I’ve hiked it with a baby on my back, with cold wind cutting across my face, even with snow crunching under my boots. I’ve seen it glow pink at first light, stood up there in sideways rain, and once, for reasons I still don’t fully understand, I ran up the thing.
Bluff Knoll gets my vote, and most West Aussies’, as the pick of the bunch when it comes to hiking in WA (perhaps second only to Mount Bruce, an epic hike in Karijini National Park).
But the walk is only half the story. The other half is where you base yourself the night before or of your hike. Most people want an early start, with fewer crowds and as little pre-dawn driving as possible. That’s where choosing the right camp near Bluff Knoll really matters.
Here’s a look at the best options, based on what’s closest, what actually works and what people keep coming back to.
Jump to:
- What to Know Before Choosing a Camp
- Stirling Range Retreat
- Mount Trio Bush Camp and Caravan Park
- Porongurup Caravan Park
- Free and Low-Cost Camps Nearby
- Camping Inside Stirling Range National Park
- Other Walks Worth Your Time
- Practical Tips
- Final thoughts: Where Should You Camp?
A quick reality check before you choose
Bluff Knoll sits in the heart of Stirling Range National Park, and there’s no town at the base. That means:
- Camping options are limited and spread out
- Weather changes fast and often
- Early starts are the norm
- Most camps are outside the national park boundary
If your plan is a sunrise climb, the difference between a 10-minute drive and a 45-minute one feels very real at 4:30am. I mentioned Mount Bruce earlier, and it’s exactly the same parameters for those looking to camp near Karijini’s highest peak.
Best Accommodation Near Bluff Knoll in 2026
Stirling Range Retreat
If you ask around, this is the name that comes up most often, and for good reason.
Stirling Range Retreat sits right near the park entrance, roughly 9 kilometres from the Bluff Knoll carpark. It’s one of the few places where you can roll out of your swag or cabin, have a coffee and be at the trailhead without feeling rushed.
There are a few ways to stay here:
- Grassed campsites
- Cabins
- Chalet-style accommodation
The facilities are solid and well maintained, and it’s a comfortable base if you’re staying more than one night. One of the underrated parts is that you can walk straight into sections of the national park from the property, which makes it good for gentle afternoon walks or recovery legs after a big climb.
If you’re hiking with kids, you’re new to hiking or you just want things simple and close, this is hard to beat.
Mount Trio Bush Camp and Caravan Park
Mount Trio Bush Camp has a sort of cult status among people who regularly hike the Stirlings. It feels like it’s run by people who actually understand why you’re there.
You’ll find:
- Hot showers
- Flushing toilets
- A genuinely good camp kitchen
- Plenty of space for swags, tents, and vans
- Bluff Knoll Ski Club HQ (yep, it’s got that ski cabin feel in the heart of the bush)
It’s a short drive to Bluff Knoll and sits right near Mount Trio itself, which is a solid walk in its own right. The track is rugged, the views are big, and it’s a good alternative if Bluff Knoll is busy or socked in with weather. You also have Mount Hassell (3km, Grade 3), Talyuberlup Peak (3km, Grade 4) and Mount Magog (7km, Grade 4) within striking distance, so the site is a hotspot for habitual hikers.
They also run wildflower walks in season (1 September to 31 October), which adds another layer to staying here beyond just sleeping and leaving.
Porongurup Range Tourist Park
This one’s a bit further out, about a 30 minute drive to Bluff Knoll, but it’s worth mentioning if you’re building a broader Great Southern trip.
Porongurup Range Tourist Park is clean, well looked after, and sits beneath the granite domes of the Porongurup Range. You get views towards Nancy Peak and Devils Slide, both of which are excellent walks and far quieter than Bluff Knoll.
It also puts you close to places like Woodlands Distillery, which might matter to you once the boots come off.
This is a great option for people who aren’t in a rush, want good facilities and who are keen to explore the Porongurups while in the area (check out our guide if that’s you).
Free and low cost camps nearby
There are free and low cost camps around towns like Borden and further afield, and they can work in the right circumstances.
They’re best if you’re already passing through and you’re fully self contained. Most of them are further away, so your early morning drive may be longer than some of the previous options.
Check Google Maps or WikiCamps for coordinates, look out for rest areas. Some are right off Albany Highway, while others require some exploration. Just keep to existing tracks and respect the environment if you’re considering finding free camping.
Camping inside Stirling Range National Park
Overnight camping inside the national park is limited and regulated, and most visitors base themselves outside the park boundary.
Day use is straightforward, but overnight options are intentionally restricted to protect the region’s fragile bush. This is one place where I prefer to stay nearby rather than inside the park — just part of doing the right thing.
Other walks worth your time
If you’re staying more than a night, it’s worth looking beyond hiking Bluff Knoll.
Mount Toolbrunup is tougher, steeper, and quieter, and many people rate it as the better hike once they’ve done Bluff Knoll. Mount Hassell is often overlooked and rewards those willing to put in a bit more effort. Mount Trio itself is a strong option if conditions on Bluff aren’t playing nicely.
The Stirlings aren’t a one-walk destination, and choosing the right camp makes exploring more of them realistic.
A few practical tips
- Check the weather carefully, and then check it again
- Expect cold, wind and sudden changes (even in warmer months)
- Start early, especially on weekends
- Know your limits, rescues happen here more often than people realise
So, where should you camp?
Yes, I’ve done the free camp thing. Yes, I’ve done the back of the car thing. I’ve done campgrounds and even legged it from Albany at three in the morning (not recommended).
But if you want the closest, easiest base for an early Bluff Knoll climb, Stirling Range Retreat is hard to argue with. That said, if you want a campground with character and great facilities, Mount Trio Bush Camp consistently delivers (and is my pick of the bunch).
Looking for an overnighter close to Perth? Check out our best overnight camp spots within an hour of Perth. They are absolute beauties that’ll make the city feel like a distant planet.
