Everything you need to know about camping in Lane Pool Reserve | Road to Wander

Looking for somewhere to bush camp close to Perth?  Lane Pool Reserve is perfect for a weekend getaway close to the city without compromising on the wilderness factor.  Find out everything you need to know about camping in Lane Pool Reserve.

Lane Pool Reserve covers a massive 55,000 hectares of some of the best Western Australian jarrah forests and woodlands.  Located just an hour and a half from Perth, Lane Pool Reserve is one of our favourite weekend camping spots.  We have had the opportunity to explore a lot of the reserve over the last few years and still find more every time we go.

The location

Located 100kms south of Perth, about an hour and a half drive, in the Perth hills.  The park entry station is location 7.5kms south of Dwellingup.  Be sure to stock up on food, water and fire wood here before entering the park.  Within the park most roads are tarmacked or gravel with all campgrounds accessible with 2WDs.

Park entry fees

Entrance to the park costs $13 per vehicle.  If you plan on visiting more than once a year then it’s definitely worth buying an annual local ticket for $23 (this gets you entrance into Lane Pool Reserve and Serpentine National Park).  Even better, purchase an annual WA park pass for $93 allowing you entry to all national parks across the state.

Where to stay

Lane Pool Reserve has several dedicated campgrounds all with allocated camp spots.  The majority of camp spots have a fire pit and a picnic bench.  All areas have drop toilets. Dogs are very much welcome on leash but 1080 poison is used outside of the campgrounds.

Pre-book online 

Tony’s Bend | $8 adult, $6 concession, $3 child (over 5, under 16) per person per night | 13 sites available | Tents and all vehicle types | Our personal favourite campground.  The dedicated camping spots are spread out among the forest. Each spot is spacious with flat open areas for a few tents meaning it is good for families or a small group.  We are also able to park our campervan relatively close to the site so we can be close to friends camping in tents.

Charlies Flat | $8 adult, $6 concession, $3 child (over 5, under 16) per person per night | 16 sites available | Perfect spot for access to the river for fishing, swimming or kayaking.  Sites are located along the river side.

Stringers | $8 adult, $6 concession, $3 child (over 5, under 16) per person per night | 6 sites available | Tents only | Located close to the main Nanga campground, Stringers is a tent only camping area.  There is a main communal car park and the sites are located in the forest down a short walking path.

Yarragil |  $8 adult, $6 concession, $3 child (over 5, under 16) per person per night | 2 sites available | This is the smallest and most secluded campground located at the furthest point along the river.  Great spot to launch a kayak and follow the 11.5km trail.  This campground only has 2 tent only sites but does have plenty of parking space for small groups.

Baden Powell |  $11 adult, $7 concession, $3 child (over 5, under 16) per person per night | 42 sites available | All tents and vehicle types | Wheelchair access | This is the largest campsite with 3 sheltered camp kitchens all with gas, food preparation counters, dining tables and sinks with running water.  Although this camp has the largest amount of sites you still feel a sense of seclusion with clearings in the forest.  Take a short stroll to the river where you can swim.

Chuditch |  $11 adult, $7 concession, $3 child (over 5, under 16) per person per night | 24 sites available | Tents, small caravans and camper trailers | Camp spots nestled within the forest.  Within close distance to the river.  Perfect place to begin the 3.8km Chuditch walk trail.  Camp kitchen with gas and water provided.  No camp fires allowed.

Nanga Brook |  $8 adult, $6 concession, $3 child (over 5, under 16) per person per night | 37 sites available | Nanga Brook is the only fully tarmaced campground.  This does mean it is usually empty or scattered with a few caravans.  Each spot comes with its own picnic bench and fire pit. For large groups there is an amazing communal fire pit with BBQs right next to the river.

No booking first come first serve

Nanga Mill |  $8 adult, $6 concession, $3 child (over 5, under 16) per person per night | Multiple sites available | If you are late on the booking front you can rock up and find a space at Nanga Mill. The area is mostly open among a few trees with allocated fire pits and benches.

Nanga Townsite | $8 adult, $6 concession, $3 child (over 5, under 16) per person per night | Multiple sites available | This is a tent only area.  Car park area next to site.  This campground is close to the river with great access to the walking trails.

What to do

Hiking | The best way to enjoy this amazing landscape is to get out on a walk.  There are plenty of designated walks to choose from depending on how far you feel like walking. Or just take a wander along the river.

4WD | Lane Pool Reserve and the greater Dwellingup area have some great off road tracks.  We haven’t encountered any knarly tracks requiring specialised 4WD capabilities.

Captain Fawcett Track | The Captain Fawcett Track runs 105km from Dawn Creek Road in Dwellingup through Lane Pool Reserve all the way through to Quindanning.  The easy to medium 4WD track runs along the old rail embankment, past historic farmland where they used to haul and mill timber.

Kayaking | Kayaking or canoeing is popular along the Murray River.  Begin your journey at Yarragil and travel the 11.5km trail to Nanga Road bridge.

Mountain biking | Incredible forest tracks along the Munda Biddi trail.

Tree top ropes and flying fox | Fancy partaking in an obstacle course high up in beautiful Jarrah canapy?  The Trees Adventure Lane Poole Reserve is the place to be.  Located next to Nanga Mill Campground it is a great activity for all the family (4 years and up).  Climbing, swinging and flying through the trees over the 2 hour session is an awesome experience.

If tree top climbing isn’t your thing don’t worry, there is an awesome container coffee shop. You can relax whilst watching everybody else do the hardwork!

Have you been camping in Lane Pool Reserve?