The best camping spots in Western Australia

Tahni Davison is a Financial Adviser with Gilkison Group.

There are so many amazing places to visit in WA to experience the wide range of environments and landscapes to explore from the great southern through to the Pilbara and Kimberley. While they may be a few more people exploring the state at the moment, hopefully you can still find yourself in an area not too crowded.

South West

Approximately 14km South West of Pemberton off the old Vasse Road, the Warren Campground is on the Warren River with multiple shady campsites available amongst the trees, with fires allowed between April and November (depending on restrictions) within the provided fire rings.

You can access the site with 2wd vehicles via gravel roads. There is plenty to see and do in the area from local wineries and breweries and if you have a 4wd, then a trip through the nearby Yeagarup Sand Dunes is well worth your time. These shifting sand dunes rise out of the forest and a marked trail about 10km long will take you all the way to the coast. Bring your air compressor for your 4wd when you head out to the sand dunes.

Great Southern

45 mins out of Esperance, the Cape Le Grand National Park offers some amazing coastal destinations to explore. With campgrounds at Le Grand Beach and Lucky Bay and well-equipped with gas BBQs, tables, water and toilets, you can explore the national park and all it has to offer, from fishing, surfing and snorkelling or just walking the beach or trails of the national park.

Coral Coast

The Warroora/Ningaloo stations along the coast north and south of Coral Bay offer some great opportunity to “unplug” from the world for a little while.

Pristine beaches, surfing, diving and fishing or just lazing on the beach. You will be able to relax and enjoy the surrounds. With multiple accommodation options from camping in your caravan or camper trailer to homestead and cottages available at Warroora station, you will find an option that suits you.

Check each option for access requirements and book early as these spots have always been popular for people escaping the southwest winter.

North West/Pilbara

To see some of the inland areas of WA, head approximately 600km inland to explore the iron ore rich Pilbara. The landscape changes dramatically with the ranges and gorges of Karijini National Park. There are two camping location available in the park, or some extra comforts, such as the eco resort that offer a few more comforts. Allow a few nights and days to explore the swimming holes and gorges of the park. Some of the walks and trails can be steep and difficult so take care and tell someone if you are going alone.

Kimberley

Heading north from Broome up the Dampier Peninsular, Middle Lagoon in approximately 170km up the road. There are some incredible camping locations overlooking the beach and lagoon which are relatively safe to swim in (always keep an eye out for Crocodiles in the Kimberley).

There are basic amenities on site and fires are allowed and you can launch your boat from the Lagoon if you have one. It provides a great base to explore the rest of Cape Leveque.

There are many stations and parks along the 660km long Gibb River Road to rest your body and vehicle from the corrugations that can be found along the way. Some include:

Ellenbrae station with their famous scones
Drysdale River station with great food and a bar
Home Valley and El Questro station where you can fish for Barramundi and explore the gorges and hot springs of El Questro.

With various accommodation styles available, you can find something to suit and experience the rugged Kimberley. Take your time to explore this amazing part of our state.

If you have completed the Gibb from West to East, then heading into Kununarra to dust off and re-stock is the likely next stop. The Lake Argyle Caravan Park offers a great place to explore the lake from. A well0equipped park with all you could need and a fantastic pool overlooking the lake. You can hire a BBQ boat to get out on the lake and swim orfish and explore the scale of this creation.

To check out the best tips for your next camping trip, read our article here.