Caravans, Camping and Temporary Accommodation

Camping and caravan use in Western Australia is regulated under the Caravan Parks and Camping Grounds Act 1995 and the Caravan Parks and Camping Grounds Regulations 1997.

These laws help ensure camping is safe, protects public health, and minimises impacts on neighbouring properties and the environment.

In most circumstances, camping is only permitted within a licensed caravan park or camping ground. However, the legislation provides several exemptions that allow camping or temporary accommodation in certain situations.

Caravan Parks and Camping Grounds

A caravan park or camping ground must be licensed by the Shire before it can operate.

If you are proposing to establish a new caravan park or camping ground, you will generally need:

  • Development Approval
  • A Caravan Park Licence
  • Building approvals (where applicable)
  • Other approvals depending on the proposal (e.g. approval to install onsite effluent disposal system)

Caravan parks are generally only permitted within appropriate planning zones. Please contact the Shire's Planning Services before lodging an application.

When is approval required?

The Regulations allow camping in a number of situations outside a licensed caravan park.

Situation Approval Required
Camping associated with a public event Approval from the Shire.
Camping on private land for up to 5 nights in any 28-day period using one tent, camper trailer or caravan Permission from the property owner only.
Camping on private land for more than 5 nights in any 28-day period (up to 24 months) using one caravan, camper trailer or Tiny House on Wheels Permission from the property owner and approval from the Shire.
Camping on private land using more than one tent, camper trailer or caravan at the same time, for any period Permission from the property owner and approval from the Shire.
If your proposed camping arrangement does not fit one of the situations above, please contact the Shire for advice before proceeding, as additional approvals may be required.

Camping at Public Events

The Shire may approve temporary camping associated with public events.

Permitted accommodation includes:

  • tents
  • camper trailers
  • caravans

An Application for a Temporary Licence must be submitted before the event.

Temporary Accommodation on Private Land

Recent changes to legislation allow a landowner to temporarily live in a caravan, camper trailer or Tiny House on Wheels (THOW) on their own property for up to 24 months, subject to approval from the Shire.

Temporary accommodation may be suitable where:

  • a dwelling is being constructed
  • a dwelling has been damaged or destroyed
  • other circumstances approved by the Shire apply

Applications are assessed against the Caravan Parks and Camping Grounds legislation together with relevant Shire policies and planning requirements.

Once an application has been received, the Shire will:

  1. assess the application for completeness;
  2. advise if further information is required;
  3. request payment of the application fee; and
  4. assess the proposal and notify the applicant of the outcome.

Using a Caravan or Tiny House on Wheels for Short-Term Accommodation

Using a caravan or Tiny House on Wheels as holiday accommodation, tourist accommodation or short-stay accommodation is different from temporary accommodation for the landowner.

This type of use is generally considered a separate land use under the Shire's Local Planning Scheme and may require Development Approval before it can operate.

Please contact the Shire's Planning Services before purchasing or installing a caravan or Tiny House on Wheels for short-term accommodation purposes.

Application Forms

The following application forms are available:

If you are unsure which application applies to your proposal, please contact the Shire before lodging your application.

Who can I contact if I need further information?

Environmental Health Services

Phone: (08) 9756 1018

Email: nannup@nannup.wa.gov.au