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10 of WA's best dog-friendly campgrounds

Travel & Touring | Camping & Caravanning

By: Tatum Stafford

Everyone needs a holiday every once in a while - even our pets. 

Two thirds of Australian households consider their pet as part of their family, so it makes sense they're a part of a family holiday, too. And when it comes to enjoying a getaway with your furry friend, a great option is camping. 

Just keep in mind that when you're camping with a dog, they must be kept on a leash at all times so they don't impact the environment too much - like running off and eating all the native flora and fauna, for instance. 

There are plenty of dog-friendly campgrounds closer to Perth - but if you'd rather head further afield, here are some of WA's best dog-friendly campgrounds.  

Remember, unless you're in a designated off-leash area, always keep your dog safely restrained and stay away from areas with 1080 baits. These poisonous baits are lethal for domestic pets. Look out for signs warning about baits, ticks (that could lead to ehrlichiosis) or other harmful objects in the area - and also, check the location of vets nearby so you know where to go in an emergency.

Just 10 kilometres north of Jurien Bay, the picturesque Sandy Cape Recreation Park is a popular beach camping spot operated by the local shire. With plenty of tent sites just steps from the water, this is a great spot for families keen on swimming, fishing and searching for marine life in rock pools. Sandy Cape doesn’t accept bookings, so it’s first in, best dressed.

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Located within the Big Brook State Forest, the Big Brook Arboretum in Pemberton has seven caravan sites, six tent sites and an overflow area for peak periods. A drawcard for the campsite is its close proximity to a number of the region’s key attractions - including the Bibbulmun Track for bush walking, and the Big Brook Dam for swimming or fishing.

Bookings cannot be made, and there’s no running water available, so remember to bring drinking water with you.

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The RAC Busselton Holiday Park hosts a variety of cabins, apartments and campsites – but for dog-owners, their pet-friendly powered sites are the ones to book. The family-friendly park in Busselton is nestled within eight hectares of natural bushland, is packed with amenities and is only a short stroll from the picturesque Geographe Bay. Plus, if you're an RAC member, you'll save up to 20%* on accommodation. 

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The Bungle Bungle Caravan Park provides accommodation for outback tents, caravans and motorhomes - and also offers scenic tours into the Purnululu National Park using its fleet of custom 4WD coaches and helicopters. Iconic attractions such as the Domes Walk, Echidna Chasm and Picininny Creek are all within a few hour’s drive of the park, making it a popular stop-off point for those road-tripping through Australia’s North West. Bookings can be made online.

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The RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort is home to one of the world’s best-known dolphin encounters – and also has plenty of open space for your dog to explore and get some exercise. The unspoiled shores of Shark Bay are the perfect spot for a relaxing holiday, and there are plenty of accommodation types to choose from; including dog-friendly camping and caravan sites.

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With prior permission, dogs are welcome on powered and unpowered sites at the Dongara Tourist Park in Dongara-Port Denison. Conveniently located on the town’s South Beach, the park offers some incredible views of the Indian Ocean, is jam-packed with useful facilities, and is walking distance from the bustling marine, boat ramps, beaches and restaurants.

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Set in the stunning jarrah forest of the Blackwood National Park, the Warner Glen Campground in Margaret River has both a group camping area and nine individual campsites available. The campground lies on the banks of the Chapman Brook (near its confluence with the Blackwood River), and provides direct access to both the brook and the river for swimming and launching canoes and kayaks.

Bookings are not available, and visitors are advised to bring their own drinking water with them.

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The expansive Fonty’s Pool estate features plenty of caravan and camp sites, convenient amenities and a tranquil swimming pool that is perfect for a dip or a pool-side picnic or barbeque. As the official venue sponsor of the annual Truffle Kerfuffle food and wine event, Fonty’s Pool is a popular accommodation choice during Manjimup’s thriving truffle season.

Renowned for its beachfront views and prime location within Australia’s Coral Coast region, RAC Cervantes Holiday Park in Cervantes has a large range of powered and unpowered camping sites that welcome up to two pets per booking. The park is jam-packed with facilities for guests - and with the Pinnacles only a short drive away, it's a great stop-over point for those travelling up north from Perth. And as with all RAC Parks & Resorts, RAC members save up to 20%* on accommodation. 

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With direct access to the Blackwood River, Sues Bridge Campground’s 25 camp sites in Nannup are great for those who love spending time in and around the water. As well as swimming, fishing and catching marron, paddling is a popular pastime for campers, as the journey from Sues to Hut Pool is one of the area’s most enjoyed day trips.

Bookings cannot be made, and there is no running water at the site – so don’t forget to bring water with you.

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Make sure your furry friend is protected Our trusted pet insurance covers up to 80%* of vet costs, less any relevant excess up to $12,000*. Find out more Disclaimer: *Illness and injury cover – covers up to 80% of eligible vet bills, less any relevant excess, up to $12,000 annually. Conditions, limits & exclusions apply. RAC Insurance Pty Limited is authorised by RACQ Insurance Limited (ABN 50 009 704 152, AFSL 233 082) as an agent to issue Pet Insurance. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the PDS, SPDS (where applicable) and TMD at rac.com.au before making any decision.

Make sure your furry friend is protected

Our trusted pet insurance covers up to 80%* of vet costs, less any relevant excess up to $12,000*.

Find out more

Disclaimer: *Illness and injury cover – covers up to 80% of eligible vet bills, less any relevant excess, up to $12,000 annually. Conditions, limits & exclusions apply. RAC Insurance Pty Limited is authorised by RACQ Insurance Limited (ABN 50 009 704 152, AFSL 233 082) as an agent to issue Pet Insurance. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the PDS, SPDS (where applicable) and TMD at rac.com.au before making any decision.

Last updated February 2021

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