Five free camping spots in WA for your next budget adventure

From rugged coastlines, sparkling ocean water, vast deserts and gorges carved by the hands of time, Western Australia (WA) is home to some of the most stunning natural scenery in the world. And what better way to experience WA’s incredible landscape than by free camping under the stars?

So hitch up your RV (or chuck your swag in the tray) and check out these five great free camping sites in WA for your next budget adventure.

James Price Point, Dampier Peninsula

WA’s coastline is epic and James Price Point is no exception.  Around 60 kilometres north of Broome in WA is this fantastic free camp where red cliffs meet the sparkling ocean. The first half of the drive here from Broome is good, but the second half is on a mix of sandy rock and gravel with corrugations.  Make sure to let your tyres down! 

Facilities: None

Doolena Gorge, Marble Bar

The Doolena Gorge free camp can be found around a 30-40 minutes drive north of Marble Bar in WA. Given that Marble Bar made the Guinness World Record as Australia’s hottest town when it recorded the longest heatwave ever in 1923-24 (160 days of 37.7 degrees), this water hole is a great spot to beat the heat. 

You can swim here but if the water is low, it’s relatively unappealing. However, shade can be found by the cliffs and trees during the day. The sun lights up the cliff face at dusk and it’s a top spot to explore on foot, particularly if you climb the gully to the top of the waterfall for great views.

Facilities: None.

Betty’s Beach, Albany

Betty’s Beach is a secluded WA beachside free camp around 45 min drive northeast of Albany. Access is via a dirt road, and although it’s 2WD accessible, the access road is steep, with only small spaces to turn around. This is a top spot to enjoy the coastal vibes of WA.

Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, rubbish bins and a shelter. Camping is not available from mid-February to the end of April. 

Bilung Pool, Murchison

This natural water feature along the Carnarvon Mullewa Road when heading north of Murchison in WA is a free camp desert oasis.  It usually has water in it year-round and some trees provide much-needed shade. To find it, follow the dirt track just south of  Bilung Creek for a couple of hundred metres.

Facilities: None. 

Mary Pool, Mueller Ranges

The Mary Pool free camp can be found around 110 kilometres southwest of Halls Creek.  Provided as a 24-hour rest stop on a long and lonely stretch of road, this is a large site with plenty of room along the banks of the Mary River. Of course, this is the Kimberley Region, so swimming in the waterways here is not recommended. 

Facilities: Toilet.

More free camping in Australia

If you’re planning on doing a big lap or want to save your hard-earned cash for better things on your next getaway, free camping in Australia is a great option.

More free camps can be found in these books from Hema Maps:

• Where to camp guide Australia
• Camps Australia Wide

If books aren’t your thing, try the Hema Explorer App

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