Published: Last Updated:
Readtime: 12 min
Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here.
Looking for the best dog-friendly camping spots in NSW? Whether you want to pitch a tent by the beach, settle into a riverside cabin, or explore remote bushland, there are plenty of great places to camp with your dog across New South Wales. We’ve rounded up the top dog-friendly campsites near Sydney and beyond, with everything you need to know about dog rules, facilities, and what makes each one a special palce to camp with man’s best friend.
Best Dog-Friendly Camping Spots in NSW: Quick Comparison
- Best overall: Halifax Holiday Park
- For a camping adventure: Turon Gates
- For dog-friendly cabins: Riverwood Downs
- For powered sites: Merry Beach Caravan Park
- For lush green grass: Wollondilly River Station
- For pristine beaches: Mystery Bay Campground
1. Mystery Bay Campground – Best for coastal camping with dogs
- Address: 190 Mystery Bay Rd, Mystery Bay NSW 2546
- Phone: +61 (04) 2862 2357
- Distance from Sydney: 359km (5 hrs)
- Dog Rules: On-leash only
- Why it’s great: Beachfront location with ocean views, native bushland, and nearby whale-watching cruises
- Need to know: Cold showers, no power, long drop toilets, book ahead during school holidays
Just a few kilometres off the Princes Highway, you’ll find yourself in New South Wales’ most picturesque dog-friendly campsite. Mystery Bay Campground has stunning oceanfront views. You and your pup will love being surrounded by all the native flora and fauna. It’s a fantastic spot for surfing, fishing, and even local whale-watching cruises. Facilities include cold showers, water taps, and pretty decent long drops. Just FYI it can get busy, especially during the school holidays, so make sure you book ahead.
2. Old Bara Campsite – Best for off-leash bush camping
- Address: 631 Bara Rd, Mudgee NSW 2850
- Phone: +61 (02) 6373 6555
- Distance from Sydney: 285km (3 hrs 45 mins)
- Dog rules: Dogs can be off-leash but must be under control
- Why it’s great: Private, spacious campsites on a working farm with walking trails and creek access
- Need to Know: No showers, but famously clean drop toilets, completely unpowered and secluded
Located on a private farm, Old Bara offers a true bush camping experience. Guests and their doggos can explore the local area with plenty of picturesque walking and cycling tracks. If the water’s more your thing, go for a splash in the nearby creek. The campsites are all private, so you can relax without any annoying neighbours! No showers, unfortunately, but their amenities have been voted, by campers, as the best loos in Australia!
3. Delicate Campground – Best for off-leash beach walks
- Address: 1010 Point Plomer Rd, Crescent Head NSW 2440
- Phone: +61 (02) 6561 6700
- Distance from Sydney: 452km (4 hrs 45 mins)
- Dog rules: Off-leash areas are allowed on designated beaches
- Why it’s great: One of the few northern NSW beach camps that allow dogs — surf, snorkel, walk
- Need to know: Located in Goolawah Regional Park, bring your own drinking water
Located in Goolawah Regional Park, you’ll find one of the few beach camping areas in northern NSW where you can bring your pooch along! There are heaps of activities here, from snorkelling and surfing to walking your dog on the off-leash beach. With all this and so much more, Delicate Campground is by far one of the best dog-friendly camping spots in NSW!
4. Turon Gates – Best for nature lovers and glamping with pets
- Address: 942 Upper Turon Rd, Capertee NSW 2846
- Phone: +61 (02) 9969 3818
- Distance from Sydney: 196km (3 hrs)
- Dog rules: On-leash only
- Why it’s great: Peaceful bush valley with unpowered campsites, dog-friendly glamping tents and cottages
- Need to know: No phone reception, but hot showers, camp kitchen, and a river for swimming
Situated along the Turon River, in the valley of the Blue Mountains, Turon Gates is one of the best dog-friendly camping sites in NSW. Amenities include hot showers and washrooms, and the views are second to none! Sites are unpowered and unallocated, just pick a spot and settle in for the night. They even have pet-friendly cottages and glamping tents if you love nature but don’t want to sacrifice your creature comforts.
5. Halifax Holiday Park – Best all-rounder for dog camping near the beach
- Address: 5 Beach Rd, Nelson Bay NSW 2315
- Phone: +61 (02) 4988 0990
- Distance from Sydney: 217km (2 hrs 30 mins)
- Dog rules: On-leash only, and not allowed during peak periods
- Why it’s great: Bush-meets-beach location, walking distance to cafes and boat ramp access
- Need to know: Fully equipped park with camp kitchen, laundry, and pet-friendly cabins (outside peak times)
Surrounded by calm water beaches and set in scenic bushland, Halifax Holiday Park is the ideal choice for all the family. The park is a 15-minute stroll to the centre of Nelson Bay, where you’ll find a variety of cafes, shops and restaurants, and boating enthusiasts will love the adjacent boat ramp and nearby marina. With the park boasting a well-equipped camp kitchen, lounge seating, and guest laundry, why stay for the weekend when you can stay all week?!
6. Riverwood Downs – Best for dog-friendly cabins and riverside retreats
- Address: 311 Monkerai Rd, Monkerai NSW 2415
- Phone: 1800 809 772
- Distance from Sydney: 251km (3 hrs)
- Dog rules: On-leash required in all areas
- Why it’s great: Set on 750 acres in the Barrington Tops with dog-friendly cabins, riverside walks, and an onsite restaurant
- Need to know: Spa, bar & grill on site — ideal for those who want camping with a few extras
Relax in the secluded forests of Barrington Tops National Park. Choose from the riverside or parkland camping at the 750-acre property with 5k of mountain river-frontage at the beautiful Riverwood Downs. There’s plenty to do with doggo here, from walking trails to splashing around in the cool mountain pools. After all that activity, you can sit back and relax at the onsite spa or treat yourself to a pint (you, not doggo!) at the Woodside Bar and Grill.
7. Merry Beach Caravan Park – Best for beachfront powered camping
- Address: 46 Merry Beach Rd, Kioloa NSW 2539
- Phone: +61 (02) 4457 1065
- Distance from Sydney: 260km (3 hrs 45 mins)
- Dog rules: On-leash only, designated pet-friendly zones
- Why it’s great: Beachfront park with powered and ensuite sites, perfect for dogs that love sand and sea
- Need to know: Busy during summer, book early for dog-friendly ensuite sites
Merry Beach Caravan Park is by far one of the best dog-friendly holiday parks in NSW and one of the only with a beachfront view. Here you can choose between powered and unpowered sites or even splash out on an ensuite site with your very own bathroom! La di da! This is pet friendly camping at its finest.
8. Wollondilly River Station – Best for off-grid off-leash camping
- Address: Wombeyan Caves Rd, Wombeyan Caves NSW 2580
- Phone: +61 (02) 4888 9207
- Distance from Sydney: 164km (2hrs 30 mins)
- Dog rules: Off-leash allowed if dogs are under control
- Why it’s great: Private bushland property with riverside camping and loads of space
- Need to know: No power, no drinking water, and basic portaloos — pack everything you need (including a torch!)
Situated in the Southern Highlands, Wollondilly River Station offers an authentic bushland camping experience. It’s probably one of the most dog friendly campgrounds in NSW as it’s privately owned, and the owners pride themselves on not overcrowding the site (even during peak season) so you’ll be sure to have plenty of space. Plus, dogs are allowed off-leash as long as they are under control. It’s definitely back to basics here; there’s no power, no drinking water, and no lights in the portaloos, so make sure you’re fully equipped… and don’t forget a torch.
9. Shoal Bay Holiday Park – Best for beachside dog walks (off-peak only)
- Address: 71 Shoal Bay Rd, Shoal Bay NSW 2315
- Phone: +61 (02) 4988 0990
- Distance from Sydney: 218km (2hrs 30 mins)
- Dog rules: Dogs allowed outside school holidays and peak periods
- Why it’s great: Overlooks one of NSW’s best beaches and is close to bushwalks and town
- Need to know: Check seasonal dog restrictions before booking, well-equipped park with beach access
For those who can’t bear to leave their best friend at home, Shoal Bay Holiday Park is perfect for dog lovers! Overlooking Shoal Bay, one of NSW’s most beautiful beaches, this park is perfect for relaxing on the beach or taking the dog for a long walk. Unfortunately, dogs aren’t allowed during NSW school holidays or peak times so make sure you check your dates before you book.
10. Reflections Wee Jasper Campground – Best for riverside bush camping
- Address: 5 Nottingham Road, Wee Jasper NSW 2582
- Phone: (02) 6227 9626
- Distance from Sydney: 340km (4 hrs)
- Dog rules: On-leash only
- Why it’s great: Access to bushwalks, swimming holes, rope swings and caves
- Need to know: Four different camping areas with varying facilities, book ahead for long weekends
Wee Jasper is a family-run campsite with 4 different camping areas – all totally different and unique. From here, you can visit local caves and the nearby Micalong Swimming Hole, or put your pup on a lead and go trekking along one of the many bushwalks along Micalong Creek. The river is ideal for fishing (cook up your catch on the campfire!) and there are rope swings along the river walk for the kids too!
11. Lake St Clair – Best for dog-friendly water sports and fishing
- Address: 1719 Carrowbrook Rd, St Clair NSW, 2330
- Phone: (02) 5522 4010
- Distance from Sydney: 243km (2 hrs 45 mins)
- Dog rules: On-leash at all times
- Why it’s great: Large lake with fishing, kayaking, and mountain views, great for active pups
- Need to know: Booking is essential, this one fills up fast, especially in summer
Just a half-hour drive from Singleton, Lake St Clair is your go-to spot for outdoor fun. Nestled near Mt Royal National Park, it’s a massive playground for water sports and fishing. There’s plenty of room for your pup to run around but they must be on-leash at all times! Heads up, though—you’ll need to book in advance as this campsite does book out!
Additional Pet-Friendly Camping Spots in NSW
We’ve listed our favourite spots above – but there are so many doggo friendly camping spots in NSW … so here are an extra few worth checking out!
- Bonny Hills Holiday Park
- Rainbow Beach
- Lake Burrendong
- Murray River
- Diamond Waters Caravan Park (Camden Haven)
Dog Camping Rules in NSW
It’s a privilege to be able to take our fur babies camping – so here are some do’s and don’ts to make the experience enjoyable for all!
Doggy Do’s
- Make sure your dog has proper ventilation, shade, and water if left unattended in your vehicle.
- Be knowledgeable of diseases that dogs can contract through plants, insects, and wildlife.
- Respect campground rules and abide by off-leash and on-leash areas.
- Pick up after your dog and dispose of the waste in appropriate bins.
Doggy Don’ts…
- Forget the dog food!
- Leave your dog unattended outside.
- Let your dog off-leash in on-lead areas
You can also check out the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service’s guide on camping with pets, as well as some travelling with pets tips from the RSPCA.
How We Chose These Dog-Friendly Campsites
The Man of Many team put this list together using our own experiences (we love dogs too!), Google reviews of campsites, and tips from dog-friendly NSW camping groups.
More Camping Spots in NSW to Explore
- 18 Best Beach Camping Spots in NSW
- 12 Best Swag Tents for Camping
- 18 Best Glamping Spots Near Sydney
- 40+ Camping Essentials for Your Next Adventure
- 12 Best Fishing Spots in Sydney
Dog Friendly Camping NSW FAQs
Most NSW national parks don’t allow dogs, even if they’re on a lead. But don’t stress, there are heaps of great alternatives nearby like regional parks, state forests and private campgrounds that are much more dog-friendly.
It depends on where you go. Some private campgrounds (like Wollondilly River Station and Old Bara) let your dog off-lead as long as they’re under control. But most places ask you to keep them on a leash, especially if there’s wildlife or other campers around.
Pack the basics: leash, water bowl, food, poo bags, and somewhere comfy for them to sleep (like a mat or dog bed). A tick collar or treatment is a good idea too, and if you’re camping in winter, maybe a little dog jacket. You know your pup best!
Definitely. Pet-friendly sites are usually limited, and some places (like Lake St Clair) book out fast during holidays. It’s always a good idea to check the dog rules and book in advance so you’re not caught out.
Comments
We love hearing from you. or to leave a comment.