If you’re a fellow Sandgroper, you might know that we are totally spoilt
when it comes to the best camping spots near Perth.
In fact, the toughest thing about this article is narrowing it down to just
three sites. Seriously. There are some amazing camping locations near Perth
within a comfortable 2-hour drive (often much less).
We are truly lucky to live in this laid-back city. Yeah, the morning commute can be a nightmare if you’re on one of the main highways or freeways, but for the same amount of time you do this each day, by Friday evening you can be out in the great Australian bush camping in some absolutely awesome spots. The best thing is that a lot of these places have good 4WD tracks nearby so you can test out your rigs and, of course, their tyres.
For all you experienced campers, chances are our list probably doesn’t include your personal favourite, so please feel free to share some of your favourite camping spots near Perth (and why) in the comments section below.
1. Lane Poole Reserve
Lane Poole Reserve
The Lane Poole Reserve (commonly referred to as Nanga) is the number one go-to for camping near Perth. Not only does it have some beautiful Jarrah forest country, but it is also blessed with great swimming and canoeing options on the Murray River, as it winds through the reserve.
For the 4WD community, there’s a quality off-road experience that starts at
Nanga and winds through about 105 km to Quindanning. Check our Trails WA for further detail.
2. Walyunga National Park
Walyunga National Park is only about an hour drive North East of the city. It is located in the Northern Jarrah Forest where the Avon River joins the Swan River. The park has some interesting Aboriginal cultural history, and bookings for the campsites are strongly recommended.
There are also some amazing bush walks and swimming holes in the park.
3. Coastal Locations
OK, so we’ve given you two great forest locations for camping. What about a
coastal spot to pitch your tent somewhere near Perth? ⛺
Well, despite the urban
sprawl across our coastline, there are still a few camping spots near Perth
that are tucked away enough for you to feel relaxed and at one with the ocean.
Woodman Point is the
closest and most heavily used, but if you head less than an hour and a half
from the City, you can be in one of a few places along the Forrest Highway
coast – we’re thinking Preston Beach, Myalup or Binningup. The only official
camping at these locations are in caravan parks, but a little further south at
Belvedere there are DPAW campgrounds just a few hundred metres from the coast.
These beaches are
typically great for driving your 4WD, which does require some experience and
knowledge of how to use tyre pressure to your advantage. Of course, you could head north to Lancelin
for a coastal sojourn, but that’s for another time.
Please share with us where your favourite camping spots near Perth are in the comments section below.
P.S.
National Parks are the
backbone of the region’s well-kept and, as close to nature as you will
Find bushland areas. Most have great camping facilities with fire
pits (keep an eye on the fire prohibition periods), toilets and access to
swimming holes, walking trails and bike trails.
You can find some excellent information about
the National Parks and you can even book some of the camping sites online.
