Travel & Touring | Camping & Caravanning 

By: Kirsty Petrides

Here in Western Australia, our coastline is our pride and joy. You haven't seen a beach until you've seen a WA beach, are we right?

In order to protect our precious coast, setting up camp on any stretch of beach is generally not allowed.

But there are some pockets of WA where generous locals, shires and government bodies have made it both possible and legal for you to pitch a tent 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 these 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 some gorgeous places in WA where you can actually camp on the beach.

1. Cleaverville camping area, Karratha

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.

  • Cost: Fees only apply during peak camping season from 1 May to 30 September. Fees start at $16 per night, and sites can be pre-booked here. 
  • 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 (26km, approx 20min drive).

    • 2. Gnoorea Point Campground, Karratha

    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.

  • Cost: Fees only apply during peak camping season from 1 May to 30 September. Fees start at $16 per night. Sites can be pre-booked here.
  • 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, a 50min drive).

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    3. Warroora Station, Ningaloo

    Warroora Station offers what is arguably the quintessential Aussie camping experience. There are 11 beachfront camping spots 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.

  • Cost: $8 per night for adults, $3 per night for kids from 5-16. Bookings are essential. 
  • Amenities: No facilities. Guests need to bring or hire a chemical toilet ($50 bond applies).
  • 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 (61km, an hour's drive).

    • 4. Cape Range National Park, Exmouth

    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.

  • Cost: $22 per site per night. Bookings essential. 
  • 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 (52km, a 40min drive).

    • RELATED: 15 of WA's best national parks for camping »

    5. Dirk Hartog Island

    Dirk Hartog 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).

  • Cost: $20 per site per night. Bookings are essential. 
  • 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).

    • RELATED: 10 bucket list WA island experiences »

    6. Edel Land National Park, Shark Bay

    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.

  • Cost: Sites start at $11 per night. Bookings are essential. 
  • Amenities: No amenities.
  • Access: Four-wheel drive access only.
  • Pet-friendly: No.
  • Closest town for fuel and supplies: Denham (232km, a 3hr 20min drive).

    • 7. Francois Peron National Park

    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.

  • Cost: $11 per night for adults, $3 per night for kids aged 5-16. No pre-bookings available. 
  • 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 (11km, a 10min drive).

    • 8. Shark Bay Shire Campgrounds

    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.

  • Cost: All campers require a permit which costs $15 and is valid for just one night at any of the four campgrounds. Contact the Shark Bay Discovery and Visitor Centre to purchase a permit. 
  • Amenities: No amenities.
  • Access: Two-wheel drive (via unsealed roads so caution is advised).
  • Pet-friendly: No.
  • Closest town for fuel and supplies: Campgrounds are close to the Shire of Shark Bay.

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    9. Sandy Cape Recreation Park, Jurien Bay

    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.

  • Cost: $20 per site per night. No bookings available so sites are first come, first served. 
  • 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. a 15min drive).

    • 10. Milligan Island Eco Camping, Green Head

    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.

  • Cost: $15 per site per night. Maximum length of stay is three days. No pre-bookings available. 
  • 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 (5km, a 5min drive).

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    11. Quagi Beach Campsite, Esperance

    Self-sufficient campers can enjoy uninterrupted ocean views at Quagi Beach in Esperance. Located in the eastern side of Stokes National Park, the campsite provides direct access to the beach for plenty of canoeing, kayaking, fishing and snorkelling. 

  • Cost: $15 per campsite, per night. For assistance with your booking, call 1300 885 775. 
  • Amenities: Basic toilets and non-potable water.
  • Access: Two-wheel drive. 
  • Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs allowed on a lead.
  • Closest town for fuel and supplies: Esperance (75km, 50min drive).

    • 12. Cape Le Grand National Park, Esperance

    At Cape Le Grand National Park 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.

  • Cost: $15 per adult per night, $3 per child per night (aged 5 to 16). Bookings are essential. 
  • 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, a 35min drive).


    • RELATED: Guide to Esperance's best beaches »

    Campground near the beach
    Image credit: Tourism Western Australia

    13. Alexander Bay Campground, Howick

    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. 

  • Cost: $15 per site, per night. No pre-bookings available. 
  • 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, 1hr 20min drive).

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    Want to beach camp but prefer not to rough it?

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    *Terms and conditions apply. Member rate varies according to season. See full website for details
    Last updated: October 2021

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