Free camping spots in Exmouth are quite limited, and most designated campgrounds require bookings and fees. However, if you’re looking to save money and enjoy an off-grid experience, there are a few free options available within a couple of hours. And while they may not offer the facilities of paid sites, they still provide a great place to rest overnight while exploring this part of Western Australia.
Exmouth Free Camping Spots
Because these free camping sites are remote and do not allow tent camping, you’re going to need to stay in a campervan to use them. Check out our campervan hire rates in Perth for our latest offers, and get ready to hit the open road in comfort and style.
Burkett Road Rest Area
Burkett Road Rest Area, North West Coastal Highway, Yannarie, Western Australia 6710
Distance from Exmouth: 168km / 1 hour 45 minutes
- Vault Toilets
- Dump Point
- Rubbish Bins
- Picnic Tables
Set just off the North West Coastal Highway, Burkett Road Rest Area offers a large area suitable for campervans and big rigs. Tent camping is not permitted here, but there are some excellent facilities, and it’s pet-friendly. Just note that there is no power or drinking water, so make sure you arrive prepared.
Lyndon River West Rest Area
Lyndon River West Rest Area, Minilya-Exmouth Road, Lyndon, Western Australia 6701
Distance from Exmouth: 193km / 2 hours
- Vault Toilets
- Rubbish Bins
- Picnic Tables
- Fixed Fireplaces
- BBQ Facilities
Another great spot to rest for the night and use some good amenities, Lyndon River West Rest Area is well-equipped with vault toilets, rubbish bins, and picnic tables. It also has BBQ facilities and fixed fireplaces, but you’ll need to bring your own firewood to use these. You can also camp here overnight with your dog, but they’ll need to be on a leash at all times.
Minilya Rest Area
Minilya Rest Area, North West Coastal Highway, National Route 1, Minilya WA 6701
Distance from Exmouth: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Concrete Picnic Tables
- Benches
- Rubbish Bins
- Fire Pits with Hot Plates
Slightly further out, this is a 24-hour free campsite with some excellent facilities. However, there isn’t running water for cleaning or drinking, so you’ll need to plan ahead if you want to camp overnight at Minilya Rest Area. The area is pretty spacious, so you shouldn’t have any issue maneuvering, and there are both open and shaded spots available.
Find Other Free Camping Spots in Western Australia
Thinking of extending your road trip further? Check out these other free WA camping spots.
- Free camping sites in Busselton
- Free camping sites in Esperance
- Free camping sites in Margaret River
- Free camping sites in Perth
Get the Best Rates on Campervan Hire for Your Trip to Exmouth
Ready to start planning your camping trip in Exmouth? Travellers Autobarn offers campervan rentals with free unlimited kilometres, making it super easy to explore this region and all the other free camping Australia has to offer. Book your campervan today and start getting excited for your next great adventure.
FAQs about free camping in Exmouth
Yes, free camping is allowed near Exmouth, but not in the town itself. You’ll need to camp at designated rest areas like Burkett Road, Lyndon River West, or Minilya Rest Area, all located 1.5 to 2.5 hours outside Exmouth on major highways.
No, sleeping overnight in your campervan on the street in Exmouth is not permitted. To avoid fines or being moved along, stick to official rest areas or approved campgrounds outside the town.
Most of the rest areas near Exmouth, like Minilya, allow 24-hour stays. These sites are intended for short stopovers rather than extended camping. If you need a longer stay, rotate between locations or use caravan parks with extended stay options.
Across Exmouth, facilities vary, but most will offer you the essentials. Places like Burkett Road have vault toilets, bins, picnic tables, and a dump point, but no water or power. Lyndon River West adds BBQs and fixed fireplaces. Minilya provides fire pits with hot plates and shaded seating. None offer drinking water, so come prepared. When looking at our guide of the best free campsites in Exmouth, and knowing how their facilities differ, it’s best to be wise and always compare them to make sure you’re headed to a site that will have what you need.
Yes! Common rules include no tent camping (like at Burkett), pets need to be on leashes, and limitations on campfires depending on the season. However, rules can differ at each rest area, so it’s important to check signage on arrival and be aware of the enforced site-specific rules.
Generally, fires are allowed at most free camping sites using fixed fireplaces or fire pits. However, fire bans often apply in Western Australia, especially during hotter months. We can’t stress how important it is to always check local fire restrictions and the campsite’s fire restrictions before lighting anything.
Yes, sites like Lyndon River West and Minilya are spacious and have picnic areas, making them suitable for families. There’s room for kids to move around, but supervision is important as these are roadside rest areas with minimal fencing.
Most of the free campsites do not offer drinking water in Exmouth. You have to bring your own supply for cooking, cleaning, and hydration. Therefore, it’s essential that you pack enough water.
No bookings are required. All the free rest areas near Exmouth operate on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s a good idea to arrive earlier in the day if you want a shaded or more level spot.
Pack essentials like extra drinking water, trash bags, insect repellent, a good torch, a first aid kit, toilet paper, a portable stove or BBQ, and a backup power source for your devices. Being well-prepared makes the experience much smoother.
The dry season, which runs from May through October, is the best time to free camp near Exmouth. The weather is more predictable, temperatures are cooler, and you’re less likely to encounter heavy rain or fire restrictions.
DISCLAIMER: All information provided, including prices, availability, and site details, is correct at the time of publishing. We recommend contacting campsites or caravan parks directly to confirm the latest details before planning your visit. Please review our Terms and Conditions for additional information.
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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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