27 Oct Nature Based Camping In the Margaret River Region

The Margaret River Region is hands down one of Western Australia’s most loved nature destinations — and for good reason. This stunning corner of the South West is packed with towering forests, pristine coastlines, and incredible nature-based camping spots. Imagine waking up beneath a canopy of peppermint trees or beside the peaceful Blackwood River, surrounded by tall jarrah and marri forests. Whether you’re after a simple bush campsite or a more cost effective way to explore the region, camping in Margaret River offers the perfect way to slow down and reconnect with nature.

The region’s charm lies in its balance — world-class wineries and gourmet restaurants sit side by side with rugged surf breaks, mountain bike trails, and serene forest walks or rivers. The Margaret River camping experience captures it all for the true nature lover, there’s no better way to experience it than pitching a tent or rolling up to a site at one of the region’s many nature-based campgrounds.

Why choose nature based camping in Margaret River?

The Margaret River Region isn’t just famous for its world-class wineries — it’s also a haven of national parks, lush forests, and pristine riverside spots. While many of these areas can be enjoyed as day trips, there’s nothing quite like waking up to the stillness of the forest, sipping your morning coffee surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. This is the essence of nature-based camping in Margaret River — an immersive experience that lets you truly connect with the region’s natural beauty.

One of the biggest advantages of nature-based campgrounds in Margaret River is its affordability. While caravan parks in the area can be more expensive — due to the region’s reputation as a top tourist and wine destination — they still offer excellent value compared to beachside hotels or Airbnbs.

There’s a wide variety of campgrounds in Margaret River, each offering its own unique charm, from forest hideaways to riverside retreats. Below are (in my opinion) the best nature based sites in the region. They all offer amazing nature based camping with minimal facilities. All with long drop toilets as a bare minimum.

Natural Based Campgrounds

Contos

Jarrahdene

Boranup Campground

Alexandra Bridge

Warner Glen / Chapmans Pool

Canebrake Pool

Contos:

A massive campground nestled under the peppermint trees. The campground is set back from the coast line however a short drive from the beach. This is a blessing to offer some protection from the sometimes harsh winds that blast the coast. Contos offer no shower facilities and just drop toilets. The campgrounds are lush nestled amongst the trees and a short 15min drive from Margaret River town. The campgrounds offer tent sites, caravan sites and sites available for vans and roof top tents. There are multiple campgrounds in Contos, read a full in-depth review HERE.

• Pre-booking available / necessary HERE / 116 sites available
• Picnic tables / fire rings available at most sites.
• No dogs
• All types of camping (vans, trailers, tents etc)
• Detailed campsite blog review available HERE to help you select the best campsite.

Jarrahdene:

Jarrahdene campground is again set back from the coast in the thick jarrah and Marri forest. Offering a different camping style to Contos. The tree canopy offers more protection from the elements here and tower high above the ground unlike the lower peppermint trees at Contos. On the outskirts of the Boranup forest this camp ground is nature based, unpowered and offers camping for all styles. Its a great spot to stay to explore the wine region, coastline and forest just 15mins south of Margaret River.

• Pre- Booking available / necessary HERE / 36 sites available
• Picnic tables / fire rings available all sites
• No dogs
• All types of camping (Vans trailers, tents etc)

Boranup:

This campground is actually situated in the Boranup forest which is renowned for its huge Karri trees however the campground is nestled in amongst a patch of peppermint trees. The tree canopy offer great protection from the coastal elements. Small camp ground with only 7 sites. Tents, vans, rooftops and small trailers. Approx 20mins sth of MR you have to enjoy the stunning Boranup drive through the Karri forest on your way in and out of the campground.

• Pre-Booking available / necessary HERE / 7 sites available
• Picnic tables / fire rings available all sites
• No dogs
• All types of camping (vans, trailers, tents)

Alexandra Bridge:

What a cool camp ground. Under the peppermint trees on the banks of the Blackwood River. If you want a campground on the water, this is the spot. It is a little further away from Margaret River, because of that its generally a little quieter, however if you are happy for a short 20min drive you have access to the full region. Closer to the mouth of the blackwood river this campground has a boat ramp and is a popular spot for fishing and kayaking. 

• Pre-Booking NOT available – first come first serve basis, pay on arrival / 21 sites available
• Fire rings available – not on all sites.
• Boat ramp
• Dogs permitted – on a lead.
• All types of camping (vans, tents, trailers)

Warner Glen / Chapman Pool:

Another stunning nature based campground that’s nestled in the thick jarrah and Marri forest 20mins south east of Margaret River. This camp ground sits on the banks of the Blackwood river. Its a popular swimming spot in summer, offering a good day use area and a viewing platform and has a good kayak launching ramp. Warner Glen caters for all types of camping.

• Pre-Booking available HERE / 20 sites available
• Fires rings / some sites with picnic tables
• Kayak ramp
• Dogs not permitted
• Suitable all camping styles (tents, vans, trailers)

Canebrake Pool:

This campground is nestled in Rapids conservation park, not technically a national park so it does allow dogs. Like most of the forest in the area, it’s mostly jarrah and marri trees. With 7 sites available on the banks of Canebrake Pool allows for a nice spot for summer swimming, kayaking or a cold plunge in winter.The track in is a farmers track and its recommended for 4wd only. However, capable SUV’s would be sufficient to handle the corrugations. Directly south of Busselton this is just 2 ½ hrs sth of Perth. I would not use this as a base to explore the region due to the road in, however a lovely place to set up for a weekend or a few days in nature.

• Pre-booking available HERE / 9 sites available
• Picnic tables / fire rings available
• Dogs permitted
• Suitable all camping styles (tents, vans, trailers)

How to minimise your footprint in these locations

When camping at these nature based sites its important to respect the area. Leave no trace means collect your rubbish as well as not pollute the area.

• Leave no trace
• Take your rubbish with you
• Dont pour anything into the waterways
• Dont feed the wildlife – put your rubbish away / out out of reach of wildlife at night.

Best time of year to go camping in Margaret River

Honestly camping in the Margaret River region is suitable all year round. Each season offers different camping experiences.

The South West (and Margaret River region) have cold and sometimes wet winters, which means you must have warm and suitable camping equipment to withstand winter comfortably. However the draw card is that you can enjoy a famous Margaret River shiraz by the campfire. Most sites offer fire rings to enjoy a fire in the cooler months.

If you are into hiking Spring is a stunning time to visit due to the explosion of wild flowers and the moderate temperature. If you are into hiking this is the most attractive time to visit the local trails and enjoy a Margaret River Rose or Chardonnay in the sunshine.

The Margaret River region sits on the most amazing coastline so during the warmer and summer months you wont have a shortage of stunning beaches to cool off and enjoy.

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Final Thoughts

Having grown up in Perth and visiting the Margaret River region my entire life, I am absolutely bias, i don’t have a bad thing to say. Each season offers a new and different experience. Enjoying one of the many nature based campgrounds around the region is a pleasure. Yes the campgrounds might lack some facilities like an ensuite or a shower however they offer the most amazing relaxing time immersed on nature on the doorstop of a world class wine region.