6 beachfront camping spots where you don't have to rough it

Travel & Touring| Camping & Caravanning

By: Kirsty Petrides

Beachfront camping sounds pretty idyllic – waking up to crashing waves, stepping out of your tent each morning onto white sand, a mere few steps to turquoise water. It’s a picture of pure tranquillity.

But here’s the thing – beach campsites can be very basic (so we don’t damage that pristine environment).

So at most beachfront campgrounds, be prepared to sacrifice life’s little luxuries – we’re talking toilets, showers, drinking water and electricity.

If bathing in saltwater or doing your business in the bush isn’t your jam, fret not – there are a few spots in WA where you can still camp beachfront without absolutely roughing it.

1. McGowan Sunset Beach Camping, Kalumburu

Right at the top of WA in the town of Kalumburu sits McGowan Sunset Beach Camping, a low-key campground right on the sand. The team here are very casual and don’t take bookings, but they do offer amenities for those wanting a bit of comfort.

There is unlimited drinking water, power outlets to charge your appliances, showers and toilets - you just need to BYO toilet paper – and for a small fee, you can use their laundry facilities and wifi.

If you have a furry friend, the lovely people at McGowan also allow well-behaved dogs to join you.

Just make sure you plan your trip in line with the seasons, because due to Kalumburu being extremely hot in summertime, the campground is only open from April to November.

2. Sal Salis, Ningaloo Reef

This beach safari camp, nestled on a remote stretch of the Ningaloo Coast near Coral Bay, is home to 15 very fancy eco-tents. The tents are all on raised platforms on the sand, providing incredible beach views, and are also decked out with creature comforts like jarrah beds, ensuite bathrooms, fresh water and electricity.

And if that wasn’t enough luxury, Sal Salis also has an ocean-front communal lounge and bar where they serve sunset drinks and canapes each evening.

When it’s dinner time, guests are treated to a candlelight dinner prepared by the resident chef, who cooks in line with seasonality using only locally-sourced ingredients.

3. RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, Monkey Mia

This resort has recently undergone some serious renovations, so you’ll get a very comfortable camping experience. And with the park being situated right on the shores of Shark Bay, you only need to travel a few steps to feel the sand between your toes.

There are campsites for both vans and tents, with the option to have electricity and even your own private bathroom. There are also immaculate public toilets and showers, barbeques, laundry facilities, fresh water, and even an outdoor pool and tennis court.

When you start feeling a bit peckish, head to the on-site Monkey Bar for a casual feed with a side of ocean views, or the Boughshed Restaurant, which offers an impressive menu showcasing local produce.

As an added bonus, the park is pet-friendly if you want to bring your furry friend.

4. Big4 Holiday Park, Port Denison

This comfortable and well-appointed park in Dongara-Port Denison is a mere 30 metres away from the sand and offers sites for both caravans and tents.

Each site has its own electrical outlet, private storage room (for things like fishing rods or surfboards) and some even have their own private ensuite bathroom.

The campground itself also has public toilets and showers, a well-stocked camp kitchen, laundry facilities, a public barbeque and an on-site shop in case you forget any necessities.

5. RAC Esperance Holiday Park, Esperance

Located directly opposite the beautiful beaches of Esperance Bay, this seafront holiday park has some of the most stunning views you’ll find in WA.

This 170 camping sites are just a stone’s throw from Esperance’s famous white-sand beaches, with toilets, showers, fresh water, electricity, a camp kitchen, barbeque area, laundry facilities and even a playground for kids.

6. Ramada Eco Beach Tents, Broome

If you want to be close to nature without sacrificing comfort and convenience, look no further than Eco Beach in Broome. Their ‘glamping’ eco-tents are perched on raised platforms on the sand, with each boasting an ensuite bathroom, ceiling fan, free WiFi, king size bed and power outlet.

They also have large zip-down windows with fly screen, so you can sit in the comfort of your tent while enjoying the sprawling beach views.

The onsite restaurant Jack’s is open for breakfast, lunch a dinner, and the resort day spa can also treat you to a touch of pampering.

And if all that doesn’t sound relaxing enough, the resort offers complimentary yoga sessions each evening in their own ocean-front yoga studio.

Image credit: Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef and Ramada Eco Beach ResortLast updated: October 2021