Within Recherche Bay Nature Recreation Area you'll find tall eucalypts to the waters' edge and a number of sheltered campgrounds to choose from. Sites are not numbered so please try not to spread out too much and allow for others to utilise the campground as well. You can also camp across the Cockle Creek bridge in Southwest National Park but please be aware that as a national park different rules apply on that side.
Dogs are welcome in this reserve. Please keep your dog under control at all times. Dogs must remain on lead in the campgrounds and prevented from wandering outside of camping areas, through vegetation and disturbing native wildlife and other camp users. Dogs are allowed off leadand under effective control, where signed on Finns Beach, Gillams Beach and Jones Beach.
Campfires are only permitted in firepots within the camping areas within Recherche Bay Nature Recreation Area. Campfires are not permitted during seasonal fire restrictions. You'll need to bring a fuel stove for cooking as fire restrictions can change.
The use of fire pots is to prevent damage to the surroundings. Firepots must have an enclosed base, enclosed sides and be raised off the ground high enough to prevent the campfire from heating the the ground surface.
Campers are responsible for removing their firepot. Importantly campers must remove all ash and coals when leaving. Hot coals pose a fire risk and are not permitted to be left on the ground.
You will need to supply your own firepot and bring your pre-cut firewood. Chainsaws are not permitted on reserved land.
Maps
The zones where firepots are permitted, and also where dogs are permitted, where they are required to be on lead and the off lead areas can be seen on the following maps.
The following map shows the zones where firepots are permitted, where dogs are permitted, where dogs must be on lead and the off lead dog zones.
Map of Designated Areas Northern Section - Cockle Creek -Recherche Bay NRA (2Mb)
Map of Designated Areas- Southern Section - Cockle Creek - Recherche Bay NRA (4Mb)
Facilities
Basic facilities are limited to cleared campsites and pit toilets. There is a public payphone located at the visitor information shelter, across the bridge at Cockle Creek.
Launching boats
Small dinghies can be launched at the northern end of Sayers Beach. The beach can only be accessed for the purpose of launching and retrieving dinghies and care must be taken as the shoreline is a nesting place for many birds.
Larger boats can be launched at Catamaran. It is recommended that you check the weather forecast before you go as conditions can change rapidly.
Campground options
Gillams Beach Camground
This campground, located opposite the beach, has capacity for 18 sites. A water tank is located onsite. Water is not treated and should be boiled or treated before drinking. It is recommended that you bring your own water as supply cannot be guaranteed in the summer months.
Finns Beach Campground
There are 12 sites available, straight across the road from the sandy beach.
Catamaran Campground
Catamaran campground is set against a rocky foreshore and is a popular spot for fishing with a large boat ramp and floating pontoon. There is enough space for 15 sites.
Ramsgate Campground
This campground stretches from the northern end of Sayer Beach to the Cemetery and has enough room for 18 campsites. Small dinghy launching is available at the northern end of Sayer Beach.
Cockle Creek Campground
The Cockle Creek campground has availability for 20 sites between the Cemetery and the bridge.