Willow Park RV Campground

Willow Park RV Campground is a free, donation-based rest area on Moloney Drive in Rosedale, right on the banks of the Latrobe River and an easy turn off the Princes Highway. It is an overnight stopover rather than a resort, and dogs are allowed throughout the camping area.

The pet policy

Dogs are welcome but must stay on lead at all times, with waste picked up immediately and noise kept in check around other campers. There are no cabins or powered sites here, just open unpowered camping, so the policy is simple: leash on, clean up, and keep your dog from wandering neighbouring rigs.

There is no dedicated pet water station, so arrive with your own water and a bowl. The same applies to waste bags; the site does not supply them.

Who it suits

Budget travellers and big-rig owners doing the Princes Highway run between Melbourne and Gippsland are the core crowd. Sites are flat and grassy with room to spread out, the riverbank makes a good on-lead walk, and Rosedale's town centre with its cafes is walkable. Expect some road noise from the highway, and facilities are basic: public toilets, sheltered picnic tables and a gazebo.

Max: treat this as a one-night staging stop, not a base camp. The dog gets a leg stretch on the riverbank, and you are back on the road in the morning.

Before you book

No booking is needed; it runs first come, first served with donations supporting upkeep. Check on-site signage for stay limits and current fire restrictions before settling in, and keep your own water, food and pet supplies stocked since there is no camp kitchen or shop on site.

While you're out there

If you want a full-service base instead, Rosedale Caravan Park is the town's paid option. For a proper off-leash session, the Traralgon Dog Park is a short drive west, and the Victoria Rose & Tea Room in town covers a meal stop.

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