Poeppel Corner — Simpson Desert Tri-State Corner Dune Camping

Poeppel Corner is the halfway marker for most Simpson Desert crossings. It’s a lonely survey post out in the dunes where three borders meet, with Lake Poeppel’s salt pan stretching off to the side. Camping here is bush style: pick a flat patch of sand off the track, away from the post, and keep your rig on existing tracks and clear of the pan. There are no toilets, no water, no tables and no cell signal. Pack in everything, including a fuel stove (check current fire restrictions before you light anything) and a shovel and bags for human waste. Expect other crossing parties in the cooler months, and clear skies all night.

Plan around the seasonal closure. The SA desert parks are shut to vehicles through the summer months, roughly December to mid-March. You’ll need a Desert Parks Pass for the SA side and a Queensland camping permit if you stay on that side. Carry a sand flag, a UHF radio or satellite comms, plenty of extra fuel and water, and recovery gear. Verify permits, closures and conditions with the park agencies ahead of time. Have a dirty day.

Three borders, one lonely post, zero services.