Samford Showground

Samford Showground is a rural caravan and camping ground at 40 Showgrounds Drive, Highvale, roughly 30 minutes from Brisbane CBD in the Samford Valley. For dog owners the deal is clear: dogs are welcome on powered and unpowered sites, but this is strictly a caravan, motorhome and campervan park. Tents are not accommodated, and there is no off-lead space inside the grounds.

Dogs at the Samford Showground

Dogs may stay overnight with you on the caravan and camping sites for a small pet fee of around $2. They must be well-controlled and kept on-lead at all times. General guidance suggests an approximate weight limit of around 25kg, so confirm the current limit when you book. There are no on-site pet amenities, so bring your own water, food and tether, and plan walks off the grounds rather than inside them. Bookings are coordinated through the caretaker, which is also the easiest way to confirm pet terms before you arrive.

Max: On-lead only on site is not a hardship when the valley walks start at the gate. Pack a long line anyway, it earns its keep here.

The vibe

Open fields ringed by mountain views, with the annual Samford Show, community markets and events such as horse shows and antique fairs through the year. Reviewers rate the ambience and cleanliness highly, and the country setting feels a long way from the city for a night's stop so close to Brisbane.

Getting there and parking

The showground is off Samford Road via Showgrounds Drive, with ample parking across the grounds including space to set up a caravan. It is about a 30-minute drive from the Brisbane CBD, and town water and clean showers and toilets are on site for self-contained travellers.

Close by with the dogs

For an off-lead run, Samford Parklands Fenced Dog Park is a short drive away in Samford Valley, and Bloom & Bean is a handy dog-friendly coffee stop in the village. More dog-friendly camping and stays in Queensland and the rest of Highvale are on site.