear to be part of the National Parks system, but according to website, its managed by the Department of Environment and Water and a park management plan is not yet available, which could alter some of the information contained in this review when it comes out.
It is popular with those who traverse The Heysen Trail.
Campgrounds
Ippinitchie campground is a basic campground and when we visited during early winter, it was very quiet.
It is bush camping, with plenty of room to spread out and no really established campsites. Depending on where you camp, there is no screening, but if its quiet, then that is not an issue. Lots of tall trees but small shrubbery is not common so don't expect to pop behind any bushes at any time.
Plenty of shade from being in the forest (and of course, plenty of wood laying on the ground).
No bookings are required for this site. First in, first served, but due to ever changing rules on campgrounds, please do check in advance to see if this requirement has changed.
As the Flinders Ranges region gets very hot in summer (and loads of flies), would recommend visits in the cooler times of the year.
The area is flat so camper trailers and caravans will not have any problems finding a site that suits.
Facilities
There is a drop toilet and untreated water on site.
Campfires are permitted at certain times only - May to October. Gas fires are April through to November. You can collect wood from around the campsite and picnic area, that is on the ground only. Do not chop down any trees!
Make sure you follow all campfire safety rules, and note that the Forest will close on fire ban days, at any time of the year. There are conflicting reports on when the campground closes - I have read from December - April, and I have also read from November to March, so check before travelling there if your dates are in November/December or March/April.
The picnic ground is also located in the Forest and has a toilet and picnic tables.
Activities
As mentioned, the Heysen Trail goes through this area and hence popular with those who love hiking. The campsite has a shelter for hikers. There are shorter walks, and multi-use trails, so mountain bikers are catered for here as well. Check all signage.
You can also, through the Forestry Office, obtain permits for horse riding (BYO horse).
Cost/Bookings
A permit is required and that can be obtained from the Wirrabara Forest Office, on Forest Road.
Their number is 08 8668 5000.
I could not find information regarding to any costs associated with camping here as others arranged for the permit.
For map of the forest see the link below:
http://www.southernflindersranges.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Wirrabara-brochure_Dec2014_for-web.pdf