30 Jul 5 Forest Campsites in WA’s South West

Lets explore the 5 best forest campsites in WA’s South West. You can’t visit the South West region in WA without driving past one of the many stunning forests so on your next trip down south why not camp?

This region is known for its stunning coastline however it is also covered in lush and beautiful forests. Imagine waking up in the forest surrounded by tall Marri or Karri trees and taking a dip in a nearby river on a hot summer’s day? Or waking up amongst a misty forest in winter and warming up by a fire? What better way to fully experience this region in WA. Camping amongst the forests, it is a must.

The South West Region.

The South West of WA is a hugely popular region that encompasses all of the towns in the south west corner of the state. This region covers everything South of Mandurah, Bunbury, Margaret River all the way to Albany. 

The South West is the most visited region in WA due to its close proximity to Perth. As well as its plethora of activities, luxurious accommodation and of course the famous Margaret River wine region.

The South West is also known for its adventure filled activities like hiking, mtb trails and walking trails through these forests and very well protected and managed by the Department of Wildlife. What better way to enjoy them with a few nights of forest camping to really immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the beauty of the forest. Continue reading to discover the best forest campsites in WA’s South West region.

Flora and Fauna in the South West 

The forests of the south west are all different and unique. Pemberton to Denmark is known for its amazingly tall karri trees vs Collie and Margaret River that have thick eucalyptus marri and jarrah forests. In spring the forest comes alive with wildflowers so be sure to enjoy one of the many hikes in Spring.

The bush and forests are full of black cockatoos, sweet little wrens, some water birds, kookaburras and of course kangaroos. You will get possums at night too so be sure to keep your rubbish secure so they don’t get into it. 

Nature based / Forest campsites in the South West

If you want to immerse yourself in nature, switch off the phones and relax, these campsites are for you. Each of these are nature based, forest style campgrounds. That means they have cleared campsites nestled in the bush with minimal facilities. Each location offers a different forest experience. 

Forest Campsites in Margaret River

Jarrahdene Campsite: Boranup Forest

Bush camping in the Boranup forest just 20 mins south of Margaret River the perfect place to stay while you explore the Margaret River wine region and all it has to offer. With 36 nature based campsites, split into 3 separate loops. This helps to maintain distance and privacy between sites. Suitable for caravans, campervans, camper trailers, tents, check the site’s suitability for your camp setup when booking.

• $11 p/n pp.
• Availability – Bookings HERE
• 36 Bush / nature based campsites
• No dogs permitted.

Warner Glen: Chapman Pool

Bush camping on the banks of the Blackwood river. A small campground in the thick Jarrah forest. This is a non-bookable site. Pay on arrival if there is availability. Great for summer swimming or kayaking/Sup boarding. A quiet place tucked away in the forest so rarely full. A much more popular summer camping location due to the close proximity to the Blackwood River.

• Price $11 pn/pp
• Availability – first come first serve , no pre bookings.
• 18 bush / natures based campsites
• Dogs permitted

Forest Campsites in Pemberton 

Warren Campground & Drafty’s Campground Warren National Park

Probably the most quiet and scenic forest camp on the list. It is tucked away in Warren National Park amongst the huge towering karri trees that cover Pemberton. The campsites are on the edge of the Warren river that flows most of the year. Great for swimming, kayaking, sup boarding. There is a 10km popular hiking trail “Warren River Loop Walk” which is well worth a gander to enjoy this forest. This campsite is a short 20 min drive to Pemberton town. 

• Price $11 pn/pp
• Availability – first come first serve, no pre bookings.
• No dogs permitted.

Big Brook Dam Arboretum – Pemberton.

A lovely campground amongst the Californian redwood trees, Karri and Marri trees, close to Pemberton. A great stopover to enjoy and explore the Pemberton region. Or a short 3km walk or drive to Big Brook Dam to cool off in summer.

• Price $11 pn/pp
• No booking, first come basis.
• Dogs permitted.

Manjimup Forest Campsite

Greens Island, Donnelly River

A little gem tucked away between Nannup and Manjimup. Due to the remoteness this is a lesser known area and while you can’t book is rarely full. The campsite sits close to a bend in the Donnelly river. You can enjoy swimming here in summer and bush walking. There are 21 designated spots amongst the bush. This is a particularly cold area of the south west so be cautious and prepared if you are camping here in winter.

• $11 pn/pp
• No pre-Bookings, first come first serve.
• Dogs permitted.
• 21 campsites.

Forest Campsites in Collie

Wellington National Park.

A hugely popular camping location just 2 hrs South of Perth. Wellington NP offers loads of camping options. Smaller more isolated bush sites at Glencoat, Stones Brook or larger more family oriented campsites at Potters Gorge or Honeymoon Pool. Great place in summer and winter. Loads of activities to do in the area like swimming in summer, kayaking, fishing or bushwalking and MTB’ing. Read our full review HERE.

• Prices $11 pn/pp
• Bookings available – HERE
• No dogs permitted

The forest offers surrounding activities like hiking, sightseeing, fishing / kayaking (and SUP boarding) and even MTB’ing. This region gets plenty of rainfall and offers amazing freshwater rivers and dams around the forest, perfect for warm summer days.

Weather

The South West corner of WA is a lot cooler than the rest of the state. The forests will get very cold during winter. If you do plan on camping during the winter and cooler months of the year, be prepared for temps to drop below 0 at night and in the mornings. That means you may need additional bedding or blankets if your sleeping bags are not rated for sub 0. Most places will provide fire rings so you can enjoy a campfire from April-Oct. 

Even in the summer months the temps will usually be a few degrees cooler than Perth, however still have lovely warm weather suitable for swimming in surrounding fresh waters and rivers.

There are some beautiful fresh water swimming areas all through the forests, while its tempting to go to the beach in summer, these rivers or dams are a great place to cool off and hide from the coastal wind. 

Forest Camping do’s and don’t 

• Bring plenty of water. These nature based camps will not provide drinking water. 
• You will get nocturnal animals (such as possums) that will want to get into your rubbish at night so be sure to stow your rubbish away from animals and birds. We recommend bringing a small plastic tub or bin or cloth collapsible storage bag to keep your rubbish in.

• Leave no trace. Always check your site before leaving to ensure you haven’t left any plastic or rubbish behind. 

• Bathing. If you plan on bathing do not use soap in the water. Use a bucket and a washcloth out of the water and away from the river or water source. You do not want to add any oils or chemicals into the water system that might negatively impact the ecosystem. Wash away from a water source so the oils in biodegradable soap or chemicals in a body wash don’t contaminate the water. Or for a quick freshen up, use baby wipes.

• Fires: If fires are permitted, take your own firewood and tinder. Some camps will provide wood that was harvested by the department of wildlife or the local council to stop people cutting trees from the surrounding bush or forest. Always check if fires are permitted, fires will not be permitted in summer/warmer months.

• Bugs. Take mozzie spray with you when camping in the forest. These areas can be damp and have a viable water source available for breeding mosquitoes. 

Final Thoughts about Forest Campsites WA

Western Australia’s South West has some amazing and lush forests. What better way to enjoy them than to spend a night or 2 immersed in nature and surrounded by the tall trees and wildlife. The best part is most of these places have patchy reception so it is a great place to go to disconnect for a night or two.

There are plenty more campsites in the South West dotted throughout the national parks however these are our top pics for a few reasons. These are all in close proximity to towns with plenty of facilities and places to stock up on food, water and fuel. This also makes it a great road trip holiday camping through the South West Forests. There are also lots of cute country towns to explore and bakeries to enjoy. Not to mention the South West of WA is renowned for its wineries.