Camping is undoubtedly one of the best ways to get back to nature and unwind. Except for when you drop your pooch off at the kennel, and they give you those eyes right before you leave. Luckily for you and your doggo, there’s a whole swag of dog-friendly camp spots on and around the Gold Coast.
Whether it's a staycay in the hinterland or a short road trip across the border, a farmstay, rainforest retreat or creekside adventure, here at Urban List we can’t get enough of our local Gold Coast surrounds. Don’t chase your tail about where to stay. Here’s our picks for 13 of the best dog-friendly camping spots on and around the Gold Coast/Yugambeh language region.
Dog-Friendly Camping In Queensland
Estate Lodges
Flying Fox, QLD
Ever thought beachfront was the only way to camp on the Gold Coast? Think again. Nestled into the Gold Coast hinterland, Estate Lodges feels worlds away, but is a mere 30 minutes from Nerang. Your furry friend may never want to leave this impressive oasis.
What with lush bush walking tracks and onsite watering holes. It’ll set you back a neat $48 for two guests and your doggo’s given a free pass.
Serenity In Suburbia
Currumbin Waters, QLD
Want to feel like you’ve got the whole campsite to yourself? At Serenity in Suburbia you do, because there’s just one site and it’s all yours to pump music on, applaud your perfect snags or whatever you do on camping trips. Camper trailers and cars are welcomed at this lush spot.
A short 10-minute drive to the beach and five minutes from the valley, this dog-friendly campsite is lined by ancient eucalyptus trees and known to be frequented by rare parrots, wallabies, koalas and echidnas to name a few. Keep pooch on a leash and they’re welcome too. It’ll set you back $48 for two people per night. Belly rubs under dapple just became your pup’s new favourite thing.
Flinders Beach
North Stradbroke Island, QLD
What could be better than a camping set up right on the beachfront? Not much, to be honest. Experience the true magic of North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) for just over $20 per night. And not only that, two pets are allowed.
That’s right, experience Flinders Beach, one of the best camping spots on the Gold Coast without having to pick pet favourites. Heads up though, your pooch will have to be leashed but there is an off-leash area. Oh, and another hot tip: BYO 4WD.
McCoy’s River Views
Coomera, QLD
With a front row seat to McCoy’s Creek, this is the perfect dog-friendly camping spot for you and your doggo on warm summer days. Choose your locale from open air flat areas to low-lying shady spots beneath the trees.
Gather around the campfire, outside of fire bans of course, and keep your furry mate on a leash for a getaway on the northern end of the Gold Coast. At $59 for 6 guests, come fully self-contained to truly get amongst McCoy’s River Views.
Dam Good Spot
Boyland, QLD
Not into beaches, creeks or rivers? Venture through the hinterland to this pooch-friendly paradise. Just 25 minutes from Mount Tamborine and 5 minutes from Canungra, this Dam Good Spot hosts cracking sunsets year ‘round.
Pitch a tent, set up your caravan or roll up in your van, pooch in tow of course. Take a dip in the dam, head out on long walks with your best friend, and even catch a peek at the pod of 60 kangaroos that frequent the property. At $36 per guest, it’s a ripper spot to explore with up to 11 mates.
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Mount Tamborine Thunderbird Park
Tamborine Mountain, QLD
Mount Tamborine Thunderbird Park is our ideal vision of camping—campfires, toasted marshmallows, lush greenery and, of course, pets.
With 112 hectares of rainforest and located near stunning Cedar Creek, Thunderbird Park is no doubt one of the best camping spots in the Gold Coast hinterland to take your dog. Keep in mind your doggo does have to be leashed at all times and will cost $15 per dog. But it's so worth it in our books.
The Bush Clinic
Flying Fox, QLD
Fetch, sit and roll over at this lush, secluded dog-friendly campsite on the Gold Coast. 95% of campers tip their Akubras to the private feel of these sites scattered across 100 acres of rolling hills and tropical rainforests. Meander around natural springs and waterholes then say g’day to farmyard ducks, geese, horses and even fishies while you’re at it.
The Bush Clinic’s vast camp site offers a wide range of spots from waterfront to hilltop to woodlands. With so much wildlife, its dogs must be kept on leash, though with so much lush grass to explore, perhaps they’ll hardly mind. Your stay starts at $30 a night per guest.
Dog-Friendly Camping In New South Wales
Sleepy Hollow Manor Estate
Sleepy Hollow, NSW
Just south of Pottsville, Sleepy Hollow Manor Estate offers a farmstay with a difference. And it’s beautiful. Bring your pooch along to your choice of two creekside vehicle and tent site areas.
Whether it’s one of fifty platypus creek sites, or one of twenty pecan tree grove spots, these undesignated, unpowered sites allow you to immerse in the beauty of nature. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a turtle or platypus. Fees start at $60 per night for four people, and with a 98% rating, you’d be barking mad to miss it.
Misty Mountain
Mandalay Rd, Kunghur, NSW
A skip across the boarder and you and Fido are transported to a serene camping spot with all the bells and whistles. This pozzie won 2nd place in New South Wales’ best camping spots in 2023, so you know it's good. Snuggled between Murwillumbah and Nimbin, Misty Mountain welcomes campers, caravans and motorhomes.
This dog-friendly camp spot also offers four hot showers, and four flushing toilets, as well as a games room. And if you’re familiar with the great outdoors, you know how much of a luxury this is. Gaze at nearby mountains with poochy and give each other a little wink. Prices start at $24 per adult, and little tackers under 2 come free.
The River Orchard
Tyalgum Road, Eungella, NSW
Park up at one of 15 sites across 165 acres. The River Orchard welcomes dogs and even offers off leash sites. Located on the riverfront just a skip across the border, this dog-friendly camping site calls a working macadamia farm home.
The perfect camping spot for you and a group of pooch-loving mates, sites are spread out across different nooks so you’ll feel like you’ve got this you-beaut place to yourselves. Prices start at $90 for four guests.
Byron Holiday Park
Byron Bay, NSW
Byron’s not only home to the OG hipster, but to some of the best camping spots with an abundance of wildlife and beautiful beaches. Wallabies, echidnas, koalas and a myriad of native birds are just around every corner at this camping spot.
With direct access to the incredible Tallow’s Beach, and pups allowed (on leash, you know, to save said wildlife), this makes for one of the best camping spots in close proximity of the southern end of the Gold Coast.
Wooyung Beach Holiday Park
Wooyung, NSW
Wooyung is definitely more than the suburb we all know as Splendour in the Grass. This beachside holiday park is sure to be one of the most breathtaking—and quiet—within driving distance of the Gold Coast.
With the beach right at your doorstep and a dog-friendly site surrounded by bush land, you’ll be glad you chose to stay at this hidden gem. Plus, your doggo can stay for free as long as they're leashed.
Evans Head Camping Grounds
Evans Head
With a setting so unspoiled and natural, Evans Head Camping Grounds is one of the greatest dog-friendly camping grounds close to the Gold Coast. Expect a range of different camping options, stunning coastal scenery and some truly decent fishing spots here.
Evans Heads is less than two hours away from the Gold Coast and while it's certainly quiet, you won't be bored. Take your pick from kayaking and paddling in the crystal-clear waters of Evans River, walking the dogs on Airforce Beach, exploring nearby national parks.
Looking for more? Check out:
- The Gold Coast's Best Waterfalls
- The Best Free Things To Do On The Gold Coast
- The Gold Coast's Best Bush Walks
Image credit: Supplied | Urban List
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