Camping with your four-legged friend in South East Queensland
Issued: 8 Jan 2019

While Queensland's national parks are a 'no-go' for dogs, there are some conservation parks, State forests and recreation areas in South East Queensland where they will be welcome to have a sleep-over alongside their best mate—you!

Before heading off, we have some pointers to make your camping holiday a happy and fur-iendly one for you, your dog, other visitors and local wildlife.

• Keep your dog on a leash and under control at all times so it won’t disturb other visitors and wildlife. Pack a long rope and a corkscrew ground spike for when you are relaxing around your camp site.
• When nature calls, always clean up after your dog! You’re (most likely) visiting the area for its beauty, so let’s keep it beautiful! Remember most parks don’t have rubbish bins so make sure you take all your waste with you when you leave, including your doggy bags!
• Be respectful of other visitors—just because you love your dog unconditionally doesn’t mean others will, especially if it’s barking. Remember, a well-exercised dog is a happy dog.
• Check your dog carefully for ticks in areas known for these parasites and make sure your dog is microchipped and has a collar with an ID.

Here’s of list of places where you can camp with Fido, all within a few hours’ drive of Brisbane.

1. Amamoor State Forest

_{Amamoor Creek camping area | Trevor Hatfield © Queensland Government}

Camp among the gum trees beside the creek and soak up the peace and quiet. Dogs are allowed to stay overnight in the Amamoor Creek camping area only. This area features open grassy areas suitable for tent camping beside your car, camper trailers, caravans, campervans and motorhomes. Don’t forget to pack the marshmallows to roast over one of the communal fire rings (BYO firewood) while your best mate is curled up snoozing beside you. Remember to pack the schmackos, too! Be sure to check where your dog is allowed to go in the park or forest before you start your trip.

2. Benarkin State Forest

_{Benarkin State Forest | © Queensland Government}

Featuring a large open grassy area situated beside Emu Creek, Clancys camping area welcomes dogs and caters for a range of camping experiences from tents to caravans and motorhomes. Dogs are also allowed in the Emu Creek day-use area, so why not have a barbie and throw your dog a snag, too?

3. Brooyar State Forest

_{Glastonbury Creek camping area | © Ross Naumann}

Only two and a half hours’ drive north of Brisbane, you can camp right near the banks of Glastonbury Creek—a great setting for your peaceful getaway. Glastonbury Creek camping area is suitable for caravans and motorhomes. Fancy a nice view while you’re there? Take the pooch for a walk to Point Pure lookout atop sandstone cliffs and take in the scenic western view. There are popular abseiling sites here too, but maybe don’t try that one with your four-legged friend!

Keen to hear more?

Find out more information on where you can take your dog in Queensland’s parks and forests. Select your region, click on ‘camping’ and ‘dogs permitted on a leash’ and a list of dog-friendly camp sites will appear. By ensuring you are a responsible dog owner, you and your fur-baby will be sure to have such a memorable camping experience—hound-dog will be howling for more!

Remember to always check Park alerts before you go for the latest information on conditions, closures and access!