Francois peron national park camping Guide 2026: Best campsites & What to expect
Francois Peron National Park camping is a must-do when exploring the West Coast of Australia. It’s been one of the most memorable beach camping trips we’ve come across in Western Australia. Red sandy tracks that bring you through remote landscapes, campsites right by crystal-clear water, and wildlife encounters that leave you breathless.
We spent three days exploring this incredible part of Shark Bay, camping on both sides of the Peron Peninsula. This place has it all. 4WDing, insane colours, and plenty of wildlife and marine life.
Here’s everything you need to know before enjoying a few days of Francois Peron National Park camping, and a few things we wish we knew sooner.
➤ Before you plan your stay, read our full Francois Peron National Park guide to see how camping fits into your overall trip.
Know before your francois peron national park camping trip
Fees
- You’ll need to purchase a WA national parks pass online at the official parks and wildlife website.
- Camping Fees: $15 per adult, $5 per child per night.
Bookings
This changed in 2026. From this year onwards, you’ll need to book your campsite online before you arrive in the national park. Campsites do book out quickly, but cancellations happen. Set up a cancellation alert with Schnerp. It monitors campsite availability and emails you when a spot opens up, which saves you from checking the WA Parks website every day.
The first few alerts are free, so you can try it out before deciding it’s right for you. If you choose to continue, Bush and Bay readers get 10% off with the code BUSHANDBAY.
Essentials
There’s no fresh water, no bins, no shops. Make sure you come fully stocked and prepared, and take everything with you.
Gear
Bring a good recovery kit and all your camping gear.
Fires
No campfires are allowed when camping at Francois Peron National Park.
4WD Only
And that’s why we loved it so much. After the Peron Homestead, the track gets soft and bumpy, and you’ll need a high-clearance 4WD.
The drive itself is all part of the experience. Red dirt, soft sections and corrugations. Don’t rush it, but keep momentum in soft sections.
➤ Do you want to learn more about track conditions? Read our Francois Peron National Park 4WD Guide before heading in.
Francois Peron National Park Camping
There are five main camping areas in the park: Big Lagoon, Herald Bight, Gregories, South Gregories, and Bottle Bay. All are close to the beach, and each has its own vibe. There’s no “best” campsite, it all depends on how you travel.
Where you camp in Francois Peron National Park will shape your experience. If you want easy access or you’re towing a caravan ➞ Big Lagoon is your go to.
If you want something more remote and quieter ➞ Bottle Bay, Gregories and Herald Bight are great options. Not suitable for caravans.
Big Lagoon Campground
If you want good facilities and easy access to kayaking or paddleboarding, Big Lagoon is the go-to. It has by far the best day use area, toilets, and it’s suitable for caravans. But… It can get busy.
The lagoon itself is absolutely stunning. Calm, crystal-clear water, backed by red cliffs. It’s a sanctuary zone up north, so no fishing in that area, but you can still paddle, explore, and chill. We only had one night here, and were very keen on going for a paddle, but the wind decided differently. If you fully want to enjoy the lagoon, we’d recommend staying a day or two.
Herald Bight
Located on the east side of the peninsula, this spot felt like a hidden gem. It’s the only place where you can camp right on the beach, and there was only one other couple out camping. You’ll drive over a pretty soft stretch of sand to get there. But once you find a spot, it’s magic. There are no facilities, except a drop toilet at the beach entrance.
Herald Bight is a bit more protected from the southwest winds, which made it the ideal place to launch our SUP. The water is so clear and shallow, and we spotted a few turtles.
Bottle Bay, Gregories and South Gregories
These three campgrounds are close together along the northern beaches, with Bottle Bay being closest to Cape Peron. You’re right by the water, they all have toilets, and they’re popular spots to go fishing and snorkelling.
When we arrived at Bottle Bay, we straight away saw a shark close to shore, so we decided not to go snorkelling… But we read some great things about the reef, just be mindful of stonefish. Reef shoes are recommended.
➤ If you’re planning your route through the National Park, check out our 1,2 and 3-day Francois Peron National Park itinerary.
Things to do besides Francois Peron National Park camping
Besides camping, there are also plenty of other things to do in and around the national park.
➤ For a full overview of things to do, read our full guide Francois Peron National Park guide
Plan your Francois Peron National Park camping trip
If you want to plan your Francois Peron National Park camping trip properly, start with these guides:
- Complete guide to Francois Peron National Park
- Francois Peron National Park 4WD Guide for track conditions and tips
- 1,2 and 3-Day Francois Peron National Park Itinerary
➤ Or explore all our Western Australia Travel Guides to help plan your trip.
Francois Peron National Park camping is the kind of thing you dream about when you think of off-grid camping in Australia. It’s rugged, raw, and absolutely worth the effort to explore. Enjoy a few days of getting salty and dusty! Happy exploring.
FAQs
Where can you camp in francois peron national park?
There are five main campgrounds in Francois Peron National Park. Big Lagoon, Herald Bight, Bottle Bay, Gregories and South Gregories.
Do you need to book camping in francois Peron national Park?
Camping bookings are required as of 2026, but availability can still be limited during peak periods. If you miss out on a booking, cancellations are still possible. We’ve been using Schnerp, which monitors campsite cancellations as soon as a site becomes available.
can you camp on the beach in francois Peron national park?
Yes, Herald Bight offers beachfront camping, but access requires driving through soft sand and conditions can be challenging.
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