Jarrah forest, river swims and a walk-in on the Bibbulmun Track, all within reach of the city. These are the four campgrounds we'd point you to, plus the kit and tips for a dry WA weekend.
What we'd pack for forest, river and track.
A summer-weight bag, breathable sandals and a simple torch.
Sleeping bags and liners, with light options for balmy nights.
Hiking sandals for hot, dry WA tracks.
Torches and lanterns for the walk to the amenities.
Our full ranges for hydration, river afternoons and sun cover.
Refillable bottles and insulated flasks for hot, dry days.
Folding chairs, stools and picnic rugs for river afternoons.
Hiking hats, sun hats, caps and buffs for WA sun.
From a grassy oval with hot showers to a hilltop you can only walk to.
The easiest first camp near the city, with grass sites on a former oval and tarmac sites that suit campervans and trailers. Kangaroos graze nearby and the park's koala viewing area is close by.
Good to knowBook ahead. Toilets and hot showers, but drinking water isn't provided, and campfires are allowed only in the communal fire rings when conditions permit, using the firewood supplied.
View Campground DetailsA medium-size campground in jarrah forest right on the Murray River, with spots to swim and launch a kayak. Most sites suit tents and swags.
Good to knowBook ahead. Pit toilets, fire rings and picnic tables, but no drinking water, so bring your own along with firewood. Dogs are allowed on a leash at all times.
View Campground DetailsAn open woodland camp in the Wheatbelt and one of the best places near Perth to spot native animals, from woylies and tammar wallabies to brushtail possums and tawny frogmouths.
Good to knowNo bookings, it's first come, first served, so have a backup plan on busy weekends. There's a small water tank, but supply isn't guaranteed, so bring your own.
View Campground DetailsThe first campsite on the Bibbulmun Track, among jarrah and marri with rocky outcrops and boulders around camp. It's an easy overnight walk from the Kalamunda trailhead and a great first hike-in.
Good to knowAbout 5.5km and 2.5 hours on foot. There's a timber shelter, tent sites, a bush toilet and a rainwater tank, but treat the water before drinking. No bookings, and it's for walkers only.
View Campground DetailsDry heat and fire rules shape most trips out of the city.
None of these four campgrounds guarantees drinking water. Pack enough for drinking, cooking and washing up, and a little more for the drive home.
Find a Water BottleCampfires are allowed only in set rings and only when conditions permit, and they're off for much of the warmer months. A gas stove means dinner happens either way.
Find a Camp StoveBibbulmun Track campsites have rainwater tanks, but the water should be treated before you drink it. A filter, purifying tablets or a good boil all do the job.
Check Safety GearDogs aren't allowed in WA national parks, but they can join you at Lane Poole Reserve's recreation area on a leash. Keep them close, as 1080 baits are laid in the wider area.
Dryandra comes alive at night, when woylies and possums move around camp. A head torch with a red light lets you watch without startling them, and please don't feed them.
Get a Head TorchCongelin can't be booked, so sites go to whoever turns up first. Aim to arrive early and know where you'd head if it's full.
Sorted for dry heat and campfire-free nights.
Gear grouped by how you live and move.
Henry White Oval in Yanchep National Park is the easy one, with hot showers and grassy sites. Charlies Flat in Lane Poole Reserve puts you on the Murray River, and Congelin in Dryandra Woodland is the pick for wildlife. For a walk-in, Hewett's Hill is the first campsite on the Bibbulmun Track out of Kalamunda.
Don't count on it. Henry White Oval and Charlies Flat don't provide drinking water, Congelin has a small tank with no guarantee, and Bibbulmun Track tank water needs treating. Bring all the water you'll need for drinking, cooking and washing up.
Not in national parks. Dogs aren't allowed at Henry White Oval, Congelin or on most of the Bibbulmun Track, partly because 1080 baits laid for feral predators are lethal to pets. Lane Poole Reserve is the exception: dogs are welcome in its recreation area, including Charlies Flat, on a leash at all times.
For most of them, yes. Henry White Oval and Charlies Flat must be booked before you arrive. Congelin is first come, first served, and Bibbulmun Track campsites have no booking system, so turn up early and have a backup plan.
Sometimes. Henry White Oval and Charlies Flat allow fires in the rings provided when conditions permit, and Henry White Oval supplies firewood so you can't bring your own. Fires are off through the warmer months, so pack a gas stove and check the fire danger before you leave.
Every tent, stove and pack in our range is built by people who camp, then put through real nights outdoors before it reaches you.
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