In addition to this list, consider visiting National and State Park and Forests Campgrounds. Larger Main Roads Rest Areas are suitable for overnight stops and some have toilets and a few have water tanks and/or dump points. Some of the above have been included here but there are many more. Unless specified, you cannot camp in a National Park outside of the authorised camp grounds. Similarly in conservation areas and nature reserves, camping is generally not permitted.

Some of the bush camping options (including in some National and State Parks) listed here are not suitable for caravans, although that is noted where known.

Low cost or moderate cost? While some of the listings here such as show caravan parks and camping areas charge a fee nearer commercial rates than free, I still consider an overnight fee for two of up to $15 or $18 unpowered and up to $20 powered site very reasonable, hence where known, these have also been included together with the price. Please consider prices can rise or free camps may be removed, and I may not always be aware of this. Prices quoted are based on two adults without any concessions if they apply or if the low cost is due to a concession, this too been noted. Price struture may be per site, per two people or per family. A reduced fee for one person is very rare. If travelling with a family, check cost basis first.

Some Shires and communities provide free or low cost camping opportunities to encourage visitors to their towns, many of which are rural and have suffered from years of drought and ease of modern transport resulting in people neglecting local businesses to trade with larger businesses in regional centres. Stay a while to sightsee and shop as well as meeting friendly locals in these communities to thank them for their efforts. There may also be more community run low cost camp grounds in some of the towns within in Shires, but not being Shire run, they may have been overlooked when researching these lists. In many towns, Showgrounds have no frills camping available often at a reduced cost to match the reduced services which can vary from $5 to $22 per night for two powered site. With pets permitted, Showgrounds can be an alternative where there is no pet friendly caravan park in town or for extra large rigs which cannot fit into a standard caravan park site, or they may be used as an overflow park in peak season when caravan parks are fully. Showgrounds camping is coming under increasing pressure as some see it as unfair competition for commercial caravan parks, so you may find, as we did on one occasion, that the Showground you were planning to stay at has been closed. Most are not listed hereunder, as their prices are often around the $20+ mark, which is a fair price for basic services and probably below the caravan parks in that town, but on the outside edge of my target price for low cost.

You may find a number of rural caravan parks charging between $15 and $20 for unpowered sites and $20 to $25 for powered. These are in line with some of the lower cost options such as Showgrounds.

See CMCA RV Friendly towns listed here: CMCA RV FT for more options.

Members of the Caravanners Forum are contributing to a growing list of towns or camps they have found a very good deal and worth supporting: RV FT on Caravanners Forum

Check out a few camps which we have enjoyed or found convenient when travelling: Free and low cost

For those who prefer being alone in a bushland setting, there are plenty of opportunities to stop overnight in many rural Shires and outback areas. Unless the area is signed no camping or stopping overnight, or it is in a Shire not known for moving campers on (as in some coastal Shires who have had a history of cleaning up coastal squatters shacks and messy camps), you will be unlikely to be disturbed. Disused gravel pits make lovely flat and clean camping, some old roads are left accessible and if away from the highways, will likely be quiet at night. Public access tracks along rivers can also be a good way to find an overnight camp. Out of town Community Halls or Sports Clubs can sometimes be accessed – ask first. Disused country halls and schools may still be accessible and an easy spot to park for the night. Cemetery car parks are another overnight option. Some have toilets too if you need them. When bush camping, always take you rubbish away with you (including toilet paper), and only light fires if in an open season and safe to do so, and ensure fire is fully extinguished. Leave no trace. For more about how to find a free overnight stop see Keeping costs down – Free and low cost camping

A town may not be listed hereunder because it has nothing to meet the criteria for following lists or it may be due to difficulties in obtaining information for that town or region. Some Shires do not advertise their free campgrounds as they may be small or they only want a low occupancy; it is always worth asking the the Visitor Information Centre.

These lists are not intended to supersede other listings and publications which are more comprehensive, but are seeking to highlight towns and areas which have gone out of their way to encourage the mobile tourist by provision of services, and may give more detail (eg price and location) thanother camping websites and publications. These towns and Shires deserve our support. Many of the places listed here will be duplicated in other publications.

Free or low cost camping

Western Australia

New South Wales and ACT

Queensland

Victoria

Tasmania

South Australia

Northern Territory

Department of Environment (DEC) manage camp grounds in a number of National and State Parks and on some of the former pastoral sations resumed for conservation. See current camping fees at Western Australian national Parks and State Forest camp grounds at DEC camping fees. Camping fees are payable in addition to Park entry fees where applicable. See DEC park passes for Park Pass prices and list of parks where entry fee apples. Note that in most cases, a discount is given for concession cards, including Seniors Card and Pension Card. Not all DEC managed campgrounds are listed hereunder.

Main Roads provide a number of rest areas designated for up to 24 hours resting along most major highways. The majority of these have pit toilets and some have dump points. Not all are listed against the towns below; just some have been mentioned by the Shires; particularly when they have little else to offer. These are generally near the Highway and may be suitable for an overnight stop but may be subject to traffic noise. Check the Main Roads website for listings although these lists are not fully up to date: Main Roads Rest Areas.

Some Shires and/or communities have set up free or low cost camp grounds. These may or may not have time limits on staying. These communities have done this to encourage visitors – use them and feel welcome.

Western Australia

Back to Resources Index ^

Albany – Note: No camping or cooking fires permitted within the City of Albany (including DEC land). Campgrounds: Cape Riche, community campground, toilets, outdoor cold shower as leaving beach, barbecues, caretaker onsite 98473088, 4wd boat launching, $5 per night. Waychinicup DEC campground, toilets with fees $7 per person per night, NO CARAVANS. Betty’s Beach campground, toilets, NO CARAVANS. Norman’s Beach campground, bore hole. East Bay Road, restricted camp sites, bore hole, NO CARAVANS. Cosy Corner (East), camp ground, pit toilet. West Cape Howe National Park (Shelley’s Beach) DEC campground, with fees $7 per person per night, toilet, barbecue, strictly no camper vans, caravans or trailers; tents only. Flood Gates (Torbay Inlet Road, Torbay) camping, 4wd recommended. Boat Harbour – Wellstead, camping, toilets. Millers Point on the Pallinup Estuary, no amenities, 4wd sand track to access.

Augusta - see Karridale

Arrino - The Shire of Three Springs currently has a free short stay facility at Arrino, fifteen kilometres north of Three Springs on the Midlands Road. This has a unisex disability access toilet and scheme water available.

Beacon - The Beacon Caravan Park is located in Lucas Street opposite the information bay and within walking distance of the local business and town facilities. The park provides both powered and un-powered sites as well as three well-equipped self-contained cabins. There is a modern ablution block which includes a disability access toilet, shower and laundry as well as a barbecue area with a gazebo and grassed area. Cabins: start at $88.00 per night, Van Site $16.50, Tent Site $5.50. Community member comes around to collect; cash only no cards. Phone 08 96861140 or 0429208175

Bencubbin – Close to town and all bookings are made through the Shire of Mt Marshall. The Bencubbin Caravan Park offers a shared ablution block for both powered and unpowered caravan sites as well as two fully self contained units. Pay at Shire Office $16.50 per site, $82.50 per week, tent sites $5.50 per night and $27.50 per week. Bencubbin - Kellerberrin Road, Bencubbin. Phone 08 96851202 Email: admin@mtmarshall.wa.gov.au
Boddington - Camping area located along the Harvey-Quindanning Road near the Murray River. Small rigs only, access not suited to caravans. Rubbish bins provided.

Boyup Brook – Flax Mill Caravan Park prices start at $18 for unpowered sites for two, plus the option of paddock camping $11 for two for self contained. See also Dinninup, Heartlea, Kulikup, North Dinninup, Mayanup and Tone Bridge for free camping options. Note: No campfires in the Shire October to April.

Bruce Rock - Kokerbin Rock Free camping area approximately 45 kilometres west of the town on Kwolyin West Road, 10 kilometres north of Kwolyin via Bruce Rock–Quairading Road. Kokerbin Rock is the third largest Monolith in Australia and camping is permitted. There are showers and toilets also free to use but no power. You can light a fire unless it’s the prohibited or banned fire season but you have to bring your own firewood.

Bunbury -Leschenault Peninsular Conservation Park to the north of Bunbury. DEC Parks fees apply ($7 per person per night) for campgrounds at both The Cut and Belvidere

Burracoppin (Merredin Shire) - The townsite of Burracoppin to the east of Merredin has a rest area site just off the Highway (south) in front of the Burracoppin Hotel which can accommodate large vehicles. Caravans and motor homes can park overnight. It has a single toilet and a gazebo/picnic area. There is room for large rigs but the surface is not sealed so precautions should be taken in wet weather as the ground may become soft and boggy.

Geraldton - Ellendale Pool: 45 kilometres south east of the city. (Pass through small settlement of Walkaway on way to pool) $5 per person per night. Dogs on leads. Dump point provided. Basic toilets, barbecue area, nice walking area and swimming spot. Fig Tree Crossing: Fifteen kilometres north east of the city on Chapman Valley Road on the way to Nanson/Nabawa. Free with maximum 48 hour stay. Dogs on leads. Dump point provided. Basic toilet and covered picnic areas provided.

Gladstone - seeCarnarvon

Grimwade – Eleven kilometres from Balingup – bush camping at site of a former mill town. No amenities.

Halls Creek – Main Roads Rest Areas; 60 kilometres north Little Panton shaded picnic area, fire place (no toilet) 100 kilometres north Leycesters 24 hour rest area with toilet, fire place, shaded picnic area

Heartlea south of Mayanup in the Boyup Brook Shire – Picnic area with toilet on the Boyup Brook-Cranbrook Road.

Hines Hill - There is a parking area just east of the Hines Hill townsite. Not recommended for very large rigs. This has no signage or facilities.

Jerramungup – Large rest area at Jacup near the Fitzgerald River Bridge; no amenities.

Jurien Bay – see Sandy Cape

Kalannie - Petrudor Rocks, between Pithara and Kalannie being 33 kilometres east from Pithara or 20 kilometres west from Kalannie, see our review here

Kalgoorlie-Boulder – 24 hour rest stop for fully self contained vehicles only at junction Hannan and Patroni Streets Kalgoorlie, near the Water Corporation Treatment Works. Lake Douglas Rest Area, Great Eastern Highway Kalgoorlie; pit toilet and picnic area; fifteen kilometres south west of the town, turn south from Great Eastern Highway 4.5 kilometres on dirt road. Large area for camping with no time limit.

Karratha - With the pressure on accommodation from mining company workers, finding a campsite at all can be difficult. Watch this space for future good news ~~There is overnight truck stop behind the fuel station on the Highway near the entrance road into Karratha. Plenty of room but not a quiet spot~~. Overnight stays behind roadhouse no longer permitted. See also Cleaverville. There is similarly priced small unserviced coastal camping 56 kilometres south of Karratha at the 40 Mile (Gnoorea Point). Same facilities and conditions apply as at Cleaverville.

Karridale (between Margaret River and Augusta) - Warner Glen Recreation Site, Chapman Pool On the banks of the Chapman Brook 100 metres before it enters the Blackwood River, and in the Blackwood National Park. Access via Warner Glen Road from the Brockman Highway or Bussell Highway. Gas barbecues, fire rings (bring your own wood, no fires permitted during summer), toilets and picnic tables are provided. Canoe launching ramp. The access track in is narrow but accessible to caravans. Pets allowed on a leash. DEC fees apply ($7 per person per night). Alexandra Bridge Turn off Brockman Highway, 300 metres west of Warner Glen Road, and travel 1.6 kilometres to this large campground by the river. Shady trees and grassy areas for tents. Flush toilets, outdoor cold showers, bins, non potable water taps, boat ramp, firewood and fireplaces are provided. For further details caretaker can be contacted on 08 97582244. Boranup Forest Set amidst the majestic Karri Forest in the Boranup National Park. At Karridale turn west from Bussell Highway town site onto Karridale Road until Caves Road. Turn right at Caves Road and head north until you reach the Boranup Forest Drive on your left hand side. Turn into Boranup Forest Drive. Watch for signage for campgrounds. Barbecues (but no fires permitted during summer), toilets and picnic tables. No pets allowed. Small campground suited to small vehicles only. DEC fees apply ($7 per person per night). Point Road campground in the Boranup Forest is suitable for four wheel drive vehicles only, not towing.

Kellerberrin – Lake Baandee Ski Club near Doodlakine, showers and toilets. Cost and access method uncertain.

Kojonup – RV site Gordon Street, near dump point. Charge $5 per night per rig. No amenities provided. Shower and toilets at nearby Visitor Centre open 9am to 5pm. Phone: 08 98310500

Kondinin – Shire Caravan Park with new amenities block in Gordon Street. Powered Site $17.00, Unpowered Site $9.50, Weekly Rate $90.00, Shower $5.00, Washing Machine $6.00, Key Deposit $10.00.

Kulikup – See Eulin Crossing North Dinninup

Kulin - RV’s can park free of charge for 72 hours in the Kulin townsite (Johnston Street – South side and parking permitted between the Kulin Resource Centre and the Kulin Hostel) or for longer term parking Bush Camp - Kulin Bush Races site, Jilakin Rock North Road - Fourteen kilometres from town. Toilets and hot showers (check with Shire re opening times). Caravan Park camping – powered site $10 unpowered site $5.50.

Leinster – Small caravan park $10 per night, free use of washing machine. Can get good value meals at Miner’s mess; bookings required.

Leonora - Free camping area at Malcolm Dam, off the Laverton Road. Barbecue facilities only at free camping area The Terraces, Nambi Road.

Carnarvon – Free camping at Bush Bay and New Beach, own toilet required. Sullage tanks provided. Rubbish disposal. No amenities or water, pets permitted on a lead. Approximately 40 kilometres south of Carnarvon, dirt road access. Low lying and subject to high tides; mangrove coastline. Quobba Blowholes – 72 kilometres north of Carnarvon at a sheltered bay with a lovely swimming beach. $5.50 per night per vehicle payable by honesty box. Phone Shire Rangers 0408 942945 to check if sites are available. No amenities or water. Near Blowholes. Cleaverville (on the coast near Karratha) - Accessed by nineteen kilometre dirt road, leaving the north West Coastal Highway seven kilometres north of Karratha. Campsite spread along coastline. Unserviced except for a rubbish collection point and sullage disposal point and dump point (in peak season). Fees apply May to October $7 per night with discounts for longer stays. Gets crowded. Free with three day limit stays off peak season.

Gladstone – 110 kilometres south of Carnarvon. Historic former port once used for exporting sandalwood. Pit toilet, no water. Small fee payable by honesty box. Dirt road access across low lying land – not suitable for wet weather.

Condingup- Free camping at recreation complex in Condingup; a tiny rural centre (east of Esperance), toilets.

Coolgardie - BetweenCoolgardie and Yellowdine, in the Boorabbin National Park approximately 80 kilometres west of Coolgardie and a couple of kilometres north of the Great Eastern Highway, Boondi Rock campground is a small campground near a large granite outcrop and dam. Suitable for caravans. Facilities include toilets and picnic tables. Bring your own drinking water and firewood. No dogs permitted. DEC fees of $7 per person apply. To the south of Coolgardie are free campgrounds at Victoria Rock, Burra Rock and Cave Hill Rock all with pit toilets only. Dirt Road access to these rocks. See our report on these camps here
Corrigin -Gorge Rock is a free camping area with no facilities or bins, please take all rubbish with you. Gorge Rock is approx 20 kilometres east of Corrigin and has a natural rock pool (no swimming).

Cue - Free camping at Lake Nallan reserve south side of lake, 24 kilometres north of Cue. No amenities. 48 hour limit.

Dardanup - Low cost camping is located within state forest - Wellington Mill,Collie River Valley. Honeymoon Pool at DEC rates: Honeymoon Pool

Denmark – Low Cost Camp Ground at Parry Beach $7 per site. Toilets, showers (hot if you get in early), camper’s kitchen and limited power via a generator. Volunteer caretaker on site in peak periods. Can get crowded in peak periods – no bookings. Generators permitted within specified times.

Derby – Main Roads 24 hour rest areas on Highway. Camping along the Fitzroy River at Camballin south of the Great Northern Highway.

Dinninup (Sixteen kilometres east of Boyup Brook) – Showgrounds. Free. Toilets only

Donnybrook – A small transit park complete with all amenities including laundry and dump point (contact BP servo on South West Highway for access), charges $16 for two per night unpowered. Limited time stay. (Powered site is $26).

Dowerin – free camping Minnivale Siding 21 kilometres from Dowerin; approximately 13 kilometres east along the Goomalling Wyalkatchem Road from the intersection near Dowerin, then north five kilometres to Minnivale Siding. Toilets and dump point. This former town site is now in a nature reserve, and the grain receival bin is no longer used.

Dwellingup – DEC manage several campgrounds in Lane Poole Reserve and Marrinup Townsite at $7 per person per night. Dogs on leashes and generator up to 9 pm. Picnic facilities and toilets at most camp grounds. Lane Pool.

Exmouth – See Ningaloo

Lake Nallan near Cue

A quiet place for the night can be relatively easy to find.

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