So you’re eyeing off Mount Bruce (Punurrunha)—Karijini National Park’s second-highest summit—and wondering where to pitch your tent nearby? You’re not alone. Whether you’re gearing up for the big climb or winding down afterwards, there are some awesome camp options that put you smack-bang in the middle of some of WA’s most rugged, ancient beauty.
I hiked Mount Bruce in 2022 with my then-fiancée (and wrote all about it here). It was one of those hikes that punched well above its weight—panoramic views, complete solace and a real sense that you’re on sacred, timeworn land. And because you might be in for an early morning when you hike Mount Bruce (given it’s hot as hell in the midday hours), you’ll be excited to rest your head after you return to the trailhead.
Let’s dive into the best camping spots near Mount Bruce, from bushy free camps to eco-stays with steaming hot showers.
What to Expect When Camping Near Mount Bruce
Karijini is wild country. And, obviously, camping here means leaning into that wilderness.
I think most forget this when in the confines of the national park until they arrive. You need to be prepared when taking long bush walks out here, as well as when you’re laying your head down at night. You’ll see and hear dingos, question whether sticks are snakes and soon realise the comforts of the city are long gone.
Free vs Paid Camping
Free camping options like Mt Bruce Central Bush Camp or Albert Tognolini Rest Area are first-come, first-served and totally off-grid. There aren’t any facilities here, not even a drop toilet. Paid sites like the Karijini Eco Retreat and Dales Campground offer a bit more luxury (or at least a loo), but you’ll need to prebook, especially during peak season (May–September).
You’re Off-Grid—Bring the Goods
Water, firewood, food and your sense of adventure—bring it all. Free camps don’t have drinking water or bins (we found one at Albert Tognolini, but it was near overflowing when we were there). There’s also very limited reception, so download maps or grab a good ol’ Hema before you go. You probably already know this after researching your trip to Karijini National Park, but temperatures can swing hard, so pack for both the sun and the nighttime chill.
Mount Bruce Central Bush Camp (10 mins drive from trailhead)
Distance to Mount Bruce trailhead: ~10 km (10 mins)
Sites available: Roughly 4–6 spread-out clearings
Cost: Free
Booking: First come, first served
If you’re just looking for a place to sleep the night before or after your Mount Bruce hike, this is your closest option—literally just off the access road to the mountain. It’s basic, but the peace is next level. You’ll be greeted with spinifex plains, a full dome of stars overhead and that eerie stillness you only get in the Pilbara.
Recommendation: Stay just one night here—it’s not near much else and has no facilities. But it’s perfect if you want to wake up and hit the summit early without a long drive. This can also be a good spot to return to after a visit to Hamersely Gorge (which is located far from every other Karijini attraction, with Mount Bruce Central Bush Camp on your direct path back to the national park).
Albert Tognolini Rest Area (60 mins from Mount Bruce)
Distance to Mount Bruce: ~75 km (1 hr)
Sites available: Space for ~20–25 vehicles
Cost: Free
Booking: First come, first served
This place is a very special place for me. This is where I proposed to my now-wife.
We rolled in just before sunset, and I set up a picnic on the edge of the campsite’s viewing platform, where we sipped wine with the whole valley glowing orange in front of us. My plan had been to trust my gut, to find the right spot anytime during our two-week journey through Karijini and the area around Red Bluff. I hadn’t expected it’d be the first night in the Karijini region that I’d propose. The place was just too perfect.
The rest area has plenty of flat spots for tents and vans, but no toilet or any other amenity. The views alone are worth a stay, and you’re still within striking distance of Mount Bruce and the entire Karjini National Park.
Oh, Laura said yes. How could she not with that view?
Recommendation: Stay 1–2 nights, especially if you’re doing a loop through the park and want a quieter base outside the core Karijini area.
Karijini Eco Retreat (35 mins from Mount Bruce)
Distance to Mount Bruce: ~35 km (35–40 mins)
Sites available: Dozens of unpowered and powered sites, plus glamping tents
Cost: Paid ($20–$50 per night depending on site type)
Booking: Essential—book online here
This is the fancy option—at least by Karijini standards. The Karijini Eco Retreat is the closest you’ll get to “comfort” in this part of the Pilbara. There’s a licensed restaurant, hot showers, real toilets and even beds if you upgrade to a glamping tent. Don’t let all that fool you, though, it’s a genuine camping destination near Mount Bruce for even the most rugged explorer.
More importantly, it’s within walking distance to Joffre Gorge, and close to Knox, Hancock and Weano Gorges—some of the best spots in Karijini. If you want to pair your Mount Bruce climb with a few gorge-hopping days, this is the base.
Recommendation: Stay 2–3 nights here and make it your Karijini HQ.
Dales Campground (1 hr 20 mins from Mount Bruce)
Distance to Mount Bruce: ~110 km (1 hr 20 mins)
Sites available: ~140 campsites, some powered
Cost: Paid (around $11–15 per adult/night)
Booking: Required – book online via Parks & Wildlife Service here
Dales feels a bit more structured, with loops of sites and ranger patrols. It’s near Fortescue Falls, Fern Pool and Circular Pool—some of the more family-friendly swimming holes. It’s a much further trip to Mount Bruce though.
Recommendation: Stay 1–2 nights, especially if you’re road-tripping through the park from east to west (or vice versa).
So… Where’s the Best Camping Spot Near Mount Bruce?
If your goal is to hike Mount Bruce at sunrise, the Mt Bruce Central Bush Camp is your go-to for one night—closest access, free and peaceful (and we like peaceful… check out our favourite secluded camping spots near Perth if you do too). But if you’re planning a longer stay and want to combine the hike with more Karijini magic, then Karijini Eco Retreat is the best all-rounder.
Albert Tognolini? It’s a gem, and worth including in your route—even just for the views (and maybe a marriage proposal).
To me, Karijini’s not just a national park—it’s a spiritual place, even for the non-spiritual. You can’t help being overwhelmed by something out here, something greater than you. Of course, that goes for Mount Bruce itself, the second highest peak in WA. Camping near this beautiful mountain formation, in the dirt and stars and silence, is part of an experience you’ll never, ever forget.
Want the full story of the Mount Bruce climb itself, including first-hand photos, history, tips and one hell of a sunrise? Check out our hike recap here.
