Gibb River Road Camping Guide: Best (free) camps and Station Stays
If you’re planning your adventure through the Kimberley Region, I’m sure you’ve already thought about where you’ll stay. Because honestly, Gibb River Road camping is half the fun of the trip. Sleeping under the Milky Way after a day of exploring the red dirt in the rugged North West, it’s all part of what makes exploring this corner of Western Australia so unforgettable. Choosing where to camp can completely shape your experience.
The good news? Gibb River Road camping has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for those epic free camps, station stays with hot showers or National Park campgrounds close to waterfalls and walking tracks, you’ll find a spot that suits your needs. After spending a fair few weeks exploring the Gibb at a slower pace, and staying at almost every campsite possible, I feel like I can finally share a proper guide with honest thoughts about what’s worth it, what’s convenient and what’s just an absolute must-do.
Some Gibb River Road camping sites are perfectly placed next to gorges and swimming holes, while others are destinations on its own. So here’s a rundown of all the Gibb River Road camping options, depending on the trip you’re planning.
➤ If you want to turn these camps into a full trip, follow our Gibb River Road itinerary to connect them into a day-by-day route.
Booking Tip
Planning to camp at Windjana Gorge or Silent Grove near Bell Gorge?
Silent Grove is one of the most popular national park campgrounds along the Gibb River Road and often books out well in advance during the dry season. If you’ve already missed out, don’t give up. Cancellations happen regularly.
We’ve recently started using Schnerp, which monitors campsite cancellations and emails you the moment a spot becomes available. It’s a much easier option than checking the WA Parks website every day.
➤ Set up your Silent Grove cancellation alerts here.
Once you’ve created your alert, you’re all set. 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.
Free camping on the Gibb River Road
Let’s start with the free Gibb River Road camping spots, just because they’re pretty epic up there. If you’re travelling on a budget, or you just love a remote bush camp, you can complete your entire Gibb River Road camping adventure without paying a cent for accommodation. These are the free camps we either stayed at or arrived at too late to squeeze in.
Lennard River Gorge Free Camp
This is the first free camp you’ll come across as you start your journey from the west. It’s closest to Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek, so great if those are early stops on your itinerary. It wasn’t our favourite, but there was absolutely nothing wrong with it. A great base for a night or two.
March Fly Glen
A smaller camp and usually full by early afternoon. When we arrived around 2 pm, every spot was already taken. And interestingly, most were claimed by caravans, but no cars in sight. The classic downside of travelling with a rooftop/slide-on camper setup. Still, it’s the closest free camping option to Bell Gorge, so if that’s your goal, aim to arrive early.
GOOD TO KNOW: Please don’t drive around the chain at the end of the track. Camping is only allowed before the chain, and the area beyond is closed to protect a culturally significant part of Wunaamin Conservation Park. Rangers are doing random checks, and camping beyond the chain will result in a fine.
Help keep this place open for future travellers, and respect the closures,
Hahn River Free Camp
This was easily one of our favourite Gibb River Road camping spots. People often talk up Gibb River Free Camp, but Hahn River is seriously underrated. It’s not close to a major gorge or attraction. It’s a destination on its own. Beautiful riverside campsites where you can spend a few days slowing down after exploring the Kimberley.
Gibb River Free Camp
Another popular riverside option, especially for those heading north toward Mitchell Falls or coming back from Drysdale Station. Plenty of space, some shade, and a great spot to spend a night (or three).
Pentecost River Crossing Free Camp
This one is iconic. Right on the edge of the Pentecost, surrounded by rugged ranges, this is a classic Gibb River Road experience. It’s a beautiful spot for fishing (though saltwater crocs are around, no swimming here), and there are plenty of spacious campsites stretching along the river.
➤ Use our Gibb River Road map to find the exact location of these free camps along the route.
Station Stays on the Gibb River Road
If you like a mix of comfort and adventure, station stays are perfect! You’ll get the remote feel of the Kimberley Region, but with the bonus of flushing toilets, hot showers, and sometimes even a proper dinner. We rotated between station stays and free camps, which gave us the best of both worlds.
Mt Barnett station & Manning Gorge Campground
This is easily one of the best Gibb River Road camping options for convenience. The campground sits at the start of the hike to Manning Gorge, which is probably one the most adventurous walks in the North West.
The campground itself has flushing toilets and hot showers, and the nearby swimming spot at Manning Creek is amazing! Complete with a rope swing that’s fun for all ages.
From $25 per person per night.
➤ Manning Gorge is one of the highlights along the route. Read our guide to the best Gibb River Road gorges to see how it fits into your trip.
Mt Elizabeth Station
Mt Elizabeth offers both station camping and private sites. Amenities are basic, but the real highlight is their dinner nights with their local Burton Beef. A favourite among travellers. If you’re into 4WD tracks and more quiet private gorges, this is a great base as well.
- From $25 per person per night
- Access permit $15 per vehicle
Drysdale Station
This stop is all about practicality. It’s the last fuel station before Mitchell Falls, a place to stock up on water, and the last hot shower for a few days if you’re heading north. We didn’t stay overnight as the Gibb River Free camp is nearby and we didn’t need facilities at the time, but a good option for those who need the amenities.
From $25 per person per night.
➤ Heading north? Don’t miss our full Mitchell Falls guide before you go. It’s a big detour but absolutely worth it.
Ellenbrae Station
Ellenbrae is known for two things: incredible scones and private bush baths.
The camping areas are spread out, with one campground sitting near a tiny sandy “beach” that’s great for kids. Not quite the scale of Manning Gorge.
From $25 per person per night.
El Questro Station
El Questro is probably the most famous Gibb River Road camping experience, and for good reason. You’ll find both private riverside bush camps and more traditional campsites with powered sites and full amenities. The private sites are beautiful, though caravans aren’t permitted there. Families often prefer the station campground because it’s close to safe swimming areas and facilities
- From $50 per person per night
- Access permit included in camping fees
➤ Planning to stay here? Check out our full El Questro camping guide for campsites, permits and things to do.
National Park Campgrounds
These campgrounds are ideal if you want to be close to major attractions like Bell Gorge and Windjana Gorge. To stay here, you’ll need both a WA Parks Pass and a camping permit, which can be booked online up to 180 days in advance. If you’ve missed out on Silent Grove, don’t forget that cancellations happen regularly, so it’s worth setting up a cancellation alert rather than checking the WA Parks website every day.
➤ For permits, park access and more planning tips, refer back to our complete Gibb River Road guide.
Windjana Gorge campground
Perfect if you’re planning to walk the gorge first thing in the morning or for sunset. The campground is simple but well located. It’s a great base if you want to explore Tunnel Creek as well.
$20 per person per night.
Silent Grove Campground
If Bell Gorge is high on your list (and I’m pretty sure it is), this is the closest place to stay. Just a 10 minute drive. It has flushing toilets and hot showers, making it one of the most comfortable National Park campgrounds we’ve ever stayed at. We spent two nights here and loved being able to reach Bell Gorge before anyone else in the morning.
$20 per person per night.
Missed out on Silent Grove campground?
We’ve recently come across Schnerp, which monitors campsite cancellations and sends you an email as soon as a campsite becomes available. During peak season, cancellations happen more often than you’d expect. You just need to be quick when you receive the alert.
Traditional Owners Campgrounds
Mitchell Falls Campground
Right at the start of the Mitchell Falls hike, this campground offers drop toilets, fire pits and plenty of space. But no showers. It’s basic, but unbeatable in terms of locations. After a long day hiking up to Mitchell Falls, this is the place to stay at.
- $17 per person per night
- Additional Permit: $50 per person for 5 days
Munurru (King Edward river) Campground
A great stop either on your way to or from Mitchell Falls. It has drop toilets, fire pits, and it’s close to rock art sites and a refreshing swimming hole. Very basic, bit peaceful.
- $17 per person per night
- Additional Permit: $50 per person for 5 days
Gibb River Road Camping Guide
And that’s a rap on the best Gibb River Road camping spots across Western Australia’s Kimberley region. In this guide, you’ll find where to stay when travelling with kids and want the comfort of facilities, exploring with dogs, or tackling the Gibb on a tight budget. There’s something for everyone.
The beauty of Gibb River Road camping is that you get to choose the experience you want. From epic riverside free camps to comfortable station stays and perfectly located National Park sites.
Plan your Gibb River Road adventure
If you want to plan your trip properly, start with these guides:
➤ Or explore all our Western Australia Travel Guides to help plan your trip.
Gibb River Road Camping FAQs
Do you need to book camping on the gibb river road?
You’ll need to book National Park campgrounds online or pay on arrival. The free camps operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Places like El Questro book out pretty quickly, so you’d better book a spot.
Can you free camp on the gibb river road
Yes! There are several free camps along the Gibb River Road, and some of the most beautiful free camps we’ve seen in WA. These are basic bush camps with no facilities.
Are there toilets and showers at gibb river road campsites?
It depends on where you stay. Station stays, and Silent Grove Campground offer flushing toilets and hot showers. Free camps have no facilities at all.
What is the best camping on the gibb river road?
Some of the most popular camping spots include Manning Gorge Campground, Silent Grove (for Bell Gorge), and free riverside camps like Hahn River, Gibb River and Pentecost River.
Is it safe to camp on the gibb river road?
Yes, camping on the Gibb River Road is generally safe. Always be aware of your surroundings, especially when camping near water where crocodiles may be present.
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