Check out our top spots for camper trailer travellers in the great state of WA.
Welcome to the final instalment in our Australia-wide series on affordable camping — and now we’re crossing into big sky country: Western Australia. If you’re travelling with a camper trailer and on the lookout for cost-effective places to pull up, this massive state has something to suit just about every kind of camper.
If you’ve missed our earlier editions, check out the Queensland (part one and part two), Northern Territory, South Australia, Victoria (part one and part two), New South Wales (part one and part two) and Tasmania instalments to get the full picture. But for now, grab a cuppa and let’s explore WA — where red dirt tracks meet turquoise coastlines, and free camping doesn’t mean sacrificing epic scenery.
Touring WA: Where to go and what to expect
Western Australia is as big as it is diverse. From iconic reefs and ancient gorges to wildflowers and wine country, the landscapes here are seriously next level. Helping to inform your travel planning, WA is grouped into five official tourism regions, being Australia’s South West, Australia’s North West, Australia’s Coral Coast, Australia’s Golden Outback and Destination Perth.
Below is a handpicked guide to some of the top free and budget-friendly campsites scattered across these regions — perfect for folks towing a camper trailer or travelling by van or caravan.
Campgrounds worth the tow
Banksia Camp — Australia’s South West
Located in D'Entrecasteaux National Park, Banksia Camp is perched near the southern tip of WA, about six hours from Perth by car. It’s a cracking spot for families who enjoy swimming, fishing or just soaking up coastal serenity.
Facilities are very basic — a single picnic table and toilet. You’ll need to bring your own water and gear. This site is only accessible by 4WD, and fees apply.
Contact: Parks and Wildlife Service or 08 9840 0400
Banksia Camp – D’Entrecasteaux National Park
Alexander Bay Camping Area — Australia’s Golden Outback
Roughly an hour’s drive east of Esperance, this beachside beauty sits right on the edge of the Southern Ocean. Ideal for kayaking, bushwalks, snorkelling or a lazy beach day.
There are 12 campsites here, with drop toilets and bins provided — but it’s strictly pack in, pack out for rubbish. It’s $15 per site, per night, and you’ll need a 4WD to reach it.
Contact: 08 9083 1555
*FREE* Camel Soak Camping Area — Australia’s Coral Coast
Four hours northeast of Perth by car, this bush camp near the Rabbit Proof Fence offers peace and solitude, plus a bit of historical intrigue.
Facilities are limited to a barbecue and toilet. It’s suitable for conventional vehicles, but campers need to be fully self-sufficient.
Contact: 08 9973 1002
Caravan parks & station stays
Barn Hill Beachside Station Stay — Australia’s North West
Located just south of Broome, this station stay gives you access to 50km of Indian Ocean coastline. There’s a mix of powered/unpowered sites, basic camping huts and shaded shelters. Fees apply.
Camping huts can sleep four to five and come with power and a fan, but no air-conditioning. You’ll need to bring bedding and mozzie nets. There are hot showers, coin-operated laundry, a fish-cleaning station, rubbish bins and a bakery-style kiosk.
All conventional vehicles welcome and dogs are OK on leads, but no fires allowed.
Contact: Barn Hill Beachside Station Stay or 08 9192 4975
Sites with an ocean view – Barn Hill Beachside Station (Image Allison Watt)
RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park — Australia’s Coral Coast
About 13 hours north of Perth by car, in Exmouth, this park is a great base to explore the Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range National Park. Whether you’re here for the underwater life or a 4WD day trip, this park has all the comforts.
Choose from cabins to powered/unpowered sites. Facilities include swimming pools, a wading pool, laundry, dump point, camp kitchen, barbecues, kiosk and kids’ play areas.
Contact: RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park or 08 9949 1101
Acclaim Swan Valley Tourist Park — Destination Perth
Just a 30-minute drive from Perth, this park gives you prime access to the Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail. Accommodation ranges from shady powered sites to comfy cabins. Fees apply.
With a pool, camp kitchen, barbecue area, laundry, tennis court and recreation room, it’s a family-friendly spot with everything you need.
Contact: Swan Valley Tourist Park or 08 9274 2828
Swan Valley Tourist Park
Off-grid & bush camping
*FREE* Peak Charles Campground — Australia’s Golden Outback
Located in Peak Charles National Park, this remote bush camp is tucked away in the world’s largest temperate woodland. It’s unpowered, unbookable and unspoiled.
There’s a drop toilet and picnic tables, but that’s it — bring everything else, including drinking water. Suitable for tents, camper trailers and offroad-capable caravans or vans. Dogs and fires are not permitted.
From Coolgardie–Esperance Highway, take Lake King-Norseman Road and then turn onto Peak Charles Road.
Contact: Peak Charles Campground or 08 9083 2100
*FREE* Willow Springs — Australia’s South West
This bush camp is nestled in the forest along the Warren Blackwood Stock Route, near Nannup — about three hours by car from Perth and not far from Margaret River.
Facilities include a drop toilet and picnic table. It’s a peaceful, forested spot perfect for a low-key weekend away. Suitable for all types of vehicles.
Other free campgrounds
*FREE* Kwolyin Campsite — Australia’s Golden Outback
Set on the old football oval in the now-quiet town of Kwolyin, this site is packed with history and surrounded by wildflowers in season. Nearby, you’ll find Kokerbin Rock, WA’s version of Uluru.
Campers have access to flushing toilets, a camp kitchen, picnic shelters, firepits (seasonal use only) and large flat bays for caravans. It’s easy to access and doesn’t require bookings.
Rest Areas: short stops only
Before we list them … a quick note: Rest Areas are for resting, not extended stays. In WA, the law limits stops at signed 24-Hour Rest Areas to 24 hours max. These aren’t free camps, and if you’re looking to settle in, you’ll need to find a proper campground or caravan park.
Also, avoid using Heavy Vehicle Rest Areas — these are for commercial trucks only, and it’s illegal for private vehicles to stay there.
Only rest areas marked with an ‘Effluent Dump Site’ sign allow blackwater disposal.
*FREE* De Grey River Rest Area — Australia’s North West
Roughly 80km from Port Hedland on the Great Northern Highway, this spacious riverside rest area is perfect for an overnight break. It includes toilets, a dump point, shade shelters and even a free wi-fi hotspot.
Suitable for all types of vehicles but limited to 24-hour stays.
*FREE* Frank Lupino Memorial Park — Destination Perth
This small rest area is located near Whitby, about a 45-minute drive southeast of Perth. There are picnic tables, a barbecue and a firepit (BYO wood), but no toilets or water, so it’s only suitable for self-contained vehicles.
Stays are limited to under 24 hours.
*FREE* Smokebush Reserve — Australia’s Coral Coast
Found between Jurien Bay and Cervantes, this basic rest stop is good for a quick overnight stay. It’s accessible to all vehicles but offers minimal shade and no facilities aside from a couple of picnic tables.
Bring your own water and take all rubbish with you. Stay limit: 24 hours.
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