A camper has been charged after allegedly using a cigarette lighter to clear an area of bushland for his tent, sparking a bushfire that forced the evacuation of a university campus in Perth's north.

The 26-year-old man was camping in bushland at the Lake Joondalup Nature Reserve yesterday when it is alleged he sparked the fire, that then got out of control and spread across 12 hectares of land.

Hundreds of staff, students and children had to been evacuated from the Edith Cowan University campus, including from the on-site childcare centre.

The campus was closed and all classes cancelled for the rest of the evening.

The fire caused about $200,000 to university accommodation buildings.

The man was apprehended nearby and has been subsequently charged by officers from the arson squad with breach of duty.

He is expected to Joondalup Magistrates Court next month.