Forest camping in Margaret River

Camping Margaret River

Camping in Margaret River doesn’t need to be all about overflowing, busy campsites. There are plenty of spots where you can go camping in Margaret River and be among the region’s towering Jarrah and Karri forests and lush river banks.

The Margaret River camping sites listed here are all slightly off the beaten path, but still close enough to explore the regions best attractions.

All campsites offer basic facilities including gas BBQs and eco-toilets. There are no hot showers, buzzing generators or powered sites. Instead, you’ll get close to nature and wildlife and you can go camping in Margaret River for the budget price of less than $10 per night.


Alexandra Bridge Camping

If you have a boat, then this is the site for you. The Alexandra Bridge Campground is located on the banks of the picturesque Blackwood River and has its own boat ramp.

The  Alexandra Bridge campsites are not particularly secluded and probably suit caravans better than tents, but you have direct access to the picturesque river bank. This is also a great picnic spot with tables, gas BBQs,  kids playground and a nice spot for a dip in the river. Alexandra Bridge is a dog-friendly campsite, provided they stay on the leash.

For a comprehensive list of dog- friendly campsites in click here.

Alexandra Bridge camping is located along the Brockman Highway, 10km east of Karridale and approximately 30 minutes from Margaret River township.

Chapman Pool, Warner Glen Recreation Site,

Camping Margaret River

One of my favourite Margaret River camping grounds is Chapman Pool. The Chapman Pool campsite is nestled among the beautiful Jarrah forest and on the banks of the river.

Chapman Pool campsites are secluded and private. There are a few bigger sites available for caravans and camper trailers. Each site has a campfire although fire restrictions apply during the summer months.

There are walking trails along the brook and there’s a lovely area for a swim. Also a great spot for kayaking or other aquatic pursuits. Like Alexandra BridgeChapman Pool is also a dog-friendly campsite.

Chapman Pool is located southeast of Margaret River, approximately a 20-minute drive from Margaret River and Augusta. To get there follow Glen Warner Road and follow the turnoff for the Glen Warner Recreation Area.

Click here for more information about the campsite by the Department of Parks and Wildlife.

Contos Campground

Contos Campground

My all-time favourite camping sites near Margaret River is Contos Campground. Contos is located 19km from Margaret River. Camping sites here are set in natural bushland and offers nice grassed areas. All sites are secluded and have their own campfire. There’s an abundance of wildlife here, with Kangaroos, Emus, Possums and Chuditch all regular visitors, along with plenty of birdlife. If you get that nagging feeling that someone is watching you, it’s probably a possum eyeing off your dinner.




Contos campsite is very close to the Cape to Cape Hiking Trail and 2km from the magnificent Contos Beach. You can also walk to Lake Cave and Caves World from here.

Contos Campground is located on Caves Road. Sites are suitable for tents and caravans.

Click here for more information and bookings.

Jarrahdene Campground

Jarrahdene is a relatively new camping ground in Margaret River and is located off Caves Road between Margaret River and Augusta. Camping sites at Jarrahdene are suitable for tents and large caravans.

The campground is suitable for trailers and large caravans and can accommodate large groups. To find out more about Jarrahdene and make a booking, click here.

Boranup Campground

At Boranup Campground, you can sleep under the under the spectacular canopy of the Boranup Forrest, one of Margaret River’s most stunning natural attractions. There are only seven campsites here, so better come up with a backup plan in case it’s busy.  It’s a short drive to the beautiful beach at  Hamelin Bay from here.

Boranup Campground is located on Caves Road, approximately 25km south of Margaret River or 8km northwest of Karridale.

Click here for more information about the campsite by the Department of Parks and Wildlife.

There you go, five fantastic sites where you can go camping near Margaret River.

Save it for later

Camping in Margaret River

You may also like:

The Dog’s Guide to Margaret River

Things to do in Margaret River that don’t involve wine

Margaret River’s best walking and hiking trails



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21 Comments

  1. Simone says:

    Love these suggestions. I’m always looking for new places to camp in the Southwest and these look great.

  2. Chantae says:

    The past few times I’ve gone I’ve stayed at Conto… a great site but feels so out of the way sometimes 😛 Warner Glen is awesome as well. Definitely have to check out the others. Have you done the cape to cape trail?

    • Nina B says:

      Hi Chantae, I know what you mean, Contos does feel like it’s a long way out. I think you just need to go with the intention of staying nearby and doing things that are in the area otherwise there’s a lot of driving involved.
      Yes, I’ve pretty much done the entire Cape to Cape but not all in one go. I usually just find a new section to do and walk for a few hours. I’ve stayed at some of the Cape to Cape campsites and they’re great.

  3. Bonny says:

    Hi Nina,
    Great summary of bush campsites around Margaret River. My favourites are Contos and Chapman Pool. Thanks so much for linking to my Camping at Chapman Pool/Warner Glen article.

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