National park passes and camping in WA

Western Australia's national parks protect an extraordinary range of landscapes, from southern forests and coastal heath to desert ranges, tropical gorges and coral reefs. Most are managed by Parks and Wildlife Service WA, part of the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA). Understanding how passes, bookings and park rules work makes it easier to plan and helps protect the places you visit.

This guide explains park passes, campsite bookings, park rules, pets, campfires, wildlife and camping tips.

Park passes

Vehicle entry fees apply at many national parks in Western Australia, though not all. Fees help fund park management, facilities and conservation. Parks and Wildlife Service WA offers several types of pass, including day passes for a single park and longer passes that cover entry to multiple parks over a period of weeks or a year. Concessions may be available.

If you're planning a road trip through several parks, a longer pass can be more convenient than paying for each visit. Check the current options and fees on the Parks and Wildlife Service website before you travel. Passes cover vehicle entry, not camping fees, which are charged separately.

Booking campsites

Many national park campgrounds are booked online in advance. Popular campgrounds, such as those in Cape Range, Karijini, Kalbarri and the South West, often book out well ahead in peak seasons and school holidays. Some smaller campgrounds may operate on a first-come, first-served basis; check the details for each campground.

When you book, check:

• the type of site (tent, caravan, camper trailer),
• facilities (toilets, showers, water, barbecues),
• whether generators are permitted,
• vehicle access (some campgrounds need a four-wheel drive).

Park rules

Rules protect parks, wildlife and visitors. Common rules include:

• Pets. Dogs and other pets are not permitted in most national parks. Poison baits laid to control foxes and feral cats can kill dogs.
• Campfires. Only allowed in some campgrounds in provided fireplaces, and banned during fire season and on total fire ban days. Bring a gas stove.
• Firewood. Collecting firewood is banned in many parks. Bring your own where fires are permitted.
• Wildlife. Don't feed or disturb wildlife.
• Plants. Don't pick wildflowers or damage plants.
• Vehicles. Stay on formed roads and tracks.
• Drones. Restrictions apply in many parks; check before flying.

Leave No Trace

• Plan ahead and prepare.
• Camp on durable surfaces in designated sites.
• Take all your rubbish with you.
• Use toilets where provided, and bury human waste away from water where not.
• Leave natural and cultural features as you find them.
• Minimise campfire impacts.
• Respect wildlife and other visitors.

Free and low-cost camping

Outside national parks, some shires provide free or low-cost camping areas and rest stops for travellers, often with time limits. Camping outside designated areas is restricted in many places. Check signs and shire rules before setting up camp.

Caravan parks and other options

Caravan parks in towns offer powered sites, cabins, showers, laundries and other facilities. Some pastoral stations offer station stays with camping. These can be good options when national park campgrounds are full.

Cultural respect

Many national parks are jointly managed with Traditional Owners and contain places of cultural significance. Follow signs asking visitors not to enter, swim or climb at certain places, and don't disturb rock art or artefacts.

Common mistakes

• Arriving in peak season without a campsite booking.
• Bringing dogs into national parks.
• Lighting fires during fire bans.
• Taking two-wheel-drive vehicles on four-wheel-drive tracks.

The main types of protected area

Western Australia has several kinds of protected areas, and the rules differ between them.

• National parks protect areas of national or state significance for conservation and recreation. Most have visitor facilities, and entry fees apply at many.
• Marine parks protect coastal and ocean areas, such as Ningaloo, Shark Bay and the Rottnest Island and Marmion areas near Perth. Sanctuary zones within marine parks prohibit fishing and taking anything.
• Conservation parks and nature reserves protect plants, animals and habitats. Nature reserves are generally managed primarily for conservation, and access and activities may be more limited.
• State forests allow a wider range of uses, including some camping and recreation, under different rules.

Check which type of area you're visiting, as rules on camping, pets, fires, fishing and vehicles vary.

Choosing a campground

Campgrounds in WA's national parks range from basic sites with a drop toilet to well-equipped campgrounds with showers, camp kitchens and campground hosts. When choosing:

• Check what water is available. Many campgrounds have no drinking water, so bring your own.
• Check whether the campground suits your vehicle. Some campgrounds have tight turning areas or tracks unsuitable for large caravans.
• Think about shade and wind in hot or exposed areas.
• Consider how far it is from the places you want to visit, to reduce driving each day.
• Check the maximum stay; many campgrounds limit how long you can stay.

Campground hosts and rangers

Many popular campgrounds have volunteer campground hosts during the busy season, who help visitors and look after facilities. Park rangers manage parks, enforce rules, run visitor programs and respond to emergencies. Ask hosts and rangers for advice on conditions, walks and wildlife. Ranger-led activities, run in some parks during holidays, are a great way to learn more.

Wildlife at camp

Many campgrounds have wildlife such as kangaroos, birds, goannas and dingoes. Feeding wildlife harms animals and can make them aggressive. Store food securely in your vehicle, and keep rubbish sealed. In dingo areas, keep children close, never feed dingoes and don't leave food or rubbish out.

Generators and noise

Generator rules vary between campgrounds. Some allow generators at certain times, others ban them entirely, and some have dedicated generator areas. Respect quiet times and other campers. Solar panels and battery systems are a quieter way to keep devices charged.

Accessibility

Many parks have accessible facilities, such as sealed paths, lookouts and toilets suitable for wheelchairs. Check the Parks and Wildlife Service WA website for accessibility information for each park before you visit.

Key points

Vehicle entry fees apply at many WA national parks, and popular campgrounds should be booked well ahead. Leave pets at home, follow campfire rules, take your rubbish with you and check park alerts before you go.