Camping Out

Camping in Lane Poole Reserve

There is no better way to experience the great outdoors than to pitch a tent and camp out under a dark sky filled with stars. Located just over an hour from Perth, Lane Poole Reserve in Dwellingup is the perfect place to switch off, slow down and reconnect with nature. With the Murray River carving through towering jarrah forest, this vast reserve is home to some of the best campgrounds near Perth. Choose from riverside hideaways to family-friendly sites, spots perfect for caravans, tents or camper trailers. During the day, explore by paddling, hiking and mountain biking, then settle by a crackling campfire, falling asleep to the sounds of the bush.

Quick FActs

  • Choose from 8 campgrounds in Lane Poole Reserve
  • Campfires permitted in season at most campgrounds
  • Easy online bookings for most camgrounds

Campgrounds For Small Groups

Tucked away among the towering trees, the campgrounds in Lane Poole Reserve offer a mix of peaceful bush settings and easy access to adventure. All campsites are suitable for 2WD vehicles and most can be booked online through WA Park Stay, making it simple to plan your next camping trip near Perth. Each campground has its own unique setting and facilities for you to explore, and fees apply at all campgrounds.
Baden Powel Campground
Best for: Swimming, kayaking and mountain biking

Set in an ideal location for adventure, Baden Powel Campground in Lane Poole Reserve offers easy acess to Dwaarlindjirraap day-use area, Murray Valley and Toms Crossing Mountain Bike Trails. The campground has three sheltered camp kitchens with gas barbeques, cold water taps (untreated rainwater), dishwashing sinks, food preparation surfaces, dining tables and benches. 42 individual camp sites include a range of layouts to cater for tents, campervans, caravans and camper trailers. If you are looking for accessible options, two of the camp sites, one camp kitchen and one toilet block are designed for wheelchair access.

Charlie's Flat Campground
BEST FOR: Swimming, kayaking and freshwater fishing

Pitch a tent under the jarrah, blackbutt and marri trees or find a secluded fishing spot on the riverbank. Situated right on the Murray River, Charlies Flat is one of the quieter options within Lane Poole Reserve with 16 sites (tent sites, some RV sites). Suited to smaller groups in tents, each secluded site includes a picnic table and fire ring, with short walks to river access for padding, swimming or casting a line (don't forget your freshwater fishing license).

Tony's Bend Campground
Best For: Secluded Camping

Ideal for those seeking solitude, Tony's Bend in Lane Poole Reserve features generously spaced campsites. Most of the 13 sites cater to tents and swags, while two are suitable for camper trailers or rooftop tents. From the campground, a short walk leads to the Murrray River, perfect for a paddle or a refreshing dip. Nearby, Island Pool offers another great location to explore, with a 2.1km shot yet challenging loop trail making a great hiking option which comes alive with wildflowers in the spring.

Yarragil Campground
Best for: Kayaking and direct river access

With only two campsites, Yarragil is the smallest campground in Lane Poole Reserve. Altough it is ideal for small groups or families, it is not suited to large groups or large vehicles. Popular with canoeists and swimmers, Yarragil serves as the entry point for those setting out on the 11.5-kilometre paddle trail to Nanga Road Bridge. Thanks to the recently upgraded steps leading down into the water, swimming at Yarragil is a pleasant summer pasttime.

Stringers Campground
Best for: Swimming and freshwater fishing

With only six well-spaced tent sites, Stringers offers peaceful camping with glimpses of the river. There is also a pathway that leads from the campground to the water's edge. Given its location, the campground is just a short walk from the start of trails, including the including the Munda Biddi, which connects to the Murray Valley Mountain Bike Trails. Catering exclusively for tents, Stringers Campground is a good base for activities which include swimming, canoeing, bushwalking, mountain bike riding and fishing.

Chuditch Campground
Best for: Hiking, mountain biking and fast water rafting

Named after the shy, nocturnal marsupial that calls Lane Poole Reserve home, Chuditch is an ideal place for adventure seekers. Set close to hiking tracks, the southern reaches of the mountain bike trail network and seasonal fast-water rating spots, this well laid out campground includes a communal camp kitchen with gas cooking facilities and untreated water. At Chuditch Campground, 14 of the 24 campsites suit tents, and the other 10 provide space for smaller caravans or camper trailers. Settle into your campsite, then head out to Chuditch day use area, where a wide section of the river is perfect to swim, kayak, or enjoy a lazy float in the dappled sunlight. Please note, presently there are no campfires permitted here at any time.

Camps For Large Groups

Once the heart of a bustling timber mill town, Nanga is now a peaceful camping and picnic area set among pine trees. Designed for larger vehicles and groups, these popular Lane Poole Reserve campgrounds provide extra space and comfort. At Nanga Mill and Nanga Townsite, campers claim sites on a first-come, first-served basis, so early arrival is recommended. Nanga Brook must be booked online through WA Park Stay, allowing groups to plan ahead.
Nanga Mill & Nanga Townsite Campgrounds
Best for: Large groups, last-minute adventurers and hikers

Nanga Mill is the largest campground in the area with wide open spaces for kids to roam. These no-booking campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground is generally very popular during school holidays and weekends from October to April, particularly long weekends. Be prepared with an alternative place to stay at these times, just in case. Many hiking trails start in this section of Lane Poole Reserve including the Nanga Brook walk trail, which links the two campgrounds. Nanga Townsite is situated on a beautiful section of Nanga Brook with plenty of green grass and shady trees, however it is for tents only. Campfires are permitted in the fire rings provided.

Nanga Brook Campground
Best for: Large motorhomes and RVs

Nanga Brook flows through this well-appointed and accessible campground toward the Murray River. The campground has 29 drive-in, drive-out sites (no reversing!) designed for larger motorhomes and RVs. Eight tent sites back onto the gently flowing brook. With accessible dining shelters, gas barbecues, prep surfaces and sinks (using untreated rainwater), plus solar-powered lights, it's a comfortable bush base. It's also the closest campground to Treetops Adventure Dwellingup, where you can zip through the forest canopy in style. While bookings are required for most sites, campers can grab sites 15–22 on a first-come, first-served basis.

Essential Information

Arrival & Departure Times: Sites must be vacated by 10am on the day of departure.

Campfire Season: Campfires are generally permitted from April through to the end of November each year, subject to weather and fire conditions. Always follow signage within the reserve or contact Parks and Wildlife Service. Additionally, campfires are only permitted in rings provided and must be attended at all times. Firewood can be purchased in Dwellingup. Please do not remove or burn any wood from the surrounding bush as it provides important habitat for animals.

Prohibited Burning: What is allowed? Gas barbecues, provided that they are in a designated recreation or camping site and the area around the gas barbeque is cleared of all combustible material within a 5m radius. What is NOT allowed? Open campfires, Weber barbecues (or any barbecues that uses solid fuel), Citronella burners/candles or sparklers.

Dogs: Friendly dogs are permitted in the reserve however are required to stay on leads at all times.

Generators: Generators are permitted between the hours of 8am and 9pm only.

Camp Fees Apply: Camp fees apply to all campgrounds in Lane Poole Reserve. For more information, see the Park Stay website.

Vehicle Entry Fees: Standard park entry fees apply for Lane Poole Reserve. However, a valid park pass covers the park entry fees. 

RV Dump Point: Facilities are located at Nanga Brook. There is also a RV Dump Point in town at the northern end of Dwellingup Oval, accessible from Wallace Road.

Annual Park Passes: Available to book online at https://shop.dbca.wa.gov.au/collections/park-passes

For enquires, contact Lane Poole Reserve Entry Station on weekends 9538 1536 or Parks and Wildlife Services Dwellingup Office on 9538 1078 during office hours, Monday to Friday. Dwellingup Trails and Visitor Centre is also on hand to help.

Enquire Now

Adventure is out there!

If you’re planning a self-guided adventure in Dwellingup but need equipment, the team at Dwellingup Trails and Visitor Centre can recommend tours or provide hire options to get you started. With this in mind, what are you waiting for?