Dog Friendly Camping WA – 7 Must Visit Campsites That Allow Dogs
When it comes to finding the perfect camping spot in WA there’s no shortage of choices. Many people who love the outdoors also own a dog, so our team of camp (and dog) enthusiasts at The Chart & Map Shop put together this list of 7 dog friendly campsites where you can take your four legged friend. Most of the locations are within a few hours of Perth although we included a few more remote locations for those who want a longer camping getaway.
The Best Dog Friendly Campgrounds in WA
1. Logue Brook Campground – Stunning Bush Setting to let your Dog play
Image courtesy of WA Department of Parks and Wildlife
Location: Logue Brook Road, Yarloop
Distance from Perth: 135 km
Facilities
Unpowered camping sites, non-flush toilets, undercover barbecues, picnic tables, camp kitchen, boat ramp, nearby café at Lake Brockman Tourist Park. You can use your own liquid or gas barbecue, camping stove and heater at any time unless there is a total fire ban. Check the Department of Fire and Emergency Services website for local fire bans.
Things to Do
Mounting biking, fishing, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking, bush walking. South West WA is a popular camping destination because there is so much to see and do. Logue Brook offers pet friendly camping all year round and it’s only a short drive away from Perth. The dam makes it the perfect location for water skiing, canoeing and paddle boarding. Enjoy a drive out to Harvey or Yarloop. The campground is designed with plenty of space between each site, so you don’t need to worry about your dog being tied up too close to the next dog.
2. Sandy Cape Recreation Park – Dog Friendly Beach
Image courtesy of Turquoise Coast Visitor Centre
Location: Sandy Cape Road, 10 km north of Jurien Bay
Distance from Perth: 300 km
Facilities
Unpowered sites, non-flushing toilets, no public barbecues, no picnic tables.
Things to Do
Swimming, fishing, snorkelling, sandboarding, 4WDing, see the remains of a WWII radar installation and visit Grigson’s Lookout 6km north of Sandy Cape. If you want to head north, Sandy Cape is an ideal dog-friendly campground in WA. North of Jurien bay, it takes less than 3 hours to get there from Perth. The sheltered bay is stunning so if you and your dog love to swim you can laze away the days on the sand. There are no bookings available so you may need to arrive early to secure a camping spot during popular times. During school holidays and on weekends the campground and overflow sites are full. However if the sites are full there are several pet friendly caravan parks in Jurien Bay and down the road in Cervantes. If you've decided to not bring the dog, but want to do some beach camping, make sure to check out our blog on The 5 Best Beach Camping Spots Near Perth.
3. Sues Bridge – Close to Margaret River (So you can still take your pup to the pub)
Image courtesy of WA Department of Parks and Wildlife
Location: Sues Road, Schroeder
Distance from Perth: 260 km
Facilities
Toilets, sheltered barbecues, picnic tables, collected rainwater taps, fire rings.
Things to Do
Swimming, canoeing or kayaking, fishing, diving. Situated on the beautiful Blackwood River, Sues Bridge camping ground is a perfect spot for a swim or paddle. If you’re looking for a camping location that’s close to Margaret River and Augusta, this is a convenient, dog friendly site. It’s only a 35 minute drive to either town to pick up supplies, grab breakfast at one of the cafes or check out the shopping in the main street. If you fancy some wine tasting, check out the list of wineries in the Margaret River region that welcome dogs. This site takes no bookings. During the warmer months on weekends and school holidays, Sues Bridge is popular so you will need a back-up camp site if it’s full when you arrive.
4. Fonty’s Pool Manjimup Campsite – Historic South West Pool
Image courtesy of Fonty's Pool Caravan Park
Location: 699 Seven Day Road, Manjimup
Distance from Perth: 302 km
Facilities
Powered and unpowered campsites, ablution block, camping kitchen, dog bond payable.
Things to Do
Swim and float around the pool on tractor tyre tubes, visit truffle farms and wineries in the area, Pemberton and the Warren, Donnelly and Blackwood Rivers. Fonty’s Pool Chalets and Caravan Park is a popular dog-friendly campsite. The iconic pool and recreation areas mean there is plenty to keep you busy at the campground. Fonty’s Pool was first opened in 1925 and generations of Manjimup residents and travellers from around the state have enjoyed the unique setting. Allow yourself 3.5 - 4 hours to get there from Perth, more in peak season. Dogs are welcome except during the busiest times of the year between Christmas and New Year, Easter, Australia Day and the Truffle Kerfuffle event. Take your caravan, tent or hire one of the on-site chalets. Unfortunately, there are no dogs allowed in the fenced pool area.
5. Big Brook Arboretum Campgrounds – Stunning Tree Setting
Image courtesy of WA Department of Parks and Wildlife
Location: Rainbow Trail, Pemberton
Distance from Perth: 320 km
Facilities
Toilets, picnic tables, barbeques, fire rings
Things to Do
Bushwalk part of the Bibbulmun Track, swimming, fishing, discover the trees, visit a gallery, take the Karri Forest Explorer Drive. This is a dog-friendly campground is home to 80 year old trees from around the world. Established in the 1930s, Big Brook Arboretum was planted with native and exotic trees to discover how well they would grow in the Pemberton region. After you’ve walked through the area and want to get back in the car, the 86 km follow the Karri Forest Explorer Drive to the Gloucester Tree lookout, Big Brook dam, and the Beedelup Falls suspension bridge.
6. Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort Caravan Park
Image courtesy of RAC
Location: Monkey Mia Road, Monkey Mia
Distance from Perth: 850 km
Facilities & Accommodation
Full resort/caravan park facilities including pools, hot tub, tennis court.
Things to Do
Meet the dolphins, swimming, boat tours to see turtles and dugongs. There aren’t too many world heritage, top tourist destinations in WA that have dog-friendly camping facilities. If you are chasing the sun in winter and a little luxury, the RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort has something for the whole family. Most of the area is dog-friendly, even the Ocean Park Aquarium lets dogs on the tour. There are also plenty of dog beaches in Denham. There is even a catamaran nature cruise that welcomes pets on board. Your dog will have to enjoy the car if you want to drive the distance in one day from Perth. It might be best to split the trip over two days if you and your dogs don’t enjoy long drives. You could stop in Geraldton overnight, splitting the trip into two easy 4-5 hour legs. Dogs are allowed into the Monkey Mia Reserve on a lead but they can’t enter the 90 metre dolphin interaction zone.
7. Willowbrook Farm Caravan Park – Farmstay Experience
Image courtesy of Willowbrook Farm
Location: 1679 Gingin Brook Road, Neergabby
Distance from Perth: 80 km
Facilities & Accommodation
Ablution block, camping kitchen
Things to Do
Feed the farm animals, walk or ride the trailer around the property When you have young kids, a farm stay campsite is a great way for them to see farm animals up close. Even your furry friend might like to get to know a sheep or cow. An easy 1 hour drive from Perth, Willowbrook Farm has large grassed powered and non-powered campsites. The farm has cows, sheep, alpacas, chickens and guinea fowl. Kids can enjoy feeding and patting the animals before taking a ride around the property on the back of a trailer. If you want to take a drive, head over to Guilderton. When the weather is warm take a swim at the Guilderton Beach Dog Exercise Area. Some of the town’s parks and Moore River area don’t allow dogs so it’s best to take your lunch down to the beach.
FAQs & Tips for Taking Your Dog Camping in West Australia
Why Should I Take My Dog Camping?
Taking your dog camping is as fun for you and as it is for them, so taking the time to find a dog-friendly campsite is worth it. Here are just a few reasons to take your dog camping with you:
- De-stress your dog
- You will have a blast watching your dog enjoy themselves in the outdoors
- No kennel boarding fees
- Regular exercise helps keep your dog fit and healthy
- Hiking is more fun with a dog!
Are Pets Allowed in State Forests in WA?
Dogs and other pets are allowed in some state forests, water catchments, recreation parks and reserves. The best thing to do before you head out on your adventure is check the WA State Parks website for more information
Are Dogs Allowed in National Parks in Western Australia?
Dogs and other pets aren’t allowed into most national parks in Western Australia. If you need to drive through a national park because there is no other access, you can take your dog in the vehicle as long as you don’t stop. However, check with the Parks and Wildlife Service local office for more information to find out which roads you’re permitted to take. There are a few campgrounds located in national parks that allow dogs.
Why Are Dogs Not Allowed in National Parks?
The Parks and Wildlife Service advises dogs can harm native animals and a dog can spoil another visitor’s experience in the park.
Are Assistance Dogs Allowed in National Parks?
Yes, if your dog is certified as a trained assistance animal, you can take it into a national park. For information about pets and camping in national parks it’s best to contact the Department of Parks and Wildlife.
Be Aware of 1080 Poison Baiting
National parks are often not safe places for dogs. Western Australia has a feral fox problem and many of the state’s national parks are baited with 1080 which is poisonous to dogs.
Practice Good Etiquette
Most campsites have some basic rules for camping with dogs so that everyone is a happy camper:- Keep your dog on a leash
- Pick up after your dog
- Don’t leave your dog unattended at the campsite
- No excessive barking
- Check your dog for ticks
- Keep sight of your dog in case it finds a bait
Image courtesy of Eric Sonstroem via flickr
Pack for your Pet
While you can buy most things people need on holiday, pet supplies aren’t as readily available in remote areas. Remember to take their medication, bedding, food, bowls, a coat if they wear one in cold weather, leads, poo bags and a few favourite toys.
Recommended Maps and Books for Camping with Dogs
When planning your next camping holiday with your furry friend be sure to pick up a local area map or book. Our favourite camping books include: 1. Campsites Western Australia -$25. A detailed directory of over 1100 WA campsites. 
2. Lonely Planet's Travel with Dogs (1st Edition) (2016) - $17. A helpful guide that gives you all the tips and tricks on travelling with your dog. 
3. Camping Around Australia (4th Edition) (2020) - $50. Looking to hit the camping circuit outside of WA? Then this is the book for you... The go-to guide for anyone who is into recreational camping. 
If you are looking for a specific camping map or book, get in touch with our friendly team at The Chart & Map Shop. All you need to do is let us know where you are thinking of going and and we can help find the right map or book for you. Give us a call on (08) 9335 8665 or contact us online.
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