Margaret River Camping Guide: Best Campgrounds & Tips for 2026
Complete 2026 guide to Margaret River camping — best campgrounds, DBCA fees, WA Park Pass, self-containment, towing tips, and which camper trailer suits this iconic WA region.
Three hours south of Perth, the Margaret River Region packs more into one corner of Australia than almost anywhere else — 80+ cellar doors, 260 km of Indian Ocean coastline, world-class surf breaks, ancient limestone caves, 70-metre karri forests, and some of WA’s best national park campgrounds. About 1.6 million visitors arrive every year, yet the region is big enough that a well-positioned camp base can feel genuinely remote.
This guide covers every campground worth knowing, exact 2026 fees, the WA Park Pass explained, seasonal advice, towing notes from Perth, and a model-by-model table for choosing the right Breath Trailer to bring.
Why Margaret River is an Exceptional Camping Destination
The appeal goes well beyond wine. The Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park stretches 120 km from Cape Naturaliste in the north to Cape Leeuwin in the south — and the Cape to Cape Track runs the full length of it. National park campgrounds sit within walking distance of that trail, which means you can day-walk one of Australia’s great coastal routes and return to your own camp at night.
Add three tiers of surf (from beginner beaches to world-tour venues), four commercially operated limestone cave tours, a Saturday farmers’ market in town, and the stingray shallows at Hamelin Bay — and you have a destination that rewards a week-long stay, not just a weekend dash.
The South West is wine country; every campground in the region puts cellar doors within a short drive.
When to Go — Seasonal Guide
| Season | Months | Weather | Crowds | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Sep–Nov | 18–25°C, wildflowers, occasional rain | Low–moderate | Cape to Cape walking, wildflowers, whale watching begins Jul–Aug |
| Summer | Dec–Feb | 28–38°C, dry, high UV | High (school hols = peak) | Beach and surf; book campgrounds months ahead |
| Autumn | Mar–May | 20–28°C, mild, settling | Moderate | Best all-round weather, grape harvest, post-summer deals |
| Winter | Jun–Aug | 12–18°C, rainy spells | Low | Whale watching (Jun–Dec), emptier campgrounds, cosy karri forest camps |
Best overall: Autumn (March–May) offers settled conditions, post-summer room at campgrounds, and the harvest season atmosphere in the wine country. Spring is the runner-up if wildflowers and cooler walking temperatures appeal.
Fire danger: The South West Fire Weather District issue Total Fire Bans from October onwards during severe weather events. Check the DFES Fire Danger Ratings before lighting a campfire — most DBCA campgrounds allow fires in provided rings but only when no ban is in force.
Getting There — Road Access & Towing Tips
| Route | Distance from Perth | Road Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Western Highway via Bunbury | 290 km | Fully sealed | Most direct; Bunbury bypass reduces town stop |
| Vasse Highway (via Bunbury) | 293 km | Fully sealed | Slightly longer but avoids Mandurah weekend traffic |
| Old Coast Road (scenic) | 320 km | Fully sealed | Passes Mandurah and Busselton; adds 30–40 min |
Caves Road is the main touring spine through the national park — mostly sealed with a few short unsealed sections near Point Road Campground. The entire route is accessible in a standard camper trailer without 4WD.
Fuel: Fill up in Margaret River town or Busselton before heading to campgrounds. Distances are short (under 30 km to most national park sites), so range isn’t a concern.
Towing: For a full guide to driving with a trailer, see Teardrop Camper Towing Tips Australia. The Margaret River run is easy — gentle gradients and wide sealed highways. Tow at 100 km/h on the South Western Highway (some 110 km/h sections) and drop to 80 km/h on unsealed sections near campgrounds.
Best Campgrounds in the Margaret River Region
The region splits into three campground types: DBCA (national park) bush camping, commercial caravan parks near surf and town, and private farm/winery stays. The table below covers the ten most useful options.
| Campground | Type | Sites | Fees (approx.) | Facilities | Booking | Trailer Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conto Campground | DBCA NP | 109 | ~$15 adult/night | Toilets, water, cold shower | Explore Parks WA | All trailers, book 180 days ahead |
| Boranup Campground | DBCA NP | 7 | ~$15 adult/night | Drop toilets (no flush), no water | Explore Parks WA | All trailers; no generators |
| Point Road Campground | DBCA NP | Small | ~$10 adult/night | Drop toilets | Explore Parks WA | 4WD only |
| Jarrahdene Campground | DBCA NP | Small | ~$10 adult/night | Drop toilets | Explore Parks WA | Self-contained only |
| Prevelly Caravan Park | Caravan park | ~60 | $45–75/site/night | Power, showers, amenities | Direct | All trailers |
| Gracetown Caravan Park | Caravan park | ~40 | ~$45/site/night | Power, showers, amenities | Direct | All trailers |
| Discovery Parks Margaret River | Caravan park | 100+ | $50–90/site/night | Power, pool, camp kitchen | Discovery Parks | All trailers |
| Hamelin Bay Holiday Park | Caravan park | ~80 | $40–70/site/night | Power, showers | Direct | All trailers |
| Olive Hill Farm RV Campground | Private farm | Small | ~$45/night | Olive grove, self-contained required | Hipcamp | Self-contained; no dogs |
| Taunton Farm Holiday Park | Private farm | 40+ | ~$40–60/site/night | Camp kitchen, BBQ, amenities | Direct | All trailers |
Note: DBCA campground fees are charged per person per night and are subject to annual review. Confirm current rates at parkstay.dbca.wa.gov.au before booking. Entry to Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park is free — no vehicle entry fee applies.
Conto Campground — The Best National Park Option
Conto is the flagship campground of Leeuwin-Naturaliste NP. With 109 unpowered sites spread across low coastal heath, it balances capacity with a genuine bush feel. Contos Beach is a short walk away, and the Cape to Cape Track runs directly past the campground. Book as early as possible in summer and school holidays — the site fills months ahead for Christmas and Easter.
Boranup Campground — Karri Forest Immersion
Seven sites in the heart of the karri forest. Boranup Forest Scenic Drive begins nearby and winds through trees that reach 70 metres into the canopy. No generators, no flush toilets, and no pre-booking until you book via Explore Parks WA — it’s the quietest option in the region. Bring all your own water; none is supplied on-site.
Prevelly Caravan Park — Surf Access
Five hundred metres from Surfers Point, one of the Indian Ocean’s most consistent right-handers. Powered and unpowered sites, modern amenities, and proximity to the Margaret River mouth make this the go-to for surfers and beach campers. Busy year-round; book well ahead for peak season.
Hamelin Bay — Stingray Shallows
Hamelin Bay Holiday Park gives easy access to the bay’s famous population of large stingrays, which glide through the shallows in water so clear you can watch them from the shore. The bay is sheltered and good for kayaking and snorkelling. Entry to the bay is free for day visitors.
The Margaret River coast faces the Indian Ocean directly; evening setups on the water are a nightly ritual.
Activities from Your Camp Base
Wine and food: The Saturday Margaret River Farmers Market (9 am–1 pm, Margaret River Education Campus) is one of WA’s best. Cellar doors are open most days from 10 am — Vasse Felix, Cullen, Leeuwin Estate, and Voyager Estate are among the region’s best-known names.
Surf: The Box and Surfers Point at Prevelly are world-class breaks for experienced surfers. Redgate Beach and Smiths Beach offer more accessible conditions for intermediates. Yallingup is 45 minutes north for more options.
Caves: Four commercial cave experiences operate nearby — Lake Cave ($24 adult, the most dramatic), Jewel Cave ($24), Mammoth Cave ($19, self-guided), and Moondyne Cave ($36, adventure tour). Jewel Cave near Augusta is the southernmost.
Cape to Cape Track: The full 123 km walk takes 6–8 days, but day sections from Conto Campground to Redgate Beach or north to Gracetown are excellent out-and-back options.
Whale watching: Humpback and southern right whales pass the cape from June to December. The Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse precinct near Augusta is one of the best shore-based viewing spots in Australia.
Stingrays at Hamelin Bay: Free, year-round, and remarkable. Arrive in the late afternoon when the rays come in closest.
Illustration: The karri trees at Boranup reach 70 metres — staying in the forest campground is a different experience from any caravan park.
Costs — Budget Planning for 5 Nights
The WA Park Pass unlocks entry to all WA national and marine parks; for Margaret River it makes most sense if you’re combining with other WA parks on the same trip.
| WA Park Pass | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday 5-day | $30 | Long weekend (entry to Leeuwin-Naturaliste NP is free anyway — pass helps with other parks) |
| Holiday 14-day | $50 | Week-long trip across multiple WA parks |
| Annual All Parks Pass | $130 | Big Lap or WA residents who camp often |
| Concession Annual | $80 | Concession card holders |
Note: Entry to Leeuwin-Naturaliste NP is currently free of charge (no vehicle entry fee). A WA Park Pass is only needed if you plan to visit other WA national parks on the same trip.
| Scenario | Campground Mix | Est. Cost (couple, 5 nights) |
|---|---|---|
| DBCA bush camping only | Conto or Boranup | ~$150 (2 adults × $15 × 5) |
| Mixed NP + caravan park | 3 nights Conto + 2 nights Prevelly | ~$240–$300 |
| Caravan park full stay | Prevelly or Discovery Parks | ~$225–$450 |
| Farm/private winery | Olive Hill or Taunton Farm | ~$225–$300 |
Budget tip: add grocery costs from the IGA in Margaret River town rather than driving to Busselton Woolworths. The farmers market on Saturday morning is cheaper than supermarkets for produce.
Self-Containment, Dump Points & Water
Western Australia does not operate a formal self-containment certification scheme (unlike Queensland’s CTMUA or the ACT’s requirement for overnight stays). However, DBCA campgrounds impose strict rules: no grey water or black water may be disposed of in the park — it must be carted out and disposed of at an authorised dump point.
Dump points near Margaret River:
- Gloucester Park, Margaret River town (relocated to west end near Recreation Centre)
- Busselton — check WikiCamps for current GPS locations
- Augusta — dump point available near the town centre
Water on-site:
- Conto Campground: drinking water available
- Boranup Campground: no water on-site — carry at least 10 L per person per day
- Most caravan parks: drinking water and dump points included
| Model | Fresh Water Tank | Grey Water Tank | Self-Contained Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | 60 L | None | No — carry grey water out |
| Plus | 80 L | None | No — carry grey water out |
| Ultra | 80 L | 30 L | Partial — external shower with grey tank |
| Max | 100 L | 30 L | Yes — interior bathroom, grey tank, cassette toilet |
For a full breakdown of camper trailer water systems, see Camper Trailer Water System Guide.
The rear galley keeps cooking tidy — important when national park rules require zero grey water on the ground.
Towing Tips for the Margaret River Run
Distance: Perth to Margaret River is ~290 km — a manageable 3–3.5 hour tow with a standard mid-size SUV. Trailers under 1,000 kg tare (Breath Essential, Plus, Ultra) tow easily with any ADR-compliant SUV with a 1,500+ kg tow capacity.
Fuel cost: Expect a fuel economy penalty of roughly +15–25% with a loaded trailer. At 230 cents/litre (South West WA October 2026), a round trip from Perth in a mid-size diesel SUV adds approximately $50–$90 to fuel costs versus driving solo.
Reversing into campsite: Conto’s 109-site campground has narrow site rows in peak season — practise reversing in a quiet car park before you arrive. The How to Reverse a Camper Trailer guide walks through the bottom-of-wheel method step by step.
Weight checklist: See Teardrop Camper Weight Guide for a payload calculator — overloading before a long tow is a common mistake, especially when packing for wine country (bottles are heavy).
Which Breath Trailer for Margaret River?
| Model | Price | Key Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | $23,320 | 60 L water, queen bed, 5-min setup | Couples on a budget, caravan park stays |
| Plus | $29,766 | Built-in fridge, 80 L water | Longer stays, mixed NP + caravan park trips |
| Ultra | $34,749 | External shower, 80 L water | Surfers — rinse off without queuing for the amenities block |
| Max | $42,900 | Full interior bathroom, 100 L water, self-contained | DBCA bush camping; skip the dump point trip on short stays |
The standout pick for serious surf campers is the Ultra. The external shower ($34,749) lets you rinse sand and salt off at the campsite rather than queuing at Prevelly’s amenities block after a busy afternoon. For full self-containment at Boranup’s generator-free bush sites, the Max is the only teardrop under $50,000 in Australia with an interior bathroom — cassette toilet, corner basin, and handheld shower all in a self-contained 1,200 kg package.
The Max’s ensuite means no 6 am walk to the amenities block — a genuine quality-of-life upgrade on longer stays at bush campgrounds.
All four models are towable by a mid-size SUV — Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5 — without upgrading your vehicle.
View the full model comparison at breathtrailer.com/comparison/ or book a viewing session to inspect any model in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I camp for free near Margaret River? Free camping options are limited directly in the region. A few rest areas and state forest roads exist north of Busselton, but they fill fast on long weekends. The DBCA campgrounds at Conto and Boranup charge per-person nightly fees but offer excellent value for the setting. For a wider guide, see Free Camping Australia.
Is 4WD required to camp in Margaret River? No — the majority of campgrounds, including Conto and Boranup, are accessible on sealed or graded gravel roads with a 2WD vehicle towing a standard camper trailer. Point Road Campground is the exception, requiring a capable 4WD.
What fires are allowed at Margaret River campgrounds? Campfires are permitted in designated fire rings at most DBCA campgrounds when no Total Fire Ban or High Fire Danger rating is in force. Check DFES the morning of your visit. No campfires are permitted at commercial caravan parks unless explicitly stated.
How far ahead do I need to book Conto Campground? DBCA campgrounds open 180 days ahead for booking through Explore Parks WA. For Christmas, Easter, and long weekends, book the moment the window opens. Off-peak weekdays are often available with 2–4 weeks’ notice.
What’s the best campground in Margaret River for surfers? Prevelly Caravan Park — 500 m from Surfers Point and Margaret River Mouth. Conto Campground is the best national park option for access to Contos Beach (a quieter beach break).
Final Word
Margaret River rewards the camper who comes prepared. The best sites at Conto fill months in advance, the karri forest at Boranup is genuinely unlike anywhere else in the country, and the combination of surf, wine, and wilderness puts the region in a category of its own. A well-specced teardrop camper makes the most of it — lightweight enough to tow with the family SUV, self-sufficient enough for the national park bush sites, and comfortable enough to stay a week rather than a weekend.
Recommended Reading
- Best Camping Spots in Western Australia — 18 campgrounds across six WA regions
- Best Camping Spots near Perth — within 3.5 hours of Perth CBD
- Off-Road Teardrop Camper Australia — what “off-road rated” means in practice
- Free Camping Australia — land types, apps, grey water rules
- Camping With Dogs Australia — national park rules and safety tips for WA’s national parks