Sometimes you’ve just gotta get away. For a night, even, because we all know that it doesn’t take a month or even a week to hit the reset button after work has crushed you to a pulp or the stresses of everyday life have you thinking, “Get me outta here!” Sometimes it takes just 24 hours, with a night under the stars, the flaming timber from the campfire popping away and the sounds of birds chirping in the early morning…
Sound like something you need? Then this post is for you.
Lucky for us in the west, there are so many incredible overnight camping spots within an hour of our city. The list could reach double-digits, but we’ve been strict, our criteria whittling the list down to the top five spots for an overnight camping trip near Perth.
What makes the best overnight camping spot?
Our list of best overnight camping spots near Perth considers several factors, including:
Shortest distance from Perth (without feeling like you’re in Perth)
Number of activities nearby
Ease and efficiency of access (e.g. no ferries, no hike-in or hike-out, etc.)
Ease of setting up (e.g. no clearing required)
Cost
If your camping mission is just for one night, you want to make sure it’s worth going. So, we’ve chosen the quickest, easiest to access, cheapest, most action-packed and all-round beautiful campgrounds to stay for an overnight camp near Perth.
The best overnight camping spots near Perth
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Lake Leschenaultia Camp Site
Lake Leschenaltia (pronounced lesh-en-ol-tea) is one of the best camping spots in WA, let alone one of the top camping spots for an overnight camp near Perth. The lake itself, in the Shire of Mundaring, is stunning. It’s perfect for SUPs, canoes and kayaks, and of course for a dip in the warmer months.
Having spent a lot of time in Canada, this place reminded me of my second home in British Columbia, with its many lakes providing much needed respite from the summer sun. And just like BC, you don’t need to go to the beach to find a great swimming hole near Perth. It can be found right here in Chidlow, just a 50-minute drive from Perth city.
Nearby, there are a tonne of MTB and hiking trails for the adventurous to discover. The campground itself offers shelter and lawn hire, a vibrant patch of green grass with a front row view of the lake.
And if you or your camping partner are mobility impaired, all-terrain wheelchair hire is available via the Shire of Mundaring. Get in touch with them here to secure yours.
Areas surrounding the campground have had temporary closures recently, so keep an eye out for lake closure announcements on the Lake Leschenaltia Facebook Page.
Distance from Perth: 49 minutes;
Activities nearby: SUPing, kayaking and canoeing, orienteering, trail walking and running, MTBing.
Ease of access: Very simple, with access to the campsite directly from the region’s main artery, Rosedale Road.
Ease of setting up: Extremely simple. The campsites are spread out and the sites generous in size. There’s a map provided upon entry to Lake Leschenaltia Camp Site, so you’ll find your site with ease.
Cost: Fees for camping at Lake Leschenaltia range between $21 (low season) and $50 (peak season) for the entire site (two people). Extra adults are charged at $12.50 and children $8. Children under two years old are free.
Jacaranda Hill Farm
Tucked away in Fairbridge, just northeast of Pinjarra and a few kms south of Mandurah, lies Jacaranda Hill Farm. This is a stunning place to take the family for an overnight camping trip just one hour from Perth.
It’s off-grid camping with all the ease of a traditional campground. Jacaranda Hill Farm sits on the edge of the Darling Scarp on a completely regenerative farm, meaning the owners maintain the ecosystem of their land through regenerative and sustainable means. You can tell how healthy the soil is here, with lush greenery greeting you at every turn.
The birdlife here will have you singing along with the morning birdsong, wrens, cockatoos and Rainbow Bee-Eaters all in constant sight of your off-grid campsite. The nights are marvellous, clear skies giving way to the sparkling stars and generous firepits begging for a flame. It’s one of those places where just one night won’t do it justice, but it will leave lasting memories for you and your kids.
Distance from Perth: One hour.
Activities nearby: Jacaranda Hill Farm provides many on-site activities, including kayaking on their own dams, as well as seasonal activities (like treasure hunts) depending on when you visit. The nearby nature walks are phenomenal, one of the best reminders that there are world-class hikes and bushwalks within one hour of Perth.
Ease of access: Very simple.
Ease of setting up: Very simple, except caravans aren’t allowed. Only tents, camper trailers and swags at Jacaranda Hill Farm. That said, it’s dog-friendly.
Cost: For two guests, depending on your chosen campsite, you’ll pay around $50 per night.
Perth Hills Discovery Centre, Sawyers Valley
Perth Hills Discovery Centre, in the heart of the Perth Hills and a mere thirty-plus-minute drive from the city, is a supreme option for overnight camping near Perth.
All amenities are provided for the overnight camper, meaning you won’t be lugging your off-grid gear with you for the one-night stay. Barbecue facilities, fridge, kettle, water, shower and toilets are all here for you to use.
Nearby, as we’ll chew your ear off about, are the Perth Hill’s best hiking trails, rock climbing, mountain biking and even 4WDing. You’ll be spoiled for choice of what’s on offer when you’re getting out of the city for a night. It’ll have you saying the words most utter when they head out to the Perth Hills for a night camping: “I can’t believe this is right on our doorstep.”
Distance from Perth: Thirty to forty minutes; 43km.
Activities nearby: Oof, the options for activities are endless: 4WDing, hiking, rock climbing and bouldering, MTBing, and of course, visits to the many winteries, pubs, cafes and restaurants that are scattered around the stunning Perth Hills.
Ease of access: Very simple.
Ease of setting up: As simple as it gets. The Perth Hills Discovery Centre is one of the easiest campgrounds to set up, with many level-ground campsites on offer.
Cost: Fees for camping at Perth Hills Discovery Centre range from $20 for an adult ($15 concession) and $5 for kids.
Martin’s Tank Campground
The closest campground to Preston Beach, one of the premier beach 4WDing spots near Perth, you won’t be disappointed making the +120km journey for the night to camp here. There are 33 campsites on offer, some suitable just for your tent or swag. All are unpowered.
Unfortunately, there’s only one communal fire pit—which may be a good thing, if you’re looking to meet some likeminded folk.
Sorry, your pooch can’t come—Martin’s Tank Campground is not dog-friendly.
Distance from Perth: One hour and a quarter; 126km.
Activities nearby: If you have a 4WD, the activity list is extensive. The neighbouring Preston Beach offers awesome beach 4WDing, with great fishing on offer too. Other than that, it’s just a great spot for a dip. Plus, the amazing beach 4WDing spot Tim’s Thicket is nearby as well. No 4WD? No worries. You can park up at the beach pavilion and take a short walk to the water. The pavilion is the chosen spot for 4WDers to deflate/inflate tyres, so look out for the hoards of fourbies and you’ll know you’re in the right place.
Ease of access: Very simple. You’ll drive most of the way on Kwinana Freeway, before Preston Beach Road takes you to Martin’s Tank Campground.
Ease of setting up: Very simple. The campsites are well partitioned and all (as far as I know) are on level ground.
Cost: Martin’s Tank Campground costs $15 per adult ($10 concession) and kids are charged at $5. It’s well worth it, considering the quality of the campground and the number of activities in the area.
Dwellingup (The mecca for overnight camping near Perth)
Oh, boy, you’re just not going to starve yourself of campsites down in Dwellingup, which is why this is a long section. The incredible options for overnight camping—just an hour and a bit south of Perth—are endless.
Most campgrounds supply full amenity, from toilets to barbecues, powered sites to firepit areas. It’s the dream spot for the family, or for either a romantic getaway or a solo sojourn.
Dwellingup is known for its network of trails, for both hikers and mountain bikers. The paths are well signposted, so once you set off on your walk you’ll know quick enough whether to expect a mountain biker to whiz past. Just keep an eye out, as it’s mountain bike country in these parts. Speaking of, there’s over 150km of new single-track mountain bike trails down here, enough trails to have your legs turn to jelly on your overnight camp away from Perth.
The town is near every campground in Dwellingup and it’s a beauty, small enough to give you that tiny town feel but with enough on offer to fill your (coffee) cup and your belly. Try Blue Wren Cafe for an awesome flat white and world famous steak pie—the kookaburras are still audible from inside the cafe doors.
Dwellingup is an awesome overnight camping spot just a touch over an hour from Perth. For an overnight camp, you have the choice of Pinjarrah Holiday Park, Lane Poole Reserve, Marrinup Campground and Murray Farm Stay. Lane Poole is my personal favourite, but it’s the first-in-first-served sites along the water that I’ve had the most memorable times. So, get in early!
Distance from Perth: One hour (slightly more, usually). Approx. 100km.
Activities nearby: Plenty, from MTBing, 4WDing, fishing, wakeboarding, hiking and trail running. Lane Poole Reserve is perfect for a fresh water swim, so bring your kayak and the kids’ floaties. Speaking of the kiddos, the Treetops Adventure in Dwellingup is superb, a super fun way to make extra camping memories for the young ones—and the oldies, if you’ve got the stones.
Ease of access: Very easy. (Main roads will take you the bulk of the way there, followed by a scenic drive along Pinjarra Williams Road to your chosen campground.)
Ease of setting up: As simple as it gets. (Every campground offers superb sites, most with exceptionally even ground to set up your tent or lay your swag.)
Cost: Camping in Dwellingup comes at a fee, but it’s extremely cheap in comparison to many other overnight camping spots near Perth.
For us city dwellers, getting out for an overnight camp near Perth is incredibly easy. Don’t let the cold weather or the creature comforts of home deter you: book your campsite, load the car and get out to one of the many awesome camping spots near our city.
