January 5, 2021
Camping with dogs in Queensland
What better way to enjoy holidaying in a natural setting than to have your beloved pet in tow! If you’re contemplating camping with dogs in Queensland (QLD), we’ve compiled a handy list of the 10 best dog-friendly campsites for you to try throughout the state.
Recommendations for camping with dogs in Queensland
While dogs and nature are the perfect match, the sound of an unhappy dog should not ruin other campers mini-break. We spoke to Emma at Ourfitpets.com and she recommended being as prepared as possible for a camping trip with your pooch:
“When preparing for your camping trip, don’t forget to pack your dog’s bedding and their favourite toys, as well as a form of identification. They may be feeling anxious in new surroundings, so having the smell and familiarity of home is comforting.
Additionally, a quality lead is paramount. Dogs can be unpredictable in new situations and places – and it’s likely you’ll be doing lots of walking – so keeping them secure and close to you is definitely recommended.”
1) Adel Grove Camping Park
Located 10km from the Lawn Hill Gorge in Boodjamulla National Park, Adel Grove Camping Park is an outback oasis surrounded by incredible landscapes. Some of the Bushranger accommodations permit pets, as well as in the Top Camping area, they just aren’t allowed to camp in ‘The Grove’.
Dogs on leashes are permitted anywhere outside throughout the grounds. A pet minding service is available in return for a donation to the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Notify the site in advance if you have pets and/or generators, so they can allocate you to the correct site. Image: @inthevann
T: 07 4748 5502
Address: Lawn Hill Road, Lawn Hill 4830
2) Granite Gorge Nature Park
If you are looking for a wonderful wilderness adventure, you can’t go wrong with Granite Gorge Nature Park. Located 12 kilometres from Mareeba, this camping park has huge granite boulders, a creek for swimming and canoeing, and a whole host of interesting wildlife – a spectacular outback stay not far from Cairns.
Dogs are allowed in the campsite (on a leash) however, they are not allowed in the Gorge itself. Bush Camping is available with powered or unpowered sites in a Tent, Caravan, Camper Trailer or RV or Motorhome.
T: 07 4093 2259
Address: 332 Paglietta Road, Arriga 4880
3) Burdekin Falls Dam Caravan Park
About a 2-hour drive from Townsville, Burdekin Falls Dam Caravan Park is an affordable park suitable for everything from camping to big rigs.
The park features hot showers, toilets, pool, and laundry and the park operates a phone reception. Dogs are welcome to join you on your camping trip but must be kept leashed because of the peacocks that roam the area.
T: 07 4770 3177
Address: Ravenswood Road, Ravenswood 4816
4) Stanage Bay Campground
Is remote bush camping with your dog your thing? Then you’ll love Stanage Bay Campground. Located north of Rockhampton on the Bruce Highway, it is worth a mention that getting there does require driving approximately 100 km on the dirt road.
Most campsites at Stanage Bay are pet friendly, allowing dogs and campfires. Freshwater can be obtained by donation, or you can bring your own. Unfortunately, there are no showers or washing machines.
T: 07 4913 5000
Address: Banksia Road, Stanage 4702
5) Workmans Beach Camping
Follow the signs from Springs Road and you will find the lovely, dog-friendly camping area at Workmans Beach, suitable for tents and small vans. Facilities include disabled composting toilets, cold water showers, BBQs, picnic tables and drinking water.
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead. Fees are collected by the ranger twice a day.
T: 07 4970 0700
Address: Agnes Water 4677
6) Mt Larcom Tourist Park
This friendly park has a variety of accommodation available, including deluxe motel-style cabins, powered and unpowered sites and camping. With well-maintained amenities and a friendly vibe, this family-run park welcomes both cat and dog guests. There is a large, unfenced pet exercise area and some of the cabins are pet-friendly, too – but do need to be booked ahead.
Facilities include a (coin-operated) laundry, camp kitchen, BBQ area, and free Wi-Fi.
T: 07 4975 1717
Address: 7 Balfour Street, Mount Larcom 4695
7) Spring Gully Stays
Located 50 minutes from the Gold Coast and just over an hour’s drive from Brisbane, Spring Gully Stays is set in a beautiful location with grassy camping spots, a nearby creek and handy firewood for sale to cosy-up campfire style. Pets including dogs are welcome to bushcamp with their family, excluding within the property’s safari tents. A family of 4 can stay for $25 per night.
Photo by @the.dencher.adventures
T: 07 5543 4490
Address: 334 Sarabah Road, Sarabah 4275
8) Neurum Creek Bush Retreat
Neurum Creek Bush Retreat is a privately owned dog-friendly campsite that borders the Mt Mee state forest. It is less than 75 minutes travel from both Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. There are two amenity blocks with nice, hot showers, eco-friendly toilets and BBQs.
T: 1300 733901
Address: 268 Rasmussen Road, Neurum 4514
9) Flinders Beach Campground
Camping with your dog doesn’t get much better than this. The campsites are set in natural areas with some toilet facilities available but no showers. Dogs are welcome to join the camping fun but must be on a lead at all times. A maximum of 2 dogs per campsite applies. There are 12 camping areas along the beachfront that are only accessible by 4WD from the beach or bush tracks.
T: 07 3409 9668
North Stradbroke Island, 4183
10) Darlington Park Camping Area
Located 95KM south of Brisbane, Darlington Park Camping gets busy, so it is advisable to book ahead during peak times. Your dog will love this shady campsite and facilities include a kiosk, a children’s playground and flushable toilets. To get there follow the signposts on Kerry Road, 25 km south of Beaudesert.
T: 07 5544 8120
Address: Kerry Road, Beaudesert 4285