There really is no better way to explore WA and get up close and personal with the many beautiful parts of this boodja (country) 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's no shortage of incredible places to stop for a night or ten. At Urban List, we've hunted out the best camping spots in WA to inspire your next outback adventure.
Lake Brockman
Cookernup
Image credit: Lake Brockman | Instagram
Lake Brockman is proof you don’t need to sacrifice creature comforts to get your nature fix. Cabins, eco-tents and powered sites keep things civilised, while unpowered spots let the purists do their thing. There’s even a café for your morning coffee run, which feels a little like cheating at camping, but I cheat code I would happily use.
When the sun’s out (or when you're brave enough), you can swim, fish for trout or, at certain times of the year, chase marron in Logue Brook dam. Or skip the effort altogether and spend the afternoon floating on a kayak before returning to a hot shower and a proper bed in your cabin. If you're like me love the idea of camping more than the actual reality of it, Lake Brockman might just be the spot for you.
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- Pups are welcome too, provided they’re leashed and well-behaved
- Marron season runs January-February, and outside of this time you'll have to leave the little critters alone
- A freshwater fishing licence is required before you try to catch your dinner
Osprey Bay
Ningaloo
I've heard scoring a site at Osprey Bay is like winning the camping lottery. Despite there being 46 unpowered campsites spread out over two different areas within Cape Range National Park, the demand is fierce, especially between April and October. But if you’re one of the lucky ones, you’ll wake up to water so clear and turquoise it looks like a stock photo, except it’s very real and right outside your tent flap.
The show doesn’t stop at the shoreline, either. Snorkel straight off the beach, kayak over coral, swim with sea turtles in the shallows or watch humpbacks cruise past during migration season. Come nightfall, the stars come out in full desert-sky glory.
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- Bookings open six months in advance and vanish fast—set a reminder and have your laptop ready
- BYO everything (it’s a no-power, no-showers kind of setup) but leave your pooch at home
- Pack drill-in pegs—the ground here can be tougher than it looks
Karijini National Park
Karijini
Image credit: Karijini Eco Resort | Tourism WA
Karijini is quite possibly one of the most picturesque places in Western Australia. You've got a couple of camping grounds to choose from, but I'd be basing myself at Karijini Eco Retreat. You can swing either way: go full bush-chic with a glamping tent, or keep it classic with a swag under the stars. Either way, you’ll still get the luxury of flushing loos and hot showers, which feels borderline miraculous this far out in the Pilbara.
You’ll want a few days to do Karijini justice, because the hit list is long: Fortescue Falls, Fern Pool, Hancock Gorge and plenty more secluded spots worth your time.
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- When you’ve had enough of damper, wander over to the Outback Restaurant. The menu highlights native ingredients and WA produce, with dishes that give you a taste of the land you’ve just spent all day exploring
- Temperatures swing wildly, so pack for scorching days and chilly nights
Shelley Beach
Albany
Shelley Beach is the only place you can roll into West Cape Howe National Park without a 4WD, which already makes it feel like you’ve stumbled on a bit of a secret. It’s tents-only down here, so park the campervan elsewhere and embrace the old-school setup. Think classic West Aussie coastline—towering cliffs, rocky coves, glassy turquoise water—and you’ll get the picture
For $15 a night, you can pitch your tent almost right on the sand, with two giant granite boulders standing guard at either end of the beach. It’s windy, sure, but I’ll take a few gusts if it means falling asleep to the sound of waves crashing and waking up to one of WA’s most untouched beaches.
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- Roll in early—the campground only squeezes in around 10 cars and 10 tents and you can't book
- Sorry, Scruffy, this one's not suited to doggies
- Fish right off the rocks or the beach and with a little luck, you'll be having Tommy Ruff for tea
Millstream Chichester National Park
Karratha
Image credit: Millstream Chichester National Park | Scott Godley via Explore Parks WA
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.
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- The journey out to the campground is severely corrugated so be careful
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Lucky Bay
Esperance
Image credit: Lucky Bay | Tourism WA
If you want to camp at one of Australia’s most jaw-droppingly beautiful beaches, Lucky Bay in Esperance is where you’ll want to be. In the heart of Cape Le Grand National Park, the secluded bay has picture-perfect white sandy beaches with the clearest water you’ve ever laid eyes on. Pitch your tent, throw on your swimmers and maybe join the resident kangaroos for a sunbake, or burn off last night’s BBQ snags with a bushwalk up Frenchman Peak.
This place is very popular and can book out early, but if you give 'em a ring or check online on the day, you might be able to scoop up a late cancellation. Solar-powered hot showers keep things civilised, and camping costs $20 per adult per night—well worth the price for waking up to sand this white and water this blue.
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- No mobile service, but free Wi-Fi near the ranger station if you absolutely can’t live without it
- The best campsites get claimed up to six months in advance—set reminders if you’re serious
Rottnest Camping Ground
Rottnest
Who says Rotto has to be a wallet-busting getaway? With all the swanky new accommodation popping up on the island, you would be forgiven if you forgot you can still get back to basics and get the tent out in Rotto. Nestled just behind Thomson Bay, this patch of sand and scrub is where you can roll out your swag and sleep soundly under the stars for around $55 per night, depending on the time of year.
The beauty of camping here is the proximity to everything. A morning swim at The Basin, a lazy bike ride to Little Parakeet Bay, sundowners at Pinky’s, then back to your campsite for the kind of sleep you only get after a day in saltwater. No frills, no fuss, just Rotto as it’s been enjoyed for decades.
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- You'll end up with quokkas in your tent if you don't keep it zipped shut
- A complimentary luggage pickup service is available to campground guests from the main jetty
Lucky Bay
Kalbarri
When I was putting this list together, Lucky Bay threw me for a loop, because apparently WA has two of them. Esperance might get all the postcards, but Kalbarri’s version deserves its own moment. Accessible only by 4WD, this beachfront camping ground hides between the sand dunes, serving up mornings of fishing and swimming, and afternoons spent cruising the soft white sand in your car.
It’s beach camping stripped back to the good stuff: ocean out front, dunes out back and a sky full of stars once the sun dips. Forget polished facilities—this is roll-up, stake-your-claim camping. If you want in, you’ve gotta beat the rush.
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- No bookings—first in, best dressed
- $15 per vehicle, per night (cheap enough to make you laugh at resort rates)
- Dog-friendly, so your four-legged mate can come too.
Francois Peron National Park
Denham
Image credit: Francois Peron National Park | Tourism WA
Red cliffs, blindingly white sand, and turquoise water so bright it looks fake—Francois Peron National Park is a reminder that WA really does show off. Sitting on the tip of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, it’s a place where you’ll want to spend every daylight hour in the water: snorkelling, swimming, fishing, or kayaking until the sun dips. And when it eventually does, the sunsets here will knock you flat.
Camping in Francois Peron is less about facilities and more about front-row seats to some of the best scenery in the state. There are a few different spots to choose from, but my pick would be Gregories Campground for camping right on the sand or Big Lagoon Campground for the best facilities.
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- 4WD access only—half the fun is in the adventure getting there
- No doggos allowed in the national park
Parry Beach
Denmark
Tucked just around the corner from Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks (aka two of the dreamiest swimming spots in WA), Parry Beach is a Denmark favourite that I keep coming back to. There’s something special about waking up with the bush at your back and the ocean in front.
The campground itself has that laidback, community feel—think super-friendly hosts, hot showers and a short stroll to the beach. I’ve camped here myself and there’s nothing better than a salty dip at Greens Pool followed by a wine by the tent. Just a heads up though: The Shire of Denmark recently changed the fire rules and you can no longer light up a campfire in summer. Best to double-check the burning periods before you go, as conditions can shift with the weather.
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- First-come, first-served—you can't book this one
- Pack your pooch, Parry Beach Campground is dog-friendly
- Hot showers, friendly caretakers and the beach on your (tent) doorstep for $24 for two—absolute win
Honeymoon Pool
Collie
Image credit: Honeymoon Pool | @libbie.gallagher
Having spent a few nights at Honeymoon Pool, I can personally vouch for how effortlessly peaceful this little slice of WA is. With just 20 unpowered sites tucked under the peppermint trees along the Collie River, this secluded spot is a must for water lovers.
The freshwater river is basically the star of the show here. Swim, paddle, float or just sit on the banks in a camping chair with the water lapping your legs. It’s endlessly soothing, and the current is gentle enough for a relaxing afternoon.
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- Head mid-week for half the crowd
- There's no playground for the kids, but they won't miss one when the Collie River is right outside your tent
Bullara Station
Ningaloo
Image credit: Bullara Station | Tourism WA
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. This working cattle station serves up both bush camping and cozy cottage options, with communal fire pits, camp kitchens, wood BBQs and even outdoor showers under the stars.
I’ve been itching to try this one for ages: the idea of waking up to wide-open plains, a few cows wandering past and the Ningaloo coastline right around the corner is just too good to pass up. Whether you’re into cooking over a wood-fired BBQ or just sipping something cold at the bar with other campers, Bullara makes for a genuine, no-frills WA outback adventure.
INSIDER INTEL
- Your furry friend is welcome to join you at the Bullara campgrounds, but it's strictly 'no pets allowed' in the glamping tents, huts, cottages and shearer's lodge
- The on-site restaurant, The Table, serves up some seriously elevated pub grub, just make sure you book a table here well in advance
- Mornings at Bullara aren't complete with a homemade scone with fresh cream and jam at the Woodshed Café
Nanga Mill
Dwellingup
Image credit: Nanga Mil | @adventures_of_kimdusti
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.
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- Dogs are allowed on a lead, so your four-legged mate can join the adventure
- There's plenty of space, great for couples wanting a little bit of privacy
Waychinicup Inlet
Albany
If you like your camping wild, a little rough around the edges and utterly rewarding, Waychinicup Inlet is calling your name. I’ve heard you have to bring everything yourself—water, food, snacks, maybe even a sense of adventure—but that’s exactly the charm. Pitch your tent on the sand, try your luck fishing for dinner and keep an eye out for the curious bandicoots that have been known to pay a visit.
The coastline around Waychinicup National Park is beautiful. A protected inlet meets the wild Southern Ocean, while the waters continue on to flow into the river at Cheynes Beach, creating a mix of calm and rugged landscapes just waiting to be explored.
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- It'll cost you $15 per person, per night for adults to sleep here
- No bookings at Waychinicup; campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis
Warroora Coast
Coral Bay
Image credit: Waroora Station | Tourism WA
Waroora, fondly known as Warra to the locals of Coral Bay, is a beachside escape that feels straight out of my wildest camping dreams. Clear turquoise waters, soft sands and the Ningaloo Reef on your doorstep mean you can snorkel with turtles, spot colourful fish,or book a tour to swim alongside whale sharks, manta rays and humpbacks.
Even if you’re sticking to the shore, the campsites are perfectly positioned for sunset strolls, sunrise paddles or stargazing under impossibly clear skies. Just remember: it’s all BYO here, from food and water to snorkels and sunscreen. Pack smart and you’ll be rewarded with a front-row seat to one of WA’s most magical coastlines.
INSIDER INTEL
- There are only 11 campgrounds, book in early
- No toilets, plan accordingly...!
Stirling Range Retreat
Mount Barker
Ever imagined waking up with Bluff Knoll staring you in the face? Stirling Range Retreat puts you practically at the base of the peaks, where the air is crisp, the skies are wide and the mountains are ready and waiting for you to begin the ascent.
I've been dreaming of a sunrise hike up Bluff Knoll for years, and this spot looks perfect for those early starts. Just roll out of your swag and you’re minutes from the trailhead. Even if scaling the mountain isn’t on your agenda, the retreat sits right amidst 1,500 wildflowers, 90 bird species and 123 orchid species in Stirling Range National Park—a treat for nature lovers and photographers alike.
INSIDER INTEL
- Go for the fully self-contained two-bedroom chalets if you're hikiing with others who aren't into camping
- A seasonal pool will keep you cool in summer, with a communal campfire roaring in the cooler months
Serpentine Falls
Serpentine National Park
Image credit: Serpentine Falls | Tourism WA
Whenever I want to get out of the city for a night, I head to Tasman Holiday Park at Serpentine Falls. Less than an hour from Perth, this spot has powered and unpowered sites for tents, caravans and campervans, plus holiday homes and cabins for when you're not ready to rough it.
After setting up camp, take a dip under the falls or wander through the historic streets of Jarrahdale. And while you’re out this way, lunch at lunch at Millbrook Winery is an absolute must.
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- The whole fam can come: this is a pet-friendly park (though dogs aren't allowed at the falls)
- I highly recommend reading up on the history of Serpentine Falls (Waangaamaap Bilya). It is the ancestral home of the Noongar People, providing fresh water, fish and other foods
Chapman Pool
Blackwood National Park
Image credit: Chapman Pool (Warner Glen Campsite) | Bronwyn Wells via Explore Parks WA
This little slice of serenity is ideal for anyone chasing quiet among the trees without sacrificing a bit of adventure. There's no generators and no crowds so r&r is easy, and then the jarrah forest is ready and waiting for when you're up for exploring.
For me personally, the real drawcard here is the pool. Clear and calm, it’s impossible to resist a morning paddle or a lazy afternoon swim in the sun and silence. Pack your kayak or just take a dip in the refreshing water and let the surrounding towering jarrah trees lull you into full-on relaxation.
INSIDER INTEL
- Dogs are more than welcome but keep them on a leash
- It'll cost you $15 per person, per night and bookings are essential
- Suited to both solo campers and families trips
Eighty Mile Beach Caravan Park
Port Hedland
Eighty Mile Beach stretches along the coastline between Port Hedland and Broome, where the red dirt of the Kimberley suddenly gives way to squeaky-white sand and impossibly blue waters. Famous for its fishing and sunsets, this is the perfect spot to cast a line, crack a cold one and watch the sky put on a show.
Despite its remote location, the park is impressively kitted out. With 200 camping sites, finding a patch to pitch your tent or park your van is a breeze. If you’ve ever driven the stretch between Port Hedland and Broome, you know the temptation to just hammer the accelerator but trust me, stopping here is worth it.
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- A well-stocked on-site mini-mart will sort you with groceries, ice cream, bait, ice and tackle
- Stay out of the water, there's often jellyfish, sharks and even the rogue crocodile
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Main image credit: Osprey Bay | Tourism Western Australia