Dales Campground (Karijini)

Dales Campground is the strategic, budget-friendly base for exploring the eastern side of Karijini National Park. The massive advantage here is location: you are within walking distance of the park’s best swimming holes—Fortescue Falls, Fern Pool, and Circular Pool. Fern Pool, in particular, is a “Dad favorite” because it is warmer and easier to access than the treacherous gorges on the other side of the park, making it perfect for a relaxed family dip. However, you need to be prepared for the reality of Pilbara camping: the ground is concrete-hard red dirt. Do not bother with standard tent pegs; bring a cordless drill and masonry screws (or heavy-duty rock pegs) if you want your setup to survive the wind. Facilities are basic bush-standard: clean drop toilets and gas BBQs, but zero water and no showers. You must bring every drop of drinking and washing water with you. If you are desperate for a scrub, there are paid showers at the Visitor Centre (a drive away). There is a dedicated generator loop (check the hours), and the sites are huge, easily swallowing the biggest off-road caravans. Dingoes are active here, so keep food locked inside your vehicle at night, not in the tent.