Rolling point breaks, hinterland charm and sunlit coastal trails make Byron Bay a dream for road trippers. Bring your four-legged travel buddy, and the region gets even better. From grassy showgrounds with mountain views to beachfront holiday parks, there are plenty of places that welcome wagging tails and the comfort of a campervan or caravan. 

Byron Bay is incredibly popular in peak season, with summer dates known to book out, so planning ahead is essential if you are travelling with a dog and need a powered site close to the beach. This guide rounds up the best dog-friendly camping and caravan spots within an easy drive of Byron Bay. 

We cover:

• Parks where dogs are allowed all year

• Spots with a per-pet fee

• Parks with no pet fee at all

• A couple of free rest area options for a quick, pet-friendly overnight

We’ve also included practical tips for travelling with a dog and notes on campervan hire so your getaway runs smoothly from the first paw print to the last sunset.

Before you book, confirm the latest park rules, seasonal dog restrictions and site availability. Byron Bay welcomes well over a million visitors each year, with some years approaching two million, and the busiest summer weeks fill fast – particularly at coastal parks. A little pre-planning means more time playing fetch between swims and less time searching for a last-minute site.

Hiring a pet-friendly campervan

If you are collecting a campervan for your Byron Bay escape, you have two main pickup options nearby at the Brisbane and Sydney branches, which offer the largest fleets and a wide choice of vehicles. 

Many travellers choose Brisbane for an easy coastal run, while others start in Sydney for a longer road trip up the New South Wales coast. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out our Brisbane to Byron Bay and Sydney to Byron Bay road trip itineraries. 

When booking a pet-friendly vehicle, advise the rental company that you are travelling with a dog and factor in any applicable pet cleaning fee. With Apollo, pets are welcome in selected vehicles when approved at the time of booking, and a pet cleaning fee of $325 AUD per vehicle applies. Pack a dedicated dog blanket or bed to protect upholstery, a microfibre towel for sandy paws and a collapsible water bowl for beach days. 

A tidy, well-prepared set-up not only keeps your van comfortable, it also helps you breeze through handback at the end of the trip.

Mullumbimby Showground

Set beneath the dramatic silhouette of Mount Chincogan, Mullumbimby Showground offers a relaxed, pet-friendly base within Byron Shire. It is a straightforward drive from Byron Bay and suits travellers who enjoy open spaces, easy parking and a laid-back atmosphere. 

You will find powered and unpowered campsites large enough for caravans and campervans, typically around $40 per night for powered and $35 for unpowered, with prices subject to change. Check current rates when you book. The grounds are spacious, and there is usually room to spread out without feeling crowded, even when the coast is buzzing. 

Dogs are welcome here, with clearly marked on-leash and off-leash areas across the property. That mix makes it simple to give your dog a good run while still respecting other campers. Expect basic but practical amenities, a friendly caretaker presence, and a location that places you within easy reach of Mullumbimby’s cafes, the weekly farmers market and the scenic roads that wind into the hinterland.

Ballina Rental Village

In the riverside town of Ballina, about a half hour from Byron Bay, Ballina Rental Village (formerly Ballina Gardens Village) provides a quiet, roomy base that is pet-friendly on selected sites. Pets are accepted at the manager’s discretion, so pre-approval is essential, and conditions may apply. 

Sites are spacious and suitable for caravans, motorhomes and campervans, with a choice of powered or unpowered spots. The feel is peaceful and residential, a good match if you prefer a quieter base where evenings mean birdsong and stargazing rather than nightlife. Given the generous site sizes and pet-friendly options, this is a solid choice for travellers who value space for both awning and lead. 

Beaches, walking paths and the riverside esplanade are a short drive away, and Ballina’s supermarkets and services make stock-ups simple. As always, keep your dog on leash in shared areas and follow any on-site guidance from park management so everyone enjoys their stay.

Ballina Beach Nature Resort

Across the Richmond River in South Ballina, Ballina Beach Nature Resort pairs natural beauty with family-friendly facilities. Think beachside sunrises and long sandy walks, followed by a cool-off in the pool or a treat from the on-site cafe. If you’re doing a Sydney to Byron Bay road trip, this campsite fits perfectly into your route.

The resort offers a mix of powered caravan and campervan sites, cabins and glamping tents, with dogs welcomed across designated accommodation year-round when pre-approved. There is a per-pet nightly fee on sites and in selected cabins, and the resort asks that dogs are socialised and well managed. 

Facilities include a pool, water features for the kids, a playground and communal areas that make extended stays easy. Access is part of the adventure, with a ferry connection often used to cross the river from Ballina, so check ferry times if you are arriving after hours or towing a large van. 

For travellers who love the idea of a beachfront base with the comforts of a holiday resort, this is an excellent choice. Bring a long lead for low tide strolls and a shade mat for lazy afternoons under the awning.

Reflections Holiday Park Lennox Head

Between Ballina and Byron Bay, Lennox Head blends small-town charm with a superb surf culture, and the local Reflections Holiday Park puts you right by the water. All caravan and camping sites, plus selected cabins, are designated dog-friendly. 

The park is widely known for welcoming pups without an added pet fee, which is a standout feature if you are budgeting a multi-night stay and want beachfront access without extra nightly charges for your dog. Confirm details when you book. 

Set opposite the beach and near the lake, it is easy to swap from morning swims to evening strolls along the foreshore. Facilities are modern and geared to families, with clean amenities blocks and a relaxed, coastal vibe. Confirm a dog-friendly site or cabin type when you book, since allocations can be limited in peak season. The earlier you reserve for summer and school holidays, the better your chances of securing the perfect spot.

Free rest area options for a quick overnight

If you prefer to keep things simple or need a backup plan when holiday parks are full, there are highway rest areas within driving distance of Byron Bay that can work for short overnight stops with pets. Rules vary by site, so always check local signage and any time limits. 

Popular options include the Sleepy Hollow rest areas and Ballina’s Bicentennial Gardens Rest Area. These are typically free to use and do not require bookings, which makes them handy for a late arrival or a one-night transit stop. 

Facilities are basic, and water is usually non-potable, though amenities differ by site. Arrive self-sufficient with full tanks and your own supplies. Out of courtesy to fellow travellers, keep your dog on a leash, pick up after them and avoid setting up like you are in a holiday park. These stops are best used as short, convenient pauses rather than extended stays.

Practical tips for camping with your dog around Byron Bay

• Book early in peak periods.
  Byron Bay welcomes a huge number of visitors each year, with the biggest surges in summer and January in particular. Dog-friendly sites are a smaller slice of park inventory and sell out quickly, especially at beachfront parks close to town. If your dates are fixed, secure a site as soon as you lock in your vehicle.

• Know the local rules.
  Not every beach allows dogs, and some have timed restrictions. Councils signpost off-leash zones clearly, while many parks require dogs on leash within the property unless in designated areas. A long lead gives your dog room to wander without infringing on neighbours. Carry your dog’s bedding, waste bags and a dedicated towel, and consider boot liners or seat covers for day trips in the tow vehicle. Hot days arrive quickly on the NSW North Coast, so pack a shade mat, extra water and a cooling mat or vest for your pet.

• Plan travel times from your chosen rental branch.
  Brisbane is a common gateway for a Byron Bay base and is roughly a couple of hours away by road, depending on traffic. For shorter transfers, the Gold Coast and Ballina airports are closer. Sydney works well for longer itineraries and a full-day scenic drive. Build in rest breaks for your dog, particularly on warm days, and stop for short walks to keep everyone refreshed.

What to double check before you book

Confirm pet policies for your exact site or cabin type, including any nightly pet fee or breed and size limits.

• Ask about seasonal dog restrictions, off-leash rules within the park and nearest dog-friendly beach access.

• If your park is across a river, check any ferry or road considerations that may affect your arrival or departure.

• If you are travelling with more than one dog, let the park know at the time of booking, as some set a maximum number of pets per site.

Ready to plan your dog-friendly Byron Bay road trip?

From Brisbane to Sydney and beyond, it’s easy to pick up an Apollo campervan and make Byron Bay your base for beach days and tail wags. Choose a pet-friendly vehicle, map out your favourite parks from this list and lock in those key dates before peak season hits.

Once you’ve booked your Apollo camper, all that’s left is to pack the lead, the treats and your favourite playlist – then hit the road for a Byron Bay escape you and your dog will both love.