Western Australia is rich with natural scenic views that make people stay just for the surroundings alone. We’ve compiled our list for people who love the popular camping sites as well as those who yearn for a little more solitude.

Where can I camp for free in WA?

You can camp at the following sites for free:

• Betty’s Beach, Albany
• Cape Range National Park, Ningaloo
• Shoal Cape, Stokes National Park, Coomalbidgup
• Rowles Lagoon Conservation Park, Goldfields
• Karalee Rocks, Yellowdine

1. Betty’s Beach, Albany

Address: Yardie Creek Rd, Cape Range National Park

Opening Hours: 24 hours

Facilities: No power, no water, pit toilet

Ideal for: Spartan camping

Fees: Free

Urbanites love this place for the occasional foray into the wild. Take a walk by the pristine white beaches and sparkling clear water.

Even the waters can be treacherous if you don’t tread carefully. Pain specialists will always advise campers to keep safe while exploring the great outdoors.

However, keep in mind dogs aren’t allowed in this spot. So leave your furry friend with a trusted friend or family member.

2. Cape Range National Park, Ningaloo

Address: Betty’s Beach Road

Opening Hours: All year, except Christmas Day, between 9:00 am and 3:45 pm

Facilities: Walk trails, wildlife viewing, camping, beachcombing, swimming, snorkelling, beach fishing, and more

Ideal for: Family camping, couples camping

Fees:

• Standard vehicles with 12 or fewer occupants at $15.00 per vehicle
• Large vehicles with more than 12 occupants at $7.00 per person, and motorcycles at $8.00

You might have to pay for the entrance fees, but once inside you’re free to camp along the crystal clear waters of the Ningaloo Coast. Swim and snorkel to your heart’s delight while you look at the rich marine life.

Check with your dermatologist if you need to take any precautions against the harsh sun outdoors.

3. Shoal Cape

Address: Stokes National Park 

Opening Hours: All year, except Christmas Day, between 9:00 am and 3:45 pm

Facilities: Three small tent sites and a bush toilet, fire not allowed, no freshwater, no rubbish bins so bring rubbish along with you upon leaving

Ideal for: Spartan camping

Fees: Free

The Shoal Cape campsite is accessible only by a four-wheel drive vehicle. Once there, you can swim, snorkel, and take in the spectacular views of the coast.

Just make sure to skin, cook, and eat safely when you camp and cook. You wouldn’t want your gastroenterologist to worry about your stomach!

4. Rowles Lagoon Conservation Park, Goldfields

Opening Hours: All year

Facilities: Canoeing, swimming, no motorised vehicles, no water skiing allowed

Ideal for: Family camping, couples camping, spartan camping

Fees: 

• Standard vehicles with 12 or fewer occupants at $15.00 per vehicle
• Large vehicles with more than 12 occupants at $7.00 per person
• Motorcycles at $8.00

Spend the day in the freshwater wetlands and the night under the stars in this amazing spot. You can also explore the 41 species of waterbirds if you’re up to it.

Are your eyes a little blurry to view the birds clearly even through binoculars? Visit an eye clinic before heading out!

5. Karalee Rocks, Yellowdine

Opening Hours: All year

Facilities: Picnic tables, campfire rings, one blackwater dumping point, trails, toilet under renovation, bring your own firewood

Ideal for: Spartan camping

Fees: Donation

This amazing campsite is run by volunteers that allow tents and caravans to stay for the day or pitch camps overnight. There’s a gravel road for vehicle entry, although the condition is highly dependent on the weather.

Explore the trails, but listen to podiatrists when they advise campers to walk carefully.