The Top 10 Dog-Friendly Camping Sites in NSW
Camping with your furry friend is a very enjoyable adventure for dog owners. It’s a chance to escape the hustle of city life and enjoy some quality time in the great outdoors. Finding a camping spot that allows dogs can be challenging (as many campsites are in national parks where dogs are not permitted), but we’ve compiled a list of some of the best dog-friendly camping NSW can offer that both you and your pup will love.
There's plenty to enjoy, whether heading to the stunning Blue Mountains or the beautiful South Coast. Read on to find what we consider (in no particular order), the finest dog-friendly camping grounds NSW has to explore!
This camping area is entirely free but operates on a first-come, first-serve basis, so you'll want to arrive early to secure your spot. You'll also need to bring your own water to keep hydrated as you and your dog explore the natural beauty of Chichester State Forest.
More info: 1300 655 687
Location: State Forest
Lake Burrendong also happens to be a haven for water sports enthusiasts. So if you and your dog enjoy a bit of kayaking before dinner around the campfire, Lake Burrendong is an idyllic destination in Central West NSW.
More info: Lake Burrendong Holiday and Caravan Park
Location: Directions
Fossickers Tourist Park is pet-friendly, with powered and unpowered sites and a view over the Peel River and surrounding farmland. Nundle sits in gemstone country, making it a great place to try your luck at gold and sapphire fossicking. However, the best part is that dogs are allowed in State Forests in NSW, so you can bring your furry friend along while panning in the Peel River! Nundle is also home to May’s Great Nundle Dog Race, a family-friendly event with novelty dog races and activities for the kids.
More info: fossickersatnundle.com.au
Location: 103 Jenkins St
There's plenty to enjoy, whether heading to the stunning Blue Mountains or the beautiful South Coast. Read on to find what we consider (in no particular order), the finest dog-friendly camping grounds NSW has to explore!
Coachwood Camping Area
For some dog-friendly free camping, NSW has an option that is not too far from Sydney which welcomes furry friends! Coachwood Camping Area, located in the scenic Chichester State Forest, just under Barrington Tops National Park, is a unique ferny rainforest setting. It has a fun swimming hole, gentle rapids, and basic amenities like bins, fire pits, and long-drop toilets.This camping area is entirely free but operates on a first-come, first-serve basis, so you'll want to arrive early to secure your spot. You'll also need to bring your own water to keep hydrated as you and your dog explore the natural beauty of Chichester State Forest.
More info: 1300 655 687
Location: State Forest
Lake Burrendong
Nestled amidst the dense bushland of Central West New South Wales, Lake Burrendong is an artificial beauty that's a must-visit for nature lovers and camping enthusiasts alike. The stunning surroundings make you feel like you and your dog are exploring the heart of the Australian bush. There are two holiday parks on offer, and you can soak in the shoreline experience at Lake Burrendong Holiday and Caravan Park or somewhere along Eagle Beagle Bay for wide-open spaces and stunning sunsets in a mini valley.Lake Burrendong also happens to be a haven for water sports enthusiasts. So if you and your dog enjoy a bit of kayaking before dinner around the campfire, Lake Burrendong is an idyllic destination in Central West NSW.
More info: Lake Burrendong Holiday and Caravan Park
Location: Directions
Fossickers Tourist Park
Looking for a unique spot to travel to for dog-friendly camping? Northern NSW has a great little secret called Nundle, a charming historic mining village in the New England region. This is a must-visit destination for history-loving outdoor enthusiasts, and with a population of only 300 people, you'll be able to unwind with ease. This picturesque village is nestled between the Peel River and the Great Dividing Range, roughly 4.5 hours north of Sydney and just 60km from Tamworth.Fossickers Tourist Park is pet-friendly, with powered and unpowered sites and a view over the Peel River and surrounding farmland. Nundle sits in gemstone country, making it a great place to try your luck at gold and sapphire fossicking. However, the best part is that dogs are allowed in State Forests in NSW, so you can bring your furry friend along while panning in the Peel River! Nundle is also home to May’s Great Nundle Dog Race, a family-friendly event with novelty dog races and activities for the kids.
More info: fossickersatnundle.com.au
Location: 103 Jenkins St
Riverwood Downs
Riverwood Downs Campsite is an excellent option for those seeking a dog-friendly camping experience that's a little more luxurious but still close to nature. Nestled in the stunning Monkerai Valley, the 750-acre property boasts 5km of mountain river frontage, providing a serene backdrop for a relaxing getaway.The picturesque location also houses a range of amenities to ensure your comfort, like a soak in the spa or a bite to eat at the on-site bar and grill. Be aware; however, this place is very popular, so book in advance to secure your spot, then explore the vast expanse of land and river, go swimming or horse riding and get ready for a camping experience you won't forget.
More info: riverwooddowns.com.au
Location: 311 Upper Monkerai Rd
Old Bara Campsite
For a peaceful and secluded dog-friendly camping spot, the Old Bara Campsite is our pick! Located on a private cattle farm, the site is surrounded by bushland, perfect for hiking and exploring with your pup. You can set up camp wherever you please, and there's no need to keep your dog on a leash, so they can run free and enjoy the great outdoors.One of the best things about Old Bara Campsite is the nearby swimming spot, which is perfect for letting your dog splash around and have some fun. The campsite has basic facilities, like fire pits for cooking and warmth, and long-drop toilets (be sure to bring your own water).
Please note: To get to Old Bara Campsite, you'll need a 4WD, as the track can be quite rough.
More info: campinmudgee.com.au
Location: 631 Bara Rd
Opal Holiday Park
Situated in the heart of the Australian outback, Lightning Ridge is a must-see destination for anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable experience. This historic opal mining town, located near the border of Queensland and New South Wales, is unlike any other place in Australia, and it has plenty of pet-friendly accommodation.Opal Holiday Park has a doggie daycare with three private and secure yards where your pooch can relax while you explore. The holiday park also offers powered camping sites, spacious drive-through sites for caravans, and pet-friendly cabins that provide air-conditioned comfort. Check out the free Hot Artesian Bore Bath, which has naturally heated thermal baths to relax in under the starry night sky.
More info: opalholidaypark.com.au
Location: 142 Pandora St
Wollondilly River Station
Nestled in the heart of the Southern Highlands, the serene Wollondilly River Station offers some of the finest dog-friendly camping south coast NSW provides. Head down the winding roads from Mittagong to find this property owned and operated by the friendly Casburn family, who pride themselves on delivering an authentic bush camping experience that won't break the bank.Unlike many other campsites, Wollondilly River Station is tranquil, and dogs are more than welcome on the grounds. Take a hike along the river, or enjoy a picnic, but be sure to book ahead and bring cash as payment (there is no internet, so enjoy some forced disconnection).
More info: wollondillyriverstation.com
Location: Wombeyan Caves Rd
Ingenia, South West Rocks
The Ingenia Holiday Park is located on the Central Coast, just a short drive north of Sydney. Here you'll find a picturesque tidal waterway, plenty of pet-friendly accommodation options, and a dog-friendly beach for a bit of a surf.Some great on-site facilities include mini-golf, a swimming pool, and a specific off-leash dog park to burn off some energy and socialise. You can also head out and about to check out the walking paths and nearby, dog-friendly Bouddi National Park. This dog-friendly bit of nature has loads of scenic walks and hiking trails to spend the day discovering.
More info: ingeniaholidays.com.au
Location: Gordon Young Dr, South West Rocks NSW
Surf the waves near Delicate Nobby, spot whales breaching the waters, or take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear ocean. This is one of the few beach camping areas in northern NSW that welcomes dogs; just be aware that there are designated areas for your pooch, who must be supervised and under control at all times.
Please note: Dogs are not allowed in the nearby Goolawah National Park or Limeburners Creek National Park.
More info: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
Delicate Campground, Kempsey
Tucked away in the serene Goolawah Regional Park near Crescent Head, you'll find Delicate Campground, a beachside haven just five hours north of Sydney. The perfect destination for a camping trip in the Kempsey region, this remote-visit location will require you to pack everything you and your dog need. It has basic amenities such as toilets, showers, and picnic tables, but keep in mind that there's no power on-site, so it's best to come prepared.Surf the waves near Delicate Nobby, spot whales breaching the waters, or take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear ocean. This is one of the few beach camping areas in northern NSW that welcomes dogs; just be aware that there are designated areas for your pooch, who must be supervised and under control at all times.
Please note: Dogs are not allowed in the nearby Goolawah National Park or Limeburners Creek National Park.
More info: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
Location: 1010 Point Plomer Rd
Camp along the 12 km of glistening trout streams or enjoy stunning mountain vistas from the cozy cottages. There are basic amenities like hot showers, washrooms, and outdoor sinks with hot running water, allowing for the natural bush camping experience with a touch of comfort. Unpowered sites are first-come, first-serve, and you and your pup can paddle down the river on a canoe or kayak or swim in the refreshing waters to unwind and reconnect.
More info: turongates.com
Turon Gates
Head to the Blue Mountains for some tranquil bushland spread over 6,000 acres, thanks to the secluded Turon Gates campsite. Situated in the foothills on the Turon River, approximately 2.5 hours from Sydney, Turon Gates is a pet-friendly spot that allows off-leash play as long as dogs they are kept under control.Camp along the 12 km of glistening trout streams or enjoy stunning mountain vistas from the cozy cottages. There are basic amenities like hot showers, washrooms, and outdoor sinks with hot running water, allowing for the natural bush camping experience with a touch of comfort. Unpowered sites are first-come, first-serve, and you and your pup can paddle down the river on a canoe or kayak or swim in the refreshing waters to unwind and reconnect.
More info: turongates.com
Location: 942 Turon Gates Rd
So there you have it, the very best dog-friendly camping NSW has to offer. Be sure to bring Eukanuba with you to keep your best buddy energised during the trip, and check out our tips for travelling with your dog article to get ready for the next adventure!
So there you have it, the very best dog-friendly camping NSW has to offer. Be sure to bring Eukanuba with you to keep your best buddy energised during the trip, and check out our tips for travelling with your dog article to get ready for the next adventure!