Dog-Friendly Camping in Australia: Where You Can Go and What to Pack
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Camping with your dog is great fun, but finding somewhere they’re allowed can be the hardest part. Here’s where dogs are usually welcome, how to find dog-friendly campsites and how to keep your dog safe and happy at camp.
Pet rules differ by state, land manager and individual campground, and they change. Always confirm with the campground or land manager before you go.
Where dogs usually can and can’t go
- National parks: dogs are generally not allowed in national parks across Australia, apart from assistance animals. This protects native wildlife, and some parks also use baits for feral animals that can kill dogs.
- State forests: many allow dogs, usually on a lead and under control. Check the rules for the specific forest.
- Council and free camps: rules vary a lot. Some welcome dogs, others ban them.
- Caravan parks and holiday parks: many are pet-friendly, but often with conditions such as limited sites, lead rules, size limits or no pets during peak holidays.
- Private properties and farm stays: often dog-friendly and a great option.
- Beaches: dog rules vary from beach to beach, and sometimes by time of day or season.
Finding dog-friendly campsites
- Use camping apps and websites with a pet-friendly filter, and read recent reviews.
- Call ahead and confirm the rules, including on-lead requirements and any extra fees.
- Check the land manager’s website for state forests and council areas.
- Look out for baiting signs. Never let your dog roam where baits may be laid.
For campsites close to the city, see our guides to camping near Sydney and camping near Melbourne, and for no-cost options read free camping in NSW.
What to pack for your dog
- Lead, plus a long tie-out line or stake (dog tie-out stakes on Amazon)
- Collar with ID tag and up-to-date microchip details
- Food and treats for the whole trip, plus a bit extra
- Water and a collapsible bowl (collapsible dog bowls on Amazon)
- Poo bags
- Bedding or a mat, and something warm for cold nights
- Any regular medication, plus tick and flea prevention
- A towel for wet or muddy paws
- Shade, such as a tarp or a spot under the awning
- Vet records and the number of a vet near where you’re going
Add these to our main Australian camping checklist.
Keeping your dog safe
- Heat: dogs overheat quickly. Provide shade and water at all times, avoid walks in the heat of the day and never leave a dog in a car. Our camping in hot weather guide has more on heat.
- Ticks and snakes: check for ticks daily along the east coast, and keep your dog on a lead in long grass. See our wildlife safety guide.
- Baits: keep your dog on a lead and away from areas signposted for baiting.
- Water: watch for strong currents, blue-green algae and, in the north, crocodiles.
- Campfires: keep dogs away from the fire and hot coals.
Camp etiquette
- Keep your dog on a lead unless you’re somewhere off-lead is clearly allowed.
- Pick up after your dog, every time.
- Manage barking, especially early in the morning and at night.
- Don’t leave your dog alone at camp.
- Respect wildlife. Don’t let your dog chase or disturb native animals.
The bottom line
Most national parks are off-limits, so look to state forests, pet-friendly caravan parks, some council camps and private properties. Confirm the rules before you go, pack for your dog like you pack for yourself, and keep them on a lead, cool and under control.
