Best pet friendly campsites in Western Australia

Dave had been planning the road trip for months. Margaret River, the karri forests, a week up the Coral Coast. His blue heeler Rosie was coming along — he'd just assumed dogs were allowed at camping areas. She'd been to every campground he'd stayed at.

It wasn't until he was booking his first night that he saw it: dogs not permitted. Then the next campground. Then the next. Seven searches in a row.

If you've tried to plan a pet friendly camping trip in Western Australia, the rules can feel like a maze. National parks are generally off-limits. Some state forests welcome dogs; others don't. Private and DBCA-managed sites vary wildly. But here's the honest truth: WA has some of the best dog friendly camping in the country — you just need to know where it is.

We've pulled together 10 of the best pet friendly campsites in Western Australia — spanning the south-west, the Coral Coast, and the inland areas between Perth and the Goldfields. Real details, actual dog rules, and the safety information that most articles leave out.

WA's pet camping rules: what you need to know first#

Before you pack the car, a quick primer will save you hours of frustration.

National parks and marine parks: Dogs are generally not permitted in Western Australian national parks or marine parks. This is managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) and exists to protect native wildlife from disturbance and predation. Trained assistance animals are exempt.

State forests: Dogs are welcome in WA state forests managed by DBCA, provided they're on a lead or under effective control at all times. State forests often have free or low-cost camping, and they're the best option for budget-conscious dog owners.

Conservation parks and nature reserves: Most do not permit dogs, but there are exceptions. Always check the specific park page on the DBCA Parks and Wildlife Service website before you go.

Private campgrounds, holiday parks, and stations: Rules vary by property. Many actively welcome dogs year-round; some restrict pets during peak school holiday periods. Check the individual property's booking page.

On-leash requirements: At virtually every pet-friendly site in WA — whether public or private — dogs must be on a lead or under effective control. Off-leash areas in the bush are rare and usually restricted to private properties with enclosed paddocks.

1080 bait warning: critical safety information#

This section isn't in most camping guides, but it should be. Sodium fluoroacetate (1080) poison baiting is widely used across WA — including in state forests, national parks, and private pastoral land — to control foxes, feral cats, and other introduced species.

1080 is lethal to domestic dogs, even in small amounts. There is no antidote.

Before camping with your dog in any WA state forest or rural area:

• Check for yellow 1080 warning signs at the entry point and on access roads
• Contact the local DBCA district office to ask about current baiting programs
• Keep your dog on-lead at all times — never let them forage, sniff around bait stations, or eat anything off the ground
• If you suspect your dog has been poisoned, get to an emergency vet immediately — time is the only factor that can help

This is not a rare risk. Baiting programs run year-round across large parts of WA, particularly in the south-west, wheatbelt, and pastoral regions. Check before you go.

Pet friendly campsites WA at a glance#

Campground	Region	Cost	Dogs	Drive from Perth	Booking
Cosy Corner East	South-West	Free	On-lead	4.5 hrs	Walk-in
Big Brook Arboretum	Pemberton	Free	On-lead	3.5 hrs	Walk-in
Alexandra Bridge	Margaret River	Free	On-lead	3 hrs	Walk-in
Yallingup (private)	Capes Region	From $30/night	On-lead	3 hrs	Book online
Sues Bridge	Blackwood River	Free	On-lead	2.5 hrs	Walk-in
Lane Poole Reserve	Dwellingup	$8/night	On-lead	1.5 hrs	Book online
Ellendale Pool	Geraldton region	Free	On-lead	4 hrs	Walk-in
Blowholes (Quobba)	Coral Coast	Free	On-lead	11 hrs	Walk-in
Miaree Pool	Exmouth region	Free	On-lead	12 hrs	Walk-in
Warroora Station	Coral Coast	From $15/night	On-lead	13 hrs	Book online

Best south-west pet friendly campsites near the coast#

The south-west corner of WA is the most accessible region for Perth campers. State forests dominate the inland, while coastal options are limited — most beaches near Margaret River and Augusta sit within national parks or marine parks. Here are the exceptions worth planning a trip around.

1. Cosy Corner East — near Bremer Bay#

Drive from Perth: About 4.5 hours south-east | Cost: Free | Dog policy: On-lead; self-registration at entry

Cosy Corner East is a DBCA-managed camping area that consistently rates as one of WA's most scenic free campgrounds — dogs welcome. The site sits on a sheltered east-facing bay with turquoise water, rocky headlands, and a sandy beach backed by low dunes.

Sites are first-come, first-served. Most are flat gravel areas with fire rings, but the real appeal is the setting — arriving on a clear morning with no one else around and a happy heeler is as good as WA camping gets.

Jules drove down from Albany with her kelpie cross Mabel last April. "We had the beach to ourselves for two whole days. Mabel went paddling every morning. I sat with my coffee and watched the dolphins. I don't know why I don't go more often."

Facilities: Drop toilets, no showers, no powered sites. Bring all your own water.

Practical tip: 1080 baiting is used in the surrounding Fitzgerald River National Park. Stay out of the national park with your dog. Keep them on-lead and don't let them roam into the bush.

2. Big Brook Arboretum — near Pemberton#

Drive from Perth: About 3.5 hours south | Cost: Free | Dog policy: On-lead; self-registration

Big Brook Arboretum is a DBCA-managed forest area planted with exotic trees in the 1930s, now a beautiful free campground under a canopy of redwoods, sequoias, and exotic conifers. The Donnelly River runs through the site.

It's shaded, cool, and wildly photogenic — the tall straight trunks have an almost unreal quality in the late afternoon light. Dogs on-lead are welcome throughout.

Facilities: Drop toilets, no showers. Bring firewood and water.

Practical tip: The campground is popular on long weekends. Arrive Friday afternoon to secure a shaded site near the river. Check DBCA's website for current fire restrictions before you go.

3. Alexandra Bridge — Blackwood River Valley#

Drive from Perth: About 3 hours south | Cost: Free | Dog policy: On-lead; self-registration

Alexandra Bridge is a DBCA camping area on the banks of the Blackwood River, about 20 minutes north of Augusta. Flat grassy sites under tall marri and jarrah, with river access for swimming and fishing. Dogs are welcome on-lead.

This is a popular spot with the four-wheel drive community, but midweek it's quiet enough to feel like you've found a private retreat. The canoe trails on the Blackwood are worth a half-day.

Facilities: Drop toilets, no showers. Bring your own water.

Practical tip: The Margaret River Wine Region is 30 minutes north — most cellar doors and restaurants are dog-friendly in their outdoor areas. Combine a camping trip with a leisurely winery day.

Pet friendly campsites within 2 hours of Perth#

For quick weekend escapes, the Dwellingup area is the standout option for Perth dog owners. About 1.5 hours south, the Jarrahdale and Dwellingup state forests have a cluster of free and low-cost campgrounds where dogs on-lead are welcome.

4. Lane Poole Reserve — Dwellingup#

Drive from Perth: About 1.5 hours south | Cost: $8/night (vehicle fee) | Dog policy: On-lead; book through DBCA

Lane Poole Reserve sits on the Murray River and is one of the most accessible dog-friendly camping options near Perth. The campground has multiple sites spread through jarrah forest with river frontage, swimming holes, and some of the best mountain biking in WA running through the surrounding trails.

Dogs are on-lead throughout, but there's plenty of space and the river access means they can actually get their paws wet. The campgrounds here — Nanga Mill, Baden Powell, Chuditch — each have slightly different characters.

Jake and his partner drove up from Fremantle for a long weekend with their two border collies. "Baden Powell is our regular spot. We're in the water by 9am, hiking by 11, and back at camp in time for a fire. The dogs are absolutely wrecked by sunset. Perfect."

Facilities: Pit toilets, no showers, fire pits. Baden Powell has a camp kitchen. Book online through the DBCA Parks and Wildlife booking system.

Practical tip: Lane Poole books out quickly on long weekends and school holidays. Book at least three weeks out for any holiday period. For cancelled bookings, CampWatch monitors campground availability and sends an SMS the moment a site opens up.

5. Sues Bridge — Blackwood River, Nannup#

Drive from Perth: About 2.5 hours south | Cost: Free | Dog policy: On-lead; first-come, first-served

Sues Bridge is a quiet DBCA camping area on the Blackwood River north-east of Nannup. Flat grassy sites, river access, and the kind of bush stillness that makes you wonder why you don't do this every weekend. Dog-friendly on-lead.

Facilities: Drop toilets, no showers. Very basic, very peaceful.

Practical tip: The Blackwood River can flood after heavy rain. Check river conditions if you're visiting in winter — the access track can become impassable.

Coral Coast pet friendly campsites#

The Coral Coast stretches from Geraldton to Exmouth and beyond — and while most of the national parks (including Ningaloo Reef Marine Park) are dog-free, there are several free and low-cost camping areas where dogs are welcome.

6. Ellendale Pool — Murchison River#

Drive from Perth: About 4 hours north | Cost: Free | Dog policy: On-lead; no facilities, self-sufficient camping required

Ellendale Pool is a beautiful river pool camping area inland from Geraldton, set in the Murchison gorge country. The calm green water reflects the surrounding red cliffs, and it's one of those spots that looks like it should cost something to stay at.

Dogs are welcome on-lead. No facilities — bring everything, including your own drinking water. Check road conditions before heading out; the access track is unsealed and not suitable for low-clearance vehicles.

Practical tip: Visit outside summer. The Murchison is stunning in autumn and winter, and the heat is brutal in January and February.

7. Blowholes (Point Quobba) — North of Carnarvon#

Drive from Perth: About 11 hours north | Cost: Free | Dog policy: On-lead; check for active baiting programs in surrounding areas

The Blowholes at Point Quobba are a WA icon — ocean geysers shooting metres into the air through rock fissures when the swell is right. The camping area behind the dunes is flat, exposed, and free. Dogs are welcome on-lead.

This is remote, windswept camping — no trees, no shade, big skies and bigger waves. Stock up on supplies in Carnarvon (60km south) before heading out.

Facilities: Drop toilets. No showers, no power, no water. Self-sufficient camping only.

Practical tip: The wind at Quobba is relentless. Bring your most robust tent pegs and a windbreak for the dog's sleeping area. Early morning and late afternoon are the calmest periods.

8. Warroora Station — Coral Bay region#

Drive from Perth: About 13 hours north | Cost: From $15/night per adult | Dog policy: On-lead; pet-friendly by arrangement with station owners — confirm when booking

Warroora Station is a working pastoral property with 60+ kilometres of pristine Coral Coast frontage south of Coral Bay. The station has designated camping areas on the beach — secluded, stunning, and genuinely remote.

Dogs are permitted with prior arrangement. The station is privately run and takes bookings directly. Most camping areas are basic (drop toilets only) but the remoteness and scenery are exceptional.

Facilities: Drop toilets at most areas, some areas have gas hot showers. Book through the Warroora Station website.

Practical tip: Ningaloo Reef National Park borders the station — your dog can't go into the national park, but the station's beach frontage is spectacular on its own. The snorkelling just offshore is world-class.

Free pet friendly campsites in WA — budget options#

State forests across WA offer genuinely free camping, and most welcome dogs. Beyond the spots covered above, here are two additional free options worth knowing about:

9. Miaree Pool — Harding River#

Drive from Perth: About 12 hours north (near Tom Price) | Cost: Free | Dog policy: On-lead

Miaree Pool is a beautiful freshwater swimming hole on the Harding River, surrounded by gorge country near Roebourne. The camping area has limited facilities (drop toilets) but the pool itself is a serious reward for the long drive.

Practical tip: Check current water levels and access conditions before visiting — the area can be affected by flood events during and after the wet season.

10. Cleaverville Beach — Burrup Peninsula#

Drive from Perth: About 14 hours north | Cost: Free | Dog policy: On-lead

Cleaverville is a free coastal camping area north of Karratha with basic facilities and dog-friendly sites. The beach is wide, flat, and often deserted. It's remote camping — self-sufficient only, no potable water, basic drop toilets.

Practical tip: The Pilbara heat is serious. Visiting from April to September is strongly recommended. Bring shade structures for your dog; daytime temperatures over 40°C are not unusual in summer.

What to pack when camping with your dog in WA#

WA camping trips often involve remote locations, long drives, and limited services. Preparation matters more than in some other states.

For your dog:

• Tick and flea prevention (up-to-date before you leave)
• Tick Ehrlichiosis awareness — a new tick-borne disease detected in northern WA. Symptoms include lethargy, fever, loss of appetite. See a vet within 24 hours of any tick bite
• Extra water (at least 2L per day per dog in warm conditions, more in summer)
• Familiar bedding and a favourite toy to help them settle in new environments
• Long lead (10m) and ground stake for camp comfort
• Poo bags — carry out everything
• Dog first-aid kit: tick remover, antiseptic, bandages, activated charcoal (for suspected poisoning — get to a vet immediately regardless)
• Know the nearest emergency vet to each campsite before you leave home

For 1080 areas specifically:

• Keep your dog on-lead at all times — no exceptions
• Don't let them sniff around tree stumps, burrow entrances, or unfamiliar food items on the ground
• Note the nearest emergency vet before you arrive — 1080 poisoning is extremely time-critical

Frequently asked questions about pet friendly camping in WA#

Can I take my dog to a national park in Western Australia?#

No. Dogs (except trained assistance animals) are not permitted in any Western Australian national park or marine park. This includes popular parks like Leeuwin-Naturaliste, Fitzgerald River, Ningaloo Reef, and Cape Range. The ban exists to protect native wildlife from disturbance and predation.

Are there dog friendly beaches near Perth to camp at?#

Options are limited because most of WA's best coastal campgrounds sit inside national parks. Cosy Corner East (near Bremer Bay, 4.5 hours south), the Blowholes at Point Quobba (11 hours north), and Cleaverville Beach (14 hours north) offer beach camping with dogs. Closer to Perth, most accessible coastal reserves don't permit overnight camping.

Is 1080 baiting a risk for dogs in WA state forests?#

Yes — this is a serious and underappreciated risk. 1080 sodium fluoroacetate is widely used across WA state forests and rural properties to control foxes and feral animals. It's lethal to domestic dogs and there is no antidote. Always check for warning signs at forest entrances, keep your dog on-lead at all times, and contact the local DBCA district office to ask about current baiting programs before your visit.

What is Ehrlichiosis and should I be worried when camping in WA?#

Ehrlichiosis is a bacterial disease spread by the brown dog tick, first detected in WA in 2020. It's now found across northern and central Australia. Symptoms in dogs include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, bleeding from the nose or gums, and weight loss. It can be fatal if untreated. Keep tick prevention up to date, check your dog for ticks after every bush walk, and see a vet within 24 hours of any tick bite.

How do I find dog-friendly campgrounds in WA state forests?#

Use the DBCA Parks and Wildlife Service website to search for camping areas with pet-friendly designations. State forests managed by DBCA generally allow dogs on-lead, but some areas have restrictions due to baiting programs or wildlife management. Always verify for your specific destination.

Plan your WA dog camping trip#

Pet friendly camping in Western Australia rewards those who plan ahead. The national park restrictions are stricter than in some other states, but the state forest system is vast and the Coral Coast offers remote beach camping that's hard to match anywhere in Australia.

The spots on this list span 4 hours to 14 hours from Perth — WA is genuinely big, and the driving distances between destinations are real. But that also means once you find a campground and set up, you're likely to have it largely to yourself.

Do your homework on 1080 before you go. Keep your dog on-lead. And carry more water than you think you'll need — for both of you.

For popular bookable sites like Lane Poole Reserve (Dwellingup area), cancellations do happen. CampWatch monitors campground availability across Australia and sends you an SMS the moment a cancelled booking opens up — free, no account needed, takes 30 seconds to set up.

Your dog's been waiting long enough. Get out there.