The best pets off leash campgrounds near Mackay, Queensland

Mackay is best known for producing one-third of Australia’s sugar crop, but aside from the sweets, the area features plenty of natural attractions with access to the Great Barrier Reef and inland national parks. Leave the city centre’s Art Deco buildings and Bluewater Quay waterfront behind and venture out to area island national parks—Brampton, Newry, Smith, and South Cumberland are all within easy reach, while Cape Hillsborough and Eungella are best for wildlife.

94% (459)

Top-rated campgrounds

Mackay is best known for producing one-third of Australia’s sugar crop, but aside from the sweets, the area features plenty of natural attractions with access to the Great Barrier Reef and inland national parks. Leave the city centre’s Art Deco buildings and Bluewater Quay waterfront behind and venture out to area island national parks—Brampton, Newry, Smith, and South Cumberland are all within easy reach, while Cape Hillsborough and Eungella are best for wildlife.

94% (459)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Valley View Camping

94%

(208)

55km from Mackay · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Finch Hatton, QLD

Valley View Camping is a 10-acre property, bordered by the magical Eungella National Park. Our place makes a great base to explore the remarkable Finch Hatton Gorge and its many waterfalls, lush flora and volcanic boulders. We have two large, flat, grassed paddocks with sweeping mountain views. We offer up to six campsites, all accessible for any type of vehicle, and you choose where you want to pitch/park on arrival. Both paddocks have easy access to flushing toilets and hot showers. However, the lower paddock has our playground and undercover areas. Your own pets are welcome, we just ask you to please pick up after them. Campfires are permitted in the 2 designated firepits, or if you have your own firepit, brazier or similar. Bring your own firewood. We welcome campers here to enjoy our stunning and peaceful corner of the world, so no loud music please and generators off between the hours of 10pm - 8am.

2. Tide Water Park

100%

(118)

75km from Mackay · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · Carmila, QLD

QUIET, and NATURALLY BEAUTIFUL. 7 camp sites to cater for a relaxing self contained getaway. The beach track has good 4WD access and is very quiet with secluded private camp sites along the track. Group site is set back 50m from the beach and can only be booked by 1 group at a time. It is a large flat area suitable for those traveling with friends. Please message us any questions you may have prior to booking to see what site is best suitable to your camping needs. The diversity of the property showcases an amazing variety of vegitation, birdlife, and buterflies. Many walking trails allow for bird watchers and photographers to explore the wide diversity at Tide Water Park. I'm sorry to all, we have to reiterate this, but we have to due to some filthy campers. NO TOILET, NO ENTRY. We are disgusted to have to pick up used toilet paper. Sorry for the bluntness. A shovel does not cover as a toilet! Our place is a beautiful place and we will not allow this kind of degradation. The Beach is classified as a Green zone under Qld law which means fishing is excluded along the beach. You can fish at the creek mouth to the north. There is also creek access through the property but no camping there. A small boat can be launched and retrieved. Self sufficient camping only. No toilets, showers, dump points or power provided at this time. Horse yards are available if you wish to bring your horse for rides along the beach, obviously all at your own risk. Well behaved, quiet dogs are allowed, and must be kept within the campsite unless your walking them. Be respectful of others. Things to do here include, beach access (walks, drives), horse riding, bird watching, Fishing, Crabbing, A small wet land walk. Or just sit back and watch the beach change with the tide. What to bring and not bring, Insect repellent or be prepared to cover up when sandflies and midges are out. Torches, Sunscreen, rubbish bags. No hunting allowed, No ATV's, side by sides, drones, guns or chainsaws. Generator usage only in the afternoon and early evening. Additive activities available at site: - Bag of firewood - Farm fresh eggs - Crab pots - Seasonal animal experiences

3. Dalrymple Heights Rainforest Stay

98%

(57)

66km from Mackay · 1 site · Tent, RV · Dalrymple Heights, QLD

Relax beside a beautiful spring-fed creek with a rainforest backdrop while clouds float by. We have one private creek site with or without power, you will have the place to yourselves. Amenities are at the main residence up the hill, a shower fee per stay applies. We are not a commercial campground, BBQ and fire pit areas setup for your use at the site and firewood is readily available at fee. The property is located 880m above sea level and 11km up Dalrymple Road in Eungella. The property entrance is concealed and on the left there are three wellie bins opposite a traffic mirror. The front gate is on your left and has a Land for Wildlife sign attached, the gate is aways locked. We have a 150 acre property, 50 acres of which is rainforest with a magical creek winding through it. Rainforest walks have been marked or you can just follow the creek and discover secluded swimming holes with small waterfalls. There are leaches in the rainforest and we recommend that you bring insect repellent and adequate hiking gear. During November firefly´s drift through the property at dusk. Rosellas, King Parrots and Finch's are popular on the property and Cockatoos make a regular visit. Access to the property is by booking only, we recommend, 4WD and AWD during the wet season and if towing but 2WD is ok during the dry times. High clearance caravans up to 9m are ok. Campers are preferred to bring their own amenities and all waste has to be collected and taken off the property. Washing machine and dryer are available for a fee. This is a dog and horse friendly property. We have many ground feeding birds, wallabies and request that animals do not wonder unattended. Please note that we have parasite ticks on the property and recommend that you give your pet a tick treatment prior to arriving. We have no mobile phone coverage on the camp site, limited coverage if you drive up the hill at the highest point. Internet is available at the main residence for emergencies.

4. Forest Flying Camping

100%

(164)

56km from Mackay · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Mackay, QLD

If you want to get away from the rat race for a while this is your ideal location. We take one booking at any one time. You have the site all to yourselves. Your site is three acres of privacy and seclusion, rainforest and a beautiful freshwater creek. Close to walks to Araluen Cascades and the Wheel of fire falls at Finch Hatton Gorge. There are no facilities here, so you need to be fully self-contained. No wifi. No mobile coverage (great to get the kids off the screens). There is plenty of water, firewood and wildlife though. Sometimes you won't be able to access the site as creek floods in heavy rain - can be cut off. Well behaved dogs are welcome. Please note check in is between 2 pm and 5 pm unless arranged otherwise. Access is best suited to 4WD or High Clearance vehicles. Not suitable for small cars. The site is suitable for caravans/trailers 6 metres long or smaller. We can accommodate up to six vehicles on the site (for a large group. travelling together). Forest Flying rainforest activity is next door. ($90 per person - booking essential).  NOTE: check our directions once your booking is confirmed.

5. Valley High

97%

(19)

72km from Mackay · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Bloomsbury, QLD

All New To HIPCAMP! Valley High is a working cattle property offering a range of camping alternatives, camps unique in their own way. Only 3km from the Bruce Hwy makes it convenient for travelers. Positioned very close to Bloomsbury and the Dittman Bull Pit also providing a sanctuary for festival or rodeo goers as an optional camp when events are on.

6. The Creek Retreat

100%

(3)

55km from Mackay · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Finch Hatton, QLD

Bush camping along Finch Hatton Creek, featuring a swimming hole and timber decks along the water’s edge. Enjoy shaded, grassy areas perfect for camping. Located just 8 km from Finch Hatton Gorge and 1 km from the Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trail. We prefer caravans traveling in company of others as a group. The creek is home to abundant platypus and fish. Kayaks are available, and limited fishing (Catch & Release) is permitted. Non-potable water is available onsite. Please note: there are no showers or laundry facilities. As this is a registered nature reserve, pets are permitted on leash.

7. Fruit Farm Camp

97%

(39)

76km from Mackay · 5 sites · RVs · Bloomsbury, QLD

Fruit Farm Camp offers a peaceful retreat for mature travellers. The unpowered mown campsites are situated ajacent to a farm unfenced dam and on cleared acreage surrounded by natural bush. After 6 months touring Queensland in 2021 with our own caravan, we decided to develop a picturesque area at the back of our land for mature travellers to enjoy. 20 Years ago the land was virgin scrub, now there are over 300 established different exotic fruit, nut, spice and bush tucker trees and plants. We use a number of different farming techniques. Our own beehives provide pollination and honey. A small farm produce shop is available. Guests have access to a toilet, solar powered showers and the camp kitchen throughout their stay. Campfires are permitted outside of restrictions and we have firewood available for guests to use on site. There is a 1.5 km undulating bush walk on the property requiring average fitness. We are located four kilometres from the Bruce Highway at Bloomsbury, access is via sealed road then 300m of gravel road through the farm. We are just 10 mins from the beach or O'Connell river fishing, 1 hour to Mackay or Airlie Beach, 3 kms to the Dittman Bullarama site and 15 minutes to Bredls Wild Farm. Well behaved pets are welcome. Extras: Fruit tasting and guided Farm tour available when staying 2 nights or more. Honey and farm produce for sale. Free book exchange.

8. Grasstree Ridge

100%

(11)

74km from Mackay · 68 sites · Tents, RVs · Bloomsbury, QLD

Grasstree Ridge is our little slice of heaven; 150 luscious acres of tropical bushland, just off the coastline of Bloomsbury, QLD. Our convenient location puts you one hour north of Mackay, forty-five minutes south of Airlie Beach, or head inland to Finch Hatton, fifty-five minutes. Effectively, we are in the middle of some gorgeous spots & popular tourists attractions! ⛱️ 🏞️ We have fresh water creeks a short drive from the property to cool off in, just ask us for directions to them during your stay! Lucky for us, Bredl's Wild Life farm is just around the corner! (12km) Take a selfie with a wombat, cuddle a koala, or brave holding some freaky reptiles-plus much more! 🐨 And for the thrill-seeking adventurists, Airlie Beach Skydiving is only twenty-five minutes from the property, are you brave enough? 😉 If that's not you, and you're just looking for a taste of the quiet life, then bring the boat and your fishing gear, and get ready to catch some tasty reef fish! The Midge Point boat ramp is only a 15 minute drive from the property. However you choose to spend your day, you'll be happy to know that also in the beachside town of Midge Point, you'll find the Point tavern, for delicious dinner and cold beers! And for only a five minute drive, you'll find the 24hr BP service station, with a bottle shop open 10am-8pm. They also provide hot showers! The property is roamed by many farm and wild animals! Keep an eye out for the gorgeous wildlife amongst the property, as you may be lucky enough to see an echidna or a dear! We have domesticated donkeys, pigs, goats, sheep, birds etc-please note our animals are free range so please ensure you secure your food and belongings. And don't worry, they're all very friendly and love a pet! 🐷🫏 We look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful oasis. 🍄✨

9. Sea View Hill

80%

(5)

73km from Mackay · 1 site · Tent, RV · Bloomsbury, QLD

Discover a tranquil retreat nestled within a lush, wooded property. Our property offers a picturesque setting with a dam and a running creek. A small herd of cattle roams freely and there are a few other smaller animals adding to the rustic charm. The property has a track which leads up to Sea View Hill lookout that has beautiful sea views of Midge Point and Exmoor Station. A great place to set up camp and immerse yourself in nature. And if you’re up for a challenge, Hellmans Pass beckons—a steep trail down the north side of the property that will truly test your off-road skills. Local attractions: Airlie Beach (50mins), Midge Point (20mins) and Proserpine (30min), Cathu State Forest (30mins), Local Truckstop/convenience store (5mins) Escape to our peaceful haven and create lasting memories amidst the beauty of the outdoors.

Camper favorites near Mackay

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Forest Flying Camping

100%

(164)

56km from Mackay · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Mackay, QLD

If you want to get away from the rat race for a while this is your ideal location. We take one booking at any one time. You have the site all to yourselves. Your site is three acres of privacy and seclusion, rainforest and a beautiful freshwater creek. Close to walks to Araluen Cascades and the Wheel of fire falls at Finch Hatton Gorge. There are no facilities here, so you need to be fully self-contained. No wifi. No mobile coverage (great to get the kids off the screens). There is plenty of water, firewood and wildlife though. Sometimes you won't be able to access the site as creek floods in heavy rain - can be cut off. Well behaved dogs are welcome. Please note check in is between 2 pm and 5 pm unless arranged otherwise. Access is best suited to 4WD or High Clearance vehicles. Not suitable for small cars. The site is suitable for caravans/trailers 6 metres long or smaller. We can accommodate up to six vehicles on the site (for a large group. travelling together). Forest Flying rainforest activity is next door. ($90 per person - booking essential).  NOTE: check our directions once your booking is confirmed.

Valley High

97%

(19)

72km from Mackay · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Bloomsbury, QLD

All New To HIPCAMP! Valley High is a working cattle property offering a range of camping alternatives, camps unique in their own way. Only 3km from the Bruce Hwy makes it convenient for travelers. Positioned very close to Bloomsbury and the Dittman Bull Pit also providing a sanctuary for festival or rodeo goers as an optional camp when events are on.

The Creek Retreat

100%

(3)

55km from Mackay · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Finch Hatton, QLD

Bush camping along Finch Hatton Creek, featuring a swimming hole and timber decks along the water’s edge. Enjoy shaded, grassy areas perfect for camping. Located just 8 km from Finch Hatton Gorge and 1 km from the Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trail. We prefer caravans traveling in company of others as a group. The creek is home to abundant platypus and fish. Kayaks are available, and limited fishing (Catch & Release) is permitted. Non-potable water is available onsite. Please note: there are no showers or laundry facilities. As this is a registered nature reserve, pets are permitted on leash.

Fruit Farm Camp

97%

(39)

76km from Mackay · 5 sites · RVs · Bloomsbury, QLD

Fruit Farm Camp offers a peaceful retreat for mature travellers. The unpowered mown campsites are situated ajacent to a farm unfenced dam and on cleared acreage surrounded by natural bush. After 6 months touring Queensland in 2021 with our own caravan, we decided to develop a picturesque area at the back of our land for mature travellers to enjoy. 20 Years ago the land was virgin scrub, now there are over 300 established different exotic fruit, nut, spice and bush tucker trees and plants. We use a number of different farming techniques. Our own beehives provide pollination and honey. A small farm produce shop is available. Guests have access to a toilet, solar powered showers and the camp kitchen throughout their stay. Campfires are permitted outside of restrictions and we have firewood available for guests to use on site. There is a 1.5 km undulating bush walk on the property requiring average fitness. We are located four kilometres from the Bruce Highway at Bloomsbury, access is via sealed road then 300m of gravel road through the farm. We are just 10 mins from the beach or O'Connell river fishing, 1 hour to Mackay or Airlie Beach, 3 kms to the Dittman Bullarama site and 15 minutes to Bredls Wild Farm. Well behaved pets are welcome. Extras: Fruit tasting and guided Farm tour available when staying 2 nights or more. Honey and farm produce for sale. Free book exchange.

Grasstree Ridge

100%

(11)

74km from Mackay · 68 sites · Tents, RVs · Bloomsbury, QLD

Grasstree Ridge is our little slice of heaven; 150 luscious acres of tropical bushland, just off the coastline of Bloomsbury, QLD. Our convenient location puts you one hour north of Mackay, forty-five minutes south of Airlie Beach, or head inland to Finch Hatton, fifty-five minutes. Effectively, we are in the middle of some gorgeous spots & popular tourists attractions! ⛱️ 🏞️ We have fresh water creeks a short drive from the property to cool off in, just ask us for directions to them during your stay! Lucky for us, Bredl's Wild Life farm is just around the corner! (12km) Take a selfie with a wombat, cuddle a koala, or brave holding some freaky reptiles-plus much more! 🐨 And for the thrill-seeking adventurists, Airlie Beach Skydiving is only twenty-five minutes from the property, are you brave enough? 😉 If that's not you, and you're just looking for a taste of the quiet life, then bring the boat and your fishing gear, and get ready to catch some tasty reef fish! The Midge Point boat ramp is only a 15 minute drive from the property. However you choose to spend your day, you'll be happy to know that also in the beachside town of Midge Point, you'll find the Point tavern, for delicious dinner and cold beers! And for only a five minute drive, you'll find the 24hr BP service station, with a bottle shop open 10am-8pm. They also provide hot showers! The property is roamed by many farm and wild animals! Keep an eye out for the gorgeous wildlife amongst the property, as you may be lucky enough to see an echidna or a dear! We have domesticated donkeys, pigs, goats, sheep, birds etc-please note our animals are free range so please ensure you secure your food and belongings. And don't worry, they're all very friendly and love a pet! 🐷🫏 We look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful oasis. 🍄✨

Sea View Hill

80%

(5)

73km from Mackay · 1 site · Tent, RV · Bloomsbury, QLD

Discover a tranquil retreat nestled within a lush, wooded property. Our property offers a picturesque setting with a dam and a running creek. A small herd of cattle roams freely and there are a few other smaller animals adding to the rustic charm. The property has a track which leads up to Sea View Hill lookout that has beautiful sea views of Midge Point and Exmoor Station. A great place to set up camp and immerse yourself in nature. And if you’re up for a challenge, Hellmans Pass beckons—a steep trail down the north side of the property that will truly test your off-road skills. Local attractions: Airlie Beach (50mins), Midge Point (20mins) and Proserpine (30min), Cathu State Forest (30mins), Local Truckstop/convenience store (5mins) Escape to our peaceful haven and create lasting memories amidst the beauty of the outdoors.

Stories from the community

Amenities and camp kitchen next to 2nd waterhole

t

thomas

3 weeks ago

7 m Class B

1 night at Fruit Farm Camp

Kaye and Nick are very kind and openhearted hosts. The Camp Farm ist a very beautiful area and it is really nice to stay there. Thomas and Iris

J

Jon

November 2025

4 m pop-up camper

With kids

Weekend Trip to Forest Flying Camping

This was a great little spot to enjoy some time away. We really enjoy the peaceful surroundings and sitting in or by the creek. We will certainly be coming back! Thank you.

W

Woody

October 2025

10 m pop-up camper

With kids

Weekend Trip to Valley View Camping

Really nice quiet spot. Toilet and showers well maintained.

R

Ray

October 2025

14 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Creek Retreat

Good quiet spot with plenty of shade and awesome swimming hole that you can also hand feed fish and turtles

Ian

October 2025

7 m travel trailer

1 night at Valley View Camping

Great location, short drive to the gorge walks. Quiet spot with clean amenities.

L

Luciana

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Valley View Camping

Great place to take our dog, he was free to run and have fun. The toilet block is amazing and very clean plus it has a real shower!! It was very hot and we were so relieved to get there and see there's a covered area, chairs and the table is also under cover.

S

Sammy

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Tide Water Park

Claire was lovely over the phone and Paul was so genuine and accommodating. He even showed us where we could drive on the beach! We caught three bream in just two hours. Such a tidy and beautiful place — peaceful and relaxing. Definitely our new favourite spot. It’s also a dogs heaven, plenty of place to run and play.

Allison

October 2025

7 m travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at The Creek Retreat

We spent four blissful nights camping on a peaceful farm beside a stunning creek in Finch Hatton, and it was absolute magic. The setting was serene and secluded—just two camper spots allowed at a time, which meant we had plenty of space and privacy to unwind with our friends (two caravans total). Nature put on a show for us every day: we spotted platypus gliding through the water, vibrant blue butterflies fluttering by, fireflies twinkling at dusk, and turtles and fish in the creek. It felt like our own private wildlife sanctuary. One of the highlights was the beautiful deck overlooking the water, complete with a comfy hammock—perfect for lazy afternoons and soaking in the view. The host also provides four kayaks and four floating mats, which made exploring the creek even more fun and relaxing. Our dogs loved it too—they could roam off-leash without worry, and we never had to stress about other campers being too close. The whole experience was incredibly peaceful and rejuvenating. Highly recommend this slice of paradise to anyone looking for tranquility, nature, and a truly special camping experience.

R

Renee

October 2025

6 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Forest Flying Camping

We loved it here. The dogs and kids loved playing in the creek. It’s was a little tight for our caravans but we made it work with some precise and advanced level reversing skills 😉 it was a beautiful and relaxing spot and the fireflies made it so magical. Thank-you

Cathy

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Tide Water Park

Another great weekend thank you Paul. Hope to see you again soon

B

Brendon

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Dalrymple Heights Rainforest Stay

Fantastic location, beautiful creek for a dip right near the campsite. The site is well set up with a picnic table, hammock/chair and multiple options for a fire. Amenities are just a few hundred metres away. Hosts were helpful when required but left us alone otherwise.

L

Lindsay

October 2025

5 m car

With pets

2 nights at Forest Flying Camping

Amazing couple of days celebrating a birthday - had whole campsite to ourselves and our three dogs. Beautiful part of the world. Peaceful and fire at night - first time we’d tried our pop top.

D

Dan

September 2025

5 m pop-up camper

With kids

Weekend Trip to Tide Water Park

Amazing place, very friendly people. Really enjoy camping here.

Amanda

September 2025

7 m pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Valley View Camping

Pretty surroundings, the location was close to the Gorge, Pinnacle Hotel & Finch Hatton which made for a good day out. Hot showers & flushing toilets were a treat whilst camping 🏕️ Grounds were a little run down but still had usable picnic tables & shelter. We were in a group of 5 vehicles/camps & had the entire lower camp to ourselves which was so peaceful.

B

Billie

September 2025

6 m pop-up camper

With kids

3 nights at Tide Water Park

Fabulous! Very well organised, lovely welcome from our hosts. Great communication from the first. While there are no amenities the sites are open & well kept in nice locations. Was easy to set up & relax pretty quickly. There are a few sites but far apart enough to have tonnes of privacy/space. Will grudgingly recommend (only grudgingly because we’d prefer to keep this place to ourselves!)

L

Leticia

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Tide Water Park

Fantastic stay, our site was a 5 second walk to the beach, fantastic views, our dog was allowed off leash for the whole stay, Clare is a great host looking forward to going back with the grandkids, good distance between sites so you didn’t hear your neighbours. Very relaxing.

D

Danielle

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Tide Water Park

Great location. Beautiful by the beach. Good amount of room. Host was so kind and helped me when I got bogged on the way out. A lovely stay.

D

Damian

September 2025

8 m travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Tide Water Park

Wonderful stay. Was supposed to be 1 night, but changed to 3 nights when we saw how lovely and relaxing it was. Paul & Clare were fantastic hosts and took us to see turtles and horses. Highly recommend

D

Dan

September 2025

5 m travel trailer

With kids

2 nights at Tide Water Park

Great place, quiet private camp sites, kids had fun exploring the rock pools and seeing the turtles and fishing in the creek. Paul and Clare are great people, happy to help with anything we needed including a tow when we got bogged. Highly recommended. Thanks

G

Gen

September 2025

7 m travel trailer

2 nights at Valley View Camping

Great location for Finch Hatton & Eungella. Well maintained and nice views. Very pleased to see platypus at Eungella!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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The best pets off leash camping near Mackay guide

When to go

The cooler months of April to September are the best times to visit, as summer daytime temperatures can hit 35°C (95°F) and higher. Daytime temperatures and humidity can be high at any time of the year, while nights are generally cool. The area sometimes draws cyclones between November and April.

Know before you go

Do not feed agile wallabies or any other native animals on Cape Hillsborough Beach. Human food can make them sick, and they can also become aggressive if fed.
Take extreme care around waterfalls and fast-flowing streams, especially around Finch Hatton Gorge. Fatal accidents and serious injuries have occurred on slippery rocks and steep slopes.
Mackay offers a number of spots where you can stock up on supplies, in addition to a post office, pharmacy, visitor information centre, bank, and car hire companies.
Camping permits are required for all Queensland parks, forests, and reserves and must be booked online and paid for before arrival. Make camping bookings as early as possible, especially for around Christmas.