Choosing the Right Destination: Selecting a dog-friendly camping spot is the first step to a successful adventure. Look for sites with pet-friendly policies, ample space for your dog to roam, and perhaps some nearby trails or water bodies for added excitement. National parks and designated pet-friendly campgrounds are often great options.
Introduction: Camping enthusiasts know that the great outdoors becomes even greater when shared with a four-legged companion. The joy of exploring nature, breathing in fresh air, and basking in the warmth of a crackling campfire is enhanced when you have your trusty camping dog by your side. In this blog, we’ll delve into the essentials of camping with dogs, ensuring both you and your furry friend have a howling good time.
Packing for Your Pup: Just like you, your camping dog needs a backpack of essentials. Bring along your dog’s favourite tent, travel mat, blanket, a portable water bowl, and enough dog food for the duration of your trip. Don’t forget to pack a leash, waste bags for responsible clean-up, and any necessary medications your dog may need.
Setting Up Camp: Upon arrival, introduce your dog to the campsite gradually. Allow them to sniff around, become familiar with the surroundings, and stake out their own little spot. Ensure that your dog is securely leashed, especially if there are other campers and wildlife nearby.
Trail Etiquette: Exploring the wilderness often involves hiking trails. Keep your dog on a leash to protect local wildlife, adhere to any park regulations, and ensure your dog’s safety. Pack some treats for positive reinforcement and, if allowed, let your dog off-leash in designated areas.
Safety First: While camping with dogs is a delightful experience, it’s essential to prioritize safety. Keep an eye out for potential hazards like wild animals, toxic plants, or steep terrain. Make sure your dog has proper identification and is up-to-date on vaccinations.
Evening Relaxation: As the sun sets, cozy up around the campfire with your camping dog. Share stories, enjoy the warmth, and revel in the natural serenity. Remember to bring along a comfortable bed or blanket for your dog to curl up on.
Conclusion: Camping with dogs is a harmonious blend of adventure and companionship. By choosing the right destination, packing thoughtfully, and prioritizing safety, you can create unforgettable memories with your camping dog. So, leash up, pack your gear, and embark on a journey where every bark echoes in the heart of the great outdoors. Happy camping!
Check out the following Qld campsites information provided by the RSPCA Qld!
“Pet-Friendly Campsites Across Queensland”
Whether relaxation means swims at the beach or hikes through forests and the cool mountain waters, you and your pet can both take a break in Queensland this Summer.
The sunshine state is full of pet-friendly campsites in some fantastic spots across the coast and inland for the paw-fect getaway with your doggo.
If you intend to hit the road with your pet, here is a quick little checklist of what to do before you go.
- Ensure your pet is fully vaccinated and you have a certificate to prove this.
- Take everything your pet will need – food, water, bowls, lead, and collar with identification attached, poo bags, bedding etc.
- Call ahead and book to ensure you can have your dog staying with you.
- Keep your dog on lead and be a courteous camp neighbour, clean up after your dog and make sure they are not nuisance barking.
For more information and tips for travelling with pets, visit The Pet Care Travel Guide from RSPCA Pet Insurance.
SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND
Our top pet-friendly sites around South East Queensland – from Sunshine Coast to Coolangatta
- NEURUM CREEK BUSH RETREAT
Where: Mount Archer, near Woodford on the D’Aguilar range
Features: Dog-friendly camping, fire pits, 312 acres of bush with 1.5km of creek frontage. Take your pet pooch for a bushwalk, frollick in the creek, bring a canoe, or just relax. Neurum Creek Bush Retreat also runs events during peak holiday periods and is a great spot for children, and fur kids too.
Doggy Details: Dogs are welcome but must remain on lead or tethered. There are handy hitching hooks around the campgrounds to help you manage your pet. You need to clean up after your dog and ensure that they are well-behaved onsite.
Contact: visit ncbr.com.au or phone (07) 5496 3692
- COOLUM BEACH HOLIDAY PARK
Where: Coolum Beach, Sunshine Coast
Features: Right on the waterfront with free wifi, fully equipped camp kitchen, and near to the Coolum Beach off-leash dog area. There are also restaurants, coffee shops and the surf club nearby.
Doggy Details: Your furry friend is accepted upon application to the park. Call before you book, not all dog breeds are accepted, and it’s two dogs per site maximum. Dogs must be on lead at all times.
Contact: visit sunshinecoastholidayparks.com.au or phone (07) 5446 1474
- KOOKABURRA PARK
Where: 2951 Maleny Kenilworth Rd, Cambroon
Features: Set on 75 acres with an animal sanctuary where you can hand-feed deer, meet pigs, chickens, and guinea pigs. It’s dog-friendly accommodation with access to swimming in the Mary River and a hike up the ridge along a Jurassic trail. There are also fire pits and starry nights.
Doggy Details: Dogs that may disrupt guests need to remain on lead. Also they need to stay away from animal feeding area so they don’t disturb the deer and the property owners are asking doggos to stay off the trail to encourage the local fauna to stick around.
Contact: visit kookaburrapark.com.au
- GORDON COUNTRY
Where: 2081 Inverramsey Rd, Goomburra
Features: Eco-tourism camping site with over 4000 acres of creekside camping on offer you will find some peace and quiet here. Each campsite is allotted a few acres of its own. There is swimming and 4WD tracks to test out, beautiful bushwalking and mountain scenery. Relax by a fire pit and enjoy a digital detox with your doggo or horse!
Doggy Details: Your four-legged best mate doesn’t have to stay on lead, unless they don’t play well with others or chase the wildlife. Horses and dogs must be fully vaccinated, and if you plan to do the trails with your horse you need to be affiliated with a club and have insurance.
Contact: visit gordoncountry.com.au or phone (07) 4666 6179
- KIRRA TOURIST PARK
Where: Charlotte St, Coolangatta (two blocks back from the beach)
Features: Enjoy laidback beach vibes at Kirra with your paw-fect pal with pet-friendly accommodation options, surf breaks and cafes nearby, and grassy parklands adjacent to the site. There is a pool and jumping pillow and fully-equipped camp kitchen.
Doggy Details: There are dog-friendly cabins and campsites on offer at this caravan park. You need to apply for your dog to join you on holidays and they need to remain on lead and out of the amenities. You need to clean up dog poo and there are bags available on site.
Contact: Phone (07) 5667 2740
REGIONAL QUEENSLAND
That’s not all though – there’s many campsites beyond the South East!
- EDDIE’S CAMP
Where: Elim Beach, one hour north of Cooktown
Features: Right next to the coloured sands and easily accessible, this is a great spot to pitch a tent right on the beach with your doggo and enjoy some relaxation. There is great fishing and crystal clear water for swimming. There is also kitesurfing and many photogenic spots to apply your photography skills.
Doggy Details: Family-friendly dogs are welcome onsite.
Contact: (07) 4060 9223
- CHARLOTTE PLAINS STATION
Where: Cunnamulla
Features: Family-owned and operated sheep station near to Cunnamulla in country Queensland. It’s an authentic outback experience with thousands of sheep being shorn in the historic woolshed. The campgrounds are on the artesian bore, and there are also shearers quarters on offer. You can take a soak in the very instragram-worthy outdoor bore baths, take a tour of the historic sheep station or stalk some birds for a spot of twitching.
Doggy Details: Dog-friendly camping
Contact: Visit charlotteplains.com.au or phone (07) 4655 4923
- MISSION BEACH HIDEAWAY
Where: Mission Beach, north Queensland
Features: Situated in the heart of Mission beach township and 100m to its famed beach, this is a great spot to pull up for the night. Camping options include, powered and unpowered sites and there is a fully-equipped kitchen, freshwater pool and a toddler’s pool, playground, amenities and near to restaurants and cafes. It’s the gateway to lots of attractions including Dunk Island and Paronella Park.
Doggy Details: Dogs are permitted upon application prior to your arrival.
Contact: missionbeachhideaway.com.au or phone (07) 4068 7104
- FISHERMAN’S BEACH PARK
Where: Emu Park
Features: It’s right on the beach at the small town of Emu Park. Centrally located near to everything that you and your pooch could need for the paw-fect getaway. It’s on the Capricorn Coast and close to Keppel Bay Islands. They have dog-friendly cabins with their own fenced off areas so your pooch can run around off lead and pet beds are supplied.
Doggy Details: Dogs need to be on lead while staying at the holiday park in doggy-designated camping sites or cabins. There is a dog beach within walking distance from the accommodation. All mess needs to be cleaned up and disposed of.
Contact: visit fishermansbeachhp.com.au
- QUEEN MARY FALLS CARAVAN PARK
Where: Spring Creek Rd, Killarney
Features: Enjoy a bush retreat with your doggo near the national park and Queen Mary Falls. You can hand-feed parrots, bushwalk, go 4WD-ing. The 40m drop falls run year-round and are a great spot to visit. It is also a short drive through the flora and fauna reserve to Carrs Lookout to take in a spectacular view.
Doggy Details: Dogs must be on lead, and you need to provide a vaccination certificate for your pooch.
Contact: queenmaryfallscaravanpark.com.au or phone (07) 4664 7151
First time going on a hike with your dog? We’ve got you covered, read more about how to hike with your dog here.