Best pet friendly campsites in South Australia

There's nothing quite like watching your dog bolt across an empty beach, nose down, tail going, completely in their element. That's the promise of camping with your dog in South Australia — wide open spaces, quiet bush camps, and coastal spots where your pup can actually be a dog.

But finding pet friendly campsites in South Australia isn't always straightforward. Rules change between national parks, conservation parks, council reserves, and private campgrounds. What you read online six months ago might not match the sign at the gate today. And some of the best dog-friendly spots in SA barely show up in a Google search.

This guide covers pet friendly campsites across the state — from bush camps near Whyalla to beachfront sites on the Eyre Peninsula to caravan parks with proper dog runs. Fees and pet policies can change, so use the official or operator page and confirm the exact site before travelling. Planning a broader trip? Start with our full guide to camping in South Australia.

Dog rules in South Australia — what you need to know before you go#

Most South Australian national parks do not allow dogs, although some permit dogs on-lead on designated walking trails. Belair National Park, Onkaparinga River National Park and Para Wirra Conservation Park are examples, but permission to walk a dog does not automatically extend to camping.

Dog access is site-specific across conservation and recreation parks, forests, council reserves and private campgrounds. Use the official Parks SA pets guidance and park finder, then check the exact campground or operator page before travelling.

The leash rule across SA parks is a maximum of two metres. And there's one safety warning that most guides skip over: Parks SA regularly uses 1080 poison baiting to control introduced species like foxes. This bait is lethal to dogs. If you see baiting signs, keep your dog on a short leash and away from any ground bait.

Bottom line: always call the campground before you arrive. Policies change, and a two-minute phone call beats a two-hour drive to discover your dog isn't welcome.

Best pet friendly campsites near Adelaide#

You don't need to drive half a day to camp with your dog. These spots are all within an hour or so of the city.

Rocky Paddock — Mount Crawford Forest (closed for the rest of 2026)#

ForestrySA has closed Rocky Paddock for the remainder of the 2026 camping season for urgent tree-safety works and redevelopment. Existing bookings were cancelled and refunded. ForestrySA has not announced a reopening date; check the official Rocky Paddock page before planning a future stay. Chalk's Campground and Chookarloo Campground are current ForestrySA alternatives, subject to their own availability and rules.

Brownhill Creek Tourist Park — Mitcham#

If you want a quick overnight with the dog without leaving Adelaide's orbit, Brownhill Creek is hard to beat. It's only 7km from the CBD, set on 25 acres within Brownhill Creek State Recreation Park. The grounds are big enough for a proper walk, and the surrounding hills give your dog plenty to sniff.

Details:

• Price: From $35/night (powered sites)
• Facilities: Powered and unpowered sites, amenities block, camp kitchen
• Pet rules: Pets at manager's discretion on powered sites — call ahead
• Access: 2WD, sealed roads

Pet friendly campsites on the Eyre Peninsula#

The Eyre Peninsula is where South Australian dog-friendly camping really shines. Long stretches of coastline, quiet beach camps, and a laid-back attitude toward dogs.

Perlubie Beach — near Streaky Bay#

This is the one. If you've seen photos of dog-friendly beach camping in SA, chances are they were taken at Perlubie. The campsite sits right on the sand, with turquoise water stretching out in front of you and nothing but dunes behind.

Picture this: late afternoon, the light going golden, your dog tearing along the waterline while you sit in your camp chair with a cold drink, watching the sun drop toward the horizon. That's Perlubie.

The campground is reached via Perlubie Landing Road, but individual beachfront sites are on sand. A 4WD is recommended for sand access; check current conditions and the booked site's access notes before committing.

Details:

• Price: $30/night per van
• Facilities: Toilets only — no showers, no potable water
• Pet rules: Dogs allowed, leash rules apply
• Access: Road access to the campground; 4WD recommended for sand sites
• Tip: Bring all your own water and firewood. The nearest shops are in Streaky Bay, about 20km away.

Perlubie Park — near Streaky Bay#

If you don't have a 4WD but still want the Eyre Peninsula beach experience, Perlubie Park is the 2WD-accessible alternative. It's a private park with proper amenities — hot showers, drinking water, a camp kitchen, free wifi, and a dedicated dog run where your pup can stretch their legs off-leash.

Details:

• Price: $20-30/night
• Facilities: Hot showers, drinking water, camp kitchen, wifi, dog run
• Pet rules: Dogs welcome, dog run available for off-leash time
• Access: 2WD accessible

Fitzgerald Bay — near Whyalla#

A free camping spot on the coast near Whyalla, Fitzgerald Bay is a no-frills option with beach access and flushing toilets. The access road is unsealed but usually manageable in a 2WD (check conditions after rain). It's not fancy, but it's free, it's on the water, and your dog is welcome.

Details:

• Price: Free
• Facilities: Flushing toilets, no showers, no potable water
• Pet rules: Dogs allowed
• Access: 2WD (unsealed road, check conditions)

Dog friendly camping in the Flinders Ranges#

The Flinders Ranges are some of the most spectacular landscapes in South Australia, and a handful of properties welcome dogs — though you'll need to plan around the fact that dogs aren't allowed in the national parks themselves.

Rawnsley Park Station — near Hawker#

Rawnsley Park Station sits 37km south of Hawker, right on the doorstep of the Flinders Ranges. The campground has both powered and unpowered sites with a shared amenities block and camp kitchen. The views of the Ranges from your campsite are the main draw.

Here's the clever bit: they offer a dog-sitting service for $50/day. So you can drop your dog off, spend the day hiking in Wilpena Pound (where dogs aren't allowed), and come back to a happy, looked-after pup. It's a thoughtful touch that makes the Flinders Ranges accessible for dog owners who also love a proper bushwalk.

Details:

• Price: Check the operator's live rates
• Facilities: Amenities block, camp kitchen, restaurant on site
• Pet rules: Dogs welcome at campsites, dog-sitting available ($50/day)
• Access: 2WD accessible on sealed road

Bendleby Ranges — Southern Flinders Ranges#

A multi-award-winning adventure property on a working station, Bendleby Ranges offers powered and unpowered campsites surrounded by native bushland. Dogs are allowed on-leash, but you need to call ahead and get management approval before arriving.

Details:

• Price: Contact for current rates
• Facilities: Powered and unpowered sites, bushwalking trails
• Pet rules: Dogs on-leash with prior management approval — call ahead
• Access: Check road conditions before travelling

Pet friendly campsites along the Murray River#

The Riverland region along the Murray River has some of the cheapest dog-friendly camping in South Australia. These are simple, no-fuss spots where the river does most of the entertaining.

Martins Bend Reserve — near Berri#

Martins Bend is a council reserve on the Murray River with BBQs, toilets and picnic facilities. Council fees and stay limits can change; check the current council information before arrival. Bring drinking water and keep dogs on-leash.

Details:

• Price: Check current council fees
• Facilities: BBQs, flushing toilets, picnic tables (water not drinkable)
• Pet rules: Dogs on-leash
• Access: 2WD accessible

Lake Bonney — Barmera#

The town of Barmera sits on the shores of Lake Bonney, with several camping areas around the lake. Fees, facilities and dog controls vary by site, so check the current Berri Barmera Council information before choosing one.

Details:

• Price: Check current council fees
• Facilities: Basic (varies by campground) — pit toilets, some with fire rings
• Pet rules: Dogs welcome, keep on-leash near other campers
• Access: 2WD accessible

Dog friendly camping on the Yorke Peninsula and Fleurieu#

The Yorke Peninsula is one of the most dog-friendly regions in South Australia — the only exception is Innes National Park at the tip, where dogs aren't allowed. Everywhere else, you'll generally find a welcoming attitude toward well-behaved dogs.

Gleesons Landing — Yorke Peninsula#

A council-run bush camp about three hours from Adelaide, Gleesons Landing is a popular spot for dog owners who want somewhere quiet and affordable on the coast. It's nothing fancy — basic facilities and a bush setting — but the peninsula vibe is relaxed and dogs fit right in.

Details:

• Price: $20/night
• Facilities: Basic (toilets, limited amenities)
• Pet rules: Dogs welcome
• Access: 2WD accessible

Rapid Bay — Fleurieu Peninsula#

About 1.5 to 2 hours south of Adelaide, Rapid Bay is a coastal option for campers with dogs. The campground requires dogs to remain on a lead no longer than two metres. On Rapid Bay Beach, council seasonal controls require dogs on-leash from 10am to 6pm from 1 December to the end of February and over the Easter long weekend; follow current signs outside those periods.

Details:

• Price: Check the campground's current rates
• Facilities: Toilets, BBQ area
• Pet rules: Maximum two-metre lead in the campground; seasonal beach controls apply
• Access: 2WD accessible

Pet friendly camping in the south-east#

Pine Country Caravan Park — Mount Gambier#

If you're heading to the south-east, Pine Country in Mount Gambier is widely regarded as one of the most pet-friendly parks in all of South Australia. Dogs are welcome year-round, and the park has an expansive off-leash dog park on site — a rare find at any campground. They also have two dog-friendly cottages if you want a roof over your head.

For dog owners, the off-leash park is the standout. After a day on the road with your dog leashed, being able to let them run free in a proper enclosed space is a genuine relief.

Details:

• Price: Contact for current rates (powered sites, unpowered sites, cottages)
• Facilities: Powered and unpowered sites, cottages, off-leash dog park, amenities
• Pet rules: Dogs welcome year-round in sites; dog-friendly cottages available
• Access: 2WD accessible

Tips for camping with your dog in South Australia#

A bit of preparation goes a long way when you're camping with a dog in SA. Here's what experienced dog-camping locals recommend:

Before you go:

• Call the campground to confirm current pet policies — rules change and online info gets outdated fast
• Check the official campground or council page for current dog, fee and access conditions
• Check for fire bans and park closures — summer restrictions can close campgrounds at short notice

What to pack:

• Extra water (at least 1 litre per dog per day — more in summer). Many remote SA campsites have no potable water
• A long lead and ground stake — gives your dog room to move at camp without needing to be off-leash
• Portable shade or a pop-up shelter — bush camps can be exposed, and SA summers are brutal
• Doggy first-aid kit including tick tweezers
• Poo bags (carry waste out of parks — leave no trace)
• Your dog's regular food and a familiar blanket or bed

For a complete packing rundown, check out our camping checklist.

Safety on the ground:

• Watch for snakes — especially from October through March. Keep your dog on-leash on trails and check around your campsite at dusk
• Leash at dawn and dusk — this is when wildlife is most active and dogs are most reactive
• Look for 1080 baiting signs — if you see them, keep your dog on a short leash and away from any ground bait
• Bring shade and water — heat exhaustion is a real risk for dogs in SA, particularly on the Eyre Peninsula and in the Flinders Ranges

Start planning your dog-friendly SA camping trip#

South Australia might be the best-kept secret for camping with dogs in this country. From free beachside camps on the Eyre Peninsula to riverside reserves on the Murray to caravan parks with off-leash dog runs, there's something for every budget and every breed.

Budget coastal option: Fitzgerald Bay (Eyre Peninsula; confirm current council conditions) Best beach campsite: Perlubie Beach (near Streaky Bay — 4WD recommended for sand sites) Best near Adelaide: Chalk's Campground (Mount Crawford Forest; check availability) Best for off-leash dogs: Pine Country Caravan Park (Mount Gambier) Best all-rounder: Rawnsley Park Station (Flinders Ranges)

If you're planning a trip to one of NSW's popular campgrounds with your dog, check out our guide to dog-friendly camping in NSW — the rules are quite different. If you're watching a supported campground, set up a CampWatch alert for matching availability. Setting an alert uses no credit; check the current notification-credit terms.

Happy camping — and give your dog a scratch behind the ears from us.