16 Jun Camping at Contos Campground, Margaret River.

Contos Campground, what we liked and what we didn’t like. Just kidding, there is nothing we didn’t like about it. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about Camping at Contos Campground in Margaret River. Why I think its the best weekend getaway campground in Perth’s South West.

Everything you need to know about camping at Contos Campground.

Cmping at Contos campground is just a 20 min drive south of Margaret River, in the Margaret River Wine Region. Contos is nestled in the coastal bushland and there are a whopping 116 campsites. It sounds like it’s going to be a super busy campground and that number of sites would usually deter me.

When Simon and I camp we prefer a little more privacy and seclusion. Fortunately the way Contos campground is laid out, it is perfect for keeping the camp sites all spread out and separate. 

How they make Contos campground feel nice and private.

We have camped at Contos numerous times. Once for 3 nights on a South West Road Trip and it was a great pitstop to explore the Margaret River region but still enjoy camping within the forest. The other times were enjoyed with friends, for a sneaky weekend away under the peppermint trees.

Being a Perth gal, born and bred Margaret River holds a close place to my heart. Lots of time spent there growing up, being “dragged” around wineries, to beaches, bush walking etc. 

As an adult… i love wineries, amazing beaches, hiking through the bush haha, can’t imagine why.

Margaret River is renowned for its stunning wine. However, has way more to offer than wine, it has really expensive accommodation. Being a world renowned wine region Margaret River can have some boujee accommodation.

If that’s your thing… go for it. However, if you are on a budget then maybe camping here at Contos might be more what you are looking for. 

No need to eat baked beans for weeks to save up for an air bnb in Marg’s… just book a campsite at Contos for a lazy $22 a night.  

What makes Contos worth a visit?

Camping at Contos is a treat, nestled in the Boranup forest. This may not sound familiar but it’s only a short distance from Margaret River. The Boranup forest is famous for its tall karri trees and winding roads. Be sure to get your insta worthy pic on this bend. If you go at sunset you should get some amazing light peaking through the trees. 

Take time to drive through the roads and dirt tracks through the forest and take a short walk along some of the tracks. Immerse yourself amongst the forest, it is quite special. 

Staying at Conto’s might force you to have a different experience of Margaret River than you are used to. 

Best time of year to camp at Contos campgrounds.

Contos campsite is great all year round. Both summer and winter offer a different experience. It has fire rings for winter trips to keep you warm. The campsites are surrounded by trees which add shelter from the winter elements.

If you visit in summer there are very strict fire restrictions, keep an eye on the dates you are permitted to have a fire. There is a sign as you entre the campground advising the current fire restrictions, however can be easily missed on entrance to the campground. 

Contos is close to the coast but the contos coastline is quite rugged so not ideal long beach days with the young kiddies. It is not a walk to the beach, you will need to drive to the beach. There are plenty of other beaches in the areas that are just a short drive away and suitable for kiddies.  

Camping at Contos Campgrounds

$15 per night, per person. Bookings can be made on the Department of Parks and Wildlife here. 

Contos campground is separated into 8 different loops, all with their own charm. This means each time you visit you can choose a different loop and have a completely different camping experience. 

Some of the loops are under the beautiful peppermint trees, like Davies and Whalers and some parts of Whistlers. Other loops are nestled in the Aussie bush (like Isaacs) or other loops have large grassed areas to camp in a tent or more suited for caravans. 

Hamelin + Whistlers:

Are more suited to tent camping. There are bollards preventing you from driving in amongst the sites, however you can set up your tent wherever you like under the trees, close to your car, near a picnic bench or a fire ring.

Also suitable for a van or roof top tent camping. These sites are more open and less private. Bbq facilities at Hamline loop. Not suitable for camper trailers or caravans. 

Wanil:

Tents only camping. Sites are open however under the peppermint trees. 

Davies:

Awesome spot nestled in amongst the trees. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring for the winter months. You can drive into the campsite so it is suitable for tents, roof top tents or vans (not caravans… campervan). Each site is well spread out with bush separating the sites. Not suitable for camper trailers or caravans. 

Quenda + Chudich:

These sites are suitable for caravans and camper trailers and any other kind of camping. The sites are large enough for vans and have a nice amount of trees surrounding to keep them feeling semi private. Bbq facilities at both loops.

Whalers:

This loop is again suitable for tents, roof top tents and campervans. Nestled in amongst the trees keeping each site feeling private and secluded. The peppermint trees are large enough that you camp under the canopy of the trees. There are bollards preventing you from driving into the site however plenty of space for tents.

Isaac:

Camping in amongst the bush. These sites you can drive into, so suitable for tents, campervans and roof top tents. Not suitable for camper trailers or caravans. 

Facilities

There are very minimal facilities like long drops, non drinking water taps and in some of the larger loops (Hameline, Quendea and Chudich) they offer bbq facilities. So this campground is leaning more towards people that are ok without a full ablution block.

Each site has a picnic table and fire ring for the winter season to give a little warmth to your contos camping experience.

Personally, minimal facilities means less crowds. Im A-ok with that. That is also why this is a perfect weekend spot. There are only so many wet wipe “baths” you can have so a weekend is a good amount of time to go without facilities like showers. 

Final Thoughts

Margaret River offers a bit of everything. Adventure, wineries, breweries, relaxing, surfing, hiking, beaches and so much more so why not add a camping at contos campground to the menu. There is lots of appeal to visit the region.

Personally we have enjoyed long SUP’s down the Black Wood River, bush walks along the banks of Margaret River. E-Bike wine tours through Margaret River and enjoyed some rnr on Red Bank Beach.

Share the love