Where to Find the Best Dog-friendly Campsites Near Melbourne

Situated along the Great Ocean Road, Johanna Beach Campground is a stunning camping experience with 25 non-powered sites on an open grassy hill behind the sand dunes. Leashed dogs are more than welcome at the campground and beach. The area surrounding Johanna Beach is home to plenty of natural attractions, including Melba Gully, the Twelve Apostles, Triplet Falls and more. Book a campsite here.

Situated in the Howqua Hills near Mansfield, Victoria, Sheepyard Flat South Camping Area offers basic amenities, including drop toilets. Dogs are welcome at the campground, but they must be leashed at all times. Some fantastic attractions surround the campground, including several historic huts; Fry’s Hut, Noonan’s Hut, Pickering’s Hut and more. A notable nearby site is the Tunnel Bend campsite where visitors can explore a 100-metre tunnel built in 1884. Book online here.

For a picturesque lakeside camping experience, Lake Lascelles Caping Area in Hopetoun is the ticket. Dogs are welcome at the campground with both powered and unpowered sites on offer. A fantastic location for those who love to fish, swim and boat, Lake Lascelles Camping Area also has a boat ramp available for use. Hopetoun is known for its proximity to the Silo Art Trail – a popular attraction for visitors to the area. Book a campsite here.

Both powered and unpowered sites are available at Watchem Lake Campground. Located in Watchem, the area is popular among travellers for the amenities, kitchen, laundry and barbecue facilities on offer. Not to mention, Watchmen Lake is ideal for fishing, swimming and boating – the perfect place to spend a whole weekend. Leashed dogs are more than welcome, and there are plenty of additional attractions nearby, including the Watchem War Memorial and local art displays. Find more information here.

A rural campground in Budgeree, Victoria, Wild Valley Gippsland is a peaceful setting to spend some time with your furry friend. The campground includes showers, a communal kitchen area, and a games room. Plus, there are plenty of natural attractions and hiking opportunities just around the corner. Find more information here.

Picturesque with both powered and unpowered sites, Green Lake offers great camping facilities and the opportunity to have fun on the lake. Located near Banyan in northwest Victoria, Green Lakes is 10km south of the beautiful Sea Lake, an area known for stunning sandy beaches, delightful picnic spots, and plenty of other camping options. Facilities at Green Lakes include hot water showers and toilets. However, this campground operates on a first come , first serve basis – so get in early! Find more information here.

A family-friendly campground on 60 acres of river frontage, Paradise Valley is an unmissable dog-friendly campsite with powered and unpowered sites and cabins  available. Located in Glanmaggie, Victoria, this campground is well looked after with river activities encouraged – kayaking, fishing, tubing, swimming, etc. This area boasts close proximity to a range of local attractions including wineries, restaurants, country pubs and more. Find more information here.

A serene camping area nestled along Freestone Creek, Blue Pool Campground is renowned for its deep swimming hole surrounded by dense, lush forest. Completely welcoming of fur babies, this campground is a walk-in site, meaning you’ll have to park in the designated area and carry your gear to the site. Drop toilets, picnic tables and fire pits can be found at the campground, with unlimited swimming available. Get more information here.

Beauchamp Falls is home to both camping and a breathtaking waterfall experience. Located in Beech Forest, this is not a campground to miss on your road trip. Providing flat, spacious sites for tents, caravans, campervans and more, it’s the perfect place to spend time with your baby dog. Nearby, explore the Beauchamp Falls 1.5km return walking track through lush rainforest, which you can also take your dog on (as long as they are leashed)! Book early here.

Located in the Great Otway National Park, near the town of Forrest, Lake Elizabeth Campground sits next to a lovely lake, offering the perfect opportunity to relax with your dog. Perfect for wildlife lovers, the campground has 20 unpowered sites, with no powered sites available. Bring your dog on a leash and spend time spotting various species of birds, koalas and other animals. The Forrest Mountain Bike Trailhead is close-by for mountain billing enthusiasts. Find more information here.

Sitting pretty in Victoria’s High Country, this campsite is near Myrtleford and stretches over a 166-acre property. Basic amenities are available, including toilet facilities and firepits – but no showers! Bring a maximum of two pets per group, and be sure to clean up after them. Local attractions in the area include the Milawa Cheese Factory and Lake Buffalo. Book a spot early here.