The best waterfront camping spots close to Perth

It’s time to go camping! Yes, we all love our city but sometimes it’s nice to get out into nature, relax and re-set.

Lucky for us Perth is surrounded with so many wonderful spots to park up the trailer or pitch a tent. With the summer season coming into full swing there’s a lot of long weekend opportunities to let go of that daily grind – just don’t forget the bug spray!

Honeymoon Pool

Located in Wellington National Park, this little gem is only two hours south of Perth. The camp spot is situated right on the Collie River so you can wash off the week in tranquil serenity. Spend the weekend kayaking, swimming and walking through the bush land. There are barbecue facilities available on site and it’s 2WD accessible so you’ll be well and truly prepared to go after a quick trip to Woolies.

Sues Bridge

Just shy of three hours south from Perth, Sues Bridge campsite comes with kitchen amenities like a sink, food preparation tables, picnic tables and barbecue facilities. Being a waterfront campsite, you can wake up to the soothing sounds of the Blackwood River. Bookings are on a first come first serve basis so it’s best to pick a time not in the pit of school holidays.

Lane Poole Reserve

Lane Pool Reserve is one of the most popular camping destinations near Perth and it’s pretty obvious why. After a quick 1.5-hour jaunt out of the city you’ll find yourself parked along the Murray River, with access to hiking trails like the Bibbulmun Track and Munda Biddi trail. There are a few campsites to choose from and they provide picnic tables and eco toilets on site. The sites have availability to host a variety of camping styles, from tents to full-scale campervans.

Lake Leschenaultia

Nestled in the wholesome Perth hills region, Lake Leschenaultia feels like a playground for all its attendees. The lake is a popular destination for camping as well as day trips, with a lakebed beach, canoe hire and sheltered BBQ facilities. If you’re not that into cooking you can buy lunch from the kiosk and head out on one for the many hiking trails. Located close to the Chidlow town centre you can also enjoy plenty of nice bakeries, pubs and shops nearby.

Moore River

When most Perthians think about getting away they tend to think about heading south. But just an hour north of Perth you can camp right on the beach at Guilderton Caravan Park. See where the river meets the ocean, go fishing, or simply relax on the beach with a book in hand. No matter how you like to recharge you can find it here.

Potters Gorge

Potters Gorge underwent a serious redevelopment a couple of years ago and has turned into one of the southeast’s most popular destinations, with 55 individual sites catering from tents to caravans. There’s plenty of amenities on site, including no-flush toilets, barbecues, picnic tables and more. It’s also filled with fun activities like fishing, canoeing, bushwalking, mountain biking and more.

Draftys Camp

Draftys Camp on The Warren River in Pemberton is a secluded slice of heaven tucked away in the Australian bushland. The campsite provides you with the bare essentials like a picnic table and toilet, but you’ll have to bring everything else with you. The campsites are shaded by overhanging trees and there’s a decking that looks out onto the Warren River where you can sit and relax or drop in a canoe. If you’re looking for a hike, the Warren River walk is a 10.5km trail that takes you deep into the valley for some incredible river views. It stretches the definition of “close to Perth”, but it’s worth the drive!

Belvidere

Another one closer to Perth, Belvidere is 20km north of Bunbury and offers both beach and river activities, being based near the Leschenault Inlet. The beach and inlet offer great fishing for different species depending on the time of the year, along with kayaking, bushwalking and 4WDing. The campsite is small, but well catered for with BBQs and firewood available between April and November.

Herron Point

Located just south of the crabbing mecca that is Mandurah, Herron Point Campground in Birchmont has toilets, a camp kitchen, barbecues and more. Located within the Kooljerrenup Nature Reserve, it’s a great fishing and crabbing spot, along with plenty of great bushwalks and birdspotting. You can even bring the doggo (provided it stays on a lead of course).

Martins Tank

Martins Tank Lake is only a short trip from hidden gems like Preston Beach, Tim’s Thicket, Myalup and Lake Clifton. The campsite is well decked out with gas barbies, dishwashing sinks and food prep areas, and there’s also a few group camping spaces if you wanna get the crew together.

Stockton Lake

Stockton Lake is where to go if you want to camp by a lake in Collie – although it is on a first-come, first-served basis. Originally an open cut mine, it’s popular for water skiing and boating, and while swimming is permitted, be aware the water is mildly acidic and can cause harm to those with sensitive skin.

Lake Kepwari

Lake Kepwari is the site of an old coal mine that had been mooted as a potential water-based recreation area for almost a decade, before finally achieving that goal in late 2020. Now it’s a purpose-built recreation zone with parking bays, toilets and barbecues, with designated boating and water ski areas, spots to go swimming, canoeing and fishing, camping zones and more.

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