6 of the best campsites in Western Australia

There’s a lot of Western Australia to explore. More specifically, it’s around a third of Australia’s land mass. So, if you want to feel like you’ve actually experienced the entire state, you can forget about visiting just once.

From the incredible Kimberley region in the north to the Margaret River region in the south, there’s plenty worth seeing in every part of the state. Once you’ve stepped foot in this magnificent place you’ll feel an irresistible urge to return.

Although some of us are lucky enough to own our very own adventure mobile, there are a couple of reasons why visitors from the eastern states (which is most of us) tend to leave their vehicles at home and rent motorhomes and RVs from Perth. For starters, when your time is limited you don’t want to drive thousands of kilometres just to get there, and secondly when you’re checking out somewhere like the Kimberley, your vehicle likely won’t be up to the challenge anyway. Renting an adventure mobile means you’ll be able to choose the vehicle that’s up to the road trip you want, not to mention you’ll save on accommodation and maximise your trip by moving from place to place easily. The only thing you’ll need is some ideas on where to camp…

Serpentine National Park

Image courtesy of Serpentine Falls Tourist Village

Not too far from Perth is one of Western Australia’s many spectacular parks, Serpentine Falls National Park in the Darling Range. Many people visit to see the historic Jarrahdale township but the highlight is undoubtedly Serpentine Falls, where you can even jump in and have a swim on a hot day. Serpentine Falls Tourist Village is the best place to set up camp nearby, Located in the foothills of the Darling Range, it’s near all the best places to see and things to do. It’s obviously not a free camp but you’ll get your money’s worth with the shared facilities like the swimming pool, camp kitchens, laundry, shower blocks and even wifi.

Karijini National Park

Karijini National Park is most famous for its breathtakingly rugged and colourful gorges, and the many outdoor adventures they provide. It’s also one of the few places where indigenous owners are actively involved in caring for country, so anyone looking for a dose of Australian indigenous history will find what they’re looking for here. There’s a picturesque public campground with basic facilities at Dales Recreation Area but the campground at Karijini Eco Retreat, though more expensive, is hard to beat.

Jurien Bay

Image courtesy of Murray Foubister, (flickr)

This spectacular piece of coastline, only a couple of hundred kilometres north of Perth, is popular with fishermen but has something for everyone, whether you’re into stand up paddleboarding, or swimming and snorkelling. It’s also not a bad place to base yourself to see attractions like the Pinnacles Desert. Jurien Bay Tourist Park is a good place to set up camp, with all the usual tourist park facilities, a good children’s playground and nice shady coastal sites. It won’t break the bank, either.

Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park

Wave Rock

The prehistoric formation of Wave Rock sits in the south-west of the state, surrounded by lakes, caves, walking trails and magnificent vegetation. You can camp just a short walk from the base of the rock, at Wave Rock Caravan Park. There are other accomodation options in the area, but this park is well equipped and so close to the rock that it’s hard to go past it. While you’re there, ask the friendly staff about other activities in the surrounding area. 

Mitchell River National Park

Image courtesy of Geoff Danvers (flickr)

There’s no shortage of beautiful places and adventurous things to do in the Kimberley region. Mitchell River National Park covers one of the most remote and spectacular sections of the Kimberley and it’s teeming with waterfalls, spectacular gorges, and Aboriginal cultural sites including heaps of rock art to discover. One of the most popular spots in the park is Mitchell Falls, so it’s no surprise that Mitchell Falls Campground is a good spot to base yourself while you explore. It’s a simple Parks and Wildlife Service campground equipped with fire rings and basic toilet facilities but it’s a short walk from the falls and there’s even a good swimming spot.

Got a better WA campsite in mind? Or any questions, comments, updates or corrections? Let us know by commenting below.