Capel Caravan Park

Capel Caravan Park is a small, family-run park at 349 Eastbourne Road in Capel Sound on the Mornington Peninsula, an easy walk from the beachfront. It takes dogs where several bigger camping grounds in the area do not, which makes it a useful base for a coastal trip with the dog.

The pet policy

Dogs are welcome on powered sites and in a limited number of pet friendly cabins, generally when booked directly with the park. Dog friendly cabins are in short supply and go quickly in peak season, so confirm availability before you commit.

Dogs must be kept on a leash and under control throughout the park at all times. Fees may apply for dogs in cabins and exact amounts are not published, so call ahead to confirm current pricing and rules.

The place

The park leans towards caravan, campervan and camping setups, with powered and unpowered sites, a BBQ area, games room and pool, and clean amenities that reviewers rate. It is a quiet, low-key park rather than a resort-style operation.

Bring your own water bowl for the dog, as bowls on site are not a given.

Location and nearby

Eastbourne Road puts you within walking distance of cafes and shops along Point Nepean Road and a short drive from both Rye and Rosebud. Let the dog stretch at the Vern Wright Reserve fenced dog park, or run the sand at the Rye Beach dog off leash area a few minutes up the road.

Pepsi: do not confuse this park with the Capel Sound Foreshores camping reserve on Point Nepean Road. The foreshore's own terms prohibit pets on site entirely, apart from service dogs with evidence provided at booking.

Who it suits

Caravanners, campers and road-trippers who want the beach without leaving the dog behind, and who are happy with a simple site rather than a cabin. If you need a full pet friendly cabin instead, Kanasta Caravan Park in Rye offers selected pet friendly cabins and holiday homes.

Before you book

Call the park directly rather than relying on a booking platform, and confirm which cabins currently take dogs, any pet fees, and whether powered sites still allow pets during peak season. Book early for summer; the small number of dog friendly options here fills first.