River-Vu Park

River-Vu Park sits on the banks of the Glenelg River at Nelson, in Victoria's far southwest, offering powered sites, caravan and camper spots and cabins along a private stretch of riverfront. It is a low-key park popular with anglers and boaters, and it is one of the few places in Nelson that takes pets at all, let alone by the river.

Dogs at River-Vu Park

Dogs, cats and even birds are welcome, but only by prior arrangement with management, so call ahead before you book rather than hoping at the gate. The rules once you are in are firm: pets stay on a leash at all times within the park and go wherever you go, because leaving them unattended on a site is not an option.

Pets are accepted on sites and in some accommodation with approval, but confirm exactly which cabins allow dogs when you book. There is no listed pet surcharge, though conditions apply per arrangement. If your itinerary includes a stretch where the dog cannot come, the park points guests toward local boarding, including a pet resort around half an hour away.

Max: ring before you drive in. Prior arrangement is the whole policy, and turning up hopeful with a dog in the back seat is not an approved booking method.

The vibe

This is riverside camping, not a resort: camp kitchen, barbecues, toilets and a private jetty for guests who fish or launch a boat, plus glamping tents and refurbished ensuite sites in the mix. Bring your dog's own bedding and a water bowl. The riverbank walking starts at the door and the Lower Glenelg National Park is a short drive for bigger tracks, though national park trails are no-dog territory.

Getting there and parking

Nelson sits at the end of the Glenelg Highway, about 25 minutes from Mount Gambier across the South Australian border. Drive into town, follow the signs toward the river and you are there; parking is at your site.

Pair it with

Casuarina Cabins is the other pet friendly option in Nelson if River-Vu books out. Heading inland, the Fort O'Hare Picnic & Campground at Dartmoor breaks the drive, and the Blue Lake Holiday Park covers the Mount Gambier end.

More options are on the Victoria pet friendly stays guide and the Nelson destination page.