Black River Caravan Park

Black River Caravan Park sits on Saunders Beach Road about 20 km north of Townsville, and it is set up properly for dogs, not just tolerant of them. The standout is a large, securely fenced paddock set aside purely for off-leash time, which is rarer than it should be at caravan parks.

The pet policy. Dogs are welcome on powered and unpowered caravan, camper and tent sites. They are not permitted in the park-owned cabins, so travelling with your own van, camper or tent is the only way to bring one. Outside the fenced paddock, dogs must stay on a leash so other guests and campers can move around comfortably.

The place. There is a dedicated dog wash area plus on-site laundry facilities for pet bedding, useful after a muddy paddock session. The park itself is gated and secure, with a peaceful bushland setting and plenty of birdlife. It is popular with grey nomads, and the camp kitchen (two electric ovens, gas barbecues, a wood-fired pizza oven) and full-size showers are a drawcard for longer stays. Sites are built for big rigs, 20 to 30 metres and drive-through, so there is no need to unhook the van.

Location and nearby. It is just off the Bruce Highway via Saunders Beach Road. Bushland Beach and Saunders Beach are both a short drive away for a dog-friendly walk on the sand, and the Woodlands shopping area (about 8 km) covers day-to-day supplies, with bigger centres 15 to 20 minutes further on.

Who it suits. Good for travellers with their own van or camper who want a real off-leash run for the dog without driving somewhere separate for it. Not the pick if you were hoping to book a cabin, since those are dog-free.

When to go. Book ahead in the cooler months (roughly May to September) when grey nomad season fills the big drive-through sites fastest. Outside that, the park is quieter and the off-leash paddock is yours most of the day.

Sources

• Black River Caravan Park | Your Home Away From Home · blackrivercaravanpark.com.au
• Black River Caravan Park - Caravanning Queensland · caravanqld.com.au
• Caravan park review - Black River Stadium, Townsville · tripadvisor.com

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.