WA’s most scenic dog-friendly camping spots
A trip out yonder just ain’t the same without our four-legged friends.
And that’s why we’ve found the best dog-friendly camping spots across Western Australia!
Herron Point (Peel)
Located just south of the crabbing mecca that is Mandurah, Herron Point Campground in Birchmont has toilets, a camp kitchen, barbecues and more. Located within the Kooljerrenup Nature Reserve, it’s a great fishing and crabbing spot, along with plenty of great bushwalks and bird spotting. Doggos are welcome but must stay on the lead.
Lake Navarino (Waroona)
Lake Navarino near Waroona used to have camping facilities in the bush and by the water, but now camping is limited only to the Lake Navarino Holiday Park. No matter though as it’s still a beaut spot to pitch a tent, nestled in the jarrah forests between Waroona and Dwellingup. There’s a whole heap of activities to do in the area, which – along with its proximity to Perth – is why it remains one of the most popular camping locations in the state. At the time of publishing Lake Navarino Holiday Park was closed, so make sure you check ahead before booking.
Stockton Lake (Collie)
Stockton Lake is where to go if you want to camp by a lake in Collie – although it is on a first-come, first-served basis. Originally an open cut mine, it’s popular for water skiing and boating, and while swimming is permitted, be aware the water is mildly acidic and can cause harm to those with sensitive skin. Doggos are welcome but must stay on the lead.
Marrinup Townsite Campground (Holyoake)
Marrinup campsite is a simple one, set up on open grassed where the old Marrinup townsite used to be about 5km northwest of Dwellingup. It’s a popular spot for mountain bike riders as the Marrinup walk and cycle trail can be found here, along with the popular Munda Biddi trail. Doggos are welcome but must stay on the lead.
Stringers Campground (Nanga Brook)
Ideally nestled along the banks of the Murray River, Stringers campground is a quaint little spot that caters to tents only. Perfect for a weekend of swimming, kayaking, mountain bike riding, bushwalks and even a spot of fishing, you can book online HERE. Doggos are welcome but must stay on the lead.
Lane Poole Reserve (Dwellingup)
Lane Pool is one of the most popular camping destinations near Perth and it’s pretty obvious why. After a quick 1.5hour jaunt out of the city you’ll find yourself parked along the Murray River, with access to hiking trails like the Bibbulmun Track and Munda Biddi trail. There are nine campsites to choose from and they provide picnic tables and eco toilets on site. The sites have availability to host a variety of camping styles, from tents to full-scale campervans. Doggos are welcome but must stay on the lead – more info here.
Lake Kepwari (Collie)
Lake Kepwari is the site of an old coal mine that had been mooted as a potential water-based recreation area for almost a decade, before finally achieving that goal in late 2020. Now it’s a purpose-built recreation zone with parking bays, toilets and barbecues, with designated boating and water ski areas, spots to go swimming, canoeing and fishing, camping zones and more. Doggos are welcome but must stay on the lead.
Glen Mervyn Dam (Collie)
You’ll find Glen Mervyn Dam around 18km south of Collie where there’s plenty of water skiing action going down most weekends. It’s also a popular swimming and fishing spot, with camping allowed on the western shore where there’s a toilet provided. The eastern shore is reserved for picnicking and day use, dogs are allowed but must stay on their leads, and be aware of fox baits!
Wave Rock Caravan Park (Hyden)
The best way to experience one of WA, if not the Australia’s most unique landmarks is to pitch your tent (or caravan) at Wave Rock Caravan Park. It’ll put you right at the base of the iconic rock formation that is Wave Rock, along with being walking distance to Hippo’s Yawn, Lake Magic and the many epic walking trails in the area.
Yallingup (Yallingup)
Like most of the south west coastline, Yallingup is a stunning spot worthy of putting some serious time into. Incredible surfing and swimming, along with coastal bushwalking and more are at your fingertips. In terms of camping the Yallingup Beach Holiday Park (pictured, below) puts you right in front of Yallingup Main Break, while Caves Caravan Park is a little further inland but, closer to the pub! Doggos are welcome but must stay on the lead.
Sues Bridge (Blackwood River)
Just shy of three hours south from Perth, Sues Bridge campsite comes with kitchen amenities like a sink, food preparation tables, picnic tables and barbecue facilities. Being a waterfront campsite, you can wake up to the soothing sounds of the Blackwood River. Bookings are on a first come first serve basis so it’s best to pick a time not in the pit of school holidays. Doggos are welcome but must stay on the lead – more info here.
BIG4 Emu Beach Caravan Park (Albany)
There’s plenty of wild and free spots to camp around Albany, but if you’re looking for somewhere a little more kitted out it’s hard to go past Emu Beach Caravan Park. 10 minutes from the city centre, its flush with pretty peppermint trees swaying in the breeze and right on the beach. It’s stacked with amenities and facilities to make your camping stay an enjoyable one, and is the perfect kick-off point to exploring all the south coast has to offer.
Parry Beach (Denmark)
Parry Beach is a volunteer-managed camping ground in delightful Denmark that provides basic amenities along with beach boat launching. It’s a great spot for surfing and swimming, and for the keen hikers out there the Bibbulmun Track winds along the 5km stretch of beach. Make sure you pop into Greens Pool for a relaxing dip before checking out the epic Elephant Rocks. Doggos are welcome but must stay on the lead.
Peaceful Bay (Denmark)
If you’re travelling between Denmark and Walpole, make sure you stop in at Peaceful Bay for some – you guessed it – peace and quiet. Peaceful Bay Caravan Park has a lovely, relaxed layout filled with peppermint trees, powered and un-powered sites, amenities and a general store with all the goods you’ll need. Make sure you pop into the Peaceful Bay Fish And Chip shop for some of the freshest seafood going around. Doggos are welcome but must stay on the lead.
Milligan Island Camping Node (Green Head)
In between the northwest coastal towns of Green Head and Leeman you’ll find the Milligan Island Camping Node – 36 camp sites in a quiet spot out of town, very close to the beach. The eco tourist site features no running water or power, but does have long drop toilets and gas barbecues. The beaches around the area are an adventurer’s paradise, with snorkelling on Lipfert Island, sandboarding, beach fishing, kitesurfing and even normal surfing in the right conditions – it’s epic. Doggos are welcome but must stay on the lead.
Ellendale Pool (Geraldton)
One of the prettiest, north west-style camping spots that’s somewhat close to Perth, Ellendale Pool is a beautiful water hole that has formed naturally along the Greenough River. Surrounded by gum trees and a rocky gorge, it’s only around 45 minute south east of Geraldton, and as such is a popular overnight camping spot. Interpretive signs abound the area offering an insight into the areas Aboriginal and European history, along with public facilities and barbecues making it the perfect picnic spot. Check warning signs with regards to swimming. Doggos are welcome but must stay on the lead.
Gladstone Bay Campground (Shark Bay)
Smack bang in the middle of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, Gladstone Bay takes over 3km of coastline including an historic jetty and obscenely clear turquoise waters flush with marine life. Fishing, kayaking, snorkelling and relaxing abound in a campsite that has toilets, an artesian camp shower, picnic area, communal fire pit and plenty more. No bookings required, but we suggest you read up first HERE.
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Quobba Station (MacLeod)
For a true blue, red-dirt-meets-the sea, Australian outback camping adventure it’s hard to go past Quobba Station. The family operated working pastoral station runs along 80km of some of WA’s most spectacular coastline, featuring gnarly surf, jagged cliffs and thrilling landscapes. The homestead has fantastic camping options which still require plenty of self-sufficiency, and you can do plenty of reading up on it HERE. Doggos are welcome but must stay on the lead.
Wooramel Riverside Retreat (Carnarvon region)
Another wonderful station stay typical of WA’s north west, Wooramel is situated right on the banks of the Wooramel River. There you’ll enjoy naturally heated therapeutic artesian bore baths, a plethora of wildlife, private camp fires, star-filled night skies and more. Doggos are welcome but must stay on the lead (and aren’t allowed in the baths, obvi). Learn more and book HERE.
Warroora Station (Coral Bay)
Elsewhere around Ningaloo, Warroora Station is another stellar campground that puts you right on the brilliant blue waters of the Coral Coast. The unpowered sites are well equipped with camp kitchen, hot showers, toilet amenities and more. All that said, make sure y0u bring some drinking water, and probably don’t try and roll up in a 2WD. Doggos are welcome but must stay on the lead.
Cape Range National Park (Exmouth)
Where the rugged landscape of Northern WA meets the vibrant Ningaloo Marine Park, Cape Range National Park is an adventure-seekers playground. Ancient rivers wind through magnificent red rock gorges out into the blue seas of the Ningaloo Coast, and possibilities are legitimately endless. Snorkelling, swimming, fishing, surfing, bushwalking… You name it – it’s a truly special part of our coastline. Ningaloo Station is another stellar option to get amongst this area. Doggos are welcome but must stay on the lead.
Gnoorea Point (Karratha)
Half the mileage but no less fun is Gnoorea Point AKA 40 Mile Beach, a remote camping experience 60-odd kilometres out of Karratha. Bring your fishing tackle to catch a feed, and enjoy a little less wind than most places up this way thanks to plenty of protection. Amenities are basic/non-existent, so make sure you come prepared.