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. But here's the thing — Queensland has hundreds of dog-friendly camping spots across state forests, recreation areas, holiday parks, and private properties. You just need to know where to look.

This guide covers the best pet friendly campgrounds across Queensland, from off-leash bush retreats in the Scenic Rim to beachfront camping up near Townsville. 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: dogs are not allowed in Queensland national parks. Not on-leash, not in a carrier, not even in the car park. The only exception is trained assistance animals.

So where can you take your dog camping?

State forests are your best friend. Dogs are welcome in Queensland's state forests provided they're on a leash and under control. This includes popular camping areas in Amamoor, Brooyar, and Benarkin state forests.

Conservation parks and recreation areas — some allow dogs in designated camping areas. Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area is the standout example.

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 word, Queensland Parks has a solid rundown of the state forest options in South East Queensland.

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 the one that dog owners talk about in hushed, reverent tones. Spread across more than 4,000 acres of creekside bush in the Goomburra Valley, it's one of the few camping properties in Queensland where your dog can genuinely roam free. If your dog is well-behaved and won't chase wildlife, they can go off-leash across the property.

Picture this: you pull up to your site — a few acres of flat grass beside a creek — unclip the leash, and your dog sprints straight into the water. That's Gordon Country.

Sites are huge, campfires are encouraged, and there's 4WD tracks, bushwalking, and swimming. It books out during school holidays, so plan ahead.

• Location: Goomburra Valley, Scenic Rim (2 hours from Brisbane)
• Dog policy: Off-leash if well-behaved; must be vaccinated
• Facilities: Toilets, fire pits, creek swimming
• Cost: From ~$15/person/night

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 on-leash and there are hitching hooks around the campgrounds so you can tether your dog while you set up camp. The creek is shallow enough for dogs to splash around safely, and the bushwalking tracks are an easy morning loop.

• Location: Mount Archer, near Woodford (75 min from Brisbane)
• Dog policy: On-leash at all times; hitching hooks provided
• Facilities: Toilets, fire pits, canoe hire, camp kitchen
• Cost: From ~$20/night

Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area — Rainbow Beach#

Inskip Peninsula is beach camping at its best — white sand, clear water, and your dog beside you. Spread across seven different campgrounds along the peninsula, it's one of the most popular pet friendly campsites in Queensland for good reason.

Dogs must stay on-leash, and you'll need a 4WD to access most of the campgrounds. Sites are first-come, first-served through the state government booking system, so arrive early on weekends. The peninsula sits just across from K'gari (Fraser Island), so the views are hard to beat.

• 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: $7.50/person/night
• Note: 4WD required for most campgrounds

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 free 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: Free or minimal booking fee via Queensland Parks

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 throughout the property.

• Location: Cambroon, Mary Valley (2 hours from Brisbane)
• Dog policy: Dogs welcome; check leash rules on arrival
• Facilities: Toilets, fire pits, river swimming, animal sanctuary
• Cost: From ~$25/night

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: From ~$20/night

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.

Vaccination certificates are required for all dogs. The park has a cafe, parrot feeding, and bushwalking tracks on the property. It's a quieter option — good for a mid-week escape with your dog.

• Location: Killarney, Southern Downs (2.5 hours from Brisbane)
• Dog policy: On-leash; vaccination certificate required
• Facilities: Cafe, powered sites, showers, bushwalking
• Cost: From ~$30/night

Pet friendly campsites in Central and North Queensland#

Fisherman's Beach Holiday Park — Emu Park#

On the Capricorn Coast, Fisherman's Beach Holiday Park goes further than most for dog owners. The cabins come with dog beds, there are fenced off-leash areas within the park, and the nearby dog beach means your pup gets proper sand-and-surf time.

It's one of the few holiday parks in Queensland that feels genuinely designed around dogs rather than just tolerating them.

• Location: Emu Park, Capricorn Coast
• Dog policy: On-leash in park; off-leash in fenced areas and dog beach
• Facilities: Cabins, powered sites, dog beds, fenced play areas
• Cost: From ~$35/night

Saunders Beach — near Townsville#

A free, council-managed beachfront camping area about 30 minutes north of Townsville. Saunders Beach rarely appears in the mainstream dog camping guides, which is part of its charm. Book through the Townsville City Council and bring everything you need — facilities are minimal.

Dogs on-leash. Be aware that this is North Queensland — check for crocodile warnings before letting your dog near the water.

• Location: Saunders Beach, 30 min north of Townsville
• Dog policy: On-leash at all times
• Facilities: Basic — toilets only
• Cost: Free (booking required through council)

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 welcome, and the remoteness means you'll likely have plenty of space.

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: Dogs welcome
• Facilities: Basic beach camping
• Cost: From ~$15/night

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.

Your dog will love the space. You'll love the stars.

• Location: Cunnamulla, Outback QLD (9 hours from Brisbane)
• Dog policy: Dogs welcome
• Facilities: Artesian bore baths, campfire areas, historic tours
• Cost: From ~$20/night

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:

• Gordon Country, Goomburra — off-leash if well-behaved
• North Stradbroke Island — off-leash at Home Beach (not at campsite)
• Fisherman's Beach Holiday Park — fenced off-leash areas + dog beach

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, beachfront
• 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: Use a tick preventative year-round — Bravecto, Nexgard, or Simparica chews are the most common. Consult your vet before your 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#

North of Bundaberg, cane toads are everywhere — especially at dusk near water sources. Dogs that mouth or lick a cane toad can absorb enough toxin to be fatal within minutes. Keep your dog close at dusk, and if you suspect toad contact, rinse their mouth with water (pointing their head down so they don't swallow) and get to a vet.

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 North Queensland (roughly north of Rockhampton), saltwater crocodiles inhabit coastal waterways, estuaries, and some freshwater areas. Never let your dog swim in unfamiliar waterways in croc country. Check local signage and 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 free CampWatch alert and we'll send you a text the moment a spot opens up. No app to download, no account to create — just your phone number and the campground you want to watch.

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.