As you make your way along the southern coast of Western Australia, you’ll find Esperance, which, with its white sand beaches and wild landscapes, makes it a must-visit area for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Along with its beautiful surroundings, one thing that really sets this coastal gem apart is its abundance of free camping sites, offering you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of the region without breaking the bank!
But where are the best free camping spots in Esperance? We’ve taken all of the guesswork out of this and have created this ultimate guide to free camping in and around the Esperance area, including what amenities you’ll find at each.
What are you waiting for? Let’s head out on our Esperance free camping adventure!
Free Esperance Camping Spots
- Dunns Rock
- Condingup Community Oval
- Mount Ridley Wave Rock Carpark
- Duke of Orleans Rest Stops
- Stokes Inlet Rest Area
- Membinup Beach Campground
- Truslove Rest Area
Before we get into the site specifics, it’s important to note that most of the free camping spots in Esperance are quite remote and, as such, are really only accessible by campervan.
Contact the team at Travellers Autobarn today to find out more about hiring a campervan, and we’ll set you on the road to adventure!
Dunns Rock
Cape Le Grand National Park, Esperance
Located on the outskirts of the beautiful Cape le Grand National Park, Dunns Rock offers the opportunity to camp along the edge of the turquoise waters for up to three nights. However, this location is really only suitable for campervans, as tent camping is not permitted here.
Toilets are available here, but that’s the extent of the amenities, so self sufficient camping is recommended for staying here, too. There are some excellent adventure opportunities here, though, and the lakeside position makes it ideal for fishing, swimming, kayaking, and snorkelling. You’ll also find some fantastic nature trails to explore, offering the chance to spot local wildlife and native plants.
FEATURED AMENITIES
- Toilets
Condingup Community Oval
Condingup, Esperance
Another excellent free camping spot, Condingup Community Oval has plenty of spaces and is one of the area’s most popular sites. We still recommend getting here in plenty of time if you want to guarantee a space, though, especially during the peak holiday season.
You’re limited to 72 hours of camping here, so it’s a great spot if you want to pull up for a few days and explore the surrounding area. It’s also dog friendly, so you can go on long walks or paddle with your pooch, and while the amenities are limited to flushing toilets and rubbish bins, you’ll be immersed in some of Western Australia’s most beautiful views as the sun goes down.
FEATURED AMENITIES
- Flushing Toilets
- Rubbish Bins
Mt Ridley Wave Rock Carpark
Mt Ridley, Esperance
Accessible only to campervans, Mt Ridley Wave Rock Car Park offers a rugged camping experience for anyone looking to spend the night or pull up for a maximum of 24 hours. This free site is dog friendly and has toilets, but that’s all in terms of facilities, so you’ll need to be a confident self sufficient camper to stay here.
You’re offered some beautiful views here, including Wave Rock itself, and the surrounding area offers some good walking trails to explore. Since you’re so close to the beach, you’ve also got the perfect opportunity to grab your surfboard and catch some waves, or, if you prefer, simply relax in the sun surrounded by the sound of the ocean.
FEATURED AMENITIES
- Toilets
Duke of Orleans Rest Stops
Condingup, Esperance
You’ll find several signs pointing towards the Duke of Orleans Bay Caravan Park as you drive through Esperance, and while these are paid campsites, the rest stops close by are totally free to use. Check for signage, as there are a few, but most of them allow you to stay for up to 24 hours and are suitable for campervans and camper trailers.
This is also a very basic free campsite with no amenities. But, once you’re here, you’ll have easy access to the water, where you can enjoy a variety of water sports, as well as some lovely walking trails that are ideal for birdwatching or walking your dog.
FEATURED AMENITIES
- No Amenities
Stokes Inlet Rest Area
Southcoast Highway, Esperance
Set further away from the road than both Dalyup and Duke of Orleans, Stokes Inlet Rest Area makes another great place to spend the night as you head along the Southcoast Highway. Again, self sufficient camping is needed here, but there is plenty of room for campervans, camper trailers, big rigs, and 4WDs.
You do have access to a few amenities here, including sheltered picnic tables and non-drinking water. You’re also within walking distance of the beach, and you’re allowed to launch canoes and kayaks from the water’s edge, making it ideal if you want to spend a few hours enjoying some water sports.
Fishing is permitted here, too, giving you the opportunity to catch your own dinner! Keep in mind, however, that fires aren’t permitted here, but there is a BBQ that you are welcome to use.
FEATURED AMENITIES
- Sheltered Picnic Tables
- Non-Drinking Water
- BBQ Facilities
Membinup Beach Campground
Howick, Esperance
About an hour’s drive east of Esperance, you’ll find Membinup Beach Campground, which is is one of the most idyllic places you can stay for free in all of Western Australia. You’re literally right on the beach at this campsite, and while this means it’s only accessible to campervans and you do need to keep in mind that there are no facilities here.
The views and surroundings here are worth visiting alone, plus the incredibly close proximity to the ocean means you can get up and enjoy an early morning walk along the water or dip your toes in as you watch the sunset.
There are also a few spots within the dunes here, which are ideal if you want something a little more private than the open beach. However, you’ll need to be quick to grab one of these as there is limited space.
FEATURED AMENITIES
- No Amenities
Truslove Rest Area
Grass Patch, Esperance
Suitable for one-night stays, Truslove Rest Area is another of the free camping options you’ll find near Esperance. Suitable for campervans, camper trailers, and 4WDs, and dog friendly, this is a really quiet spot that is ideal for getting away from it all for a bit.
Arrive before nightfall (or get up super early before you need to leave), and you’ll also be able to enjoy walks in the surrounding Truslove Nature Reserve here. Just be mindful that you don’t head too far into the Nature Reserve when picking a camping spot, as camping within the reserve itself is prohibited.
FEATURED AMENITIES
- No Amenities
Explore other popular free camping spots in Western Australia
Check out some of our other popular free camping spots in Western Australia below:
- Check Out Free Camping Spots in Perth
- Check Out Free Camping Spots in Margaret River
- Check Out Free Camping Spots in Busselton
- Check Out Free Camping Spots in Kalbarri
Looking for more inspiration? Check out the best places for free camping in Australia.
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FAQs about free camping in Esperance
Yes, free camping is allowed in the Esperance region, but only in specific areas authorised for overnight stays, such as designated rest stops, national park campgrounds, recreation reserves, and some parts of state forest land.
No, you’re not allowed to sleep in your campervan on public streets in Esperance. Overnight parking in urban areas is prohibited, so you’ll need to find a proper campsite or authorised location to stay the night legally.
Most free campsites near Esperance have a time limit of between 24 and 72 hours. Some more remote Crown land areas may allow stays up to 21 days, but always read on-site signage to confirm the local rules.
Facilities vary across the Esperance region. Sites like Condingup Oval and Cockburn Rest Area have toilets and rubbish bins, while others like Dunns Rock and Mt Ridley offer only basic toilets. Locations such as Stokes Inlet include extras like picnic tables, BBQs, and non-drinking water, but some places like Membinup Beach have no amenities at all, so make sure to research ahead, compare sites (like those listed in our guide) and plan accordingly.
Yes, there are general free camping rules to follow. However, most sites may also have their own rules that you need to follow. We recommend reviewing these rules before setting out on your trip.
Open fires are generally not permitted at most free sites around Esperance. However, some sites, like Stokes Inlet, offer BBQ facilities, which is a safer way to cook during your stay. Always double-check local fire bans before lighting anything, especially in bushfire-prone seasons. These bans typically apply from December through March, so always check current conditions before lighting a fire.
Yes, many sites near Esperance are family-friendly. Locations like Stokes Inlet and Condingup Oval offer space to explore, picnic areas, and close proximity to nature. Just note that some sites have limited facilities, so it’s best to come prepared and watch younger kids near water or wildlife. We recommend comparing sites so you can see which sites offer facilities that would be better suited for your family.
A few free sites may provide water, but it isn’t always potable. To be safe, bring enough drinking water for your group, especially if you plan to stay a couple of days or more.
In most cases, no booking is needed; free campsites in the Esperance area are typically first-come, first-served. However, some park-managed or reserve sites may require a permit or online booking, so it’s smart to check beforehand.
Be sure to pack drinking water, rubbish bags, insect repellent, a flashlight or headlamp, a first aid kit, toilet paper, a portable stove, and extra power for phones or other devices. It’s better to come prepared, as facilities are fairly limited at free camping sites.
May through October is generally the best time to go free camping near Esperance. The dry season brings cooler temperatures and fewer rain disruptions, which makes for a more comfortable and enjoyable camping experience.
DISCLAIMER: Any prices displayed are correct at the time of publishing. We highly recommend contacting any campsite or caravan park prior to booking to confirm prices.
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Bastian Graf
Bastian is the Sales & Marketing Manager here at Travellers Autobarn. He holds a Master of Commerce in Marketing and International Business Management, and 20+ years experience in campervan hire, road trips and travel.
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