Finding the right camping spot can feel like searching for a needle in a celestial haystack, so we have done the homework for you. This guide covers ten of the best free and low-cost campsites within reach of Kojonup, from quiet lakes to highway rest areas, plus the packing, timing and campfire know-how that turns a decent night into a great one.
Things to do
Camping Under the Stars: Top 10 Campsites in Kojonup
Kojonup is dark-sky country. Out here the night sky is practically untouched by light pollution, which makes this corner of the Great Southern one of the best places in Western Australia to camp under the stars.
The list at a glance
Ten campsites, one table
| # | Campsite | The setting | What you'll find |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Norring Lake | Quiet lakeside | Free to stay, clear water, local wildlife |
| 2 | Broomehill Rest Area | Highway rest area | Toilets, picnic tables, rubbish bins |
| 3 | Eulin Crossing Camping Area | Blackwood River bushland | Space for tents and RVs, walks, birdwatching |
| 4 | Bokal Rest Area | Bush rest area | Room for RV stops and tent camping |
| 5 | Zulu's Patch | Bush camp near Kojonup | Basic facilities, campfires allowed |
| 6 | Queerearrup Lake | Lakeside | Fishing, birdwatching, room for tents and RVs |
| 7 | Marracoonda Rest Area | Highway rest area | Picnic tables, BBQ pits, bathrooms |
| 8 | Lions Park Katanning | Town park, roughly 40 km away | Bathrooms, BBQ areas, picnic shelters, trails |
| 9 | Boscabel Hall | Hall grounds, roughly 20 km out | Toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, campfires |
| 10 | Boscabel Rest Area | Just off the Albany Highway | Toilets, picnic tables, RV and caravan parking |
Facilities at free sites and rest areas change, and some rest areas limit how long you can stay. Checking local information before you rely on a spot is the best way to stay up to date.
The campsites
Top 10 free campsites near Kojonup
1
Norring Lake
A hidden gem and the pick of the list for pure stargazing. Norring Lake is a tranquil spot with clear water and peaceful surroundings where you can settle in for a quiet night by the water and maybe spot some local wildlife on dusk. It is free to stay, which leaves more in the kitty for the rest of your Kojonup adventures.
FreeLakesideWildlife
2
Broomehill Rest Area
A convenient overnight stop at Broomehill, roughly 40 km from Kojonup, with the basics done properly: toilets, picnic tables and rubbish bins. Easy access off the highway and a peaceful setting for a solid night's sleep. Keep in mind it is a designated rest area rather than a long-stay campsite, so there may be limits on how long you can park up.
ToiletsPicnic tablesStay limits apply
3
Eulin Crossing Camping Area
Nestled along the Blackwood River, Eulin Crossing is the one for nature lovers. There is ample space for tents and RVs, and the surrounding bushland offers walking and birdwatching right from your campsite. A proper escape into the quiet.
RiversideTents and RVsBirdwatching
4
Bokal Rest Area
A serene, picturesque rest area with ample space for RV stops as well as tent camping. Bokal is the sort of place you pull into to relax and unwind: peaceful surroundings, natural beauty and a quiet night under the stars without any fuss.
Tents and RVsQuiet
5
Zulu's Patch
Close to Kojonup, Zulu's Patch offers a serene camping experience with room for tents or RVs and basic facilities. The drawcard: campfires are allowed. Sitting around a crackling fire under a starry sky is what this list is all about, and Zulu's Patch suits solo travellers after solitude and families after quality time alike.
Campfires allowedTents and RVsNear Kojonup
6
Queerearrup Lake
A picturesque lakeside camp with plenty of space for tents or RVs. The lake makes a peaceful setting for fishing, birdwatching and water activities by day, and by night you can enjoy a campfire with the stars reflected off the water.
LakesideFishingCampfires
7
Marracoonda Rest Area
A peaceful, practical stop with ample space for RVs, campervans and caravans to park overnight, plus picnic tables, BBQ pits and clean bathrooms. Grocery stores and fuel are within easy reach, so it works well as a base for restocking before the next leg of the trip.
Caravans and RVsBBQ pitsBathrooms
8
Lions Park Katanning
Roughly 40 km from Kojonup, Lions Park in Katanning is a tranquil park setting with clean bathrooms, BBQ areas, picnic shelters and access to nearby trails for hiking and nature walks. It is also a fantastic starting point if you are into bike riding in and around the Great Southern Region.
BathroomsBBQ areasTrails
9
Boscabel Hall
Spacious grounds in the little farming locality of Boscabel, roughly 20 km from Kojonup, with clean toilets, drinking water and picnic tables. Set up a campfire for a cosy evening under the stars or take a stroll around the area. Ample space suits everything from RV stops to bush camping.
Drinking waterCampfiresRVs and tents
10
Boscabel Rest Area
Just off the Albany Highway, this one is the easy overnighter: ample parking for RVs and caravans, clean toilets and picnic tables for a quick meal before you hit the road again. A convenient, peaceful pit stop rather than a destination in itself.
Off Albany HighwayToiletsRVs and caravans
The plan B
For the nights the weather wins
Every camper knows the night the forecast turns: winter mornings around Kojonup drop to about 5 degrees, and most of the year's rain arrives through the cooler months. When canvas stops being fun, we are at 70-72 Albany Highway in the middle of town with a real bed, a hot shower and your own ensuite. Contactless check-in runs from 2pm, so you can pack up a soggy camp in the morning and be under a solid roof by afternoon. Dry out, warm up, and head back under the stars tomorrow.
Do it properly
Tips for a memorable night under Kojonup's stars
Pack light, pack smart
Packing essentials
- Sturdy tent, sleeping bags and a portable stove
- Cooking utensils and plenty of water, or a portable filter
- Layers for changing weather, plus waterproof gear
- Sunscreen, insect repellent and a first-aid kit
- Non-perishable food and bags to carry your rubbish out
Timing
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn are the sweet spots: mild weather for hiking, fishing and wildlife spotting, and quieter campgrounds for a more peaceful night. Summer gets hot out here, regularly into the mid-30s, so carry plenty of water and sunscreen if that is when you are travelling. Winter camping is doable but cold, with frosty starts common.
Fire and care
Campfires and campsites
Check the weather forecast before heading out. Use designated fire pits where available, keep a bucket of water or sand nearby, and fully extinguish every fire before leaving it. Store food so it does not attract wildlife, dispose of waste responsibly and leave the plants and animal habitats as you found them.
Want somewhere even quieter?
Beyond the listed sites, dispersed camping in the surrounding public lands offers a more secluded experience away from developed campgrounds. Look for designated areas, and check locally before you set up, since access and rules change with the seasons.
Before you pitch
Questions campers ask about Kojonup
Are these campsites really free?
The list focuses on free and low-cost spots: Norring Lake is free to stay, and the rest areas (Broomehill, Bokal, Marracoonda, Boscabel) are designed as no-cost overnight breaks for travellers. Facilities are basic and some rest areas limit how long you can stay, so check local information before relying on a site.
Which campsites near Kojonup allow campfires?
Zulu's Patch, Queerearrup Lake and Boscabel Hall are the fire-friendly picks on this list. Wherever you camp, use designated fire pits where available, keep a bucket of water or sand within reach, fully extinguish the fire before you leave it, and check local fire restrictions before striking a match.
When is the best time of year to camp near Kojonup?
Spring and autumn. The weather is mild, the campgrounds are quieter, and in spring the wildflowers are an extra show. Summer regularly reaches the mid-30s, so pack extra water and sunscreen, and winter nights get properly cold, with mornings around 5 degrees.
Why is Kojonup good for stargazing?
Kojonup sits in farming country a long way from any city glow, so the night sky here is practically untouched by light pollution. On a clear night the Milky Way is the main event, which is exactly why camping under the stars is one of the best things to do in the area.
What if the weather turns bad mid-trip?
Have a plan B. Cornwall House Accommodation is on the Albany Highway in the middle of Kojonup with 12 air-conditioned ensuite rooms, and contactless check-in runs from 2pm, so a rained-out camp can become a warm bed the same afternoon. Call us on (08) 9831 0214 or check the rooms here.
