Dog Friendly Camping Mornington Peninsula: Top Spots

Just a short drive from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula is the city's favourite playground, offering a perfect blend of stunning bay beaches, rugged ocean coastlines, and charming hinterland towns. Taking your dog on a camping trip here is a fantastic way to escape and explore, and luckily, there are some wonderful spots that will welcome your furry friend with open arms.

This guide is your deep dive into the best options for dog friendly camping Mornington Peninsula has to offer. We’ll give you the on-the-ground details for each spot, from their specific pet policies to the best nearby dog-friendly activities.

While this guide focuses on the best spots around the peninsula, you can explore options across the entire state in our Ultimate Guide to Dog-Friendly Camping in Victoria.

Dog Friendly Camping Mornington Peninsula - Map

1. Western Port Harbour Caravan Park

Location:

6 Lumeah Rd, Somerville VIC 3912

The Vibe:

Located on the quieter, eastern side of the peninsula, this park has a relaxed, permanent-resident feel. The vibe is less about the bustling holiday rush and more about providing a peaceful, long-stay base for exploring the Western Port Bay side of the region, known for its wetlands and serene coastline.

Dog Rules:

• Pets are welcome at the manager's discretion and must be applied for and approved prior to arrival.
• Strict on-leash policies apply within the park.
• Pets are not to be left unattended.
• Pet policies can change, so we always recommend checking the complete and most up-to-date rules before you book.

Key Amenities:

• Powered sites and cabins
• Camp kitchen and BBQ facilities
• Guest laundry

Things to Do Nearby with Your Dog:

• Somers Beach: A short drive away, Somers Beach is a beautiful, long sandy beach with a popular off-leash area.
• Balnarring Foreshore: Explore the walking trails and dog-friendly beach areas in the Balnarring and Merricks region.

Pup Safari's Pro Tip:

This park is very quiet and well-suited for a peaceful getaway. Its location makes it an excellent base for exploring the wineries and food trails of the peninsula's hinterland.

2. Marina View Lifestyle Village

Location:

38 Salmon St, Hastings VIC 3915

The Vibe:

This park is located in Hastings, right near the marina, giving it a slightly more residential and town-based feel. The vibe is practical and convenient, offering a great base for those interested in boating, fishing, or exploring the town of Hastings and the Western Port Bay coastline.

Dog Rules:

• Small pets are permitted on sites at the manager's discretion.
• It is essential to call and discuss your pet before making a booking.
• Strict on-leash rules apply within the village.
• Pet policies can change, so we always recommend checking the complete and most up-to-date rules before you book.

Key Amenities:

• Powered sites and cabins.
• Camp kitchen and BBQ area.
• Guest laundry.
• Convenient location, walking distance to local shops.

Things to Do Nearby with Your Dog:

• Hastings Foreshore Reserve: The park is close to the foreshore, which offers on-leash walking paths along the coast.
• Warringine Park: A large coastal wetland reserve with extensive on-leash boardwalks and trails perfect for a long dog walk.

Pup Safari's Pro Tip:

Visitors praise the park for its clean amenities and super convenient location. A common tip is to take an on-leash walk with your dog down to the Hastings Pier in the evening to watch the boats come in.

3. Stony Point Caravan Park

Location:

1B Stony Point Rd, Crib Point VIC 3919

The Vibe:

This park is all about the water. Located right at Stony Point, it's the main departure point for the ferry to French Island and Phillip Island. The vibe is heavily focused on boating, fishing, and a more rustic, traditional caravan park experience, with a strong community of regular visitors and fishing enthusiasts.

Dog Rules:

• Pets are welcome on powered and unpowered sites.
• Pets are not permitted in the park's cabin accommodation.
• Standard on-leash rules apply within the park.
• Pet policies can change, so we always recommend checking the complete and most up-to-date rules before you book.

Key Amenities:

• Powered and unpowered sites.
• Amenities block with toilets and showers.
• Boat ramp and jetty right next door.
• Camp kitchen and laundry facilities.

Things to Do Nearby with Your Dog:

• Stony Point Foreshore Reserve: Explore the on-leash walking tracks around the historic jetty and foreshore area.
• HMAS Cerberus Naval Base: The surrounding area offers interesting on-leash walks with views across Western Port Bay.

Pup Safari's Pro Tip:

This is a fisherman's paradise. The number one tip is to book a site close to the foreshore for easy, early-morning access to the jetty for a spot of fishing with your dog by your side.

4. Capel Sound Foreshores

Location:

Point Nepean Road, Foreshore Office, Capel Sound VIC 3940

The Vibe:

This is the quintessential summer camping experience on the peninsula. The vibe is bustling, family-friendly, and all about the beach. You'll be camping right on the foreshore reserve, just steps from the calm, sandy shores of Port Phillip Bay. It’s perfect for those who want to wake up and smell the sea air.

Dog Rules:

• During summer (Dec - Feb): Dogs are only permitted on the beach and on-leash from 6:00pm to 10:00am
• Outside summer (Mar - Nov): Dogs on-leash at any time
• Fines will be issued for non-compliance with these regulations
• An unrestrained dog is likely to negatively impact the native wildlife and the environment
• Pet policies can change, so we always recommend checking the complete and most up-to-date rules before you book.

Key Amenities:

• Powered and unpowered sites available
• Amenities blocks with toilets and showers
• Direct beach access
• Note: This is foreshore camping, so amenities can be more basic than a commercial holiday park

Things to Do Nearby with Your Dog:

• McCrae Beach: Just a short walk away, McCrae Beach has time-restricted off-leash areas for a run on the sand (check local signage for hours).

Pup Safari's Pro Tip:

The sites are very popular and can feel close together. For a bit more space and easier access, aim to book a site near one of the main beach access paths, as these areas often feel more open.

The Journey to the Campsite

Packing the right gear is essential for a great camping trip in VIC, but the most important piece of equipment for the drive there is a safe and reliable dog car restraint. Arriving safely is the first step to any successful adventure.

Unsure which restraint is best? Read our Guide to Dog Car Safety Restraints to compare your options.