Disclosure: This article may contain some affiliate links which means that I may earn a small commission when you click on them, at no additional cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.
4 Best Locations for Free Camping Coral Bay in 2024!
Are you looking for free camping Coral Bay?
Coral Bay is a popular tourist destination located in Western Australia, renowned for its stunning beaches, coral reefs, and marine life. With its balmy weather and relaxed coastal atmosphere, it’s no wonder why so many people flock to this area every year.
If you’re looking to experience the beauty of Coral Bay without breaking the bank, then free camping is the perfect option. Here, I will look at some of the best locations for free camping in Coral Bay. Whether you’re a backpacker looking for a budget-friendly getaway or an experienced camper keen to explore the region’s pristine wilderness, I’ve found 4 great 24-hour roadside rest areas near Coral Bay where you can legally and safely camp overnight.
I am a Western Australian local of 35 years, with 20 of those years working in the tourism industry, and I also love to camp, so I am here to guide you on the best Coral Bay free camping sites, and you can plan your next journey there effortlessly!
Free Camping Coral Bay – What Are The Rules
Unfortunately, free camping is not allowed “just anywhere” in the Shire of Carnarvon (where Coral Bay is located). Visitors must stay in registered caravan parks or designated camping grounds. Unfortunately, there are not any dedicated free camping grounds (but read on to find out the 4 closest overnight rest areas!)
There are a number of picturesque places where you can camp and enjoy the beauty of Coral Bay at caravan parks and camping grounds, however, there is a maximum legislated stay of ninety days in any calendar year and thirty days during peak season (1st April-1st October).
If you’re looking to camp outdoors, you must do so only in a registered caravan park or designated camping ground. After all, it’s illegal to sleep anywhere else – whether that be on or around your vehicle, tent, caravan or swag in roadside parking and stopping areas that don’t have 24hr signs displayed.
If you decide to “risk it,” and get caught, you may receive an on-the-spot fine of $100.
🏕️🏕️🏕️NOT WHERE YOU WERE LOOKING FOR? Check out my other guides: Free Camping Busselton, Free Camping Margaret River, Free Camping Esperance, Free Camping Kalbarri and Free Camping Albany so you can free camp your way around WA! 🏕️🏕️🏕️
Free Camping Near Coral Bay
If you are seeking out free camping spots in Western Australia, there is no shortage of roadside rest areas that can accommodate you. Typically, larger stops will permit an overnight stay of up to 24 hours. But be sure not to linger there for more than one day – they are not intended as camping spots!
The laws regarding camping and caravans are designed to ensure public safety, deter vagrancy, and protect local communities from disruption or overcrowding.
When you camp or caravan, maintaining respect for the environment will ensure that your journey is hassle-free. To guarantee a smooth trip, pick spots carefully, avoid disrupting anyone around you, and leave the area as it was before your arrival. Using these tips will enable an enjoyable experience for all involved!
Free Camping In Coral Bay – Sites Within 150km Of Coral Bay
If you are looking for free camping in the surrounding areas of Coral Bay, there are a few options available (but unfortunately not enough!). Here is my list of best options within 150km or so of Coral Bay:
1. Lyndon River Rest Area (West)
🌏DISTANCE TO CORAL BAY: 65km | ⏰TIME LIMIT: 24 hours | 🐶PETS ALLOWED: Yes | 🚻TOILET: Yes | 🚿SHOWER: No | 🚐ACCESS: 2WD, Tent, RV, Camper Trailer, Caravan, Big Rigs |📍LOCATION: Minilya-Exmouth Road, Lyndon WA | Google Maps
This free rest area near Coral Bay is an ideal spot for overnight camping, as it has all the facilities that you need to make your stay comfortable. It offers toilets and a dump point, as well as space for tents, RVs, camper trailers, caravans and big rigs. It’s also dog friendly and relatively peaceful, with the nearby main road not being very noisy, so it’s a great option for those who want to get some restful sleep.
There are rubbish bins and fire pits, although you may want to bring your own insect repellent and fly net as there can be a lot of flies. There’s also good Telstra signal here, in case you need to stay connected. You’ll find plenty of space for parking cars and vans, as well as some shady areas to relax in.
However, there is no drinking water, food or petrol stations nearby, so it’s much easier if you are self-contained. If you’re looking for a friendly, accessible, and peaceful place to camp near Coral Bay then Lyndon River Rest Area (West) is well worth considering, especially as its as close as you can get to Coral Bay.
2. Minilya River Rest Area
🌏DISTANCE TO CORAL BAY: 99km | ⏰TIME LIMIT: 24 hours | 🐶PETS ALLOWED: Yes | 🚻TOILET: Yes | 🚿SHOWER: No | 🚐ACCESS: 2WD, Tent, RV, Camper Trailer, Caravan, Big Rigs |📍LOCATION: NW Coastal Highway, Minilya WA | Google Maps
If you’re looking for a free campground near Coral Bay that has all the facilities you need for an overnight stay, Minilya River Rest Area is worth a look. It offers toilets, a few tables and plenty of bins to keep things clean. There are both shady and sunny spots available here, as well as large fire pits if you want to have a campfire. If you’re looking for hot showers, then the roadhouse just across the highway has those available for $6 per person.
Most importantly, this rest area is accessible to RVs, camper trailers, caravans and big rigs, so you can bring along your vehicle of choice if you don’t feel like camping in a tent. It’s also dog-friendly and has good Telstra and Optus coverage, so staying connected is not a problem. Just make sure to get here early as it fills up quickly!
Overall, Minilya River Rest Area is an ideal overnighter for those wanting to camp near Coral Bay and enjoy the peace, tranquility and convenience that it offers. With its great facilities, accessibility and proximity to a roadhouse with hot showers, this is an excellent option for those wanting to explore Coral Bay.
3. Lyndon River Rest Area (East)
🌏DISTANCE TO CORAL BAY: 132km | ⏰TIME LIMIT: 24 hours | 🐶PETS ALLOWED: Yes | 🚻TOILET: Yes | 🚿SHOWER: No | 🚐ACCESS: 2WD, Tent, RV, Camper Trailer, Caravan, Big Rigs |📍LOCATION: NW Coastal Highway, Minilya WA | Google Maps
Lyndon River Rest Area (East) is the perfect place for an overnight stay if you’re looking to get close to nature. Enjoy the serenity and peacefulness of camping by a dry river bed, surrounded by loads of birds such as corellas, budgies, and more!
There’s plenty of room for RVs, camper trailers, caravans and big rigs. Or you can pitch a tent for a more rustic experience. The area is clean with no litter around, so you can relax in comfort knowing that your surroundings are well kept.
There’s plenty of bins for disposing rubbish and a few tables too if you need to rest up. The area is both shady and sunny, so you can find the perfect spot for your needs. There’s also fire pits to keep you warm at night and no phone reception here so you can really escape from it all! Best of all, dogs are allowed here too.
4. Yalabia Rest Area
🌏DISTANCE TO CORAL BAY: 148km | ⏰TIME LIMIT: 24 hours | 🐶PETS ALLOWED: Yes | 🚻TOILET: Yes | 🚿SHOWER: No | 🚐ACCESS: 2WD, Tent, RV, Camper Trailer, Caravan, Big Rigs |📍LOCATION: NW Coastal Highway, Yandoo Creek WA | Google Maps
If you’re looking for a peaceful, scenic place to stay on your way from or to Coral Bay – Yalabia Rest Area is the perfect spot. It’s tucked away in the beautiful bushlands of NW Coastal Highway and offers plenty of amenities for an enjoyable camping experience.
The area is dog-friendly, has toilet facilities and a dump point, as well as level ground for pitching tents. Plus, you can enjoy the stunning starry night sky without any light pollution!
There are heaps of bins and tables around, however there’s no phone reception here so make sure to come prepared with all necessary supplies. Enjoy this tranquil spot and get ready for your next adventure!
FAQ: Coral Bay Free Camping
Is There Free Camping at Coral Bay?
Yes, there are several options for free camping available in the area, if you don’t mind staying at an overnight rest area. Examples of these include Minilya River Rest Area, Lyndon River Rest Area (West and East) and Yalabia Rest Area.
What Facilities Are Available at Free Campgrounds Near Coral Bay?
Facilities vary depending on the campground, but most offer toilets, dump points and level ground for pitching tents. Some also have fire pits and tables. If you are looking for a hot shower in the area, they are available from the Better Choice Minilya Bridge Roadhouse for $6 per person.
Is Coral Bay Free Camping Pet Friendly?
Yes, all of the free overnight rest areas mentioned here near Coral Bay are pet friendly. However, it is important to be mindful of other campers and keep your pets on a leash at all times.
Is There Mobile Phone Reception at Coral Bay Free Camping Sites?
Mobile phone reception varies depending on the campground. Generally, there is limited or no reception in some of the more remote areas. We recommend checking ahead of time if this is an important factor for you.
Are There Any Other Camping Restrictions at Coral Bay?
Yes, please be mindful of your surroundings and adhere to local rules such as noise, and campfire restrictions. It’s especially important that you also only camp in designated areas. Also, please do not leave any rubbish behind as this can negatively impact the environment.
Is There a Time Limit for Camping in Coral Bay?
All of the free campgrounds near Coral Bay are roadside rest areas so they have a 24-hour limit to them. If you wish to stay longer, there are paid caravan parks available in the area at places such as Coral Bay, Carnarvon and Exmouth.
Is the Free Camping at Coral Bay Safe?
Yes, all of these campgrounds are well-maintained and patrolled regularly by law enforcement authorities. However, it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions for your own safety.
Wrapping Up: Coral Bay Free Camping
Coral Bay offers a wide range of free camping options that are perfect for those who are looking to experience the area on a budget. From shady bushlands and stunning starry nights, to pet-friendly locations and plenty of facilities, Coral Bay has something for everyone.
Whether you’re travelling in a tent or an RV, we hope you have a great time exploring the area and finding your perfect camping spot at Coral Bay. Just remember to be mindful of your surroundings, adhere to local rules and take necessary precautions for your own safety. Happy camping!
Read More About Free Camping:
Australia Travel Planning Guide
🚑Should I buy Australian travel insurance?
100% YES! — Australia has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens and permanent residents. Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I like SafetyWing – their Nomad Insurance starts at just $1.50 USD a day!
🚗Should I rent a car in Australia?
Yes — Renting a car is a necessity in most of Australia! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, and even if you’re staying in a major city, you’ll want to rent a car. If you are visiting Margaret River, it will be even more important that you hire a car, you’ll need it to be able to get around and see all the great attractions and wineries!
🏨What’s the best way to book my Australian accommodation?
My go-to for Australian hotels is Booking.com. Pretty much all registered accommodation use Booking.com (but not necessarily any of the other major booking platforms), and even most of the holiday homes and caravan parks use Booking.com too!
If you’re planning a trip to Australia where you will stay at multiple locations, it’s super handy to have all your accommodation listed in one place, and accommodation owners like Booking.com because it’s easy to contact the guests using the messaging platform if the guest has an international phone number.
I sincerely hope you enjoy your visit to Margaret River!
