Best pet friendly campsites in Queensland

The car is packed. The tent is strapped to the roof. Your dog is already in the back seat, tail going, nose pressed against the window. Then you check the campground rules and spot three words that ruin the whole plan: no domestic pets.

If you've tried to find pet friendly campsites in Queensland, you know the frustration. Most national park campgrounds ban dogs outright, and the rules aren't always obvious until you've already committed to a trip. Queensland still has dog-friendly options across designated public camping areas, holiday parks and private properties. The important part is checking the exact site's current rule before travelling.

This guide covers pet-friendly campgrounds across Queensland, from bush retreats in the Scenic Rim to beachfront options in North Queensland. We've also included the QLD-specific safety tips that most other guides skip — because paralysis ticks, cane toads, and summer heat are real concerns when you're camping with your dog in the Sunshine State.

The rules: where dogs can and can't camp in Queensland#

Before you load the car, here's the rule that trips up most people: domestic pets are not allowed in Queensland national parks. Eligible support and assistance animals are treated separately. A dog may travel through a national park inside a vehicle on a gazetted road, but you cannot stop at park sites with the dog.

So where can you take your dog camping?

State forests are not automatically dog-friendly. QPWS permits dogs only in designated places. Current dog-friendly camping examples include Amamoor Creek, Glastonbury Creek and Clancys camping areas; dogs must remain leashed and under control.

Conservation parks and recreation areas — some allow dogs in designated places. Check the exact park page and signs; all camping areas at Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area currently permit leashed dogs.

Private campgrounds and holiday parks set their own rules. Many welcome dogs, though policies on breeds, sizes, and numbers vary. Always call ahead.

For the official rule and current designated camping list, use the Queensland Parks dogs and pets page.

Best pet friendly campsites in South East Queensland#

Most dog owners in QLD live within a couple of hours of Brisbane, so these spots get the most demand. Book early or arrive early for the first-come-first-served sites.

Gordon Country — Goomburra Valley#

Gordon Country is a large private camping property in the Goomburra Valley. Its current policy allows dogs under their owner's supervision and asks that dogs be leashed at appropriate times. Owners remain responsible for preventing disturbance or harm, so confirm the latest conditions when booking rather than treating the whole property as an unrestricted off-leash area.

Sites are huge, campfires are encouraged, and there's 4WD tracks, bushwalking, and swimming. It books out during school holidays, so plan ahead. If you're exploring the Scenic Rim, our Christmas Creek camping guide covers the budget and bush-camp options a little further east.

• Location: Goomburra Valley, Scenic Rim (2 hours from Brisbane)
• Dog policy: Owner-supervised; leash at appropriate times; pets must be healthy and current with standard vaccinations
• Facilities: Toilets, fire pits, creek swimming
• Cost: Check the operator's current booking rate

Neurum Creek Bush Retreat — Mount Archer#

About 75 minutes north-west of Brisbane, Neurum Creek is a solid all-rounder for dog camping. The property covers 312 acres of bushland with 1.5 km of creek frontage, a swimming hole, and plenty of grassy space for your dog to stretch out.

Dogs must be registered on arrival and kept on-leash in camp and near other camps. Hitching points are provided outside amenities. Check creek conditions before allowing a dog near the water.

• Location: Mount Archer, near Woodford (75 min from Brisbane)
• Dog policy: On-leash at all times; hitching hooks provided
• Facilities: Check the current operator page
• Cost: Seasonal per-person and pet rates plus a first-night site fee apply

Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area — Rainbow Beach#

Inskip Peninsula offers several sandy camping areas with leashed dogs permitted. A camping permit must be booked before arrival. Access varies by camping area: the recreation area supports both conventional vehicles and 4WDs, while some areas are 4WD-only. Check the live Inskip park page and conditions report because access and coastal buffers can change.

• Location: South of Rainbow Beach (3 hours from Brisbane)
• Dog policy: On-leash at all times
• Facilities: Basic — toilets at some campgrounds; BYO everything else
• Cost: QPWS camping fees are $7.75 per person or $31 per family per night from 1 July 2026
• Note: Check the exact camping area's access requirements and the live conditions report

North Stradbroke Island — Flinders Beach#

Camping at Flinders Beach on North Stradbroke Island puts you right in the sand dunes, steps from the ocean. Dogs are permitted at the Flinders Beach and Main Beach camping areas, though both are 4WD-access only and limited to two dogs per site.

The real bonus is the off-leash dog beach at Home Beach, a short drive away. Your dog can run free on the sand while you watch the waves roll in. Access is via the vehicle ferry from Cleveland — about an hour from Brisbane CBD.

• Location: North Stradbroke Island (ferry from Cleveland)
• Dog policy: On-leash at camp; off-leash at Home Beach
• Facilities: Basic beachfront camping; toilets
• Cost: Varies by campground
• Note: 4WD required; max 2 dogs per site

These South East Queensland spots fill up fast during school holidays and long weekends. If you've missed out on a booking, set up a CampWatch alert and we'll text you when a spot opens up.

Pet friendly campgrounds on the Sunshine Coast and hinterland#

Amamoor Creek — Amamoor State Forest#

Amamoor Creek is a quiet state forest campground set among ironbarks and blue gums, about two and a half hours north of Brisbane. Dogs are welcome at the Amamoor Creek camping area (but not at nearby Cedar Grove — check before you go).

The grassy clearing beside the creek is spacious enough for tents, caravans, and camper trailers. Your dog can splash in the creek, and the walking tracks through the forest are peaceful early-morning territory. There's a wood-fired BBQ, basic toilets, and clear night skies.

• Location: Amamoor State Forest (2.5 hours north of Brisbane)
• Dog policy: On-leash at all times
• Facilities: Toilets, wood-fired BBQ, walking tracks
• Cost: Standard QPWS camping fees apply; book before arrival

Kookaburra Park — Cambroon#

Kookaburra Park sits on 75 acres in the Mary Valley near Kenilworth. It's a private property with an animal sanctuary on site, swimming access to the Mary River, and dog-friendly camping among the trees.

Fire pits, hiking trails, and a genuinely relaxed atmosphere make this one a favourite for repeat visits. Dogs are welcome in camping areas but must stay on-leash. The operator directs dog walkers to Wallaby Way and excludes dogs from the private nature-reserve trail.

• Location: Cambroon, Mary Valley (2 hours from Brisbane)
• Dog policy: On-leash; site-specific trail restrictions apply
• Facilities: Toilets, fire pits, river swimming, animal sanctuary
• Cost: Check current operator rates

Dog-friendly camping on the Gold Coast and Scenic Rim#

Bigriggen Camping Park — Scenic Rim#

Tucked into the Scenic Rim about 90 minutes from Brisbane, Bigriggen covers 100 acres beside the Logan River. Dogs are welcome on-leash throughout the park, and the river swimming is the highlight — clear mountain water surrounded by bush.

Fire pits at every site, hot showers, and enough space between camps that your dog's occasional bark won't bother the neighbours. It's a solid family option with enough bush around it to feel properly remote.

• Location: Scenic Rim (90 min from Brisbane)
• Dog policy: On-leash throughout the park
• Facilities: Hot showers, toilets, fire pits, camp kitchen
• Cost: Check current operator rates

Queen Mary Falls Caravan Park — Killarney#

Queen Mary Falls Caravan Park puts you at the doorstep of the 40-metre waterfall in Main Range National Park. Dogs can't enter the national park itself, but they're welcome at the caravan park, and the surrounding countryside is worth the drive.

The caravan park is outside the national park. Confirm its current pet, vaccination and site restrictions directly before booking; dogs cannot accompany you into Main Range National Park.

• Location: Killarney, Southern Downs (2.5 hours from Brisbane)
• Dog policy: Confirm current operator conditions before booking
• Facilities: Check the current operator page
• Cost: Check current operator rates

Pet friendly campsites in Central and North Queensland#

Fisherman's Beach Holiday Park — Emu Park#

Tasman Holiday Parks currently advertises pet-friendly camping sites at Fisherman's Beach. Confirm eligible site types and dates with the operator. The nearby council-designated off-leash stretch of Fisherman's Beach has time restrictions, including exclusions on weekends and public holidays.

• Location: Emu Park, Capricorn Coast
• Dog policy: Pet-friendly sites; confirm the park policy and current council beach hours
• Facilities: Camping sites and cabins; check which options accept pets
• Cost: Check current operator rates

Saunders Beach — near Townsville#

Townsville City Council's booking portal is active and shows date-by-date availability. This is an RV/campervan site rather than a general tent campground. Dogs are permitted but must remain leashed, and a booking is required before arrival.

• Location: Saunders Beach, north of Townsville
• Dog policy: On-leash at all times; clean up after your dog
• Facilities: RV/campervan site
• Cost: Free; check and book current availability in the live council portal

Eddie's Camp — Elim Beach#

About an hour north of Cooktown, Eddie's Camp puts you on one of the most beautiful beaches in Far North Queensland. The coloured sands of Elim Beach, crystal-clear water for swimming, and excellent fishing make this a bucket-list spot. Dogs are currently welcome but must be leashed. The campground is seasonal and road-dependent, so confirm opening and access before travelling.

A word of caution: this is crocodile country. Keep your dog well away from the water's edge at dawn and dusk, and check local croc alerts before you go.

• Location: Elim Beach, 1 hour north of Cooktown
• Dog policy: On-leash; confirm current campground rules
• Facilities: Check the current campground page
• Cost: Check current operator rates

Outback Queensland: camping with your dog under the stars#

Charlotte Plains Station — Cunnamulla#

For something completely different, Charlotte Plains is a working sheep station in outback Queensland where dogs are welcome. The highlight is the artesian bore bath — natural hot water under the stars. It's a genuine outback experience with historic woolsheds, campfire cooking, and the kind of silence you forget exists.

Pets are permitted at the Bore Campsite, but dogs are not allowed in the bath tubs or the main Bore Drain bathing area. Confirm arrangements before arrival.

• Location: Cunnamulla, Outback QLD (9 hours from Brisbane)
• Dog policy: Pets at the Bore Campsite only, subject to current operator rules
• Facilities: Artesian bathing and camping facilities
• Cost: Check current operator rates

Off-leash vs on-leash: quick reference#

One of the biggest questions dog owners have is where their dog can actually run free. Here's a quick breakdown of the pet friendly campsites in Queensland by leash policy:

Off-leash options:

• Some private properties — only where the current operator expressly permits it
• Council-designated dog exercise beaches — follow the posted times and boundaries
• Camping areas themselves should be treated as on-leash unless the operator says otherwise

On-leash (but with good dog amenities):

• Neurum Creek Bush Retreat — hitching hooks, creek access
• Inskip Peninsula — beach camping, spacious sites
• Bigriggen Camping Park — river swimming, fire pits
• Amamoor Creek — state forest, creek splashing

On-leash (basic/remote):

• Saunders Beach — free, council-booked RV/campervan site
• Eddie's Camp — remote beach beauty
• Glastonbury Creek — state forest, campfires allowed

Keeping your dog safe while camping in Queensland#

Queensland throws a few curveballs that other states don't. If you're coming from interstate or this is your first dog camping trip in QLD, pay attention to these.

Paralysis ticks#

This is the big one. Queensland's warm, humid climate means paralysis ticks are a year-round threat, not just a seasonal risk. A single undetected paralysis tick can kill your dog.

Prevention: Ask your veterinarian for a preventative suited to your dog and destination before the trip.

Daily checks: Run your fingers through your dog's coat every evening, paying close attention to the head, neck, ears, between toes, and under the collar. If you find a tick, get to a vet immediately.

Cane toads#

Cane toads are a serious risk in many parts of Queensland, especially around water after dark. Keep your dog close. If you suspect contact, phone a veterinarian or animal poison service immediately and follow their first-aid directions while arranging urgent veterinary care.

Heat and sun#

Queensland summers are brutal for dogs. Camp in shaded areas, bring extra water, and avoid walks on hot sand during the middle of the day. Early morning and late afternoon are your windows. Watch for signs of heat stress: excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, and wobbliness.

Crocodiles#

In crocodile country, never let a dog approach or swim in unfamiliar coastal or freshwater waterways. Obey local warning signs and check current park or council alerts before camping near water.

What to pack for dog-friendly camping in Queensland#

A standard camping kit plus these dog-specific essentials:

• Tick prevention medication — up to date and appropriate for QLD (ask your vet)
• Vaccination certificate — some campgrounds require proof
• Leash + long tie-out rope with a corkscrew ground stake for the campsite
• Collar with current ID tag — microchip alone isn't enough at a campsite
• Water bowls and extra water — don't rely on creek water (blue-green algae risk)
• Poo bags — non-negotiable; the fastest way to get dogs banned from a campground
• Shade solution — a tarp or pop-up shelter if your site lacks tree cover
• Familiar bedding — helps anxious dogs settle at a new site
• Dog first aid kit — tick remover, antiseptic, bandages, vet contact details
• Torch — for those evening tick checks and toad spotting

Planning the trip itself? Our first-time camping guide covers the basics that apply across any Australian state, and the CampWatch campground finder can help you explore what's available.

Start planning your dog-friendly QLD camping trip#

The best pet friendly campsites in Queensland don't stay empty for long. Gordon Country, Inskip Peninsula, and the Straddie beach camps all book out well ahead of school holidays and long weekends.

If your preferred campground is full, set up a CampWatch alert and we'll send you a text when the monitored system reports a match. Pick the campground and dates, then verify your phone number.

Your dog is already in the car. Time to find them a campsite.

If you're also exploring south of the border, our guide to dog-friendly camping in NSW covers the best spots across New South Wales — including where dogs can go despite the national park ban.