More Than Just “Pets Welcome”
You’ve got the keys. You’ve packed the van. Your dog has planted themselves beside the passenger door with the expression of someone who has already booked annual leave. They’re coming. Obviously.
But finding the right campsite takes a little more than spotting “pets welcome” on a website. A shady spot for afternoon snoozing, somewhere to stretch those legs and perhaps a fence between your dog and the neighbour’s dinner can make a big difference.
These six RV camps and caravan parks have something to offer travellers with dogs, from creekside downtime to fenced sites and an off-leash exercise area. Your dog won’t care which state you’re in. They will care whether you remembered their ball.
1. Imbil Camping Retreat, Queensland
Some dogs need a packed itinerary. Others are perfectly happy lying beside your chair, keeping one eye on you in case you attempt to eat something alone. For the second group, Imbil Camping Retreat makes an appealing getaway. Beside Yabba Creek in the Mary Valley, it offers 12 acres of shaded parkland, with powered and unpowered sites.
The appeal for your dog? Time outside with their favourite people, a shady place to settle, and walks worked into the day. The appeal for you? Hot showers, a camp kitchen, and a very good excuse to slow down. Bring their familiar bed or mat so they have somewhere comfortable to flop beside the van. Holiday accommodation should meet the standards to which they have become accustomed.
Before you book: Up to two dogs are allowed per site. Dogs must stay on a lead, and you can’t leave them at the park while you head out.
2. Reflections Moonee Beach, New South Wales
Some travelling companions collect postcards. Yours collects sand, suspicious smells and whatever that was behind the picnic table.
Reflections Moonee Beach, just north of Coffs Harbour, welcomes dogs on all campsites year-round, with powered and unpowered options beside the Moonee Creek estuary.
One particularly useful feature is the dog wash. Because there’s “had a lovely day outside” dirty, and then there’s “you are absolutely not getting on that bed” dirty. With the coast close by, this is a tempting stop for a holiday built around outings together. Ask the park where dogs are allowed on nearby beaches and check signs before letting your enthusiastic beach inspector get to work. Back at camp, an old towel and a shady resting spot will help everyone settle in. Expect the dog to fall asleep just as you finish cleaning up.
Before you book: The park’s camping information allows up to two dogs. Check the pet code and local beach access rules.
3. BIG4 Ballarat Windmill Holiday Park, Victoria
BIG4 Ballarat Windmill is perfect for your pooches next holiday because of its fenced sites in its BIG PAWS pet-friendly precinct. The enclosure accommodates your van, vehicle and dog, with sliding gates that close after you drive in. Your dog can potter within the fenced space while you supervise, and you can unpack without performing an increasingly complicated dance around their lead. It’s a thoughtful feature for anyone who enjoys camping with their dog but would also quite like to finish a cup of tea.
Before you book: Request a designated dog-friendly site, and specify a fenced one if that’s your preference. Dogs must remain supervised and need a lead outside the enclosure. Confirm the site fits your rig and that the fencing suits your dog, especially if they consider themselves an amateur escape artist.
4. Echo Holiday Parks – Renmark, South Australia
The best part of a holiday, according to your dog, is that you’re right there. Not at work. Not out running errands. Right there, where they can keep an eye on you and occasionally put their head on your knee.
Echo Holiday Parks – Renmark welcomes pets on powered sites, including options for a riverfront stay beside the Murray. It’s a spot to consider when you want your dog included in the quieter pleasures of RV travel: time outdoors, a change of scenery and a lazy afternoon beside the van. Pack a comfortable mat, put the water bowl within reach and let them settle in while you enjoy the outlook. They may not appreciate the river views quite as much as you do, but they’ll appreciate having the whole pack together. The camp kitchen, barbecues, laundry and amenities make life easier for the humans, too.
Before you book: Add your dog to the booking and confirm the conditions for your selected powered site. Keep them supervised near the river.
5. BIG4 Dunsborough Southern Stars Holiday Park, Western Australia
You’ve driven for hours and would like to sit very still. Your dog has travelled for hours and would like to run in seventeen directions. Near Dunsborough in the Margaret River region, Southern Stars welcomes pets on all caravan and camping sites year-round. It also offers fenced pet-friendly sites and a designated off-leash exercise area. That gives energetic dogs somewhere to stretch their legs after the drive, while a fenced site offers space to settle back at camp with you.
It’s also a handy base for planning outings around the whole family. Check which nearby beaches and venues welcome dogs, then make room in the day for a proper sniff-about. Your dog’s sightseeing involves considerably more stopping than yours.
Before you book: Fenced sites need to be reserved specifically. Check the enclosure suits your dog and confirm the rules for using the off-leash area.
6. BIG4 Tassie Getaway Parks St Helens, Tasmania
A walk is good. A walk that ends with you sitting somewhere together while food arrives? Now you’re talking. BIG4 Tassie Getaway Parks St Helens welcomes pets on all caravan and camping sites. Its pet guide also points you towards local dog-friendly beaches and places to eat, making it easier to plan days that include your four-legged passenger.
Ask the park for current recommendations, then build your east coast stay around outings you can enjoy together. A beach visit, a lunch stop with suitable outdoor seating and an afternoon snooze back at the van is a respectable holiday itinerary.
Before you book: Confirm the park’s pet guidelines and check current dog access rules at each beach. Pack a towel for sandy paws - and possibly sandy everything else.
A few house rules for very good dogs
Even the most charming campsite guest needs their human to handle the practical bits.
Put the dog on the booking. Confirm dog numbers, any size or breed restrictions, fees and seasonal conditions. “But look at that face” is a strong argument, although reception may still require the paperwork.
Give them somewhere comfortable to settle. Bring familiar bedding, drinking water and shade. Choose a site that suits your dog’s temperament; a busy thoroughfare may be a lot to handle for a nervous traveller.
Plan before you leave camp. Check whether your dog can join your outing. Many parks don’t allow dogs to be left unattended, including inside your van.
Keep the neighbours on side. Use leads where required, pick up promptly and give other dogs space. Your dog may be convinced everyone wants to meet them. Everyone should still get a say.
Check the current rules. Pet policies and beach access can change, so confirm the details directly before booking.
Then pack their favourite toy, make room for the dog food and head off together. You’ll come home with photos and a few good stories. Your dog will come home exhausted, slightly grubby and ready to do the whole thing again. Probably tomorrow.
