16 best beach camping spots in WA

In order to protect our precious coast, road tripping campers are generally not allowed to pitch a tent just anywhere on the beach.

But there are some pockets of WA where generous locals, shires and government bodies have made it both possible and legal for you to set up camp with an ocean view. Keep in mind though that because these spots are right on the sand, you won't find things like toilets or shower blocks - you're truly at one with nature.

If that doesn't sound like your jam, check out 6 beachfront camping spots where you don't have to rough it.

But if you're ready to sacrifice some of life's little luxuries in the name of getting an epic view and a dose of tranquility, here are 16 places in WA where you can camp on the beach.

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1. Sandy Cape Recreation Park, Jurien Bay

Distance from Perth: 235km north (about 2 hours 45 mins)

Sandy Cape Recreation Park is just 10km north of Jurien Bay. If you’re planning to visit, here is a hot tip - pack high-quality tent pegs. Due the amount of limestone in the Jurien Bay region, it’s near impossible to hammer regular tent pegs into the ground. Bring polypropylene or iron pegs that are strong enough to drive through the hard rock surface, and won’t bend when doing so.

• Amenities: Public toilets (long drop self-composting toilets), public barbeque area and picnic tables. No drinking water or power.

• Access: All vehicles.

• Pet-friendly: Yes, but must be kept on a lead at all times. Check the campground website for full pet policies

• Closest town for fuel and supplies: Jurien Bay (10km).

2. Milligan Island Eco Camping, Green Head

Distance from Perth: 253km north (about 3 hours)

Between the towns of Green Head and Leeman is the Milligan Island Camping Node. It’s a great spot for campers looking for a quiet coastal experience. The camp sites are on very compacted surfaces, so if you’re coming with a tent be sure to pack high-quality tent pegs and even additional tools to hammer them into the ground.

This campground is now bookable, with a fee of $20 per site per night for 2 people. Additional campers are an extra $5 per night. Children under 12 are free.

• Amenities: Toilets (drop toilets), shaded areas, public barbeques. No running water or power.

• Access: All vehicles.

• Pet-friendly: Yes, but must be kept on a lead at all times. Check the campground website for full pet policies

• Closest town for fuel and supplies: Leeman (12km).

3. Banksia Camp, Walpole

Distance from Perth: 410km south-west (about 5 hours)

For the ideal family camping holiday, head to Banksia Camp in the D’Entrecasteaux National Park. It’s a great spot for fishing, beachcombing and surfing, with stunning views across to Chatham Island. Banksia Hut is a shared, roomy shelter at the campground that can sleep up to 12 people, however it can’t be booked so bring a tent just in case it’s already occupied when you arrive.

The campgrounds themselves are also non-bookable, however camping fees of $15 per adult and $5 per child apply upon arrival.

• Amenities: Toilet and rainwater available. Campfires are permitted outside of fire restricted periods.

• Access: Four-wheel drive only.

• Pet-friendly: No.

• Closest town for fuel and supplies: Denmark (90km).

4. Parry Beach, Denmark

Distance from Perth: 449km south-west (about 5 hours)

Park up at Parry Beach campground under the shade of the peppermint trees in William Bay National Park, your gateway to fishing, surfing, boating and a range of nature-based activities.

The campsite does not take reservations so head there before lunchtime during peak periods, such as school holidays, to secure a spot. Fees of $23 per night for first two people apply per site. Additional campers are $11 extra per night. Check the campground's website for full details on their fees.

• Amenities: Toilets, shower facilities and barbecues are available. No power or drinking water available.

• Access: Two-wheel drive accessible. A height restriction of 2.7m applies to access the campsite.

• Pet-friendly: Yes, but must be kept on a lead at all times. Check the campground website for policies.

• Closest town for fuel and supplies: Denmark (21km).

5. Red Bluff

Distance from Perth: ~1,015km north (about 12 hours)

Escape to Red Bluff for the ultimate camping adventure on the southern tip of the Ningaloo Marine Park. The entire campground overlooks the Indian Ocean, so you can spend your days surfing, fishing, diving, stargazing and whale and turtle-spotting right on your doorstep.

If you want to explore the region further, camp at Quobba Station, a 187,000-acre working pastoral station only 80km north-west of Carnarvon, which you’ll pass on your way to Red Bluff.

The campsite does not take bookings, however during peak times from May to September it’s recommended to call ahead to check availability.

• Amenities: 15 drop toilets located near every camp spot and a waste dump point available. No water or power available. Red Bluff store is open from April to October with limited supplies. Campfires are permitted.

• Access: Two-wheel drive accessible, however be aware some of the roads are unsealed and the track can be rough and sandy.

• Pet-friendly: Yes, but must be kept on a lead at all times and only permitted in the northern end of the campground. Check the campground website for policies.

• Closest town for fuel and supplies: Carnarvon (125km).

6. Cape Le Grand National Park, Esperance

Distance from Perth: 748km south (about 8 hours)

At Cape Le Grand National Park in Esperance you’ll get the privilege of camping at the beach named one of Australia’s best. The iconic Lucky Bay has sites just a few steps from the famous beach, while at Le Grand Beach Campground your million-dollar view takes in a wide sweep of beach where you can swim, snorkel and fish. Just be prepared – you might have to share your site with some local kangaroos.

• Amenities: Toilet and barbeques at Lucky Bay, toilet at Le Grand Beach.

• Access: Two-wheel-drive, but be aware - these beaches are notorious for getting bogged in, even in the most stable-looking sand. If in doubt, ask a ranger.

• Pet-friendly: No.

• Closest town for fuel and supplies: Esperance (49km).

7. Alexander Bay Campground, Howick

Distance from Perth: 797km south (about 8 hours 45 minutes)

Located approximately 100 kilometres east of Esperance is Alexander Bay, or as the locals refer to it, A Bay. Known for its white sandy beaches, this is the perfect spot for those wanting to fish, surf or just relax along that famous stretch of coastline. There are 12 camping bays, and dogs and cats are permitted providing they're kept on a lead.

A stay at Alexander Bay Campground will set you back $15 per site per night. It's first-in best dressed at this popular spot, so be prepared to rock up early or have a plan B.

• Amenities: One drop toilet. No drinking water, power or cooking facilities.

• Access: Four-wheel-drive only.

• Pet-friendly: Yes, must must be kept on a lead at all times. Check the campground website for full pet policies

• Closest town for fuel and supplies: Esperance (105km).

8. Shark Bay Shire Campgrounds

Distance from Perth: 822km north (about 9 hours)

Western Australia’s first World Heritage area, Shark Bay, has four coastal campgrounds run by the local Shire: Eagle Bluff, Fowlers Camp, Whalebone Bay and Goulet Bluff. The camping spots are all beachfront, so you are completely at one with nature, meaning, there are no amenities, so be ready to be self-sufficient.

• Amenities: No amenities.

• Access: Two-wheel drive (via unsealed roads so caution is advised).

• Pet-friendly: No.

• Closest town for fuel and supplies: Denham (24km).

9. Francois Peron National Park

Distance from Perth: 825km north (about 9 hours)

Francois Peron is known for its white beaches and blue waters, and would you believe, you can camp at some of them. There are five small, informal beachfront campgrounds that all offer amazing access to the region’s stunning beaches – Big Lagoon, Gregories, South Gregories, Bottle Bay and Herald Bight. There are toilets and some public barbeques, but with no power or drinking water, you need to be somewhat self-sufficient.

• Amenities: Toilets, public barbeques at some campgrounds (Big Lagoon, Gregories, Bottle Bay only). No power or drinking water.

• Access: Four-wheel drive access only - the Department of Parks and Wildlife recommends high clearance four-wheel drives only.

• Pet-friendly: No.

• Closest town for fuel and supplies: Denham (4km).

10. Dirk Hartog Island

Distance from Perth: 855km north (about 9 hours 15 minutes)

Dirk Hartog Island (as the name implies) is only accessible by boat, barge, or plane. The barge carries vehicles across one-by-one for a fee if you want to bring your 4WD. There are restrictions on how many vehicles are allowed on the island at one time.

The island is renowned for its natural beauty and excellent fishing, and it also happens to be home to a couple of camping spots right on the sand, including Withnell Point and Dampier’s Landing. They are incredibly remote and are considered wilderness camping experiences, so you need to be fully self-sufficient and take home everything you bring in (including your toilet waste, unless you’d like to bury it, in which case pack a shovel and bury at least 50cm deep.)

• Amenities: No amenities. No toilets, showers, power or drinking water.

• Access: Four-wheel drive access only.

• Pet-friendly: No.

• Closest town for fuel and supplies: Denham (280km).

11. Edel Land National Park, Shark Bay

Distance from Perth: 877km north (about 10 hours 20 minutes)

Best known for Steep Point, the most westerly part of the Australian mainland, this proposed park has massive sand dunes, secluded beaches and windswept limestone cliffs, as well as two beachfront camping spots, Steep Point and Shelter Bay.

• Amenities: No amenities.

• Access: Four-wheel drive access only.

• Pet-friendly: No.

• Closest town for fuel and supplies: Denham (232km).

12. Warroora Station, Ningaloo

Distance from Perth: 1,076km north (about 11 hours 30 minutes)

Warroora Coast offers what is arguably the quintessential Aussie camping experience. There are several beachfront campgrounds that all step out on to a white-sand beach, and from there it’s just few steps into the warm turquoise water. Given the remoteness of Warroora, you do need to be completely self-sufficient.

The campgrounds are all bookable and involve a fee.

• Amenities: No facilities.

• Access: Only one of the camping areas (14 Mile) is accessible by two-wheel drive, all the other camping locations are four-wheel drive only.

• Pet-friendly: Technically pets are permitted at Warroora if kept on a leash; however, due to the fact that the property sets baits to control foxes and other wild animals, you run the risk of your furry friend accidentally eating baits. So we do not recommend taking your pet on this particular camping trip - find them a pet-sitter at home instead.

• Closest town for fuel and supplies: Coral Bay (40km).

13. Winderabandi Campground, Nyinggulara National Park

Distance from Perth: 1,229km north (13 hours 30 minutes)

Located between Coral Bay and Exmouth in the Ningaloo Marine Park, the Winderabandi coastal campground offers 49 soft sand unpowered campsites. Pitch your tent and enjoy shore-based fishing, snorkelling and kayaking, or launch your boat directly from the beach.Bookings are essential and cost $10 per adult and $5 per child.

• Amenities: No toilets or bins provided. Campfires are permitted.

• Access: Four-wheel drive only.

• Pet-friendly: Yes, but must be kept on a lead at all times. Check the campground website for policies.

• Closest town for fuel and supplies: Exmouth (100km).

14. Cape Range National Park, Exmouth

Distance from Perth: 1,298km north (about 13 hours 30 minutes)

Cape Range is one of the State’s most iconic national parks, and also happens to be home to a whopping 11 beachfront campgrounds. You do need to be fully self-sufficient though, with the only amenities being toilets and a couple of picnic tables where you can sit and enjoy a cracking Exmouth sunset. And given you’re camping in a World Heritage Area, you need to be extra respectful of the environment.

• Amenities: Toilets (all campgrounds).

• Access: Two-wheel drive for nine of the 11 camp areas. One K Campground and Boat Harbour Campground are four-wheel drive only.

• Pet-friendly: No.

• Closest town for fuel and supplies: Exmouth (66km).

15. Gnoorea Point Campground, Karratha

Distance from Perth: 1,479km north (about 15 hours 30 minutes)

Gnoorea Point, also known as 40 Mile, is a great spot for those keen on a true beach camping experience. The bay offers good fishing, as well as wind protection for those wanting to cool off in the tranquil waters.

These bookable sites usually have a fee per night. There are no fees or bookings required during the off season between 1 October to 30 April, however, you'll only be allowed to camp 3 nights for every 28 days during this period.

• Amenities: No amenities (no drinking water, power or cooking facilities). Guests must bring their own chemical toilet.

• Access: Two-wheel drive accessible, but the gravel road in can be rough, so drive with caution.

• Pet-friendly: Yes, but check the campground website for policies.

• Closest town for fuel and supplies: Karratha (65km).

16. Cleaverville camping area, Karratha

Distance from Perth: 1,551km north (about 16 hours)

In the very north of WA, Cleaverville is an informal campground located between Karratha and Point Samson. It's just you and Mother Nature out there, though with no facilities of any sort it's more for experienced campers, but the sunsets are worth it. And be sure to pack insect repellent, as the sand flies are notorious.

• Amenities: No amenities (no drinking water, power or cooking facilities). Guests must bring their own chemical toilet.

• Access: Two-wheel drive accessible, but the gravel road in can be rough, so drive with caution.

• Pet-friendly: Yes, but check the campground website for policies.

• Closest town for fuel and supplies: Roebourne (32km).