Coopers Creek Campgrounds

Coopers Creek Campgrounds is a free, first-come riverside camping area in Gippsland State forest, about 14 minutes from Rawson, and it is one of the easier dog-friendly pitches in the region: dogs are permitted under the Victorian State forest rules that cover the site, with no fees, no bookings and no size limits. You bring everything, including the toilet paper.

Dogs at the campground

Because the campground sits in State forest, dogs are allowed, but the rules are specific: within 100 metres of facilities such as the toilets, carparks, picnic tables and fire pits, your dog must be on a lead or under strict immediate control, and you need to be able to recall them instantly even when distracted. Outside those zones the standard is effective control at all times, and a reliable recall matters, since the creek and river banks draw dogs straight to the water. Pick up after your dog and bury waste at least 100 metres from waterways and camping areas in a hole at least 20 centimetres deep. Keep them away from native wildlife, and mind other campers spread along the creek.

The setup

Expect unpowered tent and caravan sites spread along the creek, with river access over rocky banks. Facilities are basic by design: drop toilets, fire pits and bbq pits, and no supplies on site, so stock up in Rawson or Erica before you arrive and pack your own toilet paper. Campfires are part of the appeal, and swimming, fishing and paddling in the creek are the main activities. The road in suits 2WD vehicles, and free sites fill quickly on long weekends and school holidays, so arrive early.

Worth knowing

The lead rules near facilities are the trade-off for a free dog-friendly site, so campers who want off-leash time for the dog should plan it away from the campground or in town reserves. If you would rather have hot showers and powered sites, Mountain Rivers Tourist Park at Rawson is the paid alternative, and Thomson Bridge Campground is another free riverside option nearby.

Close by with the dogs

In Rawson itself, St Phillack Reserve Off Leash Dog Area and Rawson Recreation Reserve Off Leash Dog Area give the dog a proper run that the campground cannot, and the historic township of Walhalla is a short drive for a leashed walk among the buildings. More options are on the Rawson destination page.