Camping with dogs near Brisbane: your guide to the best camping spots

Surf beach on one side, calm waters of Pelican Bay on the other. Whether your dog loves to ride waves or prefers a gentle paddle, you’ll find their perfect playground at S.S. Dorrigo Campground in the Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area.

Close to the coloured-sand paradise of Rainbow Beach and offering views of Double Island Point, Inskip proves to be far more than just a ferry terminal to K’gari (Fraser Island). There are six campgrounds to choose from, but you won’t find designated campsites here: simply wander and find your spot on the sand to pitch your tent.

You’ll need a 4WD to camp right on the dunes (and a little beach driving know-how), but other cars can simply access the grassy campsites instead, then take the short stroll to the beach. 

Pet conditions: Dogs must be kept on a leash in the campgrounds.
Permits: Camping permit is required before setting up camp. 
Distance from Brisbane: Approx. 3.5 hrs.

2. Goomburra Valley Campground

Nestled in the countryside just a couple of hours' drive from Brisbane, Goomburra Valley Campground is one of the state's best bush camping spots for those travelling with dogs. 

Pitch your tent in a shady spot on the banks of Darymple Creek and you'll soon check out of the real world - this is something better. Take your pup on a wander through the bush hiking trails, splash in the creek, go fishing, kayak, and spend nights around the campfire: most sites come with a firepit. Just be sure to check if there are fire bans in place before you go. 

Whether you've got a swag, tent, van or fifth wheeler, there's room at Goomburra. There's even some powered sites, free hot showers and toilets, and drinkable water onsite. 

Pet conditions: Dogs must be kept on a leash in the grounds, except for in designated off-leash areas. Vaccinations must be up to date.
Price per night: $19 per adult, $13 per child, and a $30 bond for up to two pets/$90 for three or more pets (returned when you leave).
Distance from Brisbane: Approx. 2 hrs

3. Gordon Country Campgrounds

For a trip that'll feel like time-travelling back to the carefree camping days of your childhood, head to Gordon Country.

A huge slice of countryside paradise, a getaway here will get a big paws-up from your travelling pup - it's quite simply one of the best places to go camping with your dogs near Brisbane.

Relax and unwind, or tackle the endless opportunities for adventure from 4WD trails to hiking, swimming, bird watching and kids activities. The beauty of Main Range National Park is just a short drive away too. 

Best yet, this is the spot to unclip that leash and let your dog run free, so long as they're well-behaved around other dogs and livestock. 

Pet conditions: Dogs must be restrained at night, but are allowed off leash during the day. Vaccinations must be up to date.
Price per night: From $18 per adult, $10 per child + $10 car pass or $32 permit to access 4WD tracks. Pets are free.
Distance from Brisbane: Approx. 2 hrs.

4. Amamoor Creek Camping Area, Amamoor State Forest

Soak up peace, quiet and fresh country air in Amamoor State Forest on the Sunshine Coast. Playing host to the annual Gympie Music Muster each August, it remains a camping sanctuary throughout the rest of the year for those seeking a little time out, pets included. 

Nestled behind the Noosa Hinterland, there’s so much to do here. From platypus spotting to conquering the short 2.5-hour hiking trail along the creek, you can choose to make this an active getaway or one where you take time to just be. 

Pet conditions: Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
Distance from Brisbane: Approx. 2.5 hours

5. Minjerribah Camping, North Stradbroke Island

Swap city dog parks for salty air when you pitch your tent along Main Beach or Flinders Beach on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), Brisbane's rugged island paradise. 

Minjerribah Camping offers 500 natural beachfront campsites, but access to the camping areas on Main and Flinders does require 4WD access, so book your spot on the vehicle ferry from Cleveland and follow these beach camping tips to make sure you're prepped for a good time. 

Once you've found your perfect spot on the dunes, kick back with the best views on the island, take your dog for a play in the surf, clock up some time on the sand - or head back into town to discover some local favourites.

Those camping with dogs should take note of places around the island they are not allowed to visit, such as Aboriginal sites including Brown Lake and Naree Budjong Djara National Park, which includes Blue Lake. 

Pet conditions: 2 dogs allowed per campsite.
Price per night: From $20 per site per night, based on two people. Beach camping is permitted in allocated zones only, and a vehicle permit is required for 4WD beach access as well. 
Distance from Brisbane: Approx. 3 hrs (driving and ferry time).

6. Bluff Creek Campgrounds, Kenilworth

Set on 100 acres alongside Mary River, Kenilworth's Bluff Creek Campground is a haven for camping with dogs near Brisbane.

The countryside views beckon you to fold out the campchair and just stare a while, but once you've taken it all in you can enjoy swimming, kayaking, biking, fishing and exploring the nature trails on foot. Embrace the simple life: there are only unpowered sites here, but amenities on site include hot showers, toilets, laundry, camp kitchen, BBQs and open fires are pemitted (excluding during fire bans).

Be sure to stop by the quaint little town of Kenilworth - you'll find one of Queensland's best country cafes here and the donuts alone are worth the drive. 

Pet conditions: Pets must be under control, on leash and not left alone.
Price per night: Campsites from $20 per night
Distance from Brisbane: Approx. 2 hrs

Other dog-friendly campgrounds near Brisbane:

• Flanagan Reserve, Scenic Rim
• Cobb and Co Nine Mile Camping Grounds, Sunshine Coast (approx. 2 hrs)
  
• Murphy’s Creek Escape, Lockyer Valley (approx. 1.5 hrs)
  
• Benarkin State Forest, Queensland Country (approx. 2 hrs and 20 mins)
• Borumba Deer Park, Sunshine Coast (approx. 2 hrs and 10 mins)
  
• Sharp Park River Bend Bush Camping, Gold Coast (approx. 1 hr and 10 mins)
• Sandy Creek Camping, Sunshine Coast (approx. 1 hr and 40 mins)
• Neurum Creek Bush Retreat, Mt Archer (approx. 1hr and 20 mins)
• Flinders Beach, North Minjerribah (approx. 1h and 20 mins)