Where to Camp in Esperance: The Ultimate Guide
Esperance is a slice of Western Australian paradise, and for us campers, finding the perfect camping spot can make the difference between ‘yeah’ to ‘woooowww!’ If you’re looking for bush camping surrounded by nature, caravan parks with facilities, or searching for free camps, this guide covers everything you need to know.
To let you know upfront, free camping isn’t allowed in the Esperance Shire, but read on, as we’ll let you know of other options that won’t break the bank.
Free Camping in Esperance: Why It’s Not Allowed (and what to do instead)
The Esperance Shire has a strict no-free-camping policy to protect its stunning environment and support local businesses. While you won’t find legal free camping in the town, there are affordable options to suit budget-conscious travellers.
For those searching for free camps, here are a few ideas outside of the town:
- approx 50km north of Esperance, on the Norseman-Esperance road, is a free unofficial campground.
- Closer towards Norseman are other free unofficial campgrounds. We stopped at Willoughby’s spot for lunch, it was clean and slightly back from the main road.
- Towards Munglinup, there are a few free unofficial campgrounds. Neds corner is one that is accessible to caravans. Always be self sufficient and take your rubbish with you.
Use your own common sense if you choose to use these areas, otherwise plan to stay within the national parks. They are low cost and have some of the best views we’ve seen!
Bush Camping Near Esperance
If you’re all about getting back to nature, bush camping near Esperance is an unforgettable experience. With sprawling national parks and rugged landscapes, it’s the perfect place to swap your phone for breathtaking views.
Cape Le Grand National Park
- Fee: From $17/night
- Dogs not allowed
- 2WD accessible to most campsite
Book your campsite here
This park is an absolute gem, and only a short drive from Esperance. Home to world-famous beaches like Lucky Bay and Hellfire Bay, Cape Le Grand offers several bush camping options that let you wake up surrounded by nature.
The Lucky Bay Campground is one of the most popular spots. With kangaroos hopping around your campsite and pristine turquoise waters just steps away, it’s easy to see why this place is so iconic. Facilities include toilets, showers, and BBQs, so it’s bush camping with a bit of comfort.
For something quieter, head to Le Grand Beach Campground. It’s a bit more off-the-beaten-track, offering a serene vibe while still being close to the park’s main attractions.
Our Tip: Cape Le Grand is a bucket-list destination, so book early to secure a spot, especially during peak season.
Cape Arid National Park
- Fee: from $17/night
- Dogs are not allowed
- Some campsites are accessible via 2WD, otherwise a 4WD is needed
- Dogs are not allowed
Book your campsites here.
For those who love remote camping, Cape Arid is an awesome choice. This park offers rugged bush camping surrounded by untouched wilderness. While it’s about 120km from Esperance, the extra drive is worth it for the solitude and stunning landscapes.
Thomas River Campground is the main spot here, accessible with a 2WD car on an unsealed road. It offers basic facilities like toilets and BBQs. It’s perfect for those chasing a raw, off-grid camping experience.
Stokes National Park
- Fee: From $17/night
- No dogs are allowed
- 2WD accessible to some sections of the park
- Book your campsite here
Closer to Esperance, Stokes National Park is another excellent bush camping option. The camping area at Benwenerup offers peaceful surroundings and is a great base for exploring the park’s hiking trails and fishing spots.
Caravan Parks in Esperance
If you prefer a few more creature comforts or want to stay in the heart of Esperance, caravan parks are a great choice. They cater to families, couples, and solo adventurers alike, offering powered sites, unpowered sites, and all the amenities you need for a stress-free stay.
Esperance Pink Lake Tourist Park
The Esperance Pink Lake Tourist park is slightly out of the main town, but I’m only talking about a 10min walk! We loved this caravan park, as it isn’t as costly as the others, and has a very lovely relaxed feel.
It also wasn’t as busy, at that suits us perfectly! The kids loved jumping on the bouncy pillow, there were swings and a full playground. Amenities were clean and tidy. We highly recommend this caravan park.
Book your stay here
RAC Esperance Holiday Park
Right in the middle of town, the RAC Esperance Holiday Park can’t get a more perfect location! It’s modern, well-maintained, and has an unbeatable beachfront location. It’s great for both caravan or tents, or for something very fancy, book yourself a self-contained cabin for a few days!
This park has excellent facilities, including a pool and kids’ play area.
Book your stay here
Esperance Bay Holiday Park
Another popular option, the Esperance Bay Holiday park is small and cozy with a friendly vibe. It’s just a short stroll to the foreshore and close to shops and restaurants. The powered and unpowered sites cater to a variety of travellers, and the camp kitchen is top-notch.
Book your stay here
Overflow Campground
If you’re visiting Esperance during the busy season and find the main camping spots fully booked, don’t stress. The Esperance Overflow Campground is here to save the day.
Located at the Greater Sports Ground, this campground is a budget-friendly option run by the Shire of Esperance. It’s basic but provides essentials like toilets and showers. The overflow campground is open from December to April, catering to the influx of holidaymakers. Keep an eye on the website, as they only open the booking system a few days prior.
Our Tip: If you want to stay in Esperance during peak season – December and January, make sure you book well in advance. The caravan parks and national park campsites book out very fast.
Where to Camp in Esperance
Esperance offers something for every camper. Bush sites, fancy caravan park sights and more! While free camping in the town isn’t allowed, the available options more than make up for it with stunning locations, heaps of facilities, and opportunities to immerse yourself in nature.
There’s no shortage of awesome spots to call home for the night (unless you’re in peak season!) So, pack your gear, hit the road, and discover why camping in Esperance is an experience you won’t forget.
Happy camping! 🌟
