The best dog-friendly campgrounds near Ballarat, Victoria

Looking to go camping near Ballarat, Victoria in Australia with your furry friend? Look no further! Hipcamp has over 1081 options that are pet-friendly in this area. With an average price per night of $39 and options as low as $5, there's something for every budget. Check out some of the top campsites like Rodborough Vale with 514 reviews, Shacks at Kardella Park with 328 reviews, and Hampton Park with 180 reviews. Enjoy popular amenities like cooking equipment, pet-friendly accommodations, and rubbish facilities. And don't forget to indulge in popular activities such as hiking, wildlife watching, and wind sports. Happy camping!

95% (3K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Ballarat

Looking to go camping near Ballarat, Victoria in Australia with your furry friend? Look no further! Hipcamp has over 1081 options that are pet-friendly in this area. With an average price per night of $39 and options as low as $5, there's something for every budget. Check out some of the top campsites like Rodborough Vale with 514 reviews, Shacks at Kardella Park with 328 reviews, and Hampton Park with 180 reviews. Enjoy popular amenities like cooking equipment, pet-friendly accommodations, and rubbish facilities. And don't forget to indulge in popular activities such as hiking, wildlife watching, and wind sports. Happy camping!

95% (3K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Ballarat

1. Korweinguboora Rec Reserve & Hall

100%

(44)

28km from Ballarat · 1 site · Tent, RV

The Korweingy Recreation Reserve is a wonderful country hall and oval. It is 12 minutes from Daylesford and in the heart of the Wombat State Forest. It has a huge hall, kitchen, toilets and showers, and a huge oval. It even has a little lounge area. The oval is the same dimensions AS THE MCG! The site can accommodate up to 30 campers, and you'll have full use of the hall and all facilities. An amazing place for large groups to hold events, and gatherings and only an hour from Melbourne. Enjoy all the area has to offer, and come back to your own paradise in the bush. Wake up to roos on the oval and enjoy a barbie with your group. Please note the hall has power but the camping area has no power. If you live in the Korweinguboora area please email korweinguboorarecreserve@gmail.com to obtain a discount code.

2. Muckleford Bush Block

100%

(98)

60km from Ballarat · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

Our property is a 5 minute drive out of the township of Castlemaine. It is a total of 60 acres with minimal fencing. About 20 acres are cleared paddock and the rest is native box forest. Enjoy picturesque views across the open paddock to the dam, watch the kangaroos, or sit back and relax in the forest. On-site enjoy camping and strolling around the property, or nearby explore the historic towns of Maldon, Newstead or Castlemaine. Camp fires allowed in designated fire places. Dogs are allowed on lead. Must be self contained.

3. Dunolly Camperoos

94%

(9)

80km from Ballarat · 1 site · Tent, RV

Please read all the info before you book... This is an ideal spot for a quiet getaway or as a home base if you want to explore the surrounding areas of Dunolly or Dunolly itself. Early mornings and late evenings you may be lucky to receive visits from Kangaroos. Camp freely around the designated campfire and enjoy an amazing star-gazing experience (on clear nights). The water hole is good for yabbies and great for skipping stones. We swim in it occasionally but prefer to go to the lake. We cannot endorse any swimming or entering the water hole as it is a liability issue and we cannot be responsible for anyone who chooses to swim or enter the area of the waterhole. Dunolly town has a great bakery, a pub, and a supermarket. Lake Laanacoorie 15 mins drive. Great for fishing, boats, and swimming. ***Pit-toilet (portable) available: - There is a pit toilet available for camper use but it's recommended to have a portaloo and use the onsite dunny as an emergency only. ***Keep Clean. -We ask that you take any rubbish with you when you leave. We would appreciate it if you could leave the property as you found it on arrival. ***Warning. -Regular pest control in the area might be a threat to your pet so please ensure that your pet does not stray too far off the property without your supervision. Pest control is usually concentrated in the state forest behind the property. ***Fire Wood: - You can BYO firewood or collect from the roadside. The state forest at the rear may be helpful but please don't cut down any trees. There is often a fallen tree that you can chop up if you have a chainsaw but it'll be easier to find on the roadside or BYO. If I'm able to provide firewood it'll be stacked but this is not something to depend on as it just depends on availability and time that I may not have. ***More info. -The campsite is close to the water hole which means it's also at the front of the property and approx 120m from the main road. You will see a vehicle passing by maybe once per hour in the daytime.

4. Barrm Birrm Park

73km from Ballarat · 1 site · Tent

Private property nestled in the Barrm Birrm Nature Reserve, this spot is ideal for hikers looking for a secluded escape that is still close to Melbourne. The site is on a 'street' disguised as a goat track, and is only accessible by foot. It's around 500m from the (drivable) dirt road. The site is close enough to town to get excellent mobile coverage (and supplies!). There is a permanent picnic table on the site and nothing else. We only hire the site out to one group at a time, so you know you'll have the whole acre to yourself. A fire can be lit only in strict accordance with local restrictions, so be sure to check the current requirements. Barrm Birrm is a special place, full of wildlife and native vegetation, so we ask that you leave the place exactly as you found it. There are no toilets or water close by, so prepare accordingly. ;) Please enjoy this gorgeous space as much as we do.

5. The Irish affect

100%

(6)

18km from Ballarat · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

There are plenty of bushpaths & ample routes to take around the property and plenty of wild life & our goats, chickens and sheep strolling around which you can feed or pet, We will also have some site extras you can avail of ie learn how to do Drystone walling, we have a toilet and hot shower enmities, (from 7am - 8am and evening from 5pm - 6pm weekend times 8am - 9am and evening 4pm - 5pm ) there's a BBQ and fire pit in the common area also, for those cosy family gatherings, we can tailor an area for your visit, why not ask us via email. Fire pits & seating in each area can supply a small BBQ on request Home grown plants / veg produce for sale, (in season and on availability) Stone bird baths,dog bowls,bee baths,plant pots also for sale. (when available) Firewood & kindling for sale. Eggs for sale fresh daily. Bikes to rent for adults and children. We also have a pool trailer you can rent for those hot weekends ( large tandom with high sides & a tarp inside filled with water) For those into moto cross or there off road bikes or 4x4 off roading there are many trails OUTSIDE THE PROPERTY that you can ride/drive if you bring your own bikes or quads or 4x4s (strictly no riding of motorised bikes or quads on the property its against hipcamp policys) Learn how to build stone, dress stone among other things on offer here. We hope you enjoy your stay & thanks for choosing us. Slàncha 🇮🇪

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

M

Megan-Rose

2 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Irish affect

Our stay at this site was an awesome adventure. Paul and his family were so accommodating. Paul made sure we were stocked with firewood for both days of our stay and his wife the boss drove us into town so we could attend the Spilt milk festival. He even offered to walk us back to our camp site when the uber dropped us off at the gate after our night. The camp has a shower and a toilet which are well maintained and the sites are very well spaced so we felt comfortable in our own area. We felt so safe on this stay and very well looked after. Will definitely be booking in a trip back soon. Thank you for having us!

A

Aaron

2 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Irish affect

The host, Paul was absolutely incredible. Very lovely, friendly and just incredible hospitality. Kept us updated on the goings of our camps, and when he topped up our firewood! The campgrounds themselves were great as well, with lots of open area!

T

Toby

2 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Irish affect

Had a fantastic time camping here, would definitely do it again. Beautiful scenery and fair amount of wildlife. 100% recommend

C

Clare

3 weeks ago

5 m travel trailer

3 nights at Muckleford Bush Block

We very much enjoyed the privacy and the generosity of size of Middle Forest site 3. We were also delighted by the show of native wildflowers. Thank you Kat.

K

Kaung

3 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Korweinguboora Rec Reserve & Hall

We really enjoyed our stay at this lovely hall and reserve. The place is peaceful, clean and surrounded by beautiful nature. The hall had everything we needed, and our group felt very comfortable throughout the stay. The playground, open space, and quiet environment were perfect for a relaxing getaway from the city. The hosts were very helpful, friendly, and clear with their communication. We truly appreciate their support and care for the property. Highly recommend this place, and we would love to come back again.

c

craig

November 2025

6 m pop-up camper

With kids

4 nights at Muckleford Bush Block

Great quiet place to stay close to town. Stayed on site 2 overlooking the paddock and was able to watch the sun set.

P

Peter

November 2025

5 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Muckleford Bush Block

Really nice open camping area, very nice bush and our 11 year old Gordon Setter had fun roaming around.

j

john

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Muckleford Bush Block

A lovely property with camp sites tucked away on classic goldfields country replete with delightful frog and bird calls. We didn't meet Kate but communication was great, meaning arrival was flexible. A short drive or ride to Castlemaine.

Michael & Tracey

November 2025

8 m travel trailer

With kids

5 nights at Korweinguboora Rec Reserve & Hall

Our second Family camp there over Melbourne Cup weekend at Korweinguboora Reserve. It's an amazing place to stay for large groups. A big bonus having the hall for the rainy days. Fun nights around a roaring camp fire. Highly recommend.

Campsite 1. In the background is the rise in earth surrounding the water hole.

F

Frank

November 2025

8 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Dunolly Camperoos

Another great camping trip away, the kids love collecting rocks and painting them.

T

Tristan

November 2025

Tent

1 night at The Irish affect

Paul’s property and hospitality is fantastic! Located close to the main town but still maintains the feeling of being in the bush. Hot showers, toilets, and BBQ facilities on site. We stayed on a rainy night and Paul had a fire started and ready for us to go. Cannot recommend this place enough, will definitely be back!

C

Caitlin

October 2025

5 m Class B

With kids

Weekend Trip to Muckleford Bush Block

Gorgeous remnant bushland, heaps of space and lovely to walk around and enjoy the wild flowers.

N

Nils Felix

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at The Irish affect

Camping there was an absolute blast, the hot shower after a long day in Melbourne was the best feeling ever! The host was super kind and always quick to respond to any questions or needs. His hospitality made the whole experience feel welcoming and comfortable. I'd recommend this place to anyone looking for a great outdoor adventure.

M

Margaret

October 2025

10 m travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Korweinguboora Rec Reserve & Hall

Fantastic setup for large groups, fully equiped kitchen, great BBQ area, interior of the hall looks freshly painted, plenty of trestle tables and chairs provided to set up however you like. Kids playground and a large oval, we kicked a footy around, had a hole in one chipping comp and a treasure hunt for the kiddies in the treed area around the oval.

S

Steve

October 2025

8 m pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Muckleford Bush Block

Really enjoyable stay at a property full of space and plenty of nature. The location is great with lots to explore around the area. We really enjoyed our stay and will certainly be back.

R

Rory

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Korweinguboora Rec Reserve & Hall

Amazing surrounds! The hall was so good for our group as well. Will definitely be back next year

D

Damon

October 2025

Tent

1 night at The Irish affect

We absolutely loved our stay. It was a private camp site with amazing scenery. Paul was an unbelievably good host and provided us with such wonderful Irish charm and got a fire started for us which was perfect and left plenty of firewood. Let’s hope the boss gives him a good pay rise for his outstanding efforts. Toilet and bbq was available and a hot shower on request. Couldn’t recommend this spot anymore!

F

Frank

September 2025

6 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Dunolly Camperoos

Great camping spot. Lots of room for the kids and dog to run & explore.

r

rebecca

September 2025

10 m pop-up camper

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Muckleford Bush Block

We had a lovely stay at this site...a last minute decision had us looking for somewhere near Castlemaine and this was just perfect. Kat responded to our request almost immediately so we had a confirmed place to stay and meet with family from Melbourne. The girls went off for a sneaky 9 holes at the very friendly golf club so everyone was happy. Really great site, thanks for having us!

Jag

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Korweinguboora Rec Reserve & Hall

It has become a yearly ritual for our community to conduct our get-togethers at the Korweingy Recreation Reserve. Great hip camp for large groups. Thank you to Sue and the team for making sure the oval is good condition to host a come community sports!