Nestled in the heart of the Walpole Wilderness Area, the region surrounding Walpole offers a wide range of camping experiences, from serene bush campsites to well-equipped caravan parks. Known for its towering karri and tingle forests, rugged coastlines, and tranquil rivers, Walpole is a nature lover's paradise. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent in a remote spot surrounded by nature or enjoy the comforts of a campground with amenities, there’s a perfect camping spot for everyone.

Here’s a guide to the best camping spots around Walpole that will immerse you in the stunning wilderness of Western Australia.

1. Coalmine Beach Holiday Park

Coalmine Beach Holiday Park is a popular family-friendly campground located on the Nornalup Inlet, just a few kilometres from Walpole. Offering a mix of powered and unpowered sites, as well as cabins and glamping tents, this park caters to all types of campers. The tranquil inlet provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and swimming, while the campground’s proximity to the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk makes it an ideal base for exploring the area.

The park is set within a karri and peppermint forest, giving campers plenty of shade and a sense of being surrounded by nature. There are also well-maintained facilities, including a camp kitchen, clean bathrooms, and BBQ areas, making it a comfortable option for families and groups.

Highlights:

• Waterfront camping near the Nornalup Inlet
• Range of accommodation options, including glamping and cabins
• Close to the Valley of the Giants and other attractions

Tip: Book one of the waterfront sites for stunning views of the inlet and easy access to water activities.

Image © Tourism Western Australia

2. Rest Point Holiday Village

Located on the Frankland River near the Walpole-Nornalup Inlet, Rest Point Holiday Village is a peaceful camping spot ideal for those who want a riverside retreat. The campground offers both powered and unpowered sites, with several spots offering views of the river and inlet. This is a great spot for fishing, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the water.

Rest Point Holiday Village also provides clean facilities, including showers, toilets, and a camp kitchen, making it a comfortable option for those who want to enjoy nature without sacrificing amenities. Its location is also convenient for exploring Mount Frankland National Park, the Walpole Wilderness Area, and nearby beaches.

Highlights:

• Riverside camping on the Frankland River
• Access to fishing, boating, and water activities
• Well-maintained facilities and comfortable camping options

Tip: Take a short drive to nearby Conspicuous Cliff for stunning coastal views and beach access.

3. Circular Pool Campground

For campers seeking a more rustic experience, the Circular Pool Campground in Walpole-Nornalup National Park offers a peaceful and secluded setting. Located near the beautiful Circular Pool, a natural swimming hole on the Frankland River, this campground is perfect for those who want to be fully immersed in nature.

The campground has basic facilities, including toilets and picnic tables, but no showers or powered sites, making it ideal for self-sufficient campers. The nearby Circular Pool is a great place to cool off on a warm day or enjoy a quiet moment by the river. The surrounding forest also offers opportunities for bushwalking and wildlife spotting.

Highlights:

• Secluded bush camping near the Frankland River
• Close to Circular Pool, a scenic natural swimming spot
• Ideal for self-sufficient campers seeking a rustic experience

Tip: Visit Circular Pool after rain for the best view of the swirling, foamy water that gives the pool its name.

4. Mt. Frankland National Park Campsites

For those looking for a more remote camping experience, the campsites near Mount Frankland National Park offer a serene retreat in the wilderness. While these campsites are basic and often without facilities (other than toilets and picnic areas), they provide a fantastic base for exploring the stunning Mount Frankland Wilderness and its extensive network of hiking trails.

The Mount Frankland Summit Walk offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding forest, and the area is also great for birdwatching and spotting native wildlife like kangaroos and echidnas. These campsites are perfect for those who enjoy bush camping and want to experience the untouched beauty of the Walpole Wilderness.

Highlights:

• Remote bush camping surrounded by pristine wilderness
• Close to Mount Frankland hiking trails with panoramic views
• Ideal for adventurous campers seeking solitude

Tip: Bring all necessary supplies, as these campsites are remote and offer limited facilities.

Image © Tourism Western Australia

5. Banksia Camp

Located in the D'Entrecasteaux National Park, Banksia Camp is a remote beachside camping spot perfect for nature lovers who want to escape the crowds. Accessible by 4WD, this campground offers unpowered sites set behind the sand dunes, just a short walk from the beach. The area is surrounded by coastal heath and banksia woodlands, offering stunning views of the coastline and opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Banksia Camp Beach is great for fishing, swimming, and surfing, while the nearby Yeagarup Dunes and Gardner River provide further exploration opportunities. With basic facilities like toilets and picnic tables, Banksia Camp is a wonderful spot for those seeking a more isolated beach camping experience.

Highlights:

• Remote beachside camping with access to fishing and surfing
• Surrounded by coastal heath and banksia woodlands
• Ideal for 4WD campers looking for solitude

Tip: This spot is accessible only by 4WD, so be sure to prepare for the conditions and bring all necessary supplies.

6. Crystal Springs Campground

Crystal Springs Campground, located within Walpole-Nornalup National Park, is a tranquil bush camp surrounded by tall karri trees and close to the Southern Ocean. This campground offers a combination of unpowered camping sites with basic facilities, including toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits, making it a comfortable choice for those who enjoy bush camping but still want some amenities.

The area is known for its wildlife, including kangaroos, possums, and a variety of bird species, and it’s a short drive to the coast where you can enjoy beaches, rock pools, and stunning cliffside views. Crystal Springs is a great choice for campers who want a peaceful bush experience without venturing too far from the coast.

Highlights:

• Bush camping surrounded by karri trees and close to the ocean
• Ideal for wildlife spotting and nature walks
• Basic facilities with fire pits for campfires (season permitting)

Tip: Take a short drive to Peaceful Bay for a day of swimming, fishing, or beachcombing along the stunning coastline.

7. Fernhook Falls Campground

For campers who love being near water, Fernhook Falls Campground is a beautiful spot located along the Deep River in Mount Frankland South National Park. The campground offers basic facilities, including toilets and picnic tables, and provides easy access to the nearby Fernhook Falls, a series of cascading waterfalls and pools perfect for cooling off on a hot day.

The campground is surrounded by lush forest, offering a peaceful atmosphere for campers who want to enjoy bushwalking, birdwatching, or simply relaxing by the river. Fernhook Falls is especially stunning after rain, when the river is at its fullest and the falls are most impressive.

Highlights:

• Scenic bush camping near the Deep River and Fernhook Falls
• Great for bushwalking and cooling off in the river pools
• Peaceful setting surrounded by lush forest

Tip: Visit during or after the rainy season to see the falls at their most dramatic, and don’t forget your camera to capture the beautiful scenery.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for a secluded bush camp or a well-equipped campground with easy access to water activities, the Walpole region offers a diverse range of camping options. From the tranquil waters of Coalmine Beach to the rugged coastline near Banksia Camp, you’ll find a spot to suit your camping style while immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the Walpole Wilderness Area. Pack your gear, choose your campsite, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in one of Western Australia’s most scenic regions.