Just a few km’s off the Princes Highway, you’ll find yourself in NSW’s most picturesque dog-friendly camping spot. 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.

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!

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 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!

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.

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?!

Relax in the secluded forests of Barrington Tops National Park. Choose from 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. And 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.

Merry Beach Caravan Park is by far one of the best dog-friendly camping spots in NSW and one of the only with a beachfront view. Here you can choose between powered or unpowered sites or even splash out on an ensuite site with your very own bathroom! La di da!

Situated in the Southern Highlands, Wollondilly River Station offers an authentic bushland camping experience. 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 and 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.

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 holiday periods or peak times so make sure you check your dates before you book.

Wee Jasper is a family run campsite with 4 different camping areas – all totally different and unique. From here you can visit local caves, the nearby Micalong Swimming hole, or put 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!

Before we kick into anything, it’s worth wrapping your head around what you can and can’t do whilst camping wit your dog. Here is a list of things you shouldn’t do;