With its vast landscape and breathtaking natural beauty, Western Australia is one of the most popular destinations for camping lovers, and from the red earth of the outback to lush forests and pristine coastlines, there’s somewhere for everyone to pull up and call home for a night. But how can you enjoy a road trip through this beautiful region without breaking the bank?
Camping in WA doesn’t have to be expensive, and there are a few great free campsites that won’t charge you a single cent for accommodation. You’ll find the details on these here, and we’ve also made sure to include a list of the facilities you’ll find at each, making it easier than ever to plan your Western Australia free camping adventure!
Free WA Camping Spots
- Mary Pool
- Gascoyne River South Branch Camping Area
- Narrogin Recreational Vehicle Free Stay Area
- Galena Bridge Rest Area
- Cockburn Rest Area
- West Peawah Rest Area
Before we start, it’s important to note that while each campsite listed above is completely free, you do need a campervan to access them. Speak to the expert team at Travellers Autobarn about hiring a campervan today, and let us help you get your road trip started!
Mary Pool
Mueller Ranges, WA
Mary Pool, located off the Great Northern Highway, is a well-loved free camping spot among travellers exploring Western Australia’s Kimberley region. Set next to the Mary River, this camping area offers a serene and picturesque setting that is perfect for unwinding after a day on the road, and the site is spacious and flat, providing ample room for campervans and camper trailers.
One of the best things about this free campsite is the natural beauty you’ll find yourself immersed in. There are large, shady trees that provide respite from the scorching summer sun, and the rivers adds that extra touch of tranquillity in the background. This is also a perfect spot for birdwatching or walking with your dog, and while the facilities are limited to toilets, there are plenty of spaces to choose from. Just keep in mind that there is a 24-hour time limit in place and no power here.
FEATURED AMENITIES
- Toilets
- Camp Fires Allowed
Gascoyne River South Branch Camping Area
Peak Hill, WA
For those travelling through the Gascoyne region, the Gascoyne River South Branch Camping Area is a must-visit. This free camping spot is situated along the Gascoyne River, offering a beautiful and remote setting for campers, and the site is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including red earth, rocky outcrops, and native vegetation.
Facilities here are minimal, and you’ll find toilets, picnic tables and a dump point but you will need to bring your own drinking water and supplies. However, the reward is a free place to camp for up to 24 hours, where the beauty of the Gascoyne region can be fully appreciated without the distractions of more populated areas. It’s also a dog-friendly site, so it’s ideal if you’re travelling with your canine companion.
FEATURED AMENITIES
- Toilets
- Dump Point
- Picnic Tables
Narrogin Recreational Vehicle Free Stay Area
Narrogin, WA
Located in the heart of Western Australia’s Wheatbelt region, the Narrogin Recreational Vehicle Free Stay Area offers a convenient and welcoming spot for travellers with campervans for up to 72 hours. This site is particularly well-suited for those passing through the area or looking to explore the charming town of Narrogin and its surroundings.
There facilities here are very basic, and you’ll only find a dump point. You are, however, close to the local amenities, so it’s a useful place to stop if you need to stock up on supplies or fancy relaxing in a local café for a change of scenery. You’ll also be close to some excellent walking trails and historical sites, including Foxes Lair, which offers picnic areas, cycle routes, and plenty of wildlife-spotting opportunities.
FEATURED AMENITIES
- Dump Point
Galena Bridge Rest Area
Galena, WA
Offering easy access from the North West Coastal Highway, Galena Bridge Rest Area offers 24 hour free camping close to the Murchison River. It’s also one of the most popular free camping sites in the Coral Coast region, and with its stunning views and convenient location, it’s easy to see why. There are over 30 designated camping spaces here, too, so it’s a good choice if you’re concerned about availability.
As you might expect from such a scenic location, there are plenty of opportunities for fishing, birdwatching, and walking trails here, and it is also an excellent spot for stargazing, thanks to its remote location and clear night skies. In terms of amenities, things are pretty basic, but you will find toilets and you are allowed to start a camp fire, just bring your own firewood and use the fire pits provided.
FEATURED AMENITIES
- Toilets
- Fire Pits
Cockburn Rest Area
Lake Argyle, WA
If you’re headed along the Great Northern Highway and are in need of a safe space to spend the night, Cockburn Rest Area is a fantastic choice. You can spend up to 24 hours free of charge here, and the site has some good amenities on offer, including toilets, picnic tables under shade, a dump point, and rubbish bins, so all of your essentials are pretty much covered.
In terms of your surroundings, there is native bushland to explore, but the main advantage of camping at Cockburn Rest Area is its location, which is ideal for anyone making a long journey. Despite being close to the highway, the site is relatively quiet, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep before hitting the road again the next day.
FEATURED AMENITIES
- Toilets
- Shaded Picnic Tables
- Dump Point
- Rubbish Bins
West Peawah Rest Area
Sherlock, WA
Another favourite free camping option for people travelling along the North West Coastal Highway, West Peawah Rest Area has a spacious layout and also contains some of the best facilities you’ll find along the road. These include toilets, picnic tables, rubbish bins, BBQ facilities and fire pits.
This free campsite is surrounded by natural beauty, and the West Peawah River adds a picturesque, tranquil atmosphere that is perfect for relaxing in after a long day on the road. The area is also known for its wildlife, with kangaroos and various bird species waiting to be spotted, and it offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Australian bush. The spaciousness of this site also ensures that even when it’s busy, there’s plenty of room for everyone to spread out and enjoy their own slice of nature.
FEATURED AMENITIES
- Toilets
- Picnic Tables
- Rubbish Bins
- BBQ Facilities
- Fire Pits
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 Margaret River
- Check out Free Camping in Perth
- Check Out Free Camping Spots in Kalbarri
- Check Out Free Camping Spots in Busselton
- Check Out Free Camping Spots in Esperance
Looking for more inspiration? Check out the best places for free camping in Australia.
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FAQs about free camping in Western Australia
Yes, free camping is permitted in Western Australia. However, this doesn’t mean you can set up camp just anywhere; it can only be in authorised areas such as rest stops, recreation reserves, state forests, and national park campsites.
No, sleeping in a campervan parked on a public street in Western Australia isn’t allowed. So, as tempting as it is for you to park off anywhere and sleep, you’ll need to find a designated camping area to stay overnight.
Most free campsites in WA have a stay limit of 24 to 72 hours. Some Crown land areas allow up to 21 days, but we’d say it’s best to always check the posted signs and websites before settling in.
Facilities range from basic to surprisingly well-equipped. Common amenities include toilets, picnic tables, dump points, and fire pits. Sites like West Peawah and Cockburn Rest Area even offer BBQs and rubbish bins. However, drinking water is rarely available, so bring your own. Our guide that lists the different free camping sites shows that the facilities offered can differ greatly, so compare them before making your decision.
Yes. While there are common free camping rules to follow, every site may have its own set of rules that it enforces. Always check signage or local council websites before setting up camp.
Yes, at many sites, but only if fires are permitted at the time and you use designated fire pits. Galena Bridge, West Peawah, and Lyndon River West allow campfires when conditions are safe. During fire ban periods (usually summer), fires are strictly prohibited, so always check the local fire danger rating first.
Absolutely! You’ll find that sites like Mary Pool, Galena Bridge, and West Peawah Rest Area offer wide open spaces, wildlife spotting, rivers, and room to move. While the amenities are basic, the natural surroundings provide a fun and safe environment for families to unwind and explore.
A few sites might offer water, but that doesn’t mean that it’s always safe to drink. To be safe, it’s best to always bring along enough of your own clean water for drinking and cooking.
Most free camping spots in WA operate on a first-come, first-served basis. If you’re there first, you can choose your site. However, some national parks and reserves do require a permit or online booking ahead of time.
Make sure to pack essentials like extra drinking water, rubbish bags, insect repellent, a first aid kit, a torch, toilet paper, a gas stove, and backup power for devices.
The dry season between May and October is often the best time to go free camping near Western Australia. This is because the weather is typically cooler and there is less rain, making your visit to a park or nature reserve more pleasant.
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. Please ensure you review our Terms and Conditions before visiting certain campsites.
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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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