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18 Free Camps You Need To Know About in Broome & The North West

by Meri Gasem

The North West is the last pure wilderness area globally, stretching over one million square kilometres and an exceptional stop on your Big Lap. You’ll be amazed by the staggering, colourful sandstone structures, magnificent gorges and unusual waterfalls. You get to enjoy the breathtaking sunset on Cable Beach and stargazing at night. But Broome is the real hidden oasis in the region.

If all roads in Europe lead to Rome, all roads in Australia lead to Broome, and for a reason. Whether it is the Gibb River Road or the Savannah Way that led you here, make sure to cherish Broome a little longer. This coastal town is beaming with pristine beaches, historical sights and nature’s wonders. With so many attractions to see, picking the best base becomes a full-time job. Don’t worry and spend more time exploring; we’ve chosen the best free camps for you!

Read Next: Everything You Need To Know About Free Camping In Australia

Willie Creek Camp

The free camp on Willie Creek right outside Broome provides a sweeping view of the tidal. You get to camp on the sand, right beside the turquoise waters, and enjoy exploring the rocks and fish at low tide.

Showers/Toilets: None
Access: 4WD; Off-Road Caravans
Phone Service: Yes
Booking Required: No
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Open Fire Pits; Fishing; Walking & 4WD Tracks; Boat Ramp Nearby; TV Reception
Time Limit: 72 Hours

North of Willie Creek

A bush camp with staggering sunsets settled on the soft sand. If you’re in the mood of getting away from everyone and experiencing a secluded beach as well as some swimming, this is your camp. Lower your tyre pressure to get in and enjoy!

Showers/Toilets: None
Access: 4WD
Phone Service: Yes
Booking Required: No
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; 4WD Tracks; Swimming; Fishing; Wildlife
Time Limit: None

 
 
 
 
 
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James Price Point

Just 50km from Broome, settled on the Dampier Peninsula, you’ll find the James Price Point and the adjacent campsites. Perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean, this campground welcomes self-sufficient campers. You get to stay on the flat red cliffs and admire the landscape of blue waters, white sand and red dirt.

Showers/Toilets: None
Access: 4WD; Off-Road Caravans
Phone Service: None
Booking Required: No
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Open Fire Pits; Swimming; Fishing; Walking Tracks; Boat Ramp Nearby
Time Limit: 72 Hours

 
 
 
 
 
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Nillibubbica Rest Area

Nillibubbica is a popular rest area in the North West with good amenities for an overnight stay. It’s close to the road yet relatively quiet. Shades are minimal, but space is abundant.

Showers/Toilets: Toilets
Access: 2WD; Caravans; Big Rigs
Phone Service: Telstra
Booking Required: No
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Wheelchair Accessible; BBQs; Picnic Tables; Dump Spot; Wildlife
Time Limit: 24 Hours

Fitzroy River Camp Spots

There are various campsites on Fitzroy River, each serene and overlooking the river. Fishing is splendid but beware of the crocodiles. Some corrugation on the otherwise wide road, so let your tyre pressure down.

Showers/Toilets: None
Access: 4WD
Phone Service: Telstra
Booking Required: No
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; 4WD & Walking Tracks; Fishing; Wildlife
Time Limit: None

 
 
 
 
 
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Three Mile Pool

This bush camp resides along the Ashburton River, and it’s suitable for self-sufficient campers. The access is via an unsealed road but doable with a 2WD. The permanent natural pools are an amazing sighting in the otherwise dry region. An abundance of birdlife and some crocs!

Showers/Toilets: None
Access: 2WD; Caravans
Phone Service: Telstra
Booking Required: No
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Non-drinking Water; Walking & 4WD Tracks; Fishing; Wildlife
Time Limit: 28 days per year

 
 
 
 
 
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The Lake Ellendale

Lake Ellendale camp lies beside a waterhole on a property belonging to Ellendale Station. It’s one of a kind with cattle roaming around, so don’t forget to close the gate behind and bring snacks for the friendly cows! There are no amenities; as a result, you must be self-sufficient.

Showers/Toilets: None
Access: 2WD; Caravans; Big Rigs
Phone Service: Telstra
Booking Required: No
Other Amenities: Walking Tracks; Wildlife; Pull-Through Bays
Time Limit: None

Giant Boab Tree Rest Area

This camp is a good overnighter or a lunch stop when traversing the area. It’s close to the road, but there’s minimal road noise. You get to sleep right beside the majestic Boab tree, take photos of it and spot the unique birdlife residing here.

Showers/Toilets: None
Access: 2WD; Caravans; Big Rigs
Phone Service: Telstra
Booking Required: No
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Open Fire Pits; BBQs; Picnic Tables
Time Limit: None

Read Next: Your Ultimate Guide To The Savannah Way

Port Hedland Turf Club

Port Hedland’s Turf Club provides free camping to self-sufficient campers. It’s within walking distance to the town centre, several local shops and attractions. You are encircled by lush greenery, and the friendly rangers are at your disposal!

Showers/Toilets: Toilets
Access: 2WD; Caravans; Big Rigs
Phone Service: Yes
Booking Required: No
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Drinking Water; Dump Spot; TV Reception
Time Limit: 72 Hours

 
 
 
 
 
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Poulton’s Pool

Poulton’s Pool is an off-grid camp nestled among the wilderness of the Gibb River Road. A real gem located down a bumpy road; in other words, don’t try to reach it if you’re not driving a 4WD. There are small waterfalls on-site and plenty of campsites.

Showers/Toilets: None
Access: 4WD
Phone Service: None
Booking Required: No
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Non-drinking Water; Fishing; Wildlife
Time Limit: None

 
 
 
 
 
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Walsh Point Warrender

A lovely remote camp located down a challenging 4WD track. It’s perfect if you want to disappear for a few days and enjoy spectacular views over the ocean at the same time. You’ll get the best out of the place if you’re bringing a boat!

Showers/Toilets: Toilet
Access: 4WD
Phone Service: None
Booking Required: No
Other Amenities: Non-drinking Water; 4WD Tracks; Fishing; Boat Ramp Nearby
Time Limit: None

 
 
 
 
 
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Pentecost River Crossing

A beautiful, secluded camp for fully self-sufficient campers on the side of Pentecost River. It’s the ideal place to rest after crossing the river and maybe try some fishing. Swimming is not an option as many crocodiles reside in the waters.

Showers/Toilets: None
Access: 2WD; Caravans; Big Rigs
Phone Service: None
Booking Required: No
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Open Fire Pits; 4WD Tracks; Wildlife; Fishing
Time Limit: None

Caroline Pool

Caroline Pool is indeed an oasis in the desert, secluded and providing great refreshment after hours of driving in the heat. To get the best of this site, visit during spring or fall when the pool is full. You get to camp in the river bed, and with a bit of luck, you’ll have the place all to yourselves.

Showers/Toilets: Toilets
Access: 4WD
Phone Service: None
Booking Required: No
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Walking Tracks; Wildlife
Time Limit: 24 Hours

Spring Creek Rest Area

Great overnighter with some amenities to make for a cozy stay. The perfect base for heading to the Bungle Bungles the following day. It’s shady as well as grassy and just a short walk from a pretty little creek.

Showers/Toilets: Toilets
Access: 2Wd; Caravans; Big Rigs
Phone Service: Telstra
Booking Required: None
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Wheelchair Accessible; BBQs; Picnic Tables; Open Fire Pits; 4WD Tracks; Fishing; Dump Point
Time Limit: 24 Hours

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a unique and popular spot near Halls Creek, surrounded by date palms planted by Afghan cameleers 200 years ago. The permanent freshwater pool is the main water source for the abundance of wildlife. It’s close to the road and campsites are limited. Beware of crocodiles!

Showers/Toilets: None
Access: 4WD
Phone Service: None
Booking Required: None
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Open Fire Pits; Swimming; Wildlife
Time Limit: 24 Hours

Mary Pool Rest Area

Mary Pool is a trendy rest area in the region with loads of shaded sites and friendly cows strolling around. It can fit around 100 vans but make sure to arrive early for a good spot. You can take a pleasant walk beside the river or stretch your legs in the grassy area.

Showers/Toilets: Toilets
Access: 2Wd; Caravans; Big Rigs
Phone Service: Telstra
Booking Required: No
Other Amenities: Dog-friendly; Wheelchair Accessible; BBQs; Open Fire Pits; Picnic Tables; Dump Spot; Wildlife
Time Limit: 24 Hours

Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater Campground

Camping next to the Meteorite crater sure is a bucket list activity. The crater is merely 450 metres from the camp, which provides 10 sites. There are shaded spots, and the road is somewhat corrugated with one shallow river crossing. Tranquil and ideal for stargazing at night!

Showers/Toilets: Toilets
Access: 4WD; Off-Road Caravans
Phone Service: None
Booking Required: No
Other Amenities: Open Fite Pits; Picnic Tables; Walking Tracks
Time Limit: None

Desert Queen Baths Campground

A real gem in the area, Desert Queen Baths are a marvellous scene to explore, and you can camp merely 100 metres from the waterholes. The road in is challenging and requires a high clearance 4WD, but it’s worth it for a couple of lazy days by the water.

Showers/Toilets: None
Access: 4WD
Phone Service: None
Booking Required: No
Other Amenities: Non-drinking Water; Open Fire Pits; Swimming; Walking & 4WD Tracks
Time Limit: None

 
 
 
 
 
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Read Next: 96 Things To Know About Your Big Lap

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