27 Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds and Camping Spots in New South Wales

Barkala, Dandry

Barkala Farmstay (image right) welcomes guests who bring their own lodging, whether it's a caravan, tent, or something else. Barkala Farm Stay has other accommodations besides camping, including cottages and studios; just make sure to bring your own dog bedding and that your pet is house trained. There's no shortage of old-fashioned outdoor pursuits to partake in, or you can just sit back and take it all in. Keep your four-legged pal on a lead where possible to help protect the abundant local wildlife.

Bundarra Lions Park, Bundarra

Overlooking the creek, this lovely open green space is truly lovely. Bundarra Lions Park is a dog-friendly camping area with flush toilets, water, garbage bins, campfires, and shady trees for campers. Proving popular with caravans and campervans, it's rarely too crowded to find a spot. You can access the river by climbing down the bank or walking downstream. As this is a community-maintained site, don't expect too much in the way of amenities. A platypus sighting is a must-do while visiting this location. Sit on the riverbank at dusk and dawn if you're in the area and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Bobs Bend Camp ground, Burraboon

Bobs Bend campground (image right) is a dog-friendly camping/farm stay operation featuring a man-made lake dug by the current owners' father to serve as a swimming pool for the former Booroorban School. Located in the Riverina region of Australia, Burraburoon is a working sheep station. You can stay in a converted red-rattler railway carriage or other unique accommodations at the homestead. Aside from that, Bob's Bend offers remodelled caravans as well as powered and unpowered camping sites. The beautiful lake allows for swimming, fishing, or canoeing. With adequate toilet and shower facilities, camp kitchen and wood-fired oven, you can spend your downtime enjoying the lake as a backdrop, plenty of walks, birdlife and local wildlife.

Coachwood Camping Area, Chichester State Forest, Upper Allyn

Anyone who has ever seen The Blue Lagoon and thought, "Wow, that sounds fantastic" should read this. Three and a half hours north of Sydney, the Coachwood Camping Area is remote and was previously only accessible only by 4WD (recent 2WD drivers now recommend its possible, but it can be difficult). Paddling can be done with or without a dog in the lagoon, which sits on the Telegherry River surrounded by a lush rainforest setting. Coachwood can be busy on weekends and during peak periods, so plan accordingly.

Delicate Campground, Kempsey

Delicate Campground is a "remote visit" located north of Port Macquarie. There will be no assistance here, so you'll need to bring all your own supplies (including a general okayness with an outside toilet situation; flushable toilets and outdoor showers only). There is no restriction on beach or caravan camping, and pets are more than welcome. Make sure you arrive early, as there are only 50 unpowered campsites to choose from and bookings are not available. Despite all this, there is a large beach for dogs to play on, only a 5 minute walk away, and the campground is situated in beautiful surroundings. Here, you can go snorkelling, surfing, or just walk your dog on the beach without worrying about a leash. Delicate Campground is one of the best dog-friendly campgrounds in New South Wales!

Glen Davis Campground, Glen Davis

Glen Davis (image right), located west of the Blue Mountains National Park, is a sleepy town north of Lithgow, about 3.5 hours' drive from Sydney. There's a beautiful campground near town with swimming and shopping right around the corner. A small playground and hot showers are included in the cost of using the campground. It's important to note that the campground in Glen Davis is dog friendly; the Coorongooba campground is not dog friendly as it's located within the national park.

Glenmack Park, Moss Vale

Glenmack Park is a camping and holiday park in the Kangaroo Valley (image right), providing outstanding nature views. With a swimming pool, canoes, bikes, animals, and a mini-golf course, this is an ideal spot for families. Experience beautiful rural views, and a wealth of amenities abound at this top-notch campground. All the powered sites have plenty of room, and most include a fire pit. There is a large pond in the middle of the unpowered site area. The paddock is surrounded by lush green grass, and there are cows grazing nearby. There is a large open fireplace in the camp kitchen, as well as numerous tables and chairs. You can watch movies on the big screen in the movie theatre room and have access to the friendly and helpful staff.

Grady's Riverside Retreat, Burrier

Natural bushlands, mountains and cliffs surround Grady's, which is situated on the banks of the Shoalhaven River. If you want to bring your family and friends to Grady's Riverside Retreat, you'll find it ideal. Powered campsites are available, though not on the water. Enjoy open campfires (excluding during total fire bans), and dogs must be kept on leash at all times.

Halifax Holiday Park, Nelson Bay

Halifax (image right) in New South Wales is a great place to camp with your dog because it is surrounded by two calm, blue-green water beaches. Deep water boat ramps, as well as a slew of cafes and restaurants, are all within easy driving distance of Sydney. Halifax has the same pet rules, so you'll have to work around the park's busiest times. However, if you do, you'll have direct access to Shoal Bay Beach, as well as BBQs, picnic areas, and a slew of walking and biking trails. Halifax Holiday Park is the ideal destination for families looking to relax and unwind in beautiful surroundings. A 15-minute walk from the park brings you to the heart of Nelson Bay, hosting plenty of cafes, shops, and restaurants, as well as a boat ramp and marina for those who enjoy boating. Why stay for the weekend when you can stay for the week? The park has a well-equipped camp kitchen, comfortable lounge seating, and guest laundry.

Ingenia Holidays, South West Rocks

At Ingenia, you can camp with your dog in a beautiful natural setting on the banks of a tidal waterway. Among the activities, you can do with your dog in this area are fishing and surfing. The only thing you need to do is check the availability of pet-friendly caravan and camping sites beforehand.

Lake Burrendong, Dubbo

Although she's not a "natural" lake, Lake Burrendong is still a stunning one. In addition to being a popular destination for campers and bushwalkers, Lake Burrendong is surrounded by dense bushland. In order to get the most out of your trip, we suggest making reservations for a shoreline spot at Lake Burrendong Holiday and Caravanning Park in Eagle Beagle Bay. This is the perfect spot for exploring the surrounding bushland and watching the sunset over a mini valley.

Lake Lyell Recreation Park, Lyell Lake, Lithgow

Lake Lyell (image right), on the outskirts of Lithgow and under three hours from Sydney, is a great getaway spot and another great spot to go camping with your dog. The lake was created in 1982 for the Mount Piper and Wallerawang Power Stations and is suitable for fishing, waterskiing, swimming, and jet skiing. There are hot showers, toilets, barbeques, and even a boat ramp available for an additional $24 per night.

Lake Saint Clair Campgrounds, Lake Saint Clair

In the foothills of the Mount Royal Range, about 30 minutes north of Singleton, you'll find Lake St. Clair (image right). The lake is a wonderful place to spend time outdoors. There are numerous recreational activities that can be enjoyed on the lake, including swimming, sailing, water skiing, camping, and fishing. With nearby scenic drives picnic facilities, you can camp in powered sites (bookings recommended) with electric and wood-fired barbecues, showers, toilet facilities and a kiosk.

Lakeside Forster Holiday Park, Forster

Forster is a three-and-a-half-hour drive north of Sydney, where this grassy lot is situated on the shores of Wallis Lake. There are numerous beaches, rivers, restaurants, cafes and hinterland, all within a short distance of the Lakeside Forster holiday park. Consider activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, and crabbing with your dog in tow (BYO equipment). Additionally, a small boat ramp is available at the park, and there's a larger one located just up the road. Outside of peak season, dogs are permitted at the discretion of the manager at caravan and camping sites.

Merry Beach Caravan Park, Kioloa

The coastal heart of Murramarang National Park is home to Merry Beach Caravan Park (image right) (and it's the absolute definition of beachfront) and is one of the best dog-friendly camp spots in NSW. Sites with beach views and ensuite facilities are available for campers (and caravanners, if you're into that sort of thing); alternatively, you can opt for a site without electricity. Open fires can be started in a brazier or an above-ground fire pit at all campgrounds. Dogs are allowed all year round, but there is a maximum of two dogs per booking, and you must keep your dog on a leash while in the park.

Mystery Bay Campground, Mystery Bay

It's impossible to overstate the beauty of Mystery Bay Campground. Five hours from Sydney, this ocean-side campsite is ideal for families and their pets who enjoy taking a dip, as well as surfers. In the immediate area, you can go beach fishing and surfing. Your dog may not appreciate the rocky coves and cliffs in Mystery Bay, but your Instagram followers will. Whilst close to the beach, unfortunately, you can't camp on the beach, and it is only dog friendly from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m. There's no need to make reservations, but camping can get crowded; first come, first served is the only way to camp here.

Old Bara Campsite, Mudgee

Visit Old Bara Campsite (image right) if you want to experience true wilderness camping with your dog. At this hidden gem, you'll have complete seclusion (if that is what you desire), as you'll be camping on a private cattle farm without having to restrain your four-legged companion. In addition, there is a small swimming hole where your dog can cool off after all the free-running it will do. Guests and their canine companions can enjoy a variety of scenic walking and cycling trails in the area. Unfortunately, there are no showers here, but their facilities have been voted the best in Australia by campers!

Pimpara Lake Station, Packsaddle

Pimpara Lake Station, 200 kilometres north of Broken Hill, is a great place to get away from it all. Stunning sunsets and a true-blue outback experience are provided at this 44,000-hectare sheep and cattle property. As it is a working station, you will need to book ahead.

Reflections Holiday Parks - Bonny Hills Holiday Park, Bonny Hills

Bonny Hills Reflections holiday park is located near Port Macquarie and Camden Haven north of Sydney. Reflections Bonny Hills (image right) is located right on the beach for a great summer vacation. Expect clean facilities and well-maintained grounds in a fantastic location with stunning views. The park is dog-friendly the majority of the year, yet dogs aren't permitted during the Christmas holiday period. Reflections Holiday Parks have 28-dog-friendly in NSW - meaning you have somewhere to stay all over the state!

Reflections Holiday Parks – Eden Holiday Park, Eden

Reflections Holiday Park Eden in New South Wales is about an hour and a half north of the Victorian border. It's a large campground with a prime lakefront location in one of the world's most beautiful parks. This is a great pit stop if you're travelling between Sydney and Melbourne with your dog and family. It is possible to rent a cabin or a powered or unpowered site. While the park is dog-friendly the majority of the year, dogs aren't permitted during the Christmas holiday period.

Riverwood Downs, Barrington Tops National Park, Monkerai

"Fur babies" is a phrase that Riverwood Downs are very familiar with, and you can tell they love dogs just as much as you or I. All 750 acres of their camping area are open to dogs, whether they are on or off-leash. Walking trails and mountain pools are also available for you and your dog to enjoy, so pack your swimwear to enjoy a dip with the doggo (image right). Even though most campsites lack electricity, there are hot showers and a coin-operated laundry facility. Not a fan of camping? There are also pet-friendly, well decked out cabins available. From hiking trails to cool mountain pools, crackling log fires, to wildlife and stargazing, there's plenty to do with your dog here. After a long day of exploring, you can unwind at the hotel's spa or grab a drink at the Woodside Bar and Grill (for you, not your doggo) to reward yourself.

Shallow Crossing Camp Ground, Mogood

The Clyde River in southern New South Wales is home to a dog-friendly private bush campsite that operates on tank water. Shallow Crossing Camp Ground is situated approximately halfway between Ulladulla and Batemans Bay. The campground has been around for 20 years. It provides campers with easy access to the river via a tidal causeway that allows for shallow swimming for families, children, and dogs and easy canoe or kayak launching. Camping is available on the riverfront flats; enjoy amenities and open fires with provided fire drums (except during a total fire ban). Some of the other activities available to campers include Push Bike riding through nearby State Forests, Bush Walking, Fishing (when permitted), Bird watching, or simply relaxing in the lovely bush setting.

Shoal Bay Holiday Park, Shoal Bay

Shoal Bay Holiday Park is the perfect spot for your next camping trip with your dog on Australia's east coast, right next to one of the region's most beautiful beaches. Pups are only allowed in during non-holiday times (so no dogs are allowed during school breaks or long weekends, but regular weekends are dog-friendly). This park overlooks Shoal Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in New South Wales, and is ideal for relaxing on the beach or taking your dog for a long walk. '

Turon Gates, Turon River, Blue Mountains

A retreat plus mountains equal one of our favourite types of vacations. Turon Gates (image left) is a dog-friendly camping area in the Blue Mountains Valley, located along the Turon River, one of the most remote dog-friendly camping destinations in Australia. Even though Turon Gates is only 6,000 acres, it feels like it was built with pets in mind. Your dog will enjoy the outdoors with you no matter what type of lodging you choose; a campsite, log cabin or the single pet-friendly bush glamping tent. You can also go mountain biking (BYO), canoeing, or gold panning. As long as the pets are under control, they are permitted to be off-lead. With the Blue Mountains in such close proximity, there is also an abundance of activities and hikes nearby. There are hot showers and restrooms available, and the views from here are unmatched! If you want a quiet place to spend the night, this is the place for you.

Wee Jasper Reserves, Wee Jasper

There are four distinct camping areas at Wee Jasper, providing a different and unique experience. The family-run campsite at Micalong Creek is a great place to go hiking with a dog on a leash, visit local caves, or take a dip in one of the nearby Micalong swimming holes. The river is great for fishing, and there are rope swings along the river walk for the kids as well!

Wollondilly River Station, Goodmans Ford, Southern Highlands

All pets are welcome at Wollondilly River Station (image left), an authentic camping experience, and as long as you keep your dog under control at all times, you can take them off the leash. There is no electricity, no on-site shop, no showers or drinking water and no lights in the bathroom at this 'traditional' campground, which is located about three hours from Sydney. However, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, swimming, bushwalking, fishing and stargazing in the area. The best part? There will be no differential pricing based on the time of day, and this spot is right on the river. All year long, there is a set fee. The camp spots which allow campfires are well spaced, giving privacy and solitude, and surrounded by a range of birdlife – even in the height of summer, you won't face overcrowded sites.

Yadboro Flats, Yadboro

The banks of the Clyde River offer yet another tranquil setting. Yadboro Flats is a free camping area with 20 sites available. Although long-drop toilets are available, bring your own water. Recreational swimming in the nearby river and four-wheel-drive tours are also popular. Do not bring your dog into any national park areas other than Yadboro Flats. Bushwalking, swimming, and four-wheel-drive touring are also popular activities. Bring a blanket and a fishing pole because bass fishing is very popular here.