15 Best Dog Friendly Camping Areas Across Australia
Dog-friendly camping is widely available across Australia, from state forests and riverside reserves to beachside campgrounds and holiday parks. The main thing to check is the local dog policy, as lead rules, booking requirements and pet access can vary from one site to the next. This guide covers 15 dog-friendly camping areas around Australia, along with practical safety and campsite tips to help you plan your trip.
Key Takeaways
Dog-friendly camping is available across state forests, reserves, council campgrounds, and holiday parks.
Dog rules vary by site, especially for leads, bookings, seasonal access, and restricted areas.
Most national parks restrict dogs, although some designated campgrounds allow them on a leash.
Remote camps may have limited water, power, and waste facilities, so self-sufficient planning is important.
Check local risks before traveling, including paralysis ticks, 1080 baiting, heat, and wildlife.
Australian Dog-Friendly Campsites Comparison
If you're comparing dog-friendly campsite areas for your next trip, start with the pet rules and booking arrangements rather than assuming every campground works the same way. Some free bush camps welcome dogs without bookings, while managed parks may require reservations and keep pets to particular areas.
Campsite & State | Site Type | Dog Policy | Booking & Fees | Best For | Official Campsite/Operator |
Coachwood Camping Area, NSW | State forest | Campground: Allowed under control. Nearby: Check rules for adjoining parks. | Free; no booking | Riverside bush camping | |
Mystery Bay Campground, NSW | Council campground | Campground: On lead. Beach: Seasonal dog rules apply. | Paid; booking recommended | Coastal camping | |
Riverwood Downs, NSW | Private campground | Campground: Pets allowed under control. Nearby: Check local rules. | Paid; booking required | More facilities | |
Howqua Hills Historic Area, VIC | Historic reserve | Campground: On lead. Trails: Some allow dogs on lead; not adjoining Alpine National Park. | Free; no booking | Riverside bush camping | |
Kurth Kiln Regional Park, VIC | Regional park | Campground: On lead. Trails: Dogs allowed on lead in the park. | Free; no reservation | Trips from Melbourne | |
Lake Elizabeth Campground, VIC | National park campground | Campground: On lead. Trails: Restrictions vary; some walks prohibit dogs. | Paid; booking required | Otways tent camping | |
Inskip Peninsula, QLD | Recreation area | Campground: On lead. Beach: On lead; nearby Cooloola rules differ. | Permit and fees apply | Coastal camping | |
Amamoor Creek Camping Area, QLD | State forest | Campground: On lead. Nearby: Dog rules vary by area. | Permit and fees apply | Creekside camping | |
Flanagan Reserve, QLD | Bush camping reserve | Campground: Dogs must be restrained. Nearby: Check local rules. | Paid; booking required | Riverside camping | |
Lake Navarino Holiday Park, WA | Private holiday park | Campground: Pet-friendly; dogs on lead. Nearby: Check local rules. | Paid; booking required | Lakeside camping | |
Stockton Lake, WA | DBCA campground | Campground: Dogs on lead. Nearby: Check individual reserve rules. | Paid; booking essential | Lakeside recreation | |
Rapid Bay Campground, SA | Beachside campground | Campground: Max. 2 m lead. Beach: Local dog rules apply. | Paid; booking required | Coastal camping | |
Point Turton Caravan Park, SA | Council caravan park | Campground: Pet-friendly; conditions apply. Beach: Check council rules. | Paid; booking available | Serviced seaside camping | |
Waterhouse Conservation Area, TAS | Conservation area | Campground: On lead. Nearby: Dogs must remain under control within permitted areas. | Free; no booking | Coastal bush camping | |
Bay of Fires Conservation Area, TAS | Conservation area | Campground: On lead at most sites; not Jeanneret Beach. Beach: Local dog zones apply. | Free; no booking | Coastal camping |
Because park access, fire restrictions and temporary closures can change, it is still worth opening the official campground page shortly before leaving.
Where Are Dogs Allowed to Camp in Australia?
Where you can camp with a dog in Australia usually comes down to who manages the land. The rules are not the same across every state or park.
State forests and recreation areas: These are often a good place to start. NSW State Forests welcome dogs as long as they remain under their owner's control, while Victoria also has a range of regional and state parks where dogs can camp on a leash. Queensland permits dogs at selected State forest and recreation-area campgrounds, including Amamoor Creek and Inskip Peninsula.
Council campgrounds and private holiday parks: Pet policies are set by the individual operator, so rules can be more varied. Some allow dogs throughout the camping area, while others limit them to certain sites, seasons or accommodation types. Check the campground's own policy when booking rather than relying on a general “pet-friendly” label.
National parks: Dogs are restricted in most national park areas in states such as NSW and Queensland, mainly to protect native wildlife. There are, however, specific exceptions in some places. Parks Victoria, for example, currently lists two dog-on-lead campgrounds within Great Otway National Park, including Lake Elizabeth.
Top Dog-Friendly Camping Areas by State
From free bush camps to managed coastal parks, these 15 options give you a useful mix of camping styles around Australia.
New South Wales
Coachwood Camping Area, Chichester State Forest
Coachwood sits on the opposite bank from Frying Pan Creek in Chichester State Forest and is well suited to campers looking for a simple riverside stay. Camping in NSW State Forests is free and cannot be pre-booked, while dogs are welcome as long as they remain under control. Check Forestry Corporation notices before leaving, particularly for road closures, fire restrictions or baiting programs.
Mystery Bay Campground, Eurobodalla Coast
Mystery Bay is an unpowered campground near the NSW South Coast with pit toilets and cold showers. Dogs are allowed at the campground but need to stay on a leash. The nearby beach has different rules: from 1 November to 30 April, dogs are allowed before 9 am and after 5 pm but are prohibited between 9 am and 5 pm; access is less restricted from May to October.
Riverwood Downs, Mid North Coast
Riverwood Downs offers powered and unpowered camping beside the Karuah River, along with hot showers, laundry facilities and a kiosk. Pets are welcome in its camping areas, but owners are expected to keep them under control, supervise them around accommodation and facilities, and keep them inside or restrained at night.
Victoria
Howqua Hills Historic Area
Camping is available across nine river flats in Howqua Hills Historic Area, with basic facilities including pit toilets. Sites are free and generally do not require bookings, and dogs can come along provided they stay on a leash. The area also gives campers access to bushwalking, fishing and local gold-mining history without needing a heavily serviced campground.
Kurth Kiln Regional Park
About 65 km east of Melbourne, Kurth Kiln is one of the easier bush-camping options for a shorter trip from the city. Scout Loop and Magazine Camping Areas together provide designated campsites, while Heritage Fence offers a communal camping area. Camping is free, sites cannot be reserved, dogs must stay on a leash, and visitors need to bring their own drinking water.
Lake Elizabeth Campground
Lake Elizabeth is one of the designated dog-friendly campgrounds inside Great Otway National Park. Dogs must remain on a leash, and the campground has 20 unpowered, tent-only sites with no direct vehicle access. Booking is required, fees apply, and the lake itself is around a 1 km walk from camp.
Queensland
Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area
Inskip Peninsula has several coastal camping areas close to Rainbow Beach. Dogs are allowed throughout the recreation area's camping areas but must stay on a leash and under control. A camping permit must be purchased before setting up camp, and fees apply, so it is worth organising the booking before you arrive—particularly because mobile reception can be patchy.
Amamoor Creek Camping Area
Amamoor Creek is the dog-friendly camping option within Amamoor State Forest: dogs need to remain on a leash and under control throughout the stay. Camping permits must be booked in advance and fees apply. The campground has toilets and creek-sourced water, although the water is not suitable for drinking without treatment. Importantly, the nearby Cedar Grove Camping Area does not allow dogs, so make sure you book the correct campground.
Flanagan Reserve
Flanagan Reserve near Barney View offers unpowered bush camping with toilets, coin-operated hot showers and a kiosk. Dogs are welcome but need to remain on a leash or otherwise securely restrained, including around the river. Online booking is required, and campers choose their own spot rather than receiving a marked campsite.
Western Australia
Lake Navarino Holiday Park
Lake Navarino Holiday Park near Waroona offers several pet-friendly camping options, including powered caravan and tent sites as well as unpowered bush camping. The park states that dogs are allowed on a leash year-round on its powered camping sites. This is a more managed option if you prefer access to campground facilities rather than a basic public bush camp.
Stockton Lake
Stockton Lake near Collie is a former open-cut mine that is now used for camping and water recreation. Dogs are allowed but must stay on a leash. Unlike some informal bush camps, bookings are essential here and camping fees apply, so secure a site before heading out.
South Australia
Rapid Bay Campground
Rapid Bay is a simple beachside campground on the Fleurieu Coast with toilets, BBQ facilities and direct beach access. Pets are welcome, but dogs need to remain on a leash no longer than two metres within the campground and cannot enter the amenities areas. A confirmed booking is required, while individual campsites are unallocated once you arrive.
Point Turton Caravan Park
Point Turton Caravan Park overlooks Hardwicke Bay and offers unpowered, powered and waterfront camping sites. Current Yorke Peninsula visitor material lists pet-friendly sites, while park conditions state that pets on caravan or tent sites may be subject to seasonal and management conditions. Check the latest pet arrangements when you book, especially if travelling during a busy period.
Tasmania
Waterhouse Conservation Area
Waterhouse is better suited to campers who are comfortable being fairly self-sufficient. Camping is free, bookings are not taken and sites operate on a first-come basis. Dogs are welcome but must stay on a leash, while campers need to bring their own water and take rubbish away when they leave.
Bay of Fires Conservation Area
Several designated campgrounds along the Bay of Fires Conservation Area are free and do not require bookings. Dogs on a leash are permitted at most campgrounds, but Jeanneret Beach Campground is an exception and does not allow dogs. Facilities vary between camping areas, so check the specific site before choosing where to stay.
Tips for Camping Safely With Your Dog in Australia
Heading into the Australian bush with your dog requires active risk awareness to ensure a positive, accident-free holiday. Keep the following safety measures in mind across all dog friendly camping sites:
Ticks, 1080 Baiting & Wildlife
Paralysis ticks are a concern in parts of Australia's east coast, so check whether your destination is in a tick-prone area and use the prevention recommended by your vet. It is also worth checking your dog's coat regularly while you're away.
Some state forests and reserves may use 1080 baiting for pest control. Pay attention to warning signs, keep your dog close, and do not let them pick up food or other objects from the ground. In bush areas, staying on marked tracks and keeping your dog under control can also reduce unwanted encounters with snakes and other wildlife.
Heat, Hydration & Shelter
Hot weather can be hard on dogs, especially at exposed campsites with little shade. Make sure fresh water is always available, set up a shaded resting area, and save longer walks or active play for the cooler parts of the day.
For colder trips, a dry sleeping mat or pet bed can help keep your dog comfortable overnight, particularly where the ground is cold or damp.
Camp Control & Night Safety
Keep your dog close around camp, particularly after dark when wildlife may be more active. A secure lead, tether, or portable pet enclosure can be useful if the campground allows them, while still giving your dog space to settle near your site.
Good campsite control also helps avoid problems around neighbouring tents, cooking areas, and campfires, especially at busy campgrounds.
Remote-Trip Preparation
Remote camps often have fewer facilities, so pack with both your dog and the campground conditions in mind. Along with your usual camping essentials, bring enough food and water, any regular medication, waste bags, and a basic pet first-aid kit.
It is also worth checking the nearest vet, mobile coverage, water availability, and current campground alerts before you leave. These small preparations can make family camping with a dog much easier once you're away from town.
Off-Grid Power Solutions for Dog-Friendly Camping
Many bush and coastal campsites have limited or no mains power. A camping battery can be useful if your setup includes a camp fridge, lighting, phones, GPS devices or a small fan. The right size depends less on whether you are travelling with a dog and more on what you actually need to run and for how long.
For lighter weekend setups, the EcoFlow TRAIL Plus 300 DC Portable Power Station is designed around DC and USB-powered camping gear rather than standard AC appliances. It has a 288Wh battery, up to 300W total DC output and a net weight of 2.26 kg. Its ports include USB-C, USB-A and a 12V car outlet, with up to 110W solar or car input available for recharging.
That makes it better suited to phones, cameras, campsite lights and compatible 12V equipment when keeping weight and packing space down matter more than running larger appliances.
For longer stays or campsite setups that include AC appliances, the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus Portable Power Station moves into a different power class. It provides 1,024Wh of capacity and 1,800W rated AC output, with capacity expandable up to 5kWh using compatible extra batteries. Solar input reaches up to 1,000W, making it more suitable for larger loads such as a compatible camp fridge and other AC-powered camping equipment.
Conclusion
When choosing among dog-friendly camping areas, look beyond whether pets are simply allowed. Check each campground’s dog rules, booking requirements, facilities, and local conditions, then plan for essentials such as water, food, shade, safety gear, and off-grid power where needed. Before you leave, it is also worth checking the official campground page for any seasonal restrictions, temporary closures, or changes to pet access.
FAQs
Do Campsites in Australia Accept Dogs?
Many campsites across Australia accept dogs, particularly those located within state forests, council recreation reserves, and privately operated holiday parks. However, national parks strictly prohibit domestic pets with only rare exceptions. Always confirm individual site pet rules, leash mandates, and seasonal restrictions with the relevant managing authority before packing your gear.
Where Can My Dog Sleep When Camping?
Your dog should sleep securely inside your tent, camper trailer, or vehicle cabin. Never leave a dog tied outside overnight, as exposure to cold temperatures, nocturnal predators, and toxic 1080 baits poses significant health risks. Placing an insulated pet bed or thick sleeping mat off the ground keeps your pet warm and comfortable.
Can I Leave My Dog in a Tent While Camping?
No, you should never leave a dog unattended inside a camping tent. Tents act like greenhouse traps, rapidly reaching lethal internal temperatures even in mild ambient weather. Furthermore, an anxious dog can easily claw or chew through nylon mesh, risking escape, injury from campfires, or encounters with venomous snakes and local wildlife.
Where Should I Keep My Dog While Camping?
Keep your dog tethered on a sturdy lead, attached to a heavy-duty ground anchor, or secured within a dedicated portable pet pen while at camp. Dogs must remain under close supervision at all times to prevent roaming into neighbouring sites, disturbing native wildlife, or coming into contact with dangerous wild baits.
Can I Take My Dog Camping in Australian National Parks?
Generally, no. Domestic dogs are prohibited in almost all Australian national parks to safeguard vulnerable native fauna and delicate ecosystems. Exceptions are extremely rare and restricted to specific designated recreation corridors or campgrounds, such as Lake Elizabeth in Victoria's Great Otway National Park. Always check specific park regulations before travelling.