20 of the best campgrounds within two hours of Perth

By: Tatum Stafford

Nestled within reserves, national parks and by the water, they’re a great way to get closer to nature. And for city-slickers, they're nearby enough for a night or weekend away.

Here are 20 of our favourite campgrounds within two hours of Perth that are worth pitching your tent at.

By the water

1. Lake Leschenaultia Campsite, Chidlow

Located on 168 hectares of bushland, Lake Leschenaultia is a popular camping destination for families. The 22 sites are well positioned around the campground's namesake lake, and provide easy access for swimming, canoeing and kayaking on the water. The three kilometre walk around the lake offers the chance to spot kangaroos, possums and echidnas – and if you’d like a longer stroll, there are an additional 12 kilometres of walking and mountain biking trails within the area.

Bookings can be made through the website. Some sites are unpowered and don’t include onsite parking spaces, so be sure to specify your requirements at the time of booking.

• Distance from Perth: 50km, just under an hour's drive.

• Amenities: Ablution block, barbeques, washing machines, camp kitchen and a nearby café.

• Cost: Fees vary by season. $21 - 48 per site per night (for two people). Fees apply for extra adults and children under 17 per night.

• Pet-friendly: No.

2. Guilderton Holiday Park

Positioned just a few metres away from the beach at the mouth of the Moore River, the Guilderton Holiday Park has more than 100 powered and unpowered camping sites on offer. This a great spot for families with young kids, as there's a large foreshore kids' play area they can enjoy after a dip at the beach. For a more luxurious stay, the park also offers a glamping experience for couples.

You’ll need to book your stay in advance online.

• Distance from Perth: 93km, 1hr 10 min drive.

• Amenities: Camp kitchen, ablution block, laundry facilities, sheltered BBQs with seating.

• Cost: Fees vary by season. Unpowered sites $33 - 35 per site per night (for two people). Powered sites $42 – 57 per site per night (for two people). Fees apply for extra adults and children under 17 per night. Glamping $161 – 218 per night (for two people).

• Pet-friendly: No.

3. Martins Tank Lake Campground in Yalgorup National Park, Preston Beach

The Martins Tank Campground is nestled amongst Peppermint and Tuart woodland on the banks of Martins Tank Lake. With easy access to the tranquil Yalgorup National Park, the 33-site campground has spots for swags and tents, as well as caravans.

This is a truly unplugged experience—the whole site is unpowered and there is no running water. To access the site, you'll also be travelling some unsealed roads, so be sure to check the weather ahead of your trip.

You can book your site online, or there is a self-serve booth when you arrive.

• Distance from Perth: 126km, 1hr 25min drive.

• Amenities: No-flush pit toilets, gas and electric barbeques, picnic tables, dishwashing facilities with seasonal rainwater.

• Cost: $15 per night for adults, $5 per night for children aged between 5 and 16.

• Pet-friendly: No.

4. Nanga Mill Campground in Lane Poole Reserve, Dwellingup

There are nine separate campgrounds within the expansive Lane Poole Reserve in Dwellingup, but the reserve’s largest open-style campground is at Nanga Mill. This beautiful spot by bank of Nanga Brook is unpowered and allows you to set up wherever you like, so you can truly get back to nature. There are many versatile sites in the area suitable for tents, caravans and camper trailers.

The sites are close to a safe swimming area, so are a popular spot for families and larger groups. The two kilometre Nanga Brook Walk Trail is another attraction; following the brook from the Mill to the Nanga Townsite.

Be aware there's no running water at Nanga Mill Campground and sites can't be pre-booked. If you'd prefer to plan ahead, check out Lane Poole Reserve's other bookable campgrounds.

• Distance from Perth: 121km, 1hr 30 min drive.

• Amenities: Toilets and picnic tables.

• Cost: $15 per night for adults, $5 per night for children aged between 5 and 16. Park entry fees to Lane Pool Reserve also apply.

• Pet-friendly: Yes.

5. Logue Brook Campground, Hoffman

The Logue Brook Dam campground is located within the Lake Brockman Tourist Park, and features 126 unpowered campsites. The campground is a great base for adventures on the water, as access to the dam for swimming, fishing and launching canoes and kayaks is available at a number of spots around the shore. The on-site café sets this campground apart—with easy access to caffeine and freshly baked scones, parents can easily refuel to keep up with the kids.

Note there is no drinking water at Logue Brook Dam campground.

If you're chasing amenities like drinking water and power, Lake Brockman campsite is just next door.

• Distance from Perth: 134km, 1hr 30 min drive.

• Amenities: Longdrop toilets, gas and electric barbeques, a playground and the Lake Brockman Tourist Park café.

• Cost: Unpowered sites at Logue Brook Dam $16 per night for adults, $5 per night for children aged between 5 and 16. Unpowered sites at Lake Brockman are $48 per night for up to 2 adults.

• Pet-friendly: Dogs are permitted, but must be on a leash at all times.

6. Yarragil Campground, Lane Poole Reserve

Located a stone's throw from the tranquil Murray River, Yarragil Campground is the smallest campgrounds within Lane Poole Reserve, consisting of just two sites. It's particularly popular with canoeists, as it sits beside the entry point for the epic 11.5-kilometre trail to Nanga Road Bridge.

There is no treated drinking water, and sites must be booked online.

• Distance from Perth: 124km, 1hr 40 min drive.

• Amenities: Toilets and picnic tables.

• Cost: $15 per night for adults, $5 per night for children aged between 5 and 16. Park entry fees to Lane Pool Reserve also apply.

• Pet-friendly: Yes.

7. Belvidere Beach Campground, Leschenault

Nestled on the edge of the Leschenault Estuary, there are 28 camping sites at the picturesque Belvidere Campground. As part of the Leschenault Peninsula Conservation Park, the campground is a stone’s throw from Belvidere Beach, as well as The Cut, a walking trail that leads through the park’s Tuart and Peppermint trees.

Be prepared to take your own drinking water as there is no running water available. Bookings cannot be made in advance, and sites are allocated on a first come, first serve basis.

• Distance from Perth: 153km, 1hr 40 min drive.

• Amenities: Longdrop toilets, wood barbeques and picnic tables.

• Cost: $15 per night for adults, $5 per night for children aged between 5 and 16.

• Pet-friendly: No.

8. Potters Gorge Campground, Worsley

Situated on the shore of the Wellington Dam, Potters Gorge boasts 59 individual campsites that cater to freestanding tents or swags, campervans and camper trailers. Set amongst shady Jarrah and Marri trees, this campsite is famed for its mountain bike track, bushwalking trails, fishing spots and ideal conditions for canoeing.

This is a basic bush camping experience—the site is unpowered and there's no drinking water. But it's a great spot for first-time campers thanks to the kiosk at Wellington Dam, a quick 5-minute drive away, in case you forget any of the essentials.

You’ll need to book your site in advance online.

• Distance from Perth: 193km, just under two hour's drive.

• Amenities: No-flush pit toilets, double-gas barbeques, picnic tables, cold water dishwashing facilities, dump station and an info shelter.

• Cost: $20 per night for adults, $5 per night for children aged between 5 and 16.

• Pet-friendly: No.

9. Honeymoon Pool Campground, Worsley

The popular Honeymoon Pool Campground features 20 campsites for tents on the banks of the Collie River. This campsite is nestled deep within the trees, so is only suitable for swags and tents. Depending on your site, you could be sleeping just 15 metres from the river’s edge, so it’s a great spot for an authentic lakefront experience. Activities such as fishing, bushwalking, canoeing and mountain biking are popular around the campground.

There is no treated drinking water, and the sites can be pre-booked online.

• Distance from Perth: 192km, 2hr drive.

• Amenities: Flush toilets, gas barbeques and picnic tables. Facilities are shared with daytime visitors to Honeymoon Pool.

• Cost: $20 per night for adults, $5 per night for children aged between 5 and 16.

• Pet-friendly: No.

10. Stockton Lake Recreation Area Campground, Collie

For a truly unique camping experience, set up camp just metres from the water at Stockton Lake. This artificial lake was once an open-cut mine, which has been transformed into a popular camping area.

There are 50 unpowered campsites in the area, which is perfectly stationed on the shore of the crystal blue lake. During warmer months, activities such as waterskiing, kayaking, and swimming are popular on the lake. Just be aware that the lake's mining origins mean the water is slightly acidic—something to keep in mind if you have sensitive skin.

There is no drinking water at this site. The campsite is also not bookable, so it's first-in, first-served.

Update: The boat ramp is currently closed because of a collapsed bank.

• Distance from Perth: 208km, 2hr drive.

• Amenities: Toilets and wood barbeques.

• Cost: $15 per night for adults, $5 per night for children aged between 5 and 16. Note that fees are collected daily and must be paid in cash.

• Pet-friendly: Yes.

In the bush

11. Perth Hills Discovery Centre at Beelu National Park

Only a 40-minute drive from the Perth CBD, the Perth Hills Discovery Centre is an ideal spot for first-time campers and families with young children. There are twelve shady tent sites available, along with fire rings, outdoor picnic tables and high-quality amenities, and it’s open for camping Friday to Sunday nights and during school holidays.

The site is bordered by a number of popular walk and cycle trails, and is also close to some of the Perth Hills’ most iconic attractions; including the Mundaring Weir and the Bibbulmun Track.

• Amenities: Ablution block, picnic tables and a camp kitchen including electric barbecues.

• Cost: $20 per night for adults, $5 per night for children aged between 5 and 16.

• Pet-friendly: No.

12. Boddington Caravan Park, Boddington

Situated on the banks of the Hotham River, the Boddington Caravan Park is an hours’ drive from Perth or Mandurah, and is a great spot if you’re looking to travel a little further from the city. The quaint park is packed with great amenities, and is a short walk to some of Boddington’s cafes, service stations, grocery stores and even an arts and crafts centre.

Boddington is also home to one of Australia’s largest producing gold mines, with tours of the mine available through the park’s reception. The historic Quindanning Inne is another popular destination for visitors at just a 30 minute drive from the park.

• Amenities: Free WiFi, laundry, camp kitchen with barbecues and ablution block.

• Cost: $20 per night for unpowered tent sites, $30 per night for powered sites.

• Pet-friendly: Yes.

13. Baden Powell Campground at Lane Poole Reserve, Murray

Ideal for families, the Baden Powell Campground features a whopping 42 camp sites, three undercover camp kitchens with gas barbecues and rainwater taps – however, you’ll need to bring your own drinking water with you.

The Murray River is a key feature of the popular reserve, and is great for canoeing, fishing, white-water rafting and swimming in warmer months. The Bibbulmun Track also runs through the reserve, and is a great hop-on, hop-off activity for those keen on hiking.

• Amenities: Camp kitchens with gas barbecues, ablution block and dining benches.

• Cost: $20 per night for adults, $5 per night for children aged between 5 and 16.

• Pet-friendly: Yes.

14. Henry White Oval at Yanchep National Park

Nestled in banksia and tuart woodlands, the Henry White Oval is a purpose-built campground that is great for families or first-time campers. The campground consists of nine hard sites on what was formerly a carpark (suitable only for caravans and camper trailers), 12 grass sites, and a communal fire pit that is open seasonally. There is no running water available, so you’ll need to bring your own.

As it’s located within Yanchep National Park, the campground is only a few hundred metres from some of the park’s famed wetlands, adventure climbing courses and animal sanctuaries. The Yanchep Lagoon is only a 10-minute drive from the campground and is the perfect spot for swimming and sheltered snorkelling.

• Amenities: Ablution block and sheltered food preparation area with a gas barbeque, a sink and picnic tables.

• Cost: $20 per night for adults, $5 per night for children aged between 5 and 16.

• Pet-friendly: No.

15. Herron Point Campsite, Murray

Situated along the Harvey Estuary shoreline, Herron Point Campsite is a nature-based campground with 28 sites in total, nine of which are suitable for tents. There is no drinking water or power onsite, so you’ll need to bring your own water and generator (if needed). Sites can only be booked online.

Fishing and crabbing are popular pastimes at Harvey Estuary – or if you’d prefer to stay on land, a stroll on the path by the water will provide a view of some of the area’s hundreds of waterbirds and migrant shorebirds.

• Amenities: Toilet block, communal bush kitchen and fire pit.

• Cost: $22 per night for tent sites.

• Pet-friendly: Yes, but must be kept on a lead at all times due to 1080 baits in nearby bushland.

16. Marrinup Townsite Campground, Holyoake

Just a few kilometres north-west of Dwellingup, the Marrinup Townsite Campgroundhas a large number of camp sites on an open grassed area. Pre-bookings cannot be made, and visitors should bring drinking water with them.

The camp was originally built to accommodate 1,600 German and Italian prisoners of war, and visitors can view remnants of the original campground scattered around the sites. The Marrinup walk and cycle trail also runs through the campground as does the famous Munda Biddi mountain bike trail.

• Amenities: Tables, wood barbecues and longdrop toilets.

• Cost: $10 per night for adults ($7 concession), $5 per night for children aged between 5 and 16.

• Pet-friendly: Yes.

17. Yarragil Campground at Lane Poole Reserve, Dwellingup

With only two sites, Yarragil Campground is the smallest campground in the popular Lane Poole Reserve. Situated along the Murray River and 12 kilometres from the Lane Pool entry station, the size of the campground makes it ideal for families and day use.

The campground is particularly popular with canoeists, as it is the entry point for the 11.5km journey to Nanga Road Bridge. Swimming is also a popular pastime near the campground – just be careful when you enter the river, as submerged logs and foliage are common.

• Amenities: Picnic tables, eco-toilets and barbecue pits.

• Cost: $15 per night for adults ($10 concession), $5 per night for children aged between 5 and 16.

• Pet-friendly: Yes.

18. Stringers Campground, Nanga Brook

The Stringers Campground offers a tranquil, private camping experience on the banks of the Murray River. With just six unpowered sites, this secluded campground is not intended for group usage, as a maximum of only two cars can be parked at each site.

Campers can fish from the river, but note that you’ll need a fishing license from Fisheries WA before casting a line in. Kayak enthusiasts who stay at Stringers will be in for a treat, as this section of the river is renowned as one of the most picturesque.

• Amenities: Picnic tables, firepit, and long-drop toilet.

• Cost: $15 per night for adults ($10 concession), $5 per night for children aged between 5 and 16.

• Pet-friendly: Yes.

19. Dwellingup Chalets & Caravan Park

Set amongst beautiful Dwellingup state forest, the Dwellingup Chalets & Caravan Park offer a range of different accommodation types - but their pet-friendly camp sites are particularly popular. Just note, all sites are on hard gravel. The park is only a few minutes' walk from the town centre, and also offers easy access to the famous Bibbulmun Track and Munda Biddi cycle trail.

• Amenities: Camp kitchen, laundry, showers and ablution blocks.

• Cost: Lakeside: $40 per night, per tent.

• Pet-friendly: Yes.

20. Pinjarrah Holiday Park, Pinjarra

Just three kilometres from the historic town of Pinjarra, the Pinjarrah Holiday Park farm camping area features 70 grass sites and plenty of amenities. The farm on the property is 600 acres and contains four kilometres of river, so it’s a great spot if you’re looking to get a little closer to nature.

This park is particularly ideal for bird-lovers, as multiple bird species including red-tailed black cockatoos are frequently spotted in the park – along with the odd rabbit or kangaroo.

• Amenities: Onsite laundry, camp kitchens with gas barbecues and campfires (in season).

• Cost: $16 per night for adults, $8 per night for children (2-12 years of age).

• Pet-friendly: Yes.