The present Shannon Campground was a thriving town in the 1940’s where mill workers resided with their families. They worked at the Shannon Timber Mill, north of the highway.
Shannon Campground has recently been upgraded and there are now over 60 campsites to choose from. Whether you have a tent, campervan, caravan or even a large 5th wheeler, you are sure to find a site that suits your needs. Two camp huts are available on a first arrival basis. Gas barbecues, hot showers and upgraded walk trails make this a great spot to spend a few days.
You can also camp with your horse at the recently built Shannon Horse Camp. A large, securely fenced area near the Shannon Oval provides plenty of room to stay with your horse. Horse yards, hitching rails and compost bays are located within the fenced area. Toilets and showers are a short walk away in the main Shannon Campground (no horses permitted). Camping and day entry fees apply and can be paid at the fee shelter at the Shannon Lodge.
Please be aware of ongoing works around the campground such as tree planting, weed control and construction and improvement of recreation areas.
Camping fees apply.
Bookings are essential when camping at Shannon campground.
Check availability & book
CampfiresCampfires are usually permitted, in the provided fire rings only, between May - November but fire restrictions may be imposed at any time and without notice. Bring your own firewood. When fire restrictions are in place campfires must not be lit and any appliance powered by burning solid fuel must not be used. Always comply with any instructions at campgrounds and parks.
Campers´ own liquid or gas fuel barbeques, stoves and heaters can be used at any time, unless a total fire ban has been declared (see Department of Fire and Emergency Services).
HistoryThe settlement had 90 houses that were built in one double U-shaped row that surrounded a central communal area. Just like other small towns in the area it had the basic services; a butcher, bakers, general store, post office, nursing station, church, school and a place to party and dance at the local hall. There was also a small Forests Department settlement with ten houses.
Even after the new town was established and families moved in, many amenities had to be finished. The electricity went off at midnight, there was no running water and groceries were delivered on order from Northcliffe.
In winter, water for the town and mill was drawn from the Shannon River but the river often dried up in summer. A dam was built upstream from the mill sites in 1949 to ensure summer supplies. A picturesque spot, the dam soon became a popular recreation place.
The mill closed in 1968 and most of the Shannon workforce was transferred to the mill at Pemberton. The houses from the Shannon townsite were sold and transported away. Evidence of the old town can be seen today such as the exotic trees still growing in the Shannon Campground. Traces of the foundations of old building and railway lines can be found along the Shannon Dam walk trail.
BushwalkingShannon Dam Walk TrailThis easy and beautiful walk trail follows the Shannon River between the Shannon Dam and Shannon Campground and can be begun from either end.
Learn more about the Shannon community of the 1950s and 60s from information along the way and look out for remaining traces of the Shannon Mill.
Distance: 4.5km loop Time: Allow 2 hours Trail classification: Class 2
Campground Loop TrailStarting at the Shannon Lodge in the Shannon Campground, the trail circumnavigates the campground through the forest following old railway formations and forestry tracks.
It is a multi-use trail suitable for walkers and bikes. Please be considerate of other users.
Distance: 4.5km loop Time: Allow 1.5 hours Trail classification: Class 2
For more information visit TrailsWA.
This information was provided by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions: dpaw.wa.gov.au