If you’ve been following for a while, you’ll know we think we live in one of the most beautiful parts of the world. There really is no better way to explore WA and get up close and personal with its natural beauty than by rolling out a swag or shacking up for the night in a tent.
Whether you’re looking to sleep on the beach, gaze up at the best Milky Way of your life or get out in the bush, there really is no shortage of incredible places to stop for a night or ten.
Here are 20 of our favourite camping spots in WA.
Karijini National Park
Karijini
Karijini is quite possibly one of the most picturesque places in Western Australia. You've got a couple of camping grounds to choose from; our pick has to be Karajini Eco Retreat. There are glamping tents available, but we think rolling out a swag and admiring the stars is the only way to go out here. You might also be happy to hear there are shared shower facilities and flushing toilets. You’re going to want to spend a few days here to visit all of the stunning sites and surroundings. Some of our faves include Fortescue Falls and Fern Pool—check out a few snaps and you’ll know why.
Millstream Chichester National Park
Karratha
This national park is a picturesque oasis sitting right in the middle of the desert. The pools of Millstream Chichester National Park are a superb place to go for a swim, the fishing spots will keep you occupied for quite some time and the walking trails are incredibly scenic. The campgrounds are Miliyanha and Stargazers Campgrounds, which both have barbecue areas, tables and chairs and toilets for you to use.
Lucky Bay
Esperance
If you want to camp at one of Australia’s best beaches, Lucky Bay is where you’ll want to be. In the heart of Cape Le Grange National Park, the secluded bay has picture-perfect white sandy beaches with the clearest water you’ve ever laid eyes on. Home to resident kangaroos, you might even find one popping over to your campsite to say hello at dinner time. Get your camera ready.
Francois Peron National Park
Denham
The sights at Francois Peron National Park have to be seen to be believed. Red cliffs, white sandy beaches and turquoise blue waters will make you really appreciate this bloody great state we live in. The sunsets here are phenomenal and it’s somewhere you definitely need to add to your camping bucket list. Spend your days snorkelling, swimming, fishing and kayaking through the beautiful waters before settling in for an epic night at your campsite.
Honeymoon Pool
Collie
Part of the Wellington National Park, Honeymoon Pool on the banks of the Collie River is a tranquil and secluded camping spot with room for just 20 tents to set up for the night—don’t worry, each has its own individual campsite. Fire up the BBQ or graze on a picnic under the shade of the peppermint trees before a spot of swimming in the afternoon sun—you’ll love winding down at this pretty little spot.
Bullara Station
Ningaloo
There’s no shortage of incredible places to set up and explore the beautiful Ningaloo coastline, however if you’re looking for an authentic outback experience station stay, Bullara ticks all the boxes. The working cattle station has bush camping and cottage options, complete with communal fire pits, camp kitchens, wood BBQs and under-the-star showers.
Fair Harvest Permaculture
Margaret River
While the Fair Harvest Permaculture farm has been running since 1995, it was only in the last couple of years that they added camping and glamping to the list of environmentally friendly things they do here. Fill your belly with home-grown meals, take a class in the yoga barn or just relax. They grow all their own fruit and veg, honey and eggs for the on-site cafe and reuse all water on the farm—sounds like a feel-good stay is on the cards.
Nanga Mill
Dwellingup
If camping is your thing, chances are you’ve shacked up at Dwellingup at least once in your life. Nanga Mill, once an old jarrah saw site, is home to some pretty great camping with heaps of beautiful walking trails nearby. You can set up a campfire here (if there are no fire bans in place) so have your marshmallows at the ready.
Lucky Bay
Kalbarri
The beachfront, nature-based camping ground, Lucky Bay, is about half an hour out of Kalbarri and can only be accessed by 4WD. The camping area is nestled between the sand dunes so you can spend your days swimming, fishing and 4WDing along the soft white sand. It’s beach camping at its finest.
Waychinicup Inlet
Albany
You’ll have to be self-sustainable and bring everything to this hidden gem including fresh water. It may sound like a chore, but this little piece of paradise aka Waychinicup Inlet is worth it. Make sure you pack your fishing gear to catch your own dinner—it’s the sign of a true camper right? Once you’ve witnessed this place, we can guarantee you’ll be back for more.
Conto Campground
Margaret River
It’s no wonder Contos is top on the list of most campers for a South West trip. It’s a hop, skip and jump from beaches, caves, forest trails and wineries. Not in the mood to cook your own brekky? Pop down to Boranup Cafe for a feed that will keep you going all day.
Warroora Station
Coral Bay
Waroora, fondly known as Warra to the locals of Coral Bay, is the beachside camping of your dreams. Swim with turtles (they’ll become your new besties), snorkel the ridiculous Ningaloo reef or head out on some tours to catch whale sharks, humpback whales or manta rays. Yep, this place is real life.
Serpentine Falls
Serpentine National Park
Less than an hour from Perth, Serpentine Falls is nestled in the Darling Ranges and is the perfect weekend away with plenty to do. Pack your swimmers and take a dip in the falls or wander around the historic town of Jarrahdale. While you’re out this way, lunch at Millbrook Winery is an absolute must.
Chapman Pool
Blackwood National Park
Chapman Pool (Warner Glen Campsite) is one of the most peaceful places to hammer the tent pegs into. Smack bang in the middle of the jarrah forest in between Margaret River and Augusta in the Blackwood National Park, a spot of r&r is guaranteed here. There’s no generators, so you’re promised tranquillity. It’s also the ideal spot for a paddle so don’t forget to pack the kayak.
Parry Beach
Denmark
Parry Beach is one of the only campgrounds in the region where you can have a campfire year-round, so get your smores ready! The oh-so scenic Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks are just around the corner, so you’re going to want to spend your time basking in the glory of Denmark’s tranquil waters.
Stirling Range Retreat
Mount Barker
Ever dreamt of climbing Bluff Knoll? Now’s your chance. The Stirling Range Retreat campsite is pretty much at the foot of the Stirling Ranges and provides unparalleled views of the mountainous ranges. It’s hard to believe you’re still in WA when you visit this part of the State. Pack the hiking boots, get up super early, and conquer the hike for sunrise.
Lake Brockman
Cookernup
There’s no denying it, we love a pool of water and Lake Brockman is no exception. Eco-tents, cabins, unpowered and powered sites mean just about any level of camper can head here. Furry friends are also welcome—just be sure to keep them on a lead. Try your hand at catching marron when it's in season or go fishing for trout. There’s also a cafe, clear waters to swim in and heaps of amenities on site so you really can't go wrong.
Rottnest Camping Ground
Rottnest
With all the swanky new accommodation you would be forgiven if you forgot you can still get back to basics and get the tent out in Rotto. Set up in the campground for a few days of nostalgia while you ride your bike around the island, snap a selfie with a quokka, grab a pint at Pinkies and get stuck into all the pies and treats from the bakery.
Shelley Beach
Albany
Shelley Beach is the only spot where you don’t need a 4WD to get into West Cape Howe National Park. This is a tent only zone, though, so leave the camper vans and trailers at home. West Aussie beaches, rocky coves, crystal clear waters. You get the picture.
Eighty Mile Beach Caravan Park
Port Hedland
Eighty Mile Beach Caravan Park sits on the beachfront between Port Hedland and Broome. The beach is famous for its fishing and sunsets, so pack your bait and tackle and a bevvie or two to watch the sun go down. There are 200 camping sites so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding yourself a spot to set up in.
Prefer the life of luxury? Check out these awesome WA glamping spots.
Image credit: Tourism Western Australia
