Exploring the great outdoors is always more enjoyable when you can bring your dogs along. South East Queensland offers a variety of dog-friendly camping destinations where you and your pup can relax, explore, and enjoy nature together. Whether you’re looking for a beachside retreat, bushland escape, or a spot near scenic waterfalls, this list has something for every camping enthusiast.
New Dog-friendly Camping Spots You Must Visit in 2025!
Here are some of the best dog-friendly camping spots in South East Queensland to visit in 2025:
Murphys Creek Escape
📍 Location: 1.5 hours west of Brisbane, 20 minutes east of Toowoomba
🐾 Dog-friendly features: Large open spaces, dog-friendly campsites, and access to scenic bushland
Murphy’s Creek Escape is a stunning bushland retreat designed for nature lovers and their furry companions. This privately owned campground provides a peaceful escape from city life, set amongst towering gum trees and rugged terrain. The site offers dog-friendly bush camping with spacious sites, allowing plenty of room for your pup to roam and explore.
Activities & Amenities:
✔️ Off-leash areas for dogs to run freely
✔️ Walking and hiking trails for scenic bush walks
✔️ Campfires allowed (seasonal fire restrictions apply)
✔️ Adventure activities, including ropes courses, archery, and mountain biking
✔️ Swimming in the eco-friendly billabong
Dogs are required to be on a leash in communal areas, and owners should ensure they clean up after their pets. The serene Australian bush and sounds of nature makes it perfect for families, backpackers, and adventure seekers.
Lake Maroon Camping
📍 Location: Scenic Rim, 1.5 hours from Brisbane
🐾 Dog-friendly features: Lakeside camping, fishing, and water activities
Lake Maroon Camping offers a fantastic getaway for campers and their dogs, with breathtaking views and plenty of activities to enjoy. This pet-friendly camping area is ideal for those who love boating, fishing, and kayaking, with direct access to Lake Maroon—one of Queensland’s best freshwater fishing and watersports destinations.
Activities & Amenities:
✔️ Lakeside camping with stunning views
✔️ Water activities: fishing, kayaking, swimming, and boating
✔️ Campfires allowed (firewood available for purchase)
✔️ Large open spaces for your dog to run and play
✔️ Nearby walking tracks and bushland to explore
🐶 Tip: Dogs must be kept on a leash around the campground and near other campers. Be mindful of wildlife and fishing areas.
Sharp Park River Bend Country Bush Camping
📍 Location: Canungra, Scenic Rim, QLD (45 minutes from Brisbane and the Gold Coast)
🐾 Dog-friendly features: Large open spaces, river access, and off-leash areas
Located in the heart of the Scenic Rim, Sharp Park River Bend is a dog-friendly bush camping destination that offers an authentic outdoor experience alongside the beautiful Coomera River. With wide open spaces, shady trees, and plenty of room to roam, this campground is ideal for families, groups, and dog owners looking for a relaxed setting.
Activities & Amenities:
✔️ Dogs are welcome off-leash (but must be under control)
✔️ Spacious, unpowered campsites with plenty of shade
✔️ Access to the Coomera River for swimming and kayaking
✔️ Large open areas for games, running, and relaxing
✔️ Campfires allowed (BYO firewood or purchase on-site)
🐶 Tip: Dogs must be friendly and well-behaved around other campers. Always bring waste bags to clean up after your pet.
Cooloola Recreation Area
📍 Location: Between Noosa and Rainbow Beach
🐾 Dog-friendly features: Beach camping, freshwater lagoons, and pet-friendly areas
Cooloola Recreation Area is a must-visit for campers who love beachside adventures with their dogs. This stunning coastal destination is part of the Great Sandy National Park and features dog-friendly camping spots at Teewah Beach and Inskip Point, where you can set up camp right on the sand.
Activities & Amenities:
✔️ Beachfront camping with stunning ocean views
✔️ Sand dunes, bush trails, and wide-open spaces for dogs to run and explore
✔️ Swimming and fishing opportunities
✔️ Close access to the famous Coloured Sands and Double Island Point
🐶 Important: Dogs must be on a leash at all times, and they are not permitted in the national park’s protected areas. Bring plenty of fresh water and shade to keep your dog cool during hot days.
Bribie Island National Park
📍 Location: 1.5 hours north of Brisbane
🐾 Dog-friendly features: Pet-friendly camping zones and long stretches of beach
Bribie Island National Park is a haven for water-loving dogs and their owners. Offering some of the best beach camping experiences in South East Queensland, Bribie Island allows campers to enjoy calm waters, gentle sea breezes, and breathtaking sunsets with their pups.
Activities & Amenities:
✔️ Pet-friendly camping available at Poverty Creek and Mission Point
✔️ Off-leash beach access at Woorim Beach Dog Off-Leash Area
✔️ Kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing-friendly waters
✔️ Stunning coastal dunes and bushland for nature walks
🐶 Tip: A 4WD is required for some camping areas. Always check tide conditions before setting up camp, as some areas can be affected by tidal changes.
Goomburra Valley Campground
📍 Location: Goomburra, Southern Downs (2 hours from Brisbane)
🐾 Dog-friendly features: Spacious campsites, creek access, and plenty of open space
Goomburra Valley Campground is a hidden gem in the Southern Downs, offering a tranquil retreat for campers and their dogs. Nestled along the Dalrymple Creek, this pet-friendly campground provides large, grassy campsites surrounded by rolling hills and peaceful bushland.
Activities & Amenities:
✔️ Large open spaces for dogs to run and play
✔️ Creek access for paddling and cooling off
✔️ Fire pits available for campfires (firewood can be purchased on-site)
✔️ Well-maintained amenities, including hot showers and toilets
✔️ Close to Goomburra Section of Main Range National Park for scenic hikes
🐶 Tip: Keep your dog on a leash near the creek and around other campers. Always clean up after your pet to maintain the campground’s pristine environment.
Tambourine National Park
📍 Location: 1 hour from Brisbane and the Gold Coast
🐾 Dog-friendly features: Scenic walking trails, waterfalls, and picnic spots
For a mountain escape with your furry companion, Tamborine National Park is an excellent choice. While the national park itself has restricted areas for dogs, there are several nearby pet-friendly camping options, such as Thunderbird Park and local private campgrounds.
Activities & Amenities:
✔️ Walking trails through lush rainforest (dogs allowed in designated areas)
✔️ Curtis Falls Walking Track – dog-friendly and leads to a stunning waterfall
✔️ Picnic areas with BBQ facilities
✔️ Visit nearby wineries and dog-friendly cafes
🐶 Tip: Stick to dog-friendly walking trails and picnic spots—some parts of the national park do not allow pets due to conservation efforts.
Moreton Island National Park
📍 Location: A 90-minute ferry ride from Brisbane
🐾 Dog-friendly features: Remote beach camping, scenic trails, and stunning ocean views
Moreton Island is a paradise for adventure lovers and their dogs. The island offers secluded camping areas, endless sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters, making it an unforgettable camping experience for you and your pup.
Activities & Amenities:
✔️ Dog-friendly camping at North Point and Ben-Ewa Campgrounds
✔️ Spectacular sunrises and sunsets over the ocean
✔️ Swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking opportunities
✔️ Sand dunes for dogs to explore
🐶 Important: Dogs are only allowed in designated pet-friendly camping areas and must remain on a leash at all times. Since Moreton Island is remote, bring all necessary supplies, including extra water, pet food, and waste disposal bags.
Camping with your dog in South East Queensland has never been easier, thanks to the wide range of dog-friendly camping locations available. Whether you prefer beachside escapes, bushland retreats, or mountain adventures, there’s a perfect campsite waiting for you and your furry friend.
With stunning scenery, exciting outdoor activities, and dog-friendly accommodations, these camping spots will make 2025 the perfect year for an adventure with your best mate!
Rules while Camping with a dog in South East Queensland
When camping with your dog in South East Queensland, it’s important to follow a few simple rules to ensure that you, your dog, and other campers have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Camping Tips for Dog Owners:
- 🐶 Keep your dog on a leash at all times, except in designated off-leash areas.
- 🐾 Always clean up after your dog, and dispose of all waste in the bins provided.
- 🏕️ Bring plenty of water, shade, and food
- 🐕 Be mindful of wildlife and other campers
- ⛺ Respect other campers, and ensure that your dog does not bark excessively or disturb others.
- 🐕 Make sure your dog is well-behaved and not aggressive towards other dogs or people.
- 🚙 Check if a 4WD vehicle is required for access
- 🦮Setup a camping dog fence where possible
By following these simple rules, you can ensure that you and your dog have a safe and enjoyable camping experience in South East Queensland. So pack your tent, grab your leash, and head out to explore the great outdoors with your dogs!
So why wait? Book your stay today and enjoy a dog-friendly camping experience like no other at Murphys Creek Escape!
Read More:
- 6 Useful Tips For Backpacking With Dogs
- Dog Camping Gear You Should Never Leave Behind
- Guide to Keep Your Dog Quiet while Camping
- The Best Dog Camping Beds For Your Furry Best Friend
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Jared Jeffery, the digital marketing specialist at Murphys Creek Escape, is a seasoned professional in the field of SEO-driven marketing. With over 10+ years of experience, he possesses a well-rounded background in the digital realm. Throughout his career, Jared has worked in agencies specializing in Travel, Finance, and Event Planning, lending his expertise to major projects involving prominent hotel chains. In addition, he has contributed his writing skills to the creation of numerous articles spanning across a wide range of industries. With his wealth of knowledge and extensive experience, Jared brings a valuable skill set to the table.