Western Australia has some of the most spectacular national park camping in the country. From the Kimberley’s ancient gorges to the turquoise waters of Ningaloo, the tall timber forests of the south-west, and the wildflower-carpeted Kalbarri hinterland, WA’s parks cover an astonishing range of landscapes. The state’s park system is managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).
Booking System
Bookings are made through parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au (also known as the Explore Parks WA website). Popular campgrounds require online booking. Some remote campgrounds operate on self-registration.
Popular parks along the coast (Cape Range/Ningaloo, Karijini, Fitzgerald River, Lucky Bay) fill quickly during the dry season (May-September in the north) and school holidays. Book 4-8 weeks ahead for peak periods. Kimberley campgrounds during the dry season are in very high demand.
Fees & Passes
Park entry: Most WA national parks charge a vehicle entry fee of $15/vehicle/day. The WA Parks Pass is available as a Holiday Pass (4 weeks, $50) or Annual Pass (12 months, $110 for all WA parks). For Big Lappers, the Annual Pass pays for itself within a week of park visits.
Camping fees: $8-15/adult/night at most campgrounds. Children 5-15 years $3-5/night. Under 5 free. Well-equipped campgrounds with showers cost more. Fees are additional to park entry.
Top Campgrounds For Big Lappers
Cape Le Grand (Lucky Bay): Arguably Australia’s most famous beach. Kangaroos on pristine white sand. Le Grand Beach campground has good facilities. Book well ahead.
Cape Range (Ningaloo): Camp steps from the reef. Multiple campgrounds along the coast, each offering snorkelling directly from shore. Mesa, Tulki Beach, and Osprey Bay are favourites. Extremely popular May-October.
Karijini: The Pilbara’s stunning gorge system. Dales Gorge campground has facilities. Spectacular swimming holes and gorge walks.
Kalbarri: River gorges and coastal cliffs. Campground near the town. Nature’s Window is the iconic walk.
Fitzgerald River: One of the world’s most biodiverse national parks. Several campgrounds with basic facilities. Wildflowers in spring are extraordinary.
Caravan-Specific Notes
WA campgrounds vary in caravan suitability. Cape Range and Lucky Bay accommodate caravans (with size limits). Karijini’s Dales campground suits caravans. Northern Kimberley parks (Purnululu/Bungle Bungles) are 4WD-only and not suitable for conventional caravans. Check maximum vehicle lengths and access road conditions. Generators are restricted in most parks. Pets are not permitted.
Cape Range campgrounds during peak season (June-August) can book out within minutes of becoming available. Set a calendar reminder for when bookings open (check the Parks WA website for specific dates) and be online ready to book.
- Book at parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au; popular coastal parks book out weeks or months ahead
- WA Parks Pass ($50 holiday, $110 annual) is essential; camping fees $8-15/adult/night additional
- Cape Range (Ningaloo) and Lucky Bay are the most in-demand campgrounds in the state
- Kimberley parks are mostly dry season only (May-September); some are 4WD-only
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