Mount Gambier Showgrounds

The Mount Gambier Showgrounds campground on Pick Avenue is a plain, good value base on the edge of the city centre, and one of the few around the Limestone Coast that openly welcomes dogs on sites. Expect open grassy and gravel sites for everything from a campervan to a big rig, with enough space between setups that an on-lead dog walk does not mean weaving through other campers.

Dogs at the Mount Gambier Showgrounds

Dogs are generally allowed on the powered and unpowered camping sites, kept on a lead and under control while you are in the grounds. There is no separate pet fee reported, but the ground rule with any showgrounds is that policies can shift around shows and dog events, so call the caretaker on 0408 492 182 before you arrive to confirm your dates. Pick up after your dog and keep them clear of neighbouring sites and the amenity blocks.

The setup

This is a campground, not a cabin park: no guest rooms, just sites. Reported rates sit around $25 a night unpowered and $35 powered, payable to the camp host, with roughly 30 sites, toilets, hot showers, a laundry, a camp kitchen and BBQ area, drinking water and a dump point. Camping closes to the public during the annual show period in October. There is a maximum stay guideline of about 30 days.

Getting there

The entrance is at 1 Pick Avenue, Mount Gambier, with sealed access off the main roads into the city and generous room for large vehicles. Book by phone, particularly on weekends and through event season. The town centre, shops and cafes are only minutes away, which makes restocking easy.

While you're out there

The Blue Lake Loop is a short drive and an easy on-lead walk around one of the region's landmarks, and the Hastings Cunningham Reserve Fenced Dog Park gives your dog a proper off-lead run if they have been on a leash all trip. For a coffee stop, Presto Eatery is dog friendly and close to town. Other bases in the region are listed under South Australia stays, or browse Mount Gambier for the full list.