12 Best Spots for Beach Camping Near Perth, WA

Western Australia has the largest coastline of any Australian state, which means there’s plenty of opportunity for camping by the beach. This made Explorer Julia’s job of picking her favourite ten a bit difficult – but she’s done it!

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Countries on which these adventures take place who have occupied and cared for these lands and waters for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

10 Best Spots for Beach Camping Perth & WA

Western Australians have got it good when it comes to beach camping. Possibly a bit too good! With nearly 13,000km of untapped coastline, the options of where to pitch a tent, watch the sunset over the ocean, and doze off to the sounds of waves crashing, are almost endless.

It all sounds so dreamy, right? Well, it’s time to make dreams a reality! We’ve rounded up our top ten spots to go beach camping in WA, and they’re definitely worth the road trip.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

1. Hamelin Bay Holiday Park

Address: Hamelin Bay Road W, Hamelin Bay, WA
Phone: (08) 9758 5540
Distance/Time from Perth: 309km south/3 hours 17 minutes
Camping type: Tent (unpowered and powered), camping trailer site, camping beside vehicle
Facilities: BBQ facilities, showers, toilet block, kiosk, campfires 
Dog Friendly? No
Price: Unpowered sites start at $28/night for two adults

Enjoy a different kind of peak hour with camping at Hamelin Bay. The southwest beach is famous for its returning resident stingrays that are frequently spotted cutting laps up and down the coast. Ngari Capes Marine Park makes for top-notch wildlife viewing, with stingrays appearing like hovering black diamonds just metres from the shore. Besides ray spotting, Hamelin Bay’s turquoise waters are also perfect for swimming; just be mindful of the barbs! 

There are 120 Hamelin Bay camping sites available to make the most of WA’s famous peak hour at your own desired pace.

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2. Martins Tank Campground

Address: Preston Beach Rd N, Preston Beach, WA
Phone: (08) 9903 7750
Distance/Time from Perth: 127km south/1 hour 24 minutes
Camping type: Tent (unpowered), camping trailer site, camping beside vehicle
Facilities: Camp kitchen, BBQ, toilet, picnic tables
Dog-friendly? No
Price: Campsites start from $10 (concession) per adult per night

Camping at Preston Beach is a favourite pastime for city slickers who want to escape to the wilderness without effort. Although camping on Preston Beach itself isn’t permitted, you can still get your wake-up-near-the-water fix opposite Martins Tank Lake at Martins Tank Campground just 8km away.

The preferred Preston Beach camping spot has 29 campsites surrounded by Peppermint trees and Tuart forest. It’s also moments away from other scenic spots like, Myalup, Tims Thicket, and Lake Clifton, the home of ancient living rock organisms, the thrombolites.

Read more: 8 Things I Learnt Not To Do On A Camping Trip Where Nothing Went Right

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3. Burns Beach Sunsets Village Caravan Park

Address: Burns Beach Caravan Park, 35 Ocean Parade, Iluka, WA
Phone: (08) 9305 5000
Distance/Time from Perth: 34km north/30 minutes
Camping type: Tent (unpowered and powered), camping trailer site, camping beside vehicle
Facilities: Camp kitchen, BBQ, toilets, showers, laundry, restaurant/cafe
Dog-friendly? Yes, but must be on leash 
Price: Basic utilities sites start from $55/night 

Want to visit Perth but not stay in the thick of it? Burns Beach Sunsets Village Caravan Park is the perfect combo of access to the hustle and bustle of Perth and beach retreat. Beach camping in Perth couldn’t be more convenient. 

Burns Beach itself is just a 55m walk from the campground/caravan park (perfect for evening beach fishing!), but if you want to venture further afield, Mindarie Marina, Whitemans Park, and Lakeside Joondalup are all within easy reach.  

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4. Cliff Head Campground

Address: Arrowsmith, WA
Distance/Time from Perth: 313km north/3 hours 30 minutes
Camping type: Tent (unpowered), camping trailer site, camping beside vehicle
Facilities: Undercover area with sink and tables, toilet 
Dog-friendly? Yes
Price: Camping is $20 per vehicle/night, max three-night stay

Neighbour limestone cliffs and inviting blue waters at this popular campsite, located just 37km south of the town along Indian Ocean Drive.

Cliff Head is separated into three camping areas so you can take your pick of scenery: Cliff Head North, Cliff Head Central, and Cliff Head South, the smallest out of the three. Besides swimming and fishing, you can also take to the slopes and go sandboarding for something different.

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5. Conto Campground

Address: Conto Rd, Boranup, WA
Phone: (08) 9752 5555
Distance/Time from Perth: 298km south/3 hours 11 minutes
Camping type: Tent (unpowered), camping trailer site, camping beside vehicle
Facilities: Toilet, picnic tables
Dog-friendly? No
Prices: Campsites start from $15/night (concession) per adult

Nestle yourself under shady Peppermint trees at Conto Campground in Boranup, 19km south of Margaret River. This much-loved southwest campground is near Conto Springs Beach, so you can combine an enchanting forest stay with convenient ocean dips – win! If you want to stretch your legs, there’s also access to nearby hiking trails, including the Cape to Cape Track.

If you’re feeling adventurous and keen to explore more of the area, there are plenty of 4WD tracks nearby, including a rocky ride to Kilcarnup Beach. 

Conto Campground has 116 campsites, and it’s highly recommended to book in advance.

Read more: Road-tripping WA’s South-West Corner

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6. Lucky Bay & Le Grand Beach campgrounds

Address: Lucky Bay Road, Cape Le Grand, WA
Phone: (08) 9083 2100
Distance/Time from Perth: 755km southeast/8 hours 10 minutes
Camping type: Tent (unpowered), camping trailer site, camping beside vehicle
Facilities: BBQs, toilet 
Dog-friendly? Yes, but must be on leash at all times
Prices: Campsites start from $15/night (concession) per adult

Experience one of WA’s most iconic sights: relaxing ‘roos at the beach.

Lucky Bay Campground is just footsteps from its namesake Lucky Bay, also known as Australia’s whitest beach and home to lounging kangaroos on its sands. Avert your eyes from those for a minute and you’ll find it’s also a great base for beach fishing.

This stunning postcard locale also affords million-dollar views of rising granite peaks and translucent blue waters. Beach camping in WA simply does not get better than this.

Missed out on a Lucky spot? Thankfully, Le Grand Beach campground is just 12km away, so you can still make the most of Cape Le Grand’s beach camping perfection.

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7. 3 Mile Camp

Address: MacLeod, WA
Phone: (08) 9948 5000
Distance/Time from Perth: 1034km north/10 hours 56 minutes
Camping type: Tent (unpowered), camping trailer site, camping beside vehicle
Facilities: Toilets, showers, sinks, shop, campfires
Dog-friendly? Yes, but must be on-leash at all times and secured overnight
Price: Campsites start from $20/night per adult, and an additional $2.50 per night per doggo

Bring it all – snorkel, surfboard, jet ski – you name it! Cause Gnaraloo Station’s 3 Mile Camp is the ultimate WA beach camping site to get wet and wild.

What makes the 90,000-hectare working Merino sheep station so appealing is its remote, off-grid location along 65km of unspoilt coastline. Better yet, the pristine Ningaloo Reef is right on its doorstep (or metres from your tent), making exploring the reef’s colourful universe part of your new daily ritual.

It’s recommended to travel with a 4WD to access all the good bits – world-class surf spots, secluded beaches, and rugged landscapes – across the ‘desert meets sea’ adventure playground. Trust me, you’ll find it hard to leave.

There are 65 unpowered sites, including primo spots metres from the coast, so get in early to catch the sunset.

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8. Banksia Camp

Address: Broke, WA
Distance/Time from Perth: 408km south/4 hours 41 minutes
Camping type: Tent (unpowered), camping trailer site, camping beside vehicle
Facilities: Toilet, picnic tables, rainwater
Dog-friendly? No
Prices: Campsites start from $10/night (concession) per adult

If you want a true sense of escapism, head to Banksia Camp, a hidden gem located in Broke, 23km west of Walpole. You’ll need a 4WD to access the small campground, with seven secluded campsites surrounded by Peppermint woodlands.

There’s not much to do at the campsite itself other than enjoy the simple life – not that that’s a bad thing. Go for refreshingly cool dips along the spectacular coastline and take advantage of the great fishing opportunities from the coast’s large boulders. Bliss.

Most campsites are out in the open, so it’s best to bring a shade cover or try and nab a spot under the Peppermint trees for sun protection.

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9. Cosy Corner Campground (East)

Address: Kronkup, WA 
Distance/Time from Perth: 437km south/4 hours 45 minutes
Camping type: Tent (unpowered), camping trailer site, camping beside vehicle
Facilities: BBQ, toilet, picnic tables, RV dump point
Dog-friendly? Yes, but must stay on-leash
Price: Free! Max stay three nights

Now let’s get into the best of WA’s free beach camping options because who doesn’t like saving some coin?

Cosy Corner Campground (East) is located 29km west of Albany. As the name suggests, things are cosy in this greenlit campground with 36 campsites positioned closely across two areas and plenty of secluded beach to enjoy.

The sheltered campground is only a hop, skip, and jump to the beach and is positioned along Bibbulmun Track, one of Australia’s great walking trails. Hike, swim, sleep, and repeat!

Read more: Hiking the Bibbulmun Track: A Thousand Emotions in 1000km

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10. Gnoorea Point / 40-Mile Campground

Address: Gnoorea, WA
Distance/Time from Perth: 1484km north/15 hours 25 minutes
Camping type: Tent (unpowered), camping trailer site, camping beside vehicle
Facilities: No amenities
Dog-friendly? Yes
Price: Campsites start from $16/night but this varies depending on the season and type of site

Being far-flung and lacking in amenities hasn’t stopped Gnoorea Point from being one of WA’s top free beach camping spots, located 65km west of Karratha. Also known as 40 Mile, this Pilbara campground will tempt you to be the master of self-sufficiency with good fishing on offer.

If fishing isn’t your thing, there’s enough wind protection to have a relaxing swim in calm waters and enjoy an authentic beach camping experience in WA – just make sure to bring plenty of supplies.

Please note: Camping fees apply at Gnoorea Point from 1 May to 30 September.

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11. Herron Point

Address: Herron Point Rd, Birchmont, W
Distance/Time from Perth: 96km south/1 hour 10 minutes
Camping type: Tent (unpowered), camping trailer site, camping beside vehicle
Facilities: Camp kitchen, BBQ, toilets, picnic tables
Dog-friendly? Yes, but must be on leash
Price: Campsites start from $15/night per adult

Looking for a beach camping spot near Perth that offers a bit of everything? Herron Point, nestled within the Kooljerrenup Nature Reserve, is a fantastic choice. This serene campground is perfect for those who love fishing and crabbing, with plenty of opportunities to catch your dinner right from the shore.

The facilities at Herron Point are top-notch, including a camp kitchen, barbecues, and clean toilets, ensuring a comfortable stay. For nature enthusiasts, the area offers beautiful bushwalks and excellent birdwatching.

Plus, it’s a pet-friendly spot, so you can bring your furry friends along for the adventure. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, Herron Point provides a peaceful retreat just a short drive from Perth.

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12. Coogee Beach Discovery Park

Address: Cockburn Rd, Coogee, WA
Distance/Time from Perth: 28km south/30 minutes
Camping type: Caravan or camper trailer – campsites are paved
Facilities: BBQ, camp kitchen, laundry, kiosk
Dog-friendly? No
Price: Campsites start from $40/night per adult

Coogee Beach is a gem in Western Australia, boasting pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters. It’s a popular spot for swimming, thanks to the protective shark nets that make it a safe haven for beachgoers. Fishing enthusiasts will also find plenty to love here, with ample opportunities to cast a line right from the shore.

Coogee Beach Discovery Park offers a range of facilities to make your stay comfortable, including a well-equipped camp kitchen, BBQs, and picnic tables. Whether you’re planning a family vacation or a solo retreat, Coogee Beach provides a beautiful and convenient location for beach camping. Enjoy the stunning sunsets, take long beach walks, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this coastal paradise.

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Shot by Jasmine-Loda-Batey

Tips For Beach Camping Near Perth

Travel on a Budget

Beach camping in Western Australia is not only a fantastic way to connect with nature but also an affordable accommodation option. Here are some tips to help you enjoy your beach camping adventure without breaking the bank:

• Stay in caravan parks or national parks: these often offer affordable rates and a range of facilities, making them a great choice to keep costs down
• Look for free camping spots: Use resources like Wiki Camps app to find free camping locations. Many of these spots offer stunning views and a chance to experience the great outdoors without any cost
• Pack your own food and cooking gear: Save money on meals by bringing your own food and cooking equipment. Many campgrounds have BBQs and camp kitchens where you can prepare your meals
• BYO drinking water: To reduce waste and save money, bring refillable water containers. Some campgrounds may not have potable water, so it’s always good to be prepared
• Enjoy free activities: Take advantage of the beautiful beaches and outdoor activities available. Swimming, hiking, and beachcombing are all free and provide endless entertainment.

@theroamingflamingo

FAQs Beach Camping WA

Is wild camping legal in Western Australia?

Wild camping is technically illegal across the whole of Australia. Fortunately, WA has over 1000 free campsites for you to choose from!

What beaches in WA can you camp?

The best beaches that you can camp on in WA are in the list above! Scroll up.

Where can I camp on the beach near Perth?

Beach campsites close to Perth are pretty limited. The closest one that we recommend is the Herron Point Campground in nearby Mandurah.

Where can I camp for free in WA?

There are hundreds of places where you can camp for free in WA. Check the WA Parks and Wildlife Service to find your next dream campsite.

Can you sleep on the beach in Perth?

Sleeping on beaches can be quite dangerous – you don’t want the incoming tide for a blanket! Your safest option is to limit your beach sleeping to designated campsites along the WA coast.

What’s a good campground in Francois Peron National Park?

Big Lagoon Campground is a great spot for tent camping in Francois Peron National Park. It offers basic facilities like toilets and picnic tables, but as with any off-grid camping trip, you’ll need to be self-sufficient for water and supplies. Note too, it’s 4WD access only.

Are any of these beach campgrounds good for bird watching?

You’ll definitely see plenty of birdlife around most of these, but bird fans should consider visiting Leschenault Peninsula Conservation Park for the best chance of seeing a wide range of feathered friends.

What’s a good campground in Cape Range National Park?

Osprey Bay in Cape Range National Park has both beautiful beach and gorgeous camping spots and is located right on the coast near Ningaloo Reef. The camping area offers stunning ocean views, snorkelling, and swimming. The campground has basic amenities including toilets and picnic tables, but no water is available, so you’ll need to bring your own.

Want more places to explore in WA?

• Natural Wonders of South Western Australia
• We Visited WA’s Mighty Southern Forests – Here’s What We Found
• These Are 5 of the Best Hikes Near Perth
• Guide to the Ningaloo Coast – Where the Desert Meets the Coral Reef