Camping Near the Pinnacles: Best Sites for Stargazing

Camping near the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park offers a unique opportunity to experience the region’s natural beauty both day and night. As one of the best stargazing destinations in Western Australia, the Pinnacles and its surrounding areas are free from light pollution, allowing campers to witness breathtaking views of the Milky Way, constellations, and shooting stars. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or looking for a peaceful retreat under the stars, here’s a guide to the best camping spots near the Pinnacles for an unforgettable stargazing experience.

1. Pinnacles Caravan Park (Cervantes)

Distance from the Pinnacles: 17 km / 15-minute drive

Located just minutes away from the Pinnacles Desert, Pinnacles Caravan Park in Cervantes is the closest option for those looking to camp near the iconic limestone formations. The park offers a range of accommodation options, including powered and unpowered camping sites, cabins, and caravan sites.

While you’ll need to take a short drive to the Pinnacles Desert for stargazing, the convenience of this campsite makes it a popular choice. During the day, you can relax on nearby beaches or visit local attractions such as Lake Thetis and Thirsty Point Lookout. As night falls, head to the Pinnacles for an unparalleled view of the night sky.

Facilities:

Powered and unpowered sites
Toilets and showers
BBQ areas and camp kitchen
Laundry facilities

Best for: Families and those looking for easy access to the Pinnacles Desert and nearby attractions.

Image © Tourism Western Australia

2. Sandy Cape Recreation Park

Distance from the Pinnacles: 65 km / 1-hour drive

For a more secluded and rustic camping experience, Sandy Cape Recreation Park is a fantastic option. Located just north of Jurien Bay, Sandy Cape offers beachfront camping with spectacular coastal views and access to calm waters perfect for swimming, fishing, and snorkeling.

The campsite has unpowered sites that are first-come, first-served, providing a more laid-back atmosphere. The lack of light pollution makes Sandy Cape an excellent spot for stargazing, with clear skies offering stunning views of the Milky Way and the stars reflected in the ocean.

Facilities:

Unpowered campsites (no bookings required)
Basic toilets (long drop)
Picnic tables and BBQ areas

Best for: Stargazing, beach lovers, and those seeking a peaceful, remote camping experience.

3. Lake Thetis Campground (Cervantes)

Distance from the Pinnacles: 18 km / 15-minute drive

Lake Thetis Campground is a small, peaceful campground located near Lake Thetis, known for its stromatolites—some of the oldest living organisms on Earth. This campground offers a more intimate camping experience and is just a short drive from the Pinnacles Desert, making it a convenient option for visitors looking to enjoy both the geological wonders and night sky.

With little light pollution, the Lake Thetis area is excellent for stargazing. You can explore the walking trails around the lake during the day, then enjoy the vast, star-filled sky from your campsite at night.

Facilities:

Unpowered sites
Toilets and picnic areas
Self-registration, first-come, first-served

Best for: Stargazing enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking a quieter camping experience close to the Pinnacles.

4. Jurien Bay Tourist Park

Distance from the Pinnacles: 45 km / 35-minute drive

If you prefer a campsite with more amenities, the Jurien Bay Tourist Park offers powered and unpowered sites along with a variety of facilities. Located in the heart of Jurien Bay, this park provides easy access to the town’s stunning beaches, snorkeling tours, and water sports activities. It’s also close enough to the Pinnacles Desert for a day trip, and you can return to your campsite to enjoy the night sky.

While the park is located in a small town, Jurien Bay is still far enough from major cities to offer relatively dark skies, making it a great spot for stargazing.

Facilities:

Powered and unpowered campsites
Toilets and hot showers
BBQ areas and camp kitchen
Laundry facilities

Best for: Families, campers seeking a balance of comfort and adventure, and access to coastal activities.

Image © Tourism Western Australia

5. Wedge Island

Distance from the Pinnacles: 55 km / 45-minute drive

For those looking for a more adventurous and remote camping experience, Wedge Island offers 4WD-accessible beach camping on the rugged coastline north of Lancelin. Wedge Island is known for its pristine beaches and off-road opportunities, with sand dunes perfect for sandboarding and 4WD adventures.

Camping at Wedge Island is basic, but the isolation means you’ll have some of the best stargazing conditions in the area. The clear, dark skies provide the perfect backdrop for observing the Milky Way, constellations, and even the occasional meteor shower.

Facilities:

Unpowered campsites (no official facilities)
4WD access only
No toilets or showers (self-sufficient camping required)

Best for: Experienced campers, off-road enthusiasts, and stargazers seeking total isolation.

Image © Tourism Western Australia

6. Yanchep National Park Campground

Distance from the Pinnacles: 130 km / 1.5-hour drive

Although a bit further from the Pinnacles, Yanchep National Park Campground offers a unique camping experience in a lush natural setting. The park is home to koalas, kangaroos, and walking trails, along with its famous limestone caves. While the park’s facilities are more developed, the campground provides a peaceful setting for stargazing away from city lights.

Yanchep’s distance from major urban centers makes it a great spot for spotting stars and constellations, and its proximity to Perth makes it a convenient last stop before returning to the city after visiting the Pinnacles.

Facilities:

Powered and unpowered campsites
Toilets and hot showers
BBQ areas and picnic tables
Camp kitchen

Best for: Families, nature lovers, and campers looking for a comfortable camping experience with wildlife and stargazing opportunities.

7. Hangover Bay (Day Use Only)

Distance from the Pinnacles: 15 km / 10-minute drive

While Hangover Bay is a day-use area rather than a designated campsite, it’s worth mentioning for those planning to visit the Pinnacles Desert and looking for a scenic spot to relax before heading off to stargaze. Located along the coast, Hangover Bay offers beautiful beaches and is an excellent place for swimming, fishing, and picnicking.

While camping isn’t allowed here, you can visit during the day and then head to a nearby campsite, like the Pinnacles Caravan Park in Cervantes, for your overnight stay.

Facilities:

Picnic areas and BBQ facilities
Toilets
Day-use only (no camping)

Best for: Day visitors looking for a scenic spot to enjoy the coast near the Pinnacles Desert.

Stargazing Tips for Camping Near the Pinnacles

Plan for Clear Skies: The best stargazing conditions occur on clear nights with minimal cloud cover. Check the weather forecast and aim for nights with little to no cloud coverage.
Avoid the Full Moon: The light from a full moon can wash out the stars, so plan your camping trip around the new moon for the darkest skies and the best visibility of stars and the Milky Way.
Bring a Stargazing App: Use a stargazing app like SkyView or Star Walk to help identify constellations, planets, and other celestial objects as you gaze up at the night sky.
Pack Warm Clothing: Even in the warmer months, desert nights can get chilly. Bring warm clothing and blankets to stay comfortable while stargazing.
Use a Red Light: If you’re using a flashlight, opt for one with a red light to preserve your night vision while observing the stars.

Final Thoughts

Camping near the Pinnacles Desert offers a chance to experience the region’s natural beauty both day and night. With some of the darkest skies in Western Australia, the Pinnacles and its surrounding areas are ideal for stargazing, allowing campers to witness the wonders of the Milky Way, constellations, and distant galaxies. Whether you’re camping on the beach at Sandy Cape, staying close to the Pinnacles at Cervantes, or exploring the rugged coastline of Wedge Island, you’re sure to have an unforgettable stargazing adventure.