The best dog-friendly campgrounds near Encounter Bay, South Australia

Camping with your pets in Encounter Bay is straightforward: over 300 sites welcome furry companions, so you won’t have to leave anyone behind. Expect pet-friendly spots near the coast, tucked behind sand dunes, and hidden along bush tracks. Showers and campfires are standard, and most sites let you fish, hike, or spot wildlife straight from your tent. Prices start at just $10 a night, with the average around $45. Locals and travellers alike rave about Noorla Farm (Happy Camping Ground) (253 reviews), Harry’s Rockleigh Bush Camp (168 reviews), and Cooinda Retreats - RV and Camp Stay (136 reviews) for their relaxed vibes and easy access to the best of Encounter Bay. Bring leads, pack for unpredictable weather, and don’t be surprised if a kangaroo or two wanders past your site.

97% (1.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Encounter Bay

Camping with your pets in Encounter Bay is straightforward: over 300 sites welcome furry companions, so you won’t have to leave anyone behind. Expect pet-friendly spots near the coast, tucked behind sand dunes, and hidden along bush tracks. Showers and campfires are standard, and most sites let you fish, hike, or spot wildlife straight from your tent. Prices start at just $10 a night, with the average around $45. Locals and travellers alike rave about Noorla Farm (Happy Camping Ground) (253 reviews), Harry’s Rockleigh Bush Camp (168 reviews), and Cooinda Retreats - RV and Camp Stay (136 reviews) for their relaxed vibes and easy access to the best of Encounter Bay. Bring leads, pack for unpredictable weather, and don’t be surprised if a kangaroo or two wanders past your site.

97% (1.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Encounter Bay

1. Drifting Sands Quarter Horses

100%

(7)

19km from Encounter Bay · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Relax and unwind with beautiful picturesque panoramic views and the serenity of horse life. Powered and unpowered site available. We are an active horse stud and training facility where you’re welcome to observe the wonders of horse behaviour and other natural wildlife.

2. Hallmark Farm Equine Retreat

98%

(27)

74km from Encounter Bay · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

Based on 45 acres Hallmark Farm is the homenif Silver medal Olympian and Equestrian Hall of famer Megan Jones. We have onsite cross country course (where you can settle in amongst the gum trees). You are more than welcome to watch Megan training her team of text olympic stars, watch lessons, play with Noodle (our sons miniature pony). Close to fox creek mountain bike park, barristers block winery and the main street of woodside We are right in the heart of the Adelaide hills. We have a workshop if u need some help with repairs on the road, large gravel car park for bigger set ups (we hace a 26 tonne horse truck so we can accomodate you longer rigs!), also have onsite BNB if ur wanting a bed and a hot shower! Let us know what you need and we would be only too happy to help. we spend 25 weekends of the year competing all around Australia and overseas with our horses so we certainly know what its like to have somewhere safe to come and rest your head..

3. The Plateau Adventures

94%

(18)

76km from Encounter Bay · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

Welcome to The Plateau Adventures — your gateway to an unforgettable off-grid escape on a stunning 100-acre property in the heart of Rockleigh. This is where the rugged beauty of rural South Australia meets the calm of total seclusion. Set atop the highest point in the region, The Plateau Adventures offers sweeping views of the Adelaide Hills and a peaceful, unspoiled natural environment. Whether you’re seeking stillness, solitude, or a back-to-basics outdoor experience, this is the place to switch off, slow down, and reconnect. This is a DIY camping experience, perfectly suited to self-contained travellers with RVs, caravans, camper trailers, SUVs, or 4WDs. There are currently no shelters, facilities, or amenities on-site, so it’s essential to come fully prepared with everything you need for your stay — from water and power to shade and comfort. What we do offer is space, nature and lots of it. Wake up to the sounds of native birds, breathe in crisp country air, and explore our working landscape filled with diverse flora and fauna. You can wander sheep trails, discover pockets of bushland, great for mountain biking too, or simply find your favourite spot to relax and take in the view. For those curious about farm life, we offer optional guided walks where you can meet some of our friendly animals and learn more about life on the land. Come ready to immerse yourself in the raw beauty of The Plateau, where the adventure is yours to create.

from

AU$51

/ night

4. Aldinga Bay Bungalows

31km from Encounter Bay · 2 sites · Lodging

Walk or ride along the beautiful Aldinga Sellick's beach, feed the ducks and chickens, enjoy our farm fresh eggs when the girls are laying, Say Hello to Bob and knuckles our family's Alpacas. See what's to pick from our veggie garden called Patch in the paddock, enjoy a beverage on the veranda while watching the sunset, wake up the sounds of the ocean and the bird life. BBQ in the courtyard or dine out at the many local restaurants like the Victory hotel or the Pearl. Visit the Willunga's farmers Market and grab yourself some organic ingredients to cook yourself a feast in our fully equipped Kitchen. Spacious 3 bedrooms 2 king beds 1 double.

5. Illabunda

100%

(3)

64km from Encounter Bay · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Illabunda is situated 30 minutes from the toll gate 20 minutes from Tailem bend and 10 minutes from Monarto zoo. We are on a small parcel of acreage along the Bremer river, we have 3 horses, pony and a mixed bunch of chickens. 🐓 Paddock with shelter available $25 per horse per night, 2kms up the hill is the Monarto woodlands great for trail riding. If you would like to hire our Jayco Expanda please message me to enquire. Paddock camp spots and caravan spots available If you like a bit of bird spotting or frog dreaming then you will love this spot.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

K

Karen

6 days ago

8 m travel trailer

5 nights at The Plateau Adventures

Was a great farmstay, plenty of room, beautiful views, your on top of the world/plateau, great base to explore Hahndorf, Monarto Safari Park, Adelaide Hills, great host. Only negative and I think 🤔 it was just unlucky for us that it was very windy. It got to the stage of uncomfortable but locals that we chatted to said the wind was not normal. Stay was Xmas 2025. Would recommend stay but take warm clothes just in case the weather changes. We had looked at temps before we left home but the wind was unexpected.

R

Rebecca

November 2025

8 m travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hallmark Farm Equine Retreat

We had a wonderful stay! The host was friendly and quick to reply, which made everything easy and welcoming. Our boys absolutely loved the horses — it was such a highlight for them to watch some horses being ridden and to be able to give them all pats. The property itself is beautiful, with lush green grass and open fields that gave the kids a real sense of freedom. The location was perfect too — close to gorgeous cafés and plenty of fresh local produce. We had a great time and would definitely love to come back!

D

David

October 2025

12 m travel trailer

4 nights at The Plateau Adventures

Great views. Still very natural environment. Plenty of space between sites.

Katherine

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hallmark Farm Equine Retreat

It was an incredible stay, James and his family are so welcoming and helpful and being able to set up and watch the horses was amazing we had a really great stay.

S

Sean

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Plateau Adventures

I absolutely loved camping at the plateau. Its such a beautiful serene place. Fantastic for the rugged style camping. The views are spectacular and Jarrod is such a fantastic host. Make sure you have a strong sturdy tent, I recommend a dome tent as the winds can get intense sometimes as your very high up. This style of camping is for experienced campers. I loved every part of it and I will definitely be going up there regularly.

A

Adam

October 2025

6 m pop-up camper

With kids

Weekend Trip to Illabunda

Nice paddock camp site, surprisingly quite next to the freeway. Hosts very friendly and welcoming. I would recommend for a close to adelaide peaceful get away

E

Evan

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Plateau Adventures

Very hospitable and friendly host. Lovely camping spots available with wonderful views.

S

Sarah

August 2025

3 m pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Plateau Adventures

It’s the most beautiful hidden spot on top of a plateau, our second time back and we will be back again!

I

Irena

June 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Plateau Adventures

The property looked great and we can’t wait to return, however, on this occasion we had to cancel due to extreme weather conditions.

N

Natasha

May 2025

9 m travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hallmark Farm Equine Retreat

Staying at Hallmark farm was so beautiful! The kids loved the horses and loved running around! The staff looking after the horses were lovely and were happy to have a chat with us and answer questions! Definitely recommend for those who can go completely off grid and love horses 🐎

Jamie

April 2025

8 m pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to The Plateau Adventures

Great spot. Awesome views. Secluded. Peaceful. Didn’t see or hear any other campers. Good sheep tracks for a hike or mountain bike.

T

Tanya

April 2025

6 m pop-up camper

4 nights at The Plateau Adventures

Absolutely stunning views and host was friendly and helpful. Got a tad windy on top of the hill and ended up leaving early due to a change in the weather but would go there again.

B

Beth

April 2025

Tent

With kids

4 nights at Drifting Sands Quarter Horses

We thoroughly enjoyed the natural, completely secluded and safe camping spot. Our children and pup spent hours climbing trees, chasing butterflies and star gazing. We loved the private setting, with our own entrance that weaved through paddocks of horses and kangaroos. A true nature lovers paradise - We will be back!

Rachael

April 2025

4 m pop-up camper

With pets

4 nights at Drifting Sands Quarter Horses

Perfect, peaceful bush camp in a gorgeous valley. Still close enough to Victor Harbour & beaches. Mike & Belinda easy to communicate with, didn't hassle you once you find a spot. Have to mention the Belgium Waffle Cafe called "Belicious" on way into town. Bloody awesome feed!!

B

Bev

March 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hallmark Farm Equine Retreat

Great place to relax and chill. Loved being around the horses .James was super friendly and helpful and so were the staff too. Highly recommend

S

Sarah

March 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Plateau Adventures

Stunning views across the hills, a definite place to return to, no one for miles!

C

Caleb

January 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at The Plateau Adventures

Fantastic area with a beautiful view. Host was absolutely lovely to deal with! Definitely coming back here

A

Anil

January 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hallmark Farm Equine Retreat

Very good camp site. Cross country sites are not completely flat but you would find spots where you can place two swags. Not much to do around other than horse gazing at you or vicevarsa. Foodland is just 2 mins away and close to playground where kids can have fun. Other than there is this beautiful overlooking stars and moon during clear sky.

K

Kylie

January 2025

5 m travel trailer

With kids

2 nights at Hallmark Farm Equine Retreat

Fantastic place to stay in a beautiful region. Was a great base for exploring the Adelaide Hills, with so many great wineries on the doorstep. Will definitely stay here again.

T

Tom

January 2025

Tent

3 nights at The Plateau Adventures

Very friendly and helpful host Great views and lots of wildlife