Unplug and Unwind: How to Prepare for a Memorable Off-Grid Camping Experience

Mountford Wines
Jun 17
3 min read

If you’re looking to escape the crowds and the heat of Western Australia, nature-based camping in winter offers a uniquely peaceful and rejuvenating getaway. Think fewer tourists, misty mornings, and mulled wine under the stars - far from traffic noise. It’s the perfect excuse to connect with nature (and local food and wine) in solitude.

For those seeking a rustic retreat, Mountford Wines welcomes self-sufficient travellers to stay on our farmland, surrounded by open paddocks, countryside charm, and the gentle rhythm of rural life.

But to truly enjoy this experience, it helps to come prepared.

In this article, we’ll guide you on preparing for a memorable, eco-friendly working farmstay.

Whether you’re a seasoned van traveller or just starting your nomadic adventures, these tips will help you unplug and unwind completely.

1. Powering Your Self-Sufficient Stay

Unlike traditional caravan parks and campsites, an off-grid farmstay means being fully self-reliant.

With no access to power, water or waste disposal, you’ll need to bring and manage your own resources. The tranquil campsite has no toilets, power or water, and no phone or Internet reception guarantees more time to explore and engage in meaningful conversations.

While the winery campsite is close to everything you need, with Pemberton town centre less than a 15-minute drive and Manjimup 20 minutes away, you must still come prepared.

What to bring:

Portable solar panels for recharging devices or powering small appliances
Rechargeable lithium power banks
Low-energy devices such as LED lights, manual coffee grinders and solar lanterns

Tips:

Avoid using petrol generators to reduce noise and emissions
Please be a good camper and take all waste and rubbish with you

2. Eco-Friendly Waste and Water Management

Zero-waste camping minimises your ecological footprint and keeps the land well-maintained for future campers and the wildlife that call the area home.

Our priority is preserving the natural environment. By being committed to leaving no trace, you play an important part in ensuring the surrounding area stays as beautiful and peaceful as nature intended.

Where possible, make sure you:

Collect all waste including food scraps and micro-waste like bottle caps or bits of plastic
Use reusable water bottles, containers and coffee cups
Use biodegradable shampoos and soaps, which help keep water sources clean and safe for wildlife
Use a solar shower
Be mindful of water usage
Take all waste and rubbish with you and dispose of everything responsibly
Bring enough water storage to cover your needs

Tip: Sites 1-5 are the best camping spots for solar, while other sites are more shaded and next to the dam.

3. Staying Comfortable and Connected to Nature

Farmland camping is the best way to connect with nature, slow down and switch off - but you want your camping adventure to be comfortable too.

Winter nights get chilly in Australia’s South-West, so layered clothing, thermals, warm gloves and socks, sturdy boots and quality campervan bedding or sleeping bags are essential. Although mosquitoes aren’t as active in winter, bring bug repellent just in case.

If you’re camping with kids, keep them entertained with nature-based activities, books, sketch pads, board games and journals - activities that don’t require screens. Our campsites are large with plenty of space for kids and dogs to play, surrounded by bushland, towering Karri trees, and stunning views. On a clear night, it’s the ultimate spot for stargazing.

Tip: Avoid artificial lights at night to minimise the impact on local wildlife and stargazing quality.

4. Off-Grid Cooking

Camping meals shouldn’t be complicated. The great thing about camping in the Karri country is the variety of local food and wine at the tip of your tastebuds. Pick up a bottle of red and sample gourmet produce around the campfire.

For those times you just want to eat in and prepare your own food, make sure you choose simple meals with minimal cleanup and waste. Bring a portable gas stove, lightweight cookware, and collapsible containers.

Try these easy camping recipes to get started.

5. Sustainable Practices

Mountford Winery is a working farm, and we implement sustainable practices for the winery, cidery and camping grounds. We kindly ask that you do too!

Embracing sustainability protects the natural environment and supports the land’s long-term health. Minimise your impact by:

Respecting the local wildlife, farm animals and crops by not disturbing them
Staying within designated areas
Keeping noise low and following fire and safety regulations
Supporting the farm by enjoying our wines and ciders - campers receive a free tasting wine and cheese platter in the comfort of our cellar door