Surf & Stay: Top Pet-Friendly Camping Within 2 Hours Of Byron Bay (Updated March 2025)

Important Note: Pet policies are crucial and can change! Always contact the park or campground directly before booking to confirm their current pet rules, including allowed dates (some restrict pets during peak season), site/cabin types allowing pets, fees, size/breed restrictions, and specific park rules (e.g., leash requirements).

Pet-Friendly Camping North of Byron Bay (Towards Gold Coast)

1. Ingenia Holidays Kingscliff (Chinderah, NSW)

• Approx. Drive from Byron: ~45 mins
• Pet-Friendly: Generally welcome pets, likely on sites and potentially selected cabins. It's best to call them to confirm specifics, especially regarding dog size.
• Surf Nearby: Kingscliff Beach offers various beach breaks. Cabarita and Hastings Point are also a short drive away.
• Vibe: Located between Tweed River and Kingscliff Beach, offers resort-style pool, playground, and games room.
• Website: ingeniaholidays.com.au

2. Keltara Camping (Hastings Point, NSW - via Hipcamp)

• Approx. Drive from Byron: ~40 mins
• Pet-Friendly: Listed as pet-friendly on Hipcamp. Requires direct booking/confirmation via Hipcamp.
• Surf Nearby: Only 5 minutes drive to Pottsville Beach and the renowned Cabarita Beach point break.
• Vibe: Farm stay camping in a rural setting very close to the coast. Basic camping (check Hipcamp listing for facilities).
• Website: Keltara Camping

3. BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park (Helensvale, QLD)

• Approx. Drive from Byron: ~1 hr 15 mins
• Pet-Friendly: Known for being very pet-friendly, featuring an off-leash dog park on-site.
• Surf Nearby: While not right on the beach, it provides good access to northern Gold Coast breaks (requires driving).
• Vibe: Large resort-style park with extensive facilities including a water park.
• Website: goldcoastholidaypark.com.au

Pet-Friendly Camping South of Byron Bay

5. Reflections Holiday Parks (Lennox Head, Ballina, Evans Head, Red Rock)

Reflections Holidays manages several parks in the region known for being pet-friendly. Always confirm specifics for your dates and desired accommodation type directly with the specific park.

• Reflections Lennox Head: (~20-25 mins drive). Pet-friendly sites & cabins, plus an off-leash dog area. Right at Lennox Head surf breaks.
• Reflections Ballina: (~30-35 mins drive). Welcomes pets. Close to Ballina's surf beaches.
• Reflections Shaws Bay (Ballina): (~30-35 mins drive). Pet-friendly sites & most cabins year-round. On calm bay, short drive to ocean beaches.
• Reflections Evans Head: (~1 hr drive). Offers dog-friendly sites, cabins, and homes. Access to Evans Head surf spots.
• Reflections Red Rock: (~2 hrs drive). Beautiful location near Red Rock beach/river. Confirm pet policy and availability for camping/cabins here directly. Check local surf conditions.
• Website: Find all parks via reflectionsholidays.com.au

6. Fishing Haven Holiday Park (Palmers Island, near Yamba)

• Approx. Drive from Byron: ~1 hr 20 mins
• Pet-Friendly: Ideally located near Yamba's surf, welcomes pets.
• Surf Nearby: Only 5 minutes drive from Yamba, known for its beaches and surf. Close to Angourie points as well.
• Vibe: Located on the Clarence River, offering shady riverfront sites and cabins, jetties, BBQs.
• Website: fishinghaven.com.au

7. The Peach Farm (Mororo, NSW - via Hipcamp)

• Approx. Drive from Byron: ~1 hr 30 mins
• Pet-Friendly: Welcomes leashed pets (important due to resident rescued farm animals). Book/confirm via Hipcamp.
• Surf Nearby: Located inland but central to accessing Iluka beaches/breaks and Yamba/Angourie points (approx. 20-30 min drive).
• Vibe: Eco-friendly, off-grid animal rescue farm stay with basic camping facilities.
• Website: The Peach Farm

8. Riverdell Farm (East Wardell, near Ballina - via Hipcamp)

• Approx. Drive from Byron: ~40-45 mins
• Pet-Friendly: Explicitly pet-friendly (note: unfenced property, supervision required). Book/confirm via Hipcamp.
• Surf Nearby: Only 2 minutes drive to Patches Beach (dog-friendly, check surf conditions). Close drive to Ballina/Lennox Head breaks.
• Vibe: Working cane farm near the river, peaceful, rustic sites.
• Website: Riverdell Farm

9. The Beach Arrawarra (Arrawarra, NSW - via Hipcamp)

• Approx. Drive from Byron: ~2 hrs
• Pet-Friendly: Explicitly pet-friendly. Book/confirm via Hipcamp.
• Surf Nearby: Nestled right on Arrawarra Beach, mentions great surfing and fishing. Close to other Coffs Coast breaks like Mullaway.
• Vibe: Small campsite (4 sites mentioned) right by the beach in the Solitary Islands Marine Park area.
• Website: The Beach Arrawarra

Essential Tips for Camping with Your Pet

• Book Ahead & Confirm Policy: Essential, especially for pet-friendly options which fill fast. Re-confirm rules before arrival.
• Vaccinations & Parasite Prevention: Ensure vaccinations are up-to-date. Crucially, use effective paralysis tick prevention suitable for the NSW North Coast. Flea/worm treatment also vital.
• Leash Rules: Expect to keep your dog leashed within the campground/park grounds unless in a designated off-leash park area.
• Supervision: Never leave your pet unattended at your site or in a cabin.
• Waste: Always pick up after your dog immediately. Bring extra bags.
• Respect Others: Ensure your dog doesn't bark excessively or bother other campers.
• Pack Essentials: Food, water bowls, bedding, leash, collar w/ID tag, medications, poop bags, towels, familiar toys.

Enjoy the Adventure!

Combining a surf trip with camping alongside your pet is a fantastic way to explore the beautiful coastline around Byron Bay. With a bit of planning and respecting the rules, you and your furry surf buddy can have an unforgettable adventure!

And remember, if you need care for your pet in Byron Bay itself for parts of your trip where they can't join, Byron Bay Pet Sitting offers loving, reliable care!