Though you can camp with pets in many holiday parks as you travel around Australia, why not take this opportunity to try something a little different?
You may have to venture further afield to go camping with your furry companion, but with off-grid power that benefits the whole family, you don’t have to worry about plugging in at a holiday park. Embrace the adventure of off-grid camping and explore beautiful, remote locations!
We’ve shortlisted the best dog-friendly on-grid and off-grid campsites so you can get exploring!
Overview
- Top pet-friendly campgrounds around Australia
- Taking your pet camping: what to bring
- Comfortable camping essentials when off the beaten track
Top Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Around Australia
Pet-friendly campgrounds in NSW
NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort
You and your furry friend can stay in special pet-friendly cottages and villas or opt for more basic pet-friendly camping in a great spot on the coast.
Tathra Beachside Holiday Park
Be welcomed with dog treats upon arrival, this park is located on a picturesque beach and close to the famous Tathra wharf. Tathra is known for its great fishing, and surfing and is surrounded by the National Park for exploring.
NRMA Jindabyne Holiday Park
Kilometres of trails to explore and mountains to climb Jindabyne is an adventurers dream. Cool off back at the campground while camping right beside Lake Jindabyne - assuming it’s summertime! If you are bringing the boat Lake Jindabyne is a haven for trout fishing and water skiing.
Pet-friendly campgrounds in VIC
Paradise Beach Campground
Paradise Beach Campground is an off-grid option for beachside camping with your pet. This spot has limited amenities but compensates for it with the ideal location. There are communal fire pits and easy access to the beach to frolic with your dog.
Grampians Getaway
This pet-friendly retreat offers enclosed outdoor areas for your dog, allowing you to be able to leave your pet safely cared for while you enter the Gariwerd National Park, where dogs are not allowed. At Grampians Getaway there is a 6-acre private lake where your dog can enjoy a swim, play, and run around.
Pet-friendly campgrounds in TAS
Abel Tasman Caravan Park
This caravan park is located close to the Spirit of Tasmania and features beachfront unpowered camping but can accommodate any kind of vehicle. Ideally, it is located only a short drive or ferry ride from the centre of Devonport.
Cosy Corner South Campground
Camp is here for great proximity to the Bay of Fires, a world-renowned destination just north of the small coastal town of St. Helens on Tasmania’s far north-east coast. Note that this campsite will ensure an authentic experience considering it has no bins and no fresh water so make sure you are prepared to bring all your water and take your rubbish with you!
Pet-friendly campgrounds in QLD
Amamoor State Forest Pet-Friendly Camping
Only a 2-hour drive north of Brisbane beautiful rainforest and waterholes await you. This is a basic unpowered campsite in a state forest meaning minimal amenities but it is certainly worth it, Amamoor State Forest ranges from dry forests, riverine rainforests, and hoop and bunya pine plantations.
Flinders Beach Campground
Beachfront camping on Stradbroke Island where there are plenty of dog beaches. The foreshore consists of twelve beachfront camping areas nestled in Minjerribah dunes. You can take your dog on the following beaches: Main Beach, Flinders Beach (except for Amity Point end), Deadman's Beach, and Frenchman's Beach.
Pet-friendly campgrounds in SA
Gleesons Landing
This council-run pet-friendly camp spot has basic amenities but boasts unbeatable ocean views is approximately 41km from Warooka and is popular for fishing and boating.
Rocky Paddock
Located in the Mount Crawford Forest this site is ideal for camping without having to travel too far - perfect for a quick weekender, plus pets are welcome! Situated in the northern Mount Lofty Ranges, one hour's drive from Adelaide, about seven kilometres from Williamstown. Known for horseback riding, mountain biking, trekking and even gold-panning.
Pet-friendly campgrounds in NT
Tumbling Waters Holiday Park
A tropical oasis located just 30 min from Darwin, complete with Doggy Daycare, this park is spacious and well-maintained. This holiday park is the perfect option to feel safe to go off and explore, while you enjoy a break from being off-grid, knowing your pooch is in good hands.
Coolalinga Tourist Park
Conveniently located 26km south of Darwin on the Stuart Highway and just a short drive from Kakadu National Park this spot is a great place to base yourself to explore the top end and also features a large fully fenced dog exercise area.
Pet-friendly campgrounds in WA
Sandy Cape Recreation Park
This is a popular dog-friendly beach camping spot right on the water. This is a recreational beach camp with 88 sites accessible via two-wheel drive vehicles and more camping spots are accessible via four-wheel drive vehicles only. Popular due to its protected, white sandy beaches; perfect for swimming, snorkelling, fishing, and sandboarding the dunes.
The RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort
Monkey Mia is home to one of the world’s best-known dolphin encounters and this resort means you can also bring your pet. Enjoy absolute beachfront direct access, a swim in resort-style pools, or sip on a drink and take in the stunning views of Shark Bay; this is the life of luxury for you and your pet.
The Warner Glen Campground
Managed by Parks & Wildlife and located in Margaret River, you can camp on the banks of Chapman Brook set in the beautiful jarrah forest in the Blackwood National Park. You will find a small beach that is particularly popular with the kids, where you can swim or launch a self-propelled boat, kayak or canoe. This campsite is well-equipped with fire pits and picnic tables, drop toilets and a shared camp kitchen with a shelter and barbecues.
Taking your pet camping: what to bring
Thinking of bringing your furry mate along for a camping adventure? Good call! Before you pack your bags, here’s a list of the essentials:
- Leash and Harness
- Food and Water Bowls
- Enough Dog Food
- Treats
- Comfortable Bedding
- Toys
- Biodegradable Doggy Waste Bags
- Pet First Aid Kit
- Tick and Flea Prevention
- Raincoat or Doggy Jacket
- Secure Tie-out or Stake
- Portable Dog Shelter or Tent
- Pet-Friendly Insect Repellent
- Pet-Friendly Sunscreen
A tip for camping with dogs
Be responsible while you are camping with your dog and leave no trace, take rubbish back out with you and dispose of pet waste responsibly. Be aware that campgrounds are often adjacent to National Parks and are the home of many native animals where dogs are prohibited, so make sure you stay within zones where dogs are welcome.
Comfortable camping essentials when off the beaten track
You may be used to hooking up to a powered site in a caravan park but bringing your pet is an incentive to get off the beaten track and, by doing so, challenge yourself to camp off-grid. The dog will love the space, the kids will love the freedom and you can test out your off-grid camping set-up in prime locations.
Camping off-grid will require you to bring your own energy as there is no power available for campers. The best way to solve this is with portable solar, which is compact, convenient and able to maximise power generated in low-light conditions.
Solar is handy to keep those essential gadgets charged like your phone in case of an emergency, iPads for the kids when you need a breather and things like running a fridge and other camp kitchen essentials which is a game-changer for camping. You can calculate your energy needs for solar to get started.
Enjoy your off-grid adventure! Tag us in your pet pics by tagging @redarc_electronics Instagram and @redarcelectronics on Facebook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you go camping with a dog?
Yes! Take your dog camping in areas designated for dogs, such as in some state forests and some campgrounds. Check before you go and use our list of campsites in your state for ideas on places you can visit both on and off the grid.
Can you sleep in a tent with a dog?
Yes, it is ultimately your choice, you know your dog best. If your dog will adapt well to new sleeping environments why not go camping? They may sleep with you inside the tent or prefer outside where it's cooler as long as your dog is safely secured to avoid late-night wandering which may threaten local wildlife or risk injury to your pet.
Why are dogs not allowed in national parks in Australia?
Pets are generally not allowed in national parks as they can cause harm or disturbance to native animals and potentially disrupt other park visitors.
