If you love camping near the beach, doggo in tow, but don’t want to drive too far, Jane reckons Sandy Cape will meet your white sand and blue ocean needs. 

 

We Are Explorers acknowledges that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Yued people who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

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Quick Overview

In my opinion, Sandy Cape is one of the best beachside campgrounds within three hours of Perth. With the Indian Ocean on one side and sand dunes on the other, plus the ability to bring your dog, it’s a no-brainer for a weekend by the sea.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

 

Quick Facts

Distance: 230km north of Perth
Nearest town: Jurien Bay, 10km south
Suitable for: Tents, caravans, motorhomes, large rigs
Campsites: 112 2WD campsites and more 4WD ones
Price: Sites from $25 per night
Facilities: Eco-toilets, bins, communal shelters, communal gas BBQs (2WD area only)

About Sandy Cape

The campground is found within Sandy Cape Recreation Park, 2.5 hours north of Perth. The sites sit just back from Sandy Beach itself, with its white sandy beach and turquoise water protected from the southerly wind by a limestone headland. On the other side of the campground are the Sandy Cape Sand Dunes, which are fun to explore.

Read more: How to Stay Safe at the Beach

 

Sandy Cape History

Sandy Cape is on Noongar Country, the traditional lands of the Yued people. Many beaches have remnants of middens from ancient fishing practices.

This coastline was dotted with informal camps. As it grew in popularity, the campground became a much sought-after spot for Perth campers and caravanners. It was originally first-in, first-served, but the Dandaragan Shire has introduced an online booking system to control visitor numbers.

How to Get to Sandy Cape

The only way there is by car.

From Perth, drive 230km north on Indian Ocean Drive past small fishing villages like Ledge Point and Seabird and towns such as Lancelin and Cervantes. Just past Jurien Bay, turn left at the Sandy Cape sign. From there, it’s 7km to the campground.

Read more: Perth to Cervantes Road Trip – Swims, Sand, & Sun Await on This Weekend Drive

Where to Stay at Sandy Cape

Camping in Sandy Cape depends on your rig and equipment. The 112 2WD campsites range in size and location, but most campsites cater for up to six people and one car, while a few of the bigger sites can handle up to ten people and two cars.

 

 

The website has every campsite available by number, with a picture, reviews, star rating, and description that includes site size, plus its location in the campground.

North and south of the 2WD accessible campground are 4WD campsites where you need to be self-sufficient, including having a portable toilet. The sand tracks are soft to drive on, so deflate your tyres beforehand.

Where to Eat Near Sandy Cape

You need to be self-sufficient in food and water at Sandy Cape. The closest place for resupply is Jurien Bay, which has a population of 1,500 residents with a pub, tavern, and brewery.

Skill Level

Beginner-Intermediate

Sandy Cape Recreation Park is for people who are into basic camping, although there’s the small luxury of eco-toilets and a BBQ area. Otherwise, you need all your camping gear or caravan. The 4WD campsites require sand driving experience and rough camping skills.

Essential Gear

  • Water for drinking and cooking
  • Food and cooking equipment
  • Swimmers
  • Snorkelling equipment
  • Sandboard (for sandboarding down the dunes)
  • Firewood in campfire season
Featured Event

Adventure Reels Film Tour – Katoomba

  • Start Date: Oct 22, 2025
  • Venue: United Cinemas Katoomba

The Adventure Reels Tour is designed to keep audiences on the edge of their seats and bring the world’s best action sports films to the big screen. This year, the line-up of films showcases two-and-a-half hours of heart-stopping action, filled...

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What it’s Like to Visit Sandy Cape

We camped at Sandy Cape multiple times before the booking system was introduced, and it used to get busy, so we’re looking forward to seeing how the new system has affected the vibe.

 

 

We often select a big site that fits us and our friends’ big caravan. We set up with a view of the bay from our elevated rooftop tent, then it’s straight down to the beach, just metres away. To our left is the limestone headland and a short 4WD beach access area. To the right is a long stretch of white sand.

A long walk along the beach is our sunset activity. This is also a dog-friendly beach, so the pups happily run around and swim.

 

 

After falling asleep to the sound of lapping waves, we wake refreshed and ready to explore. We walk to the limestone headland and climb up the steep sand dunes to see the rugged coastline over the hill. Mostly, though, we set up our shelters on the beach to swim in crystal clear waters, read, relax, and repeat.

For those after something more high-adrenaline, bring along a sandboard to surf down the sand dunes behind the campground and take to the water with your favourite water toys – it’s a great spot for fishing, scuba diving, and snorkelling.

 

Tips For Visiting Sandy Cape

  • Book before you leave and check the reviews for which site you might like. Our big site was #31
  • If you can arrange it, visit during the week, as it’s much quieter

Sandy Cape FAQs

How much to stay at Sandy Cape?

Campsites start from $25 per site, per night.

Do you need a 4WD?

Nope! There are over 100 2WD accessible campsites at Sandy Cape Recreation Park, as well as additional 4WD camping areas.

Do you need to book Sandy Cape?

Yes, you must now book your campsite in advance. Bookings can be made online via SpacetoCo.

Is it safe to swim at Sandy Cape?

Yes, it’s quite a protected bay, so is quite safe to swim at.

Keep Camping in WA

This piece was brought to you by a real living human who felt the wind in their hair and described their adventure in their own words. This is because we rate authenticity and the sharing of great experiences in the natural world – it’s all part of our ethos here at We Are Explorers. You can read more about it in our Editorial Standards.