Looking to explore Townsville with your furry friend? You’re in luck—there are plenty of great camping spots nearby where dogs are more than welcome. Whether you want a beachside retreat, a lush forest escape, or a well-equipped caravan park, you’ll find the perfect getaway within an hour’s drive. No need to leave your best mate at home!
In this guide, we’ve compiled the top dog-friendly camping sites Townsville has to offer. From convenient amenities to scenic hideaways, there’s something here for every type of camper (and their four-legged companions). Let’s dive in!
And, while you’re here, why not join our Queensland Camping Facebook Group to connect with like-minded people in the Sunshine State, ask for advice and share your own outdoor experiences?
Let’s get into it and check out some of the best dog-friendly camping in Townsville.
Map: Dog-friendly camping in Townsville
The map below shows you the location of the best places for dog-friendly camping in Townsville that are covered in this guide. Zoom in and out for a better view!
Keep reading below for full details of all these Townsville camping grounds.
The 10 best options for dog-friendly camping in Townsville
In no particular order, below are our picks for the best dog-friendly camping Townsville has to offer.
Coral Coast Tourist Park
Located close to Townsville centre, Coral Coast Tourist Park has a range of accommodations from unpowered sites to cabins. Most powered sites offer shade, annex pads and water.
The amenities include a kiosk on site, camp kitchen, saltwater pool, laundry, Wi-Fi and even Foxtel in the TV room. If you happen to be staying on a Wednesday night then the “Meet and Greet” BBQ they hold is a great place to meet new friends. They are pet-friendly and even have dog-friendly cabins.
Prices begin from $42 per night, as of October 2024.
Townsville Lakes Holiday Park
Next up on our list of dog-friendly camping in Townsville is the conveniently located Townsville Lakes Holiday Park. The Castletown Shopping Centre is only a 5-minute walk away.
Accommodation ranges from powered sites right through to units/villas/cabins and bungalows. There is also a swimming pool on site that you can enjoy. This is a dog-friendly caravan park with powered sites that include an ensuite and a 9m by 5m double cement slab. Plus they also offer pet-friendly cabins.
Prices begin from $52.50 per night, as of October 2024.
BIG4 Townsville Gateway Holiday Park
The BIG4 Townsville Gateway Holiday Park is located a 10-minute drive south of Townsville. They offer unpowered and powered sites as well as cabins and bungalows.
The amenities include an outdoor cinema, swimming pool and campfire catchups. As far as dog-friendly camping in Townsville goes, this is a great choice.
Prices begin from $15 per night, as of October 2024.
Crystal Creek Caravan Park
Crystal Creek Caravan Park offers a fantastic option for dog-friendly camping in Townsville, providing spacious, grassy sites nestled in a tropical setting. Located near Crystal Creek and directly opposite Paluma National Park, this 5-hectare, family-owned park is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.
With dog-friendly amenities, access to swimming holes, hiking trails, and the beach all within a 10km radius, it’s the ideal spot for you and your furry companion to relax and explore.
Prices begin from $25.71 per night, as of October 2024.
Ingenia Holidays Townsville
Set in tropical landscaped gardens, Ingenia Holidays Townsville offers camping sites as well as cabins. It’s close to beaches and there is a nearby boat ramp for some great fishing.
The amenities include a resort pool, water park, jumping pillow, trikes, mini golf, volleyball court and licensed bar/kiosk area. This is well at home on our list of the best dog-friendly camping in Townsville.
Prices begin from $40 per night, as of October 2024.
Rollingstone Creek Bushy Park Rest Area
The Rollingstone Creek Bushy Park Rest Area is one of the best free options for dog-friendly camping in Townsville, and it’s situated 55km North of Townsville where you can stay for up to 48 hours.
It’s a shady grassed area that has a small creek as well as a playground, picnic area, toilets and cold showers, non-potable water, bins and a dump point. It is close to the highway. This rest area allows camping with dogs.
This is a free camping ground, as of October 2024.
Click here for more information
Bluewater Park
When it comes to free dog-friendly camping in Townsville, you can’t go past Bluewater Park. This campground is 33 km away from Townsville and is a free camp where you can stay for up to 48 hours. The site has toilets, a dump point, picnic areas, playgrounds and bins.
This is a free camping ground, as of October 2024.
Coconut Glen Caravan Park
Coconut Glen offers a range of accommodation for any budget from CMCA dollar-wise sites and tent sites through to studio cabins. The amenities they have on-site include a swimming pool, BBQ facilities, camp kitchen, laundry and tour desk.
If you’re looking for the best dog-friendly camping Townsville has to offer, this certainly is a contender.
Prices begin from $28 per night, as of October 2024.
Discovery Parks Townsville
Discovery Parks Townsville is set amongst the beautiful palms. They have a range of accommodation from powered sites to cabins/villas and even motel rooms. The park has a range of amenities including BBQ, bouncing pillow, camp kitchen, dump point, kids’ games room, playground, swimming pool, wifi and kiosk.
When it comes to dog-friendly camping in Townsville, this park is worth checking out.
Prices begin from $35.10 per night, as of October 2024.
Rollingstone Beach Front Resort
Rounding out our list of dog-friendly camping in Townsville is the Rollingstone Beach Front Resort. This beachfront oasis offers a range of accommodation from unpowered sites through to spa villas. There is so much to do here with beach fishing, catch and release lakes, live music, resort pool, café and cocktail bar, kids outdoor movies on a Saturday Night, jumping pillow and a BMX track.
Prices begin from $30 per night, as of October 2024.
Click here for our full review on Rollingstone Beachfront Resort.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding dog-friendly camping in Townsville.
Here are the answers without numbers:
Can you take dogs to Crystal Creek, Townsville?
Yes, you can take dogs to parts of Crystal Creek. However, it’s important to check local signage or guidelines, as some areas may restrict dogs to protect the natural environment.
Where can I take my dog to swim in Townsville?
Popular spots to take your dog swimming in Townsville include the off-leash area at Pallarenda Beach and parts of the Ross River, where there are dog-friendly zones.
Are dogs allowed on Magnetic Island, Townsville?
Dogs are allowed in certain areas of Magnetic Island, but restrictions apply, especially in national park zones. It’s best to check which areas permit dogs before planning your visit.
Can dogs go on the beach in Townsville?
Yes, dogs can go on certain beaches in Townsville, like Pallarenda Beach, where there are designated off-leash areas. Always check for signage regarding leash rules and restrictions.
Where should I put my dog when camping?
When camping, it’s best to keep your dog close by, either inside your tent, in a crate, or secured on a lead in a safe area. Always make sure they’re comfortable and protected from the elements.
Where can a dog sleep camping?
Your dog can sleep inside your tent, in a crate, or in a designated dog-friendly camping bed or area. Just ensure they have enough warmth, comfort, and protection from weather conditions.
How do you sleep with a dog while camping?
You can sleep with your dog in your tent by providing them with a comfortable sleeping mat or blanket. Keep them close to you, so they feel secure, and make sure they are warm enough during colder nights.
How to stop a dog barking when camping?
To stop your dog from barking when camping, ensure they are calm and familiar with the environment. Bringing their favourite toys, keeping them active during the day, and creating a comfortable sleeping area can help reduce anxiety and barking.
Should your dog sleep in your tent with you?
Yes, having your dog sleep in your tent can help them feel secure and ensure they stay safe during the night. This also helps prevent any wildlife encounters or your dog wandering off.
How to keep dogs calm when camping?
Keep your dog calm while camping by maintaining a familiar routine, offering plenty of exercise, and bringing along comfort items like toys or a favourite blanket. Ensuring they have a designated space to rest and feel secure also helps.
What should I take camping for my dog?
Bring essentials like a leash, food, water, collapsible bowls, a sleeping mat, their favourite toys, waste bags, and any necessary medications. A first aid kit for pets is also a good idea when camping.
Final thoughts on dog-friendly camping in Townsville?
Camping with your dog can be a rewarding and memorable experience, as long as you plan ahead and ensure they are comfortable and safe. By choosing the best places for dog-friendly camping in Townsville, packing the right essentials, and understanding how to keep your dog calm during the trip, you’ll both be set for a fun adventure.
While you’re here, why not join our Queensland Camping Facebook Group to chat with like-minded people, ask for advice and share your experiences from the great outdoors? You’ll also find more handy resources just like this deep dive into the best dog-friendly camping in Townsville at Queensland Camping.
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