Coral Bay is a quaint little village in Western Australia, known for its gorgeous campsites and opportunities for free camping. There are several amazing Coral Bay campsites to choose from in the area, which are suitable for different budgets. We got to try several of them and came up with this complete guide to campsites and camping grounds in Coral Bay, WA.
Come to the area for beautiful beaches, the famous Ningaloo Reef and its abundant marine life like the whale sharks of Ningaloo, manta rays and even humpback whales. You’ll love the quaint atmosphere in Coral Bay and the absence of mass tourism which has kept this charming town authentic and makes it the perfect spot for a camping adventure.
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Where is Coral Bay located?
Coral Bay is a small coastal village in Western Australia, about 1,200 kilometres northwest of Perth. It is located on the Ningaloo Reef, a World Heritage Site that is home to a variety of marine life, including whale sharks, manta rays and a variety of coral species. It’s also nearby the stunning Cape Range National Park and home to several beautiful WA wildflowers.
Coral Bay is a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters and quiet atmosphere. It is a great place to snorkel, dive, go fishing or just relax and soak up the sun. Coral Bay and the surrounding area are also very popular among campers, which is why there are several fantastic camping spots to choose from here.
Coral bay is located 1h 36m (152 km) south of Exmouth via Minilya-Exmouth Rd. It’s a destination in its own right, as well as a lovely family-oriented Ningaloo alternative. It’s a great place to stop on a Perth to Exmouth road trip too.
We have friends (and their kids) who return to Coral Bay campsites year after year – its that kind of place!
Map of the best campsites in and around Coral Bay
Have a look at this map for a handy overview of the best campsites in Coral Bay, WA (including free camping options).
Best camping grounds in Coral Bay, WA
Coral Bay is small, so there are only two campsites located in the town itself. They both have their pros and cons, so we compared them below to help you choose which one is right for you.
1. Ningaloo Coral Bay Bayview Caravan Park
Location: Coral Bay WA 6701
Price range: Starting at $45 AUD
Dogs allowed: Yes in designated areas
Facilities: Camp kitchen, BBQ areas, playground, tennis court
Driving time to Coral Bay Beach: ~ 1 minute
Ningaloo Bayview Caravan Park is ideally located for those looking for a camping vacation near the ocean in Coral Bay. The park is just a short walk from the popular Coral Bay Beach. They have a wide range of accommodations, which we loved! Visitors get to choose between comfortable villas overlooking the bay, small and large cabins and campsites with or without electricity. Ningaloo Bayview Caravan Park has something for every budget, which is a huge plus if you’re looking for a versatile place to stay in Coral Bay.
There are communal kitchens and barbecue areas with picnic benches throughout the park, and for kids, there’s a bouncy pillow and a playground. Dogs are welcome here but only allowed in designated dog areas.
This park is big. If you’re a fan of small, family-run campsites, this might not be the best choice for you. This park is always bustling with energy, and it can get quite loud. However, families will appreciate that kids can explore independently here and make use of the amenities and equipment such as kayaks, snorkelling gear and pool.
2. Peoples Park Coral Bay Caravan Park
Location: LOT 13 Robinson St, Coral Bay
Price range: Upon request
Dogs allowed: No
Facilities: Camp kitchen, BBQ areas, book exchange, laundry, playground, wifi
Driving time to Coral Bay Beach: ~ 1 minute
Peoples Park Caravan Park is only a few meters away from Ningaloo Bayview Caravan Parks but is located slightly closer to the Coral Bay ocean. There are ocean-view campsites, hilltop villas, or penthouses available with a breathtaking view over the bay.
The Peoples Park also has the usual facilities such as a playground for children, several BBQ areas, a fully equipped camping kitchen with refrigerators and freezers and much more so you’ll have everything you need during your time in Coral Bay. Unfortunately, it is not allowed to take your four-legged friend with you, so this park will be out of the question if you’re camping with your pet.
As the Peoples Park Caravan Park at Coral Bay is very popular, you should reserve your pitch or cabin as early as possible to get a place at all. This campground is much smaller than the Ningaloo Bayview Caravan Park in Coral Bay, so it usually sells out faster.
It’s not as popular among families (although there is a playground) so the atmosphere is generally quieter and not as busy, which couples or older campers usually appreciate.
What we loved about this park is that the showers have fresh water, which Nangaloo Bayview does not. Especially during the high season, you’ll love how quiet it is here compared to next door, but this also means you won’t have access to a pool during your stay.
Campsites near Coral Bay
If the two main camping sites in Coral Bay don’t appeal to you, why not consider the accommodation options or caravan parks below which are located just a quick drive from town? They’re generally cheaper, and we had fantastic experiences here.
3. Homestead campground – Warroora Station
Location: Exmouth Coral Bay Road, Lyndon WA 6707
Price range: $17 AUD
Dogs allowed: Yes
Facilities: Fire pit, camp kitchen, laundry
Driving time to Coral Bay Beach: ~ 1 hour
Warroora Cattle Station is located about an hour south of Coral Bay in Western Australia. It is a simple campsite suitable for those who do not need luxury and want the full camping experience.
There are only pitches here without electricity, which you need to keep in mind when planning your stay. However, there is a communal kitchen, fire pit, washing facilities and water for domestic use.
Dogs are welcome as long as they do not disturb the wild kangaroos or the free-roaming cattle. Keeping your pets on a leash as much as possible is recommended.
Our tip: The roads in the area can be a bit rough so having a 4WD is highly recommended. That way you can enjoy the beach access and explore camping in the stunning nature around Coral Bay.
4. Camp 14 Mile Beach
Location: Mauds Lndng-Warroora Rd, Lyndon WA
Price range: $8 AUD
Dogs allowed: Yes
Facilities: None
Driving time to Coral Bay Beach: ~ 30 minutes
Camp 14 Mile Beach is a popular camping destination on the West Coast of Australia. Unfortunately, there are no facilities here so you will need to bring a chemical camping toilet or arrive in a self-contained vehicle. If you don’t have a toilet, you can rent one at the 14 Mile and the Warroora Station Office.
The camping spot is located directly on the beach and pitches are limited so you will need to reserve a spot in advance if you’re headed here on your trip to Coral Bay.
For only $8 AUD a night per person, this is probably one of the best and most affordable campsites near Coral Bay. This is definitely a more adventurous spot and can’t really be compared to the luxurious holiday parks in town, in our opinion. It’s an entirely different way of camping, and we loved it!
Our tip: This is a fantastic spot for long beach walks. Just make sure not to take any sand or shells with you when you leave to protect the delicate ecosystem.
5. Bullara Station Stay
Location: Bullara Station Stay, Exmouth Gulf WA 6707
Price range: Starts at $32 AUD
Dogs allowed: Yes
Facilities: Camp kitchen, fire pits, BBQ area
Driving time to Coral Bay Beach: ~ 45 minutes
Bullara Station offers a whole new camping experience in outback Australia. This cattle station has small and larger lodges and cabins as well as powered and unpowered campsites for its visitors. It’s normal to wake up to birdsong in the morning, see wild kangaroos and share a campsite with sheep and cows.
There is a communal camping kitchen as well as several fire pits spread around the site. The showers and toilets are a unique experience as they are decorated with buckets, horseshoes and other items from the farm. Especially for children, this is the perfect place to run around and have fun.
You can take your pets with you, as long as they don’t disturb the free-roaming animals. This is probably our favourite dog-friendly caravan park on this list.
Read our full review of Bullara Station Stay here >>>
6. Elles Beach
Location: Lyndon, WA 6701
Price range: $8 AUD per adult, $6 AUD for kids. Book here
Dogs allowed: Yes
Facilities: None
Driving time to Coral Bay Beach: ~ 1,25 hours
Elles Beach is a popular place for camping accommodation for all off-grid campers with a 4WD wanting to explore the area around Coral Bay in WA.
As with Camp 14 Mile Beach, it is necessary to bring a chemical toilet and reserve the site in advance. This is a true remote gem and perfect for those who want to get away from busy beaches and light pollution and simply enjoy nature. Park your camper on a remote beach and pitch a tent in paradise. You’ll absolutely love this campsite.
It is allowed to have a generator and bring a dog as long as it is on a leash. You can fish at the beach so make sure to bring your gear.
Keep in mind that booking this site in advance is essential. You cannot just show up.
Free camping grounds near Coral Bay, WA
If you’re camping on a budget, you might be looking for free camping options close to Coral Bay. Unfortunately, you’ll have to drive for a little bit, but it’s still a good option for a night or two. Here are our favourites.
7. Minilya River Rest Area
Location: National Route 1, Minilya WA 6701
Price range: Free
Dogs allowed: Yes
Facilities: Public toilet, dump point, fire pits, picnic area
Driving time to Coral Bay Beach: ~ 1,5 hours
The Minilya River Rest Area is a free camping spot, ideal for an overnight stay either with a tent or a caravan. There is a public toilet, a dump station (unfortunately without running water), a few fire pits and some picnic benches spread over the site. Most of the people who camp here only stay for one night as a stopover on their road trip through Western Australia.
If you cross the bridge, you will find a roadhouse where you can get a hot meal and a coffee for the onward journey.
Don’t be late to this rest area, as shaded spots are often gone quickly.
8. Lyndon River Rest Area (West)
Location: Lyndon, WA 6701
Price range: Free
Dogs allowed: Yes
Facilities: Toilet, dump point, fire pits, BBQ, picnic benches
Driving time to Coral Bay Beach: ~ 45 minutes
Lyndon River Rest Area (West) is another parking lot where many people stop for just one night as a stopover on their trip. It’s located slightly closer to Coral Bay so it’s our top choice for free camping accommodation in the area. There is a restroom, fire pits that can also function as a bbq, and some picnic benches but few shaded spots.
Lyndon River Rest Area (West) is free for all campers so make sure to treat the site with respect and always leave it better than you found it. There are bins available where you can dispose of your waste.
Make Sure You Visit Exmouth Too!
While in the area, Exmouth is an incredible place to visit. Read our guide to the top things to do in Exmouth here. There are plenty of amazing Exmouth beaches to explore and several day trip options.
Coral Bay Camping FAQ
No, the closest caravan park to Coral Bay is BIG 4 Dongara Denison Beach Holiday Park in Dongara.
Yes, both the Ningaloo Coral Bay Bayview Caravan Park and the Peoples Park Coral Bay Camping Caravan Parks are located right on the beach in Coral Bay.
There are no free camping spots available in Coral Bay itself, but you can head to some outside of town like the Lyndon River Rest Area (West) or the Minilya River Rest Area which do not charge a fee.
The Peoples Park Coral Bay Camping Campground is the best choice overall if you’re looking for caravan parks in this part of Australia.
Discover more of North West WA here >>>
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