The best pet-friendly campgrounds near the Gold Coast

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Danielle	 Reckless

By Danielle Reckless

Our dogs love the outdoors as much as we do, so when it’s time to escape in nature on a camping trip, it’s natural to want to bring them along. But with restrictions at most national parks, it can be tricky to find a spot to pitch your tent where your furry family member is welcome too.

Here are six pet-friendly campgrounds near the Gold Coast that you should check out for your next getaway.

Mount Tamborine Thunderbird Park 

Pack your pooch and guard the marshmallows, because this Mount Tamborine haven is one of the best pet-friendly campgrounds near the Gold Coast.

You’ll feel a million miles from reality here. Set on 112 hectares of rainforest, you can walk to the spring-fed Cedar Creek for a refreshing dip in one of the many secret swimming holes around the property, and campfires are permitted. This natural oasis is set up for bush camping and caravans, and Thunderbird Park’s activities are right at your fingertips, including Treetop Challenge, horse riding, mini golf and laser skirmish.

Pet conditions: Dogs must be kept on a leash in the campgrounds.
Price per night: From $42 per night. Pets are $15.
Distance from the Gold Coast: Approx 50 mins drive.

Goomburra Valley Campground

Goomburra Valley Campground | pet-friendly campgrounds near the Gold Coast

Photo by @_lizwalsh

Head for the hills of Darling Downs to find a retreat that’s definitely worth the detour from the beach. Privately owned Goomburra Valley Campground is suitable for both tents and caravans, with large sites perfect for group camping trips. There’s facilities including toilets, drinking water, camp kitchen and games room.

For campers with four legs who love to swim, you can spend time splashing in the creek that flows through the campground (it’s great for watersports like kayaking for those on two legs, too), and there’s large off-lead areas for dogs to run and play.  

Pet conditions: Dogs must be kept on a leash or tethered while in the campground, apart from designated off-lead areas. A bond is charged at $30 for two or less dogs, and vaccination certificates must be sighted too.
Price per night: From $17 per adult/night, $11 per kid/night.
Distance from the Gold Coast: Approx 2.5 hours drive.

Sharp Park River Bend Country Bush Camping

Sharp Park River Bend Country Bush Camping | pet-friendly campgrounds near the Gold Coast

Looking for your next getaway spot? Head to Canungra where your campsite’s by the river, and there’s a winery just up the road. Sharp Park offers a serene slice of country life a short drive from the coast, on the Coomera River. Go for a swim, picnic by the shores, and have your best mate there for it all too.

Bonus: there’s toilet facilities, firewood for sale, and solar showers for hire.  

Pet conditions: Dogs must be kept on a leash while in the campgrounds.
Price per night: From $10 per adult/night, $5 per child (5-15yrs).
Distance from the Gold Coast: Approx 40mins drive.

Gold Coast Holiday Park

Big4 Gold Coast Holiday Park | pet-friendly campgrounds near the Gold Coast

Photo by @big4goldcoast

The Gold Coast has plenty of dog-friendly beaches for your pet to frolick, but runs a little short on beachside real estate where you can camp with them. Next time you’ve played fetch at The Spit, pull into Big4 Gold Coast Holiday Park just a short drive away.

There’s dog friendly camping, caravan sites and cabins here, as well as an off-leash dog playground. Meanwhile, the kids can enjoy their own playground: a resort style pool and waterpark, jumping pillow, Frisbee golf and more.

Pet conditions: Dogs must be kept on a leash while in the campgrounds. Vaccination certificates required.
Price per night: From $30 per night. 
Distance from the Gold Coast: Approx 20mins drive.

Lake Maroon

If you really want to get away from it all, water views don’t come any better than Lake Maroon. There are several dog-friendly bush camping spots here, including Maroon Cove and Bush Camp.

Occupying 220 acres at the foothills of the Scenic Rim, this is a great spot to set up camp and explore the walking trails, have a picnic or bring your kayaks, jetskis and watercraft to take advantage of the lake.

Park facilities include an amenities block with hot showers and a camp kitchen, and sites are large enough to accommodate two to three families, perfect for a reunion getaway.

Pet conditions: No more than two dogs per site. Dogs are only permitted in the Maroon Cove and Bush Camp areas.

Price per night: From $15 per person/night.

Distance from the Gold Coast: Approx. 1hour 45mins drive.

Gordon Country

Just a stone’s throw from Goomburra Valley Campgrounds lies Gordon Country, nestled against World Heritage listed Main Range National Park and Gondwana Rainforest.

This private eco-tourism property offers pet-friendly camping and caravan stays, and there’s 4000 acres to explore; which means well-behaved dogs can enjoy leash-free time here. Adventure is built into every stay, with kilometres of 4WD, biking, and horse track; while hiking trails wind through rainforest, past waterfalls and sweeping lookouts.  

Powered & non-powered sites available, but turn the lights out and fall asleep under a star-studded canopy.

Pet conditions: Dogs must be kept on a leash at night. All vaccinations must be up to date.
Price per night: From $15 per adult/night, $10 per child/night. Cars $10 fee per stay, 4WD $30 fee per stay.
Distance from the Gold Coast: Approx 2.5 hours drive.

Planning a trip? Check out our pet-friendly guide to Queensland, a few holiday ideas, and these cute cottages you can rent. Heart set on camping? Here’s some more dog-approved campgrounds around the Sunshine State, plus these spots near Brisbane.  

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