By Staff on Friday, 27 September 2024
Category: Accommodation

Camping Near Rockingham: Best Spots for an Overnight Stay

Rockingham, with its beautiful coastline and proximity to nature reserves, offers several excellent camping spots for those looking to immerse themselves in the outdoors. Whether you prefer a beachside campsite with ocean views or a tranquil spot in the bush, the areas around Rockingham provide a variety of options for an overnight stay. Here’s a guide to the best camping spots near Rockingham, perfect for both families and solo adventurers.

Image © Frances Andrijich

1. Cape Peron (Point Peron) Campground

Distance from Rockingham: 10 km / 15-minute drive
Best for: Beachside camping, coastal walks, and history

Cape Peron (Point Peron) Campground is a popular choice for campers seeking a coastal experience. Located within Cape Peron Reserve, this campsite offers easy access to stunning beaches, rocky cliffs, and scenic walking trails. The campground itself is basic, with limited facilities, but its proximity to the coast makes it a favorite for beach lovers and those interested in Rockingham’s military history.

During your stay, you can explore the World War II gun emplacements, snorkel in the clear waters around Point Peron, or simply relax on the beach. The sunsets here are spectacular, making it an ideal spot for a peaceful overnight stay.

Facilities:

Tip: Bring everything you need for your stay, as facilities are limited. This is a great spot for self-sufficient campers looking to enjoy a quiet night by the ocean.

2. Serpentine Falls Campground

Distance from Rockingham: 45 km / 45-minute drive
Best for: Nature lovers, hiking, and waterfalls

Serpentine Falls Campground is nestled within Serpentine National Park and offers a tranquil setting for those looking to escape into nature. The campground is located close to Serpentine Falls, a popular spot for swimming and picnicking. The surrounding park is home to various walking trails, making it a great base for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

The campground offers basic facilities, including toilets and picnic areas, but no showers or powered sites, so it's best for those who enjoy more rustic camping experiences. The natural beauty of the area, with its rich flora and fauna, makes it well worth the stay.

Facilities:

Tip: Book in advance, as the campground is small and can fill up quickly, especially during weekends and holidays.

3. Campsites at Yalgorup National Park

Distance from Rockingham: 75 km / 1-hour drive
Best for: Birdwatching, wildlife, and quiet bush camping

Yalgorup National Park, located south of Rockingham, offers a peaceful bush camping experience surrounded by nature. The park is known for its wetlands, which are home to a variety of bird species, making it an excellent destination for birdwatchers. The Martins Tank Campground within the park is well-maintained and offers a range of facilities, including toilets, BBQs, and picnic tables.

Yalgorup’s serene environment is perfect for those looking to relax and unwind in a natural setting. The park also features walking trails that lead through the bushland and along the edges of the park’s lakes, offering opportunities to spot wildlife like kangaroos and emus.

Image © Tourism Western Australia

Facilities:

Tip: Pack binoculars and a bird guide if you're interested in birdwatching, as the park is a haven for both resident and migratory birds.

4. Lane Poole Reserve

Distance from Rockingham: 85 km / 1.5-hour drive
Best for: River activities, family camping, and forest scenery

Lane Poole Reserve is a large, forested area near Dwellingup, offering a variety of campsites along the Murray River. The reserve is popular for its mix of outdoor activities, including swimming, canoeing, fishing, and hiking. The Nanga Mill and Baden Powell campgrounds are among the most popular spots within the reserve, offering facilities such as toilets, BBQs, and picnic areas.

Lane Poole Reserve is ideal for families and groups, with plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the natural surroundings. The reserve’s extensive network of walking trails and the scenic river make it a great choice for a weekend getaway.

Facilities:

Tip: Lane Poole Reserve can get busy during peak times, so consider visiting mid-week or booking in advance to secure a spot.

5. Wellington National Park

Distance from Rockingham: 160 km / 2-hour drive
Best for: Forest camping, swimming, and kayaking

For those willing to venture a bit further from Rockingham, Wellington National Park offers some of the most picturesque camping spots in the region. The park is known for its Wellington Dam and the tranquil Collie River, which provide opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. The Honeymoon Pool campsite is a favorite, offering well-maintained facilities in a beautiful forested setting.

Camping in Wellington National Park allows visitors to immerse themselves in nature, with access to walking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the surrounding bushland. The park’s calm waters and lush vegetation create a serene environment, perfect for a relaxing overnight stay.

Facilities:

Tip: Honeymoon Pool is particularly popular, so it’s a good idea to book in advance, especially during the warmer months when visitors flock to the park.

6. Dwellingup Caravan Park and Camping Ground

Distance from Rockingham: 75 km / 1-hour drive
Best for: Family-friendly camping and outdoor activities

Dwellingup Caravan Park and Camping Ground is located in the charming town of Dwellingup, known for its outdoor adventure opportunities. The campground offers a range of accommodation options, including powered and unpowered sites, cabins, and caravans, making it suitable for all types of campers.

The area around Dwellingup is perfect for those who love outdoor activities, with nearby hiking and mountain biking trails, the Murray River for canoeing, and Lane Poole Reserve for further exploration. The campground itself is family-friendly, with plenty of space for kids to play and explore.

Facilities:

Tip: Take advantage of the nearby adventure opportunities, including guided canoe tours on the Murray River and bike rentals for exploring the trails.

7. Pinjarra Caravan Park and Camping

Distance from Rockingham: 50 km / 45-minute drive
Best for: Riverside camping, history, and relaxation

Located on the banks of the Murray River, Pinjarra Caravan Park and Camping offers a peaceful setting for an overnight stay. The campground provides a range of facilities, including powered and unpowered sites, cabins, and cottages. Pinjarra is one of Western Australia’s oldest towns, and its rich history is reflected in the area’s attractions, such as the Edenvale Heritage Precinct and Pinjarra Heritage Trail.

The Murray River provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and riverside walks, making this campground a great choice for those looking to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Facilities:

Tip: Explore the town’s heritage sites, including the Edenvale Homestead, to get a sense of the area’s history and culture.

Image © Frances Andrijich

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re seeking a beachside retreat, a forested hideaway, or a riverside escape, the areas around Rockingham offer a variety of camping options for all types of adventurers. From the rugged coastline of Point Peron to the tranquil waters of Wellington National Park, these camping spots provide the perfect opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy a peaceful overnight stay.

This guide to the best camping spots near Rockingham ensures that you’ll find the ideal location to pitch your tent, park your caravan, or set up your camper, allowing you to fully experience the beauty and serenity of the Western Australian landscape.