This guide is dedicated to camping in Karijini National Park and lists all the camping options available in Karijini park: free camps, National Park Campgrounds, Caravan parks and even an Eco lodge.

We have travelled the lap of Australia in our campervan and Karijini National Park was one of the highlights. Incredible gorges, hikes, waterfalls and amazing sunsets. 

But we had a hard time finding all the relevant information about camping in Karijini National Park. So we put this guide together for you. All prices mentioned below are in AUD.

We also have the Ultimate Guide to Carnarvon Gorge.

4 Options for Camping in Karijini National Park

1. Camping in Karijini National Park – Dales Campground 

There are two campsites inside the Karijini National Park. The first Dales Campground is more basic, but its location is fantastic. The second one is the Karijini Eco Retreat, more about that below.

The Dales Campground is only a short walk away from the Dales Gorge where you can enjoy Fortescue Falls, Fern Pool and Circular Pool in Dales Gorge and do the walk that connects all of them.

Dales Campground is a large area with picnic tables and gas barbecues, picnic. This campground is in very high demand from June to September so you have to book ahead online. 

They also open an overflow area for two nights maximum which is 10 km away.

How much is camping in Karijini Nationa Park at Dales Campground?

The cost is $11 per adult per night (concession $7, child $3) for an unpowered site and you must book online early on the website of Parks and Wildlife Services. 

Click here for the booking site for Dales Campground

Dales Campground Camping Facilities 

No showers but there are showers at the Visitors Centre 12 km from Dales Campground for $4. Or have a dip at the Fortescue Falls. No portable water, no bins here (not to attract dingos). But dump point is available.

Contact Details:

• Phone: 08 9189 8121
• Address:  Dales Road, Karijini National Park, Western Australia
• Website: Dales Campground

Sadly when we visited, the campground was booked out completely for the whole month online, but when we passed on our way to Dales Gorge we could see free spots available. I guess some people book ahead and as it’s a smaller fee per night they don’t always cancel or show up.

2. Camping in Karijini National Park – Karijini Eco Retreat 

Located near the Joffre Gorge, Karijini Eco Retreat is the second choice for camping in Karijini National Park. Well while we can call it camping in Karijini, it is more like glamping in the Karijini.

Karijini Eco Retreat offers accommodation in a beautiful setting on the back of the rugged outback environment. 

They have cabins, glamping tents and a campground suited for camping in a tent, caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers and big rigs.

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Karijini Eco Retreat Camping /Accommodation Fees

• Non-powered camping – $22 per adult per night
• Eco Cabin King/Twin – $300 per room for up to 2 adults
• Eco Cabin Triple/Quad – $300 per room for up to 4 adults
• Standard Eco Tent – $220 per Eco tent for up to 4 adults 
• Deluxe Eco Tent King – $380 per tent for up to 2 adults

*There are a few other options when it comes to tents. Check prices and availability for all options on Booking.com.

There is also an outback restaurant, bar, kiosk and souvenir shop. It truly is much more than just camping in Karijini National Park, it’s an experience!

Camping at the Eco Retreat comes with great amenities. If you are camping you’ll have access to the shared bathroom amenities with flushing toilets & solar hot water showers. There is also an undercover bush kitchen with a gas BBQ, sink and seating.

To check availability and prices, make a reservation online with Booking.com. I find this is the best option as you can get instant confirmation, especially during the high season. 

Alternatively, you can call the reservations team on +61 8 9286 1731 between 7:00 am to 10:00 am in the mornings and 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the afternoons from Monday – to Sunday.

• Contact Details:
• Phone: 08 9286 1731
• Address: Savannah Campground (off Weano Road), Karijini National Park, Western Australia

3. Camping in Karijini National Park – Free camp outside the park

For those who love free camping, or are travelling on a budget there are three places I recommend stopping overnight. It might depend on which area you are exploring the next day or maybe which direction you are coming from.

Large Parking Area After Tom Price – Praburdo Road onto Karijini Drive

GPS: -22.740088°, 117.866166°

This really is just for overnight as it is just a large area where trucks pull in. However, if you drive further in along the smaller dirt road you’ll find some nice free camps spots. Amazing sunset and in a good location to enter the park the next morning. Great sunset here.

Albert Tongnolini Rest Area on the Great Northern Highway

GPS: -22.489043°, 118.735104°

Simple rest area but it offers amazing views of the area. Great as an overnighter for free camping in the Karijini area. 70kms away from Dales Area, but that’s a small distance in Western Australia.

In the Rocks Free Camp – on the Great Northern Highway

GPS: -21.324303°, 118.700285°

This camp is too far if you are heading into Karijini, but if you are continuing to Port Headland it is the best place to stay. Absolutely stunning views and you even get Telstra reception here.

Please note all free camps can be found on WikiCamp App which is a must-have for any long term campers. Download it on your iPhone for A$8.99.

4. Tom Price Tourist Park – Caravan Park 50km from Karijini

Camping in Karijini National Park can be problematic when you decide to go at the last minute and both campsites are already fully booked. If you are not set up for free camping mentioned above, then Tom Price Tourist Park is the perfect place to stay and drive to Karijini National Park as a day trip.

This is a very popular option if you are towing a campervan as well. Park it up and explore in your car.

Top Price Tourist Park is part of the G’Day network and offers clean and cosy accommodation and large, grassed caravan and camping sites plus a swimming pool, BBQ and camp kitchen. It’s located 50 km from Karijini.

• Powered sites start from $42
• Unpowered sites start from $36
• Cabins and Units are also available

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Entry Fees to Karijini National Park in 2023

There are the fees to enter Karijini National Park in 2023:

• Standard fee per private vehicle with up to 12 occupants – $15
• Concession fee per private vehicle $8
• Standard fee per Motorcycle $8 – no Concession available

If you are camping in Karijini park and staying for more than one day or even driving in and out of the park from the free camps, it is cheaper to purchase a Park Pass. Also well worth it if you are visiting multiple national parks in WA.

The cost of the Park Pass for Karijini National Park in 2023:

• Holiday Pass for 5 Days – $25
• Holiday Pass for 14 Days – $40
• Holiday Pass for 1 Month – $60
• Or buy the All Park Pass for $120

Buy your pass online here: Buy Park Pass here.

Karajini National Park Maps

To view and download the best Karijini National Park Maps, visit All Trails or Explore Parks WA. These websites have some helpful Karijini National Park maps available to download via PDF. 

When is the best time to go camping in Karijini National Park?

The best time to go camping in Karijini National Park is during the cooler months of July and August, but June and September are even better as you might have fewer crowds.

Do you need a 4WD to go camping in Karijini National Park?

Not necessarily. We visited Karijini in our 2WD Toyota Hiace Campervan. 

The road to the Karijini Visitors Centre, as well as Dales Gorge, is sealed. However, the road to the Karijini Eco Retreat is sealed with the exception of the last 3 km. 

All other roads are unsealed but graded regularly. It’s best to ask around when you arrive at the campsite and find out from other travellers if it’s possible to do it in 2WD. We have taken our campervan all the way to Weano Gorge and just took it easy on the road.

If you go to the Hamersley Gorge you will need 4WD.

We hope you have enjoyed this guide to camping in Karijini. We wish you a wonderful time when you visit.

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We highly recommend a visit to the gorgeous Whitsunday Islands in Queensland, and these 5 reasons why you need to Reefsleep on the Great Barrier Reef will provide you with an incredible experience.