The best dog-friendly camping near Deer Park

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In the western outskirts of Melbourne, less than 20 kilometres from the CBD, sits the suburb of Deer Park. It's bordered to the north by Kororoit Creek and the creeks adjacent Kororoit Creek Trail, a multi-use trail for cyclists and pedestrians. Deer Park is primarily residential, with some commercial areas along with plenty of parks and nature reserves, many with playgrounds and dog parks. If you're looking for a bit of urban nature, head to Lake Chamoun, which offers a mix of footpaths and grassy parklands plus ample opportunities for birding.

92% (5.1K) 229 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Deer Park

Silver Creek Escape

1. Silver Creek Escape

99%
(165)
62km from Deer Park · 1 site · Tent, RV
If you’re looking for a place to set up camp while enjoying a hike through Kinglake National Park then our little space is just made for you. There are plenty of day walks starting right next to your camp or you can go for a swim in the nearby King Parrot Creek. With just 40min drive to Yarra Valley Wineries you are in a perfect location to set up camp and explore the region. Our pet friendly property is located in a quiet neighbourhood, easily accessible from the road (no 4WD needed) and ideal for swags, tents or campers. Power, tank water, bins and compost toilet are included! The space is part of our front yard and our property is located at the end of a quiet no through road. Your camp site is tucked in between the trees away from our family house with plenty of flat space. Sit at the picnic table or around the fire pit (season permitting) and take in the piece and quiet with plenty of wildlife to enjoy.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$61
 / night
Merriwoola

2. Merriwoola

100%
(11)
62km from Deer Park · 1 site
Merriwoola (Merri Wominjeka : Stones Welcome) is a property of outstanding natural beauty and offers guests a sanctuary from the world surrounded by parkland bush, mysterious boulders resting amongst the trees and numerous native animals including wombats, echidnas, kanagroos, wallabies, possums, koala and the most extraordinary birdlife. The property is defined by an ancient water course that cuts a 1km ravine through the property. During the winter the dry boulder-strewn gorge is transformed with waterfalls and cascades along its length and regardless of the season transports you to another time and place. There is limited solar power (enough for phones and laptops) and low flow water (enough to brush your teeth). Neither is guaranteed to be available. A wood stove heats the hut, boils the kettle and cooks your dinner; firewood is included. An open outdoor bathroom includes a sink, bath and drop toilet. Hot water is available but not promised. The hut is fenced and well-behaved dogs are welcome. This property is suited to resourceful guests who are familiar with lighting fires, swinging an axe and understanding rural courtesies. The abundance of wildlife is used to peace so if you are taking a dog with you then please keep it within eyesight and always under your control. Please also consider that the mobs of kangaroos that roam the property include some large bucks (boomers) that can be confrontational if surprised so please proceed with caution if approaching grazing animals.
Toilets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
AU$257
 / night
Kyneton Quiet Camp Out

3. Kyneton Quiet Camp Out

99%
(168)
63km from Deer Park · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
We welcome everyone who would like to relax whilst respecting the environment and all fellow hipcampers. We are family and dog friendly, with the space for multiple families to camp together on our spacious sites. THIS PROPERTY IS NOT SUITABLE FOR DRUNKEN AND/OR NOISY PARTYING!!! Pitch your completely self-sufficient sleeping quarters on our peaceful, flat, 7 acre property which backs onto the Bald Hill Nature Reserve and is less than five minutes drive from Kyneton’s historic Piper Street which is full of delightful restaurants and cafes. Take under an hour to drive up and explore beautiful Bendigo, experience delightful Daylesford nearby and meander around the wonderful wineries of the Macedon Ranges. Campfires are allowed subject to local fire restrictions and must be fully extinguished before you turn in for the night. Please search for the CFA website 'Fire Danger Period: Can I or Can't I?' which has all of the appropriate information. Each site has a fire pit which you can use providing it is not a total fire ban. Firewood is available at a cost to you of $50 per wheelbarrow load which will easily cover two nights. We have four separate camping locations on the property; you can easily have up to four RVs on sites 1, 2 and 4 and two on site 3. We have tried to ensure privacy for each location but you may be able to see other guests and/or the house through the many trees. Please be aware that there are two dams on the property so children should supervised at all times. My own children swim in the dam and there is a kayak available but lifejackets must be worn by children in, around and on the water to minimise risk. Pets are welcome. The kangaroos may prove quite enticing for some pets and as such we recommend dogs be kept on their leash. Site 4 has ringlock fencing and farm gates which can be helpful to contain your pets. Please be aware that the Kyneton Gun Club has their monthly clay target shoot on the 3rd Sunday of each month (2nd Sunday in December) from 11am until 5pm during which time you will hear them clay pigeon shooting. We are NOT a commercial campsite and, as such, you must be fully self-contained for power, water, showers, sewage, refuse disposal, etc. Guests under the age of 25 must be accompanied by their parents.
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
AU$49
 / night
Rivers Run

4. Rivers Run

100%
(15)
65km from Deer Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
At our location, you'll enjoy easy access to Burgans Track for horse riding and bike riding adventures. We offer a horse arena (please note it's not fenced) for those with equine companions, and there are six horse yards available for your convenience. If you're a fishing enthusiast, you'll find the nearby river a perfect spot to cast your line and enjoy a relaxing day by the water. For a delightful culinary experience, there's a winery within walking distance, and they serve pizza on weekends, making it an ideal spot for a weekend treat. Should you need to visit town, Kinglake is just a 10-minute drive away, offering a hotel, pizza options, and charming cafes to explore. You can choose to camp by the river, making the most of the serene natural setting. Please remember that guests must be fully self-contained with their own toilet and shower facilities, and it's essential to take all waste with you upon departure. Additionally, campfires are more than welcome in our designated fire pit, creating a cozy atmosphere for you and your fellow campers to enjoy. Pets are allowed on leash. 
Campfires
Potable water
Picnic table
from 
AU$37
 / night
Reedy Creek Camping

5. Reedy Creek Camping

98%
(50)
67km from Deer Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Stunning 52 acre property only an hr from the Melbourne CBD but another world away.
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Potable water
from 
AU$55
 / night

In the western outskirts of Melbourne, less than 20 kilometres from the CBD, sits the suburb of Deer Park. It's bordered to the north by Kororoit Creek and the creeks adjacent Kororoit Creek Trail, a multi-use trail for cyclists and pedestrians. Deer Park is primarily residential, with some commercial areas along with plenty of parks and nature reserves, many with playgrounds and dog parks. If you're looking for a bit of urban nature, head to Lake Chamoun, which offers a mix of footpaths and grassy parklands plus ample opportunities for birding.

92% (5.1K) 229 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Deer Park

Silver Creek Escape

1. Silver Creek Escape

99%
(165)
62km from Deer Park · 1 site · Tent, RV
If you’re looking for a place to set up camp while enjoying a hike through Kinglake National Park then our little space is just made for you. There are plenty of day walks starting right next to your camp or you can go for a swim in the nearby King Parrot Creek. With just 40min drive to Yarra Valley Wineries you are in a perfect location to set up camp and explore the region. Our pet friendly property is located in a quiet neighbourhood, easily accessible from the road (no 4WD needed) and ideal for swags, tents or campers. Power, tank water, bins and compost toilet are included! The space is part of our front yard and our property is located at the end of a quiet no through road. Your camp site is tucked in between the trees away from our family house with plenty of flat space. Sit at the picnic table or around the fire pit (season permitting) and take in the piece and quiet with plenty of wildlife to enjoy.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$61
 / night
Merriwoola

2. Merriwoola

100%
(11)
62km from Deer Park · 1 site
Merriwoola (Merri Wominjeka : Stones Welcome) is a property of outstanding natural beauty and offers guests a sanctuary from the world surrounded by parkland bush, mysterious boulders resting amongst the trees and numerous native animals including wombats, echidnas, kanagroos, wallabies, possums, koala and the most extraordinary birdlife. The property is defined by an ancient water course that cuts a 1km ravine through the property. During the winter the dry boulder-strewn gorge is transformed with waterfalls and cascades along its length and regardless of the season transports you to another time and place. There is limited solar power (enough for phones and laptops) and low flow water (enough to brush your teeth). Neither is guaranteed to be available. A wood stove heats the hut, boils the kettle and cooks your dinner; firewood is included. An open outdoor bathroom includes a sink, bath and drop toilet. Hot water is available but not promised. The hut is fenced and well-behaved dogs are welcome. This property is suited to resourceful guests who are familiar with lighting fires, swinging an axe and understanding rural courtesies. The abundance of wildlife is used to peace so if you are taking a dog with you then please keep it within eyesight and always under your control. Please also consider that the mobs of kangaroos that roam the property include some large bucks (boomers) that can be confrontational if surprised so please proceed with caution if approaching grazing animals.
Toilets
Showers
Hot Tub
from 
AU$257
 / night
Kyneton Quiet Camp Out

3. Kyneton Quiet Camp Out

99%
(168)
63km from Deer Park · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
We welcome everyone who would like to relax whilst respecting the environment and all fellow hipcampers. We are family and dog friendly, with the space for multiple families to camp together on our spacious sites. THIS PROPERTY IS NOT SUITABLE FOR DRUNKEN AND/OR NOISY PARTYING!!! Pitch your completely self-sufficient sleeping quarters on our peaceful, flat, 7 acre property which backs onto the Bald Hill Nature Reserve and is less than five minutes drive from Kyneton’s historic Piper Street which is full of delightful restaurants and cafes. Take under an hour to drive up and explore beautiful Bendigo, experience delightful Daylesford nearby and meander around the wonderful wineries of the Macedon Ranges. Campfires are allowed subject to local fire restrictions and must be fully extinguished before you turn in for the night. Please search for the CFA website 'Fire Danger Period: Can I or Can't I?' which has all of the appropriate information. Each site has a fire pit which you can use providing it is not a total fire ban. Firewood is available at a cost to you of $50 per wheelbarrow load which will easily cover two nights. We have four separate camping locations on the property; you can easily have up to four RVs on sites 1, 2 and 4 and two on site 3. We have tried to ensure privacy for each location but you may be able to see other guests and/or the house through the many trees. Please be aware that there are two dams on the property so children should supervised at all times. My own children swim in the dam and there is a kayak available but lifejackets must be worn by children in, around and on the water to minimise risk. Pets are welcome. The kangaroos may prove quite enticing for some pets and as such we recommend dogs be kept on their leash. Site 4 has ringlock fencing and farm gates which can be helpful to contain your pets. Please be aware that the Kyneton Gun Club has their monthly clay target shoot on the 3rd Sunday of each month (2nd Sunday in December) from 11am until 5pm during which time you will hear them clay pigeon shooting. We are NOT a commercial campsite and, as such, you must be fully self-contained for power, water, showers, sewage, refuse disposal, etc. Guests under the age of 25 must be accompanied by their parents.
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
AU$49
 / night
Rivers Run

4. Rivers Run

100%
(15)
65km from Deer Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
At our location, you'll enjoy easy access to Burgans Track for horse riding and bike riding adventures. We offer a horse arena (please note it's not fenced) for those with equine companions, and there are six horse yards available for your convenience. If you're a fishing enthusiast, you'll find the nearby river a perfect spot to cast your line and enjoy a relaxing day by the water. For a delightful culinary experience, there's a winery within walking distance, and they serve pizza on weekends, making it an ideal spot for a weekend treat. Should you need to visit town, Kinglake is just a 10-minute drive away, offering a hotel, pizza options, and charming cafes to explore. You can choose to camp by the river, making the most of the serene natural setting. Please remember that guests must be fully self-contained with their own toilet and shower facilities, and it's essential to take all waste with you upon departure. Additionally, campfires are more than welcome in our designated fire pit, creating a cozy atmosphere for you and your fellow campers to enjoy. Pets are allowed on leash. 
Campfires
Potable water
Picnic table
from 
AU$37
 / night
Reedy Creek Camping

5. Reedy Creek Camping

98%
(50)
67km from Deer Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Stunning 52 acre property only an hr from the Melbourne CBD but another world away.
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Potable water
from 
AU$55
 / night

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The best dog-friendly camping near Deer Park guide

Where to go

Lerderderg State Park

A short drive from Deer Park, this state park protects the Lerderderg River Gorge and the areas around it. Here you'll find a campground, and a couple of picnic areas, one with electric barbecues and picnic tables. The park is particularly popular for hiking, and there are multiple trails, including the challenging East Walk and Cowan Track Loop Walk, which rewards hikers with fantastic views of the area.

Long Forest Flora and Fauna Reserve

The 600-hectare Long Forest Flora and Fauna Reserve protects hundreds of species of native plants, much of which are shrubs, as well as all sorts of birds and mammals. Bring your binoculars and you may see owls, robins, and warblers along with kangaroos, black-tailed wallabies, koalas, and echidnas. It’s a great place for walking, and multiple family-friendly walking tracks weave through the reserve.

You Yangs Regional Park

Equestrians, walkers, birders, and mountain bike enthusiasts flock to this regional park near Deer Park, which has over 50 kilometres of mountain bike trails for riders of various experience levels. It's also easy to explore by car via the park's Great Circle Drive. Head up to Flinders Peak, the highest point in the park, for views out over Geelong and Melbourne.

When to go

The best time to visit Deer Park is between November and March, when the weather is at its warmest, though do expect to see more people out and about around Christmas. Autumn and winter here can get chilly, with plenty of rain, especially in July and August. That said, temperatures rarely get anywhere close to freezing, so if you don’t mind cooler weather, you’ll be rewarded with fewer crowds, particularly in Melbourne and in area parks.