Free Camping in Western Australia: What You Need to Know

Western Australia does things differently to the east coast. In Victoria and NSW you can pull into a State Forest for free camping, but in WA the rules are tighter.

👉 Camping in WA’s State Forests is not free.

State Forests, National Parks, and Conservation Parks are all managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), and camping is only permitted in designated campgrounds with a fee. Prices are still pretty reasonable (usually $8–$12 per adult per night), but you’ll need to pay and book.

✅ Where You Can Free Camp in WA

Even though WA State Forests aren’t free, there are still plenty of ways to set up the swag without paying a cent:

• 24-hour roadside rest areas – Scattered along highways and main routes, many allow overnight stays. Usually basic (toilets, bins, tables).

• Council and shire camps – Some shires provide free (or donation-based) camping to encourage travellers to stop in town.

• Crown Land and remote bush – In outback WA, unallocated Crown Land often allows bush camping. You’ll need to be self-sufficient and obey fire and closure rules.

• Private properties (with permission) – Station stays or farm camps sometimes let you camp free or for a small donation.

🚫 Where You Can’t Free Camp

• State Forests – all require a permit and fee at designated sites.

• National Parks – Parks Pass + nightly fee required.

• Conservation Parks and Nature Reserves – same rules as State Forests.

• Urban areas and beaches – most councils ban free camping in towns or on the coast unless clearly signposted.

🌟 Some Popular Free Camps in WA

Here are a few of the best-known free or donation-based camps across WA (outside State Forests and Parks):

• Galena Bridge (near Kalbarri)

  • Popular roadside free camp on the Murchison River, with toilets and plenty of space.

• Lake Poorrarecup (near Cranbrook)

  • Shire-run, donation-based lakeside camp. Great for water activities.

• New Norcia Rest Area (Midwest)

  • Near the historic monastery town, basic free camp, close to the highway.

• DeGrey River (Pilbara, east of Port Hedland)

  • Large riverside free camp, very popular with travellers. Toilets available.

• Mary Pool (between Fitzroy Crossing and Halls Creek)

  • Shady riverside free camp, toilets, picnic tables. Good base for Kimberley trips.

🛑 Rules of Free Camping in WA

• Stay limits: usually 24–72 hours in rest areas and shire camps.

• Facilities: often very basic, so be self-sufficient.

• Leave no trace: rubbish dumping can get sites closed.

• Check signage: not all roadside stops allow overnight stays.

• Fires: follow fire bans strictly — WA rangers enforce this hard.

Final Word

If you’re planning a 4×4 adventure in WA, remember:

• State Forests and Parks = paid camping only.

• Free camping = rest areas, shire reserves, and Crown Land.

The good news is WA has some of the most spectacular bush and outback free camps in Australia. From riverside stops in the Kimberley to roadside gems in the Midwest, you’ll never be short of a place to roll out the swag.

Load up the Cruiser, keep your water tanks full, and go have a crack at WA’s free camping scene.