Discover the best forest and dog-friendly campgrounds near Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

94% (1476 reviews)

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12 top forest and dog-friendly campgrounds near Canberra

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Scribbly Gum secluded bush camping

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents50 acres · Northangera, NSW

This property is in Northangera with the Mongarlowe River running along the boundary. It's covered in trees and provides a pristine environment amongst the "Scribbly Gums". It has flat areas with plenty of free timber for the designated fire pits. I have tried to create a haven for wildlife including Kangaroos, wombats, echidnas and platypus. I cherish the cleanliness of the river and surrounds and wish to be able to share this special environment with others who care to preserve all it offers. You can explore the property along the tracks, paddle, swim or fish in the river, enjoy the fauna, wildlife and birdlife. Located not far from Braidwood, a town steeped in history, with good shopping, coffee shops and great food. Sloping to flat land amongst the Scribbly Gum trees offering a number of sites and walks through the property. It provides both sun and shade. Access is good for vans of any size along a track through the bushland. Lovely swimming spots in the Mongalowe River, beautiful clear water, and several lovely bushwalks around the property. We offer four sites and the maximum stay is 7 nights.

* Before taxes and fees

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Coots Creek Campground

14 sites · RVs, Tents240 acres · Nanima, NSW

Following so many positive experiences with Hipcamp the owners decided to open up their beautiful 240acre cattle property to other Hipcampers, to share the beauty of the land and its flora and fauna in a pieceful environment, to develop friendships and operate the park during their retirement years. Patrons have enjoyed the easy accessibility, stunning sunset views and the peace and quiet of feeling like they are a million miles away from civilization. All sites in the Campground areaare sited to give maximum privacy and safety from any fire threat, with plenty of room to place tents/vans for best viewing position. Campground Sites x 8 Beautiful private sites that feel like you are away from the rest of the world. Watch kangaroos, wallaroos and wedge tail eagles. Drive through comfort for large Caravans/RV. Why not hire a van if you have no equipment- they will set the van up on your site https://www.camplify.com.au/rv/caravan-rental-murrumbateman-nsw-viv-the-viscount/33909 - Campers are encouraged to BYO Toilet, greywatertank and fresh water – potable water available for refill of tanks.

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91%

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Elm Grove Sanctuary Community

11 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Goobarragandra, NSW

Elm Grove Sanctuary provides the perfect environment for a digital detox. Visitors are welcome for family holidays, wedding receptions, and retreats, with cabins and camping options Set in the picturesque Goobarragandra Valley, 28 kms east of Tumut, we are surrounded by Kosciusko National Park with spectacular mountain scenery. There's plenty to do while visiting: fishing, bushwalking, swimming, stargazing, picnics, campfires or just sitting under an Elm tree with a book. We have Campsites by the river with a simple camp kitchen and basic toilets available. These sites have easy 2WD access and space to turn a caravan around. We have dogs, and are a Dog friendly campsite. (We also have chickens, so if you bring a dog, please make sure that it is going to be friends with our chickens, or kept on a leash.) There is no mobile reception, so you will not be disturbed by the outside world when you visit paradise.

* Before taxes and fees

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Maddara.Organic.Farm.and.Art

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Yass River, NSW

Once a much larger property, we purchased our 120-acre (50-hectare) in 1984 as a means to live sustainably and raise a family. Living in our shed whilst we prepared the garden, put in watering infrastructure and built our house which we finally moved in when our daughter was 6 months old in 1990. Over the ensuing years we have continued to increase biodiversity on the property and set it up so we can live sustainably, harvesting our own water, electricity and food. If your lucky you could get a hamper of our product when there is sufficient in season. With the increased biodiversity you will find that in the mornings and evenings kangaroos and wallabies will visit with the occasional echidna, rabbit and hare; and to forget the large array of bird life - that may wake you early in the morning with the songs. This campsite is set on lovely grassy open areas interspersed with gum trees. The sunrise looks spectacular near the dam, when the trees give off a lovely glow. The main paddock has a Geodome, a shared space for relaxing in. With all that space you can park and set up camp anywhere in the paddock. There is access to drinking water, toilets, and a hot shower. Around the dome is a firepit, drinking water and a camp kitchen. The firepit features an Argentinian BBQ and a plate for cooking. The kitchen has plates, cups, cutlery, and other bits and pieces for you to use. We also allow for your pets to stay onsite, this also includes horses. If you want exclusive use of the paddocks - refer to Group Bush Retreat.

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Michelago Farm Camping

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Michelago, NSW

Large open paddock with easy access from Monaro Highway, great for camping with amazing views of the mountains. The access road is dirt road. Ok for caravans. Dog friendly (must be well behaved around our animals and not chase them). We have Alpacas in our camping paddocks so your dog must be kept under control at all times. We have a composting toilet available for campers to use. Mobile phone reception in the area is around 3-4 bars 4G on Optus and 3-4 bars 3G on Telstra. Please bring your own wood for camp fires or you can purchase a barrow of bush wood from us in the extras. We prefer you not to collect your own wood (other than starter sticks/branches) as we are trying to maintain logs, branches, ground cover on the ground for native birds, lizards, etc. Private outdoor yoga sessions are available if booked in advance or you can book into the local classes on Thursday nights. All camp fees are being used to rehabilitate our property with plants that are native to our area and restore the land.

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Pine Gums, via Goulburn.

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents155 acres · Goulburn, NSW

Pine Gums is so close to everything but also feels a world away from everyone. From the time you pull in, to the time you leave, the experience at Pine Gums is peaceful, rewarding and one you will always cherish and remember. With so many people coming back time and time again, bringing friends and family, this really does speak for itself. This site was previously a pine forest and was harvested back in 2018. We are clearing some ground for grazing cattle while letting some regrowth come through for the wildlife. We have plenty of kangaroos, possums, wombats just to name a few and an abundance of birdlife. There is an undercover BBQ area with a built-in fireplace and gas BBQ. There is also a proper flushing toilet. At night, sit and listen to the sounds of silence as you glance up to the stars. This spot feels a world away but still has the convenience of being only 10 minutes off the Hume Hwy and only 20 minutes from Goulburn where you can get all your daily needs. There is plenty of firewood laying around the property for the campfire so bring your saw, cut some wood, and just enjoy. No firewood is to be taken off the property. Please always consider the next camper and leave some available and ready. Pet friendly! (Please always keep pets with you and away from the cattle/wildlife) 4x4 is definitely recommended especially if you are towing.

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(203)

Country Journey, Boxgrove farm

42 sites · RVs, Tents600 acres · Yass, NSW

With over 600 acres of Australian bush, our property is ideal for campers that want their own space. We are completely off-grid (no wifi to distract you) and we run off tank water (for this reason showers are only available for two hours in the evening). There are multiple camp sites on the property - some are close to hot showers and toilets, others are within a short walking distance. Some sites are perfect for our self sufficient campers who might want a nice private location and don't need access to amenities. There are two shared camp kitchen areas (with pizza ovens and bbqs). We have two amenities blocks with toilets and hot showers and two further compost toilets located at other sites. Campfires are permitted in designated areas (check with us when booking) and firewood can be added to your booking - we do require at least 24 hours notice if you want wood. There are lots of old-style games for the kids such as cricket, tennis, playground, bikes available, a swim in the dam and general country running around fun! Unfortunately we no longer have our flying fox, but there are plenty of other activities to keep you busy. We have some great bush walking areas where you might be lucky enough to see our resident wombats or our breeding pair of Wedge-tailed Eagles. You might also be lucky enough to be there when our two kelpies, Finn and Tori, are moving sheep through the property (they like to put on a show!!). The property dates back to the early 1900s and there are numerous historic buildings on the property. The earliest is a wooden slab hut that was built around the beginning of the 19th century - the Goulburn Penny Post newspaper, dated 3 December 1904 lines the walls of the hut. It also has a two shearing stand wooden shed built by Marcus Dawe in 1922. We try to make sure all of our guests have a great experience - so if you have any special requests reach out to us and have a chat!

* Before taxes and fees

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(68)

Shepherds Rest

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Mount Fairy, NSW

Beautiful open views across rolling hills and paddocks. Sit by the dam and enjoy the views. Meet the goats, llama and chickens. Walk the farm paddocks with the goats. Mountain bike on country roads. Various sites to choose from. Only 45 mins from Canberra.

* Before taxes and fees

90%

(5)

Bombay Bush Cabin and Camping

4 sites · RVs, Tents52 acres · Bombay, NSW

52 acres of bushland near Braidwood town centre and not far from the Bombay Reserve, Saddle Club and Aroona Wildlife Sanctuary. The property has a shed and a one bedroom hut and 2 dams spread over the 2 lots. However this property does not have at this point in time any toilet or shower facilities. There are water tanks for general grey water usage but not for drinking. Please also note photos are of the river near by, it does not run through the property though there are the dams.

* Before taxes and fees

98%

(148)

Witts End

14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Krawarree, NSW

Spend some time exploring the Deua National Park which is home to the Big Hole and the Marble Arch. Stroll along the banks of the Shoalhaven River and go for a dip.We offer powered and unpowered camping, a cabin and a hut. The property has two large grass sites where power can be provided. Located a short stroll to amenities and approx 50m from the dam where you can sit and relax or enjoy your meals at a communal BBQ area. The campsites have access to a toilet, shower and laundry. Guests can enjoy use of drinking water, a picnic table for meals and rubbish facilities.Louisa's Cabin is a studio style cabin with a small kitchenette (water from outdoor tank), cosy couches around an indoor fireplace and a lush King Bed. The bathroom is a shared amenities block with 2 showers and 3 toilets a short walk through the gardens. There is access to a laundry.Paddy's Hut is self-contained for your comfort, and the perfect location for a family getaway, a group of friends to relax and unwind, or offer the creature comforts to stage you wildlife adventures from.Enjoy the evenings around the campfire as you tell tales under the stars.Pets are welcome, but please be aware the owners have two of their own friendly dogs who are likely to stop by and say hello.

* Before taxes and fees

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(91)

Tin Can Ridge

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Tinderry, NSW

Bush camping on 100 acres in the Tinderry Range at about 1400 metres altitude. Seclusion and adventure all within an hour of Canberra and twenty minutes from Michelago and the Monaro highway. Big skies and dark nights for star-gazing are likely; or perhaps you'll be nestled in cloud; or hidden by falling snow. There are some beautiful bushwalks surrounded by sub-alpine flora and fauna on the property and nearby in the Tinderry Nature Reserve. Tinderry Range is a rugged range east of the Monaro highway accessed mostly through Michelago or an hour and a half from Braidwood (when dirt roads are reasonable). The range is only around 70km away from the coast, thus enabling a sea mist to often roll over us in the late afternoon. Summer temperatures are a pleasant 6 degrees or so cooler than nearby Canberra. You may choose between a number of options for camping depending on your camping desires and set up. There are numerous tracks around our property or nearby Tinderry Nature Reserve. You may go exploring to find the springs or choose to stick to easy walking tracks that follow the contours. We will provide a map. Tracks are also great for mountain bike riding and exploring the unusual mix of sub-alpine, montane and coastal flora and fauna. This area has fascinating history with the largest eucalyptus distillery in Australia until the late 1950's and very popular with a number of bushrangers such as the Clarke Brothers who had numerous hideouts. No amenities. BYO camping toilet and leave no trace. Campfires (except on fire ban days or when we advise otherwise) are okay--usually recommended. Normally dry firewood is easy to find, or purchase some from us if you prefer. The exception is the bell tent glamping option,' Tin Can Ridge Glamping' which has a toilet included as well as firewood and shortly its own wood stove! Some campsites are best accessed by 4WD, or on foot. or gain access to the glamping tent with us escorting you. Camp lightly. No hunting. Do nothing illegal. Take all waste with you. Respect the land, the wildlife and people. Keep the peace. Enjoy.

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Ningee Nimbell creek Nature Camp

1 site · RV, Tent250 acres · Tomboye, NSW

At Tomboye Nature Camp you can immerse yourself in a beautiful natural environment. With only one campsite available you will have plenty of space and privacy. You can enjoy a number or great activities on the property and in the surrounding area, including horse riding, bushwalking, wildlife watching and 4x4 driving. There is a lovely creek that flows through the property as well. We are within reach of Canberra, Braidwood, Nowra and Golburn and only 20 mins from the beautiful Shoalhaven River. Campers are required to be self sufficient with their own toilet/shower facilities and take all waste and rubbish with them on departure. Campfires are welcome but please ensure they are kept contained and are completely out before leaving unattended. Pets are welcome.

* Before taxes and fees

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Forest and dog-friendly camping near Canberra guide

Overview

Canberra’s museums, galleries, and national monuments offer plenty of culture, but the city’s best asset is its natural setting. Hemmed in by sloping peaks and nature reserves, here outdoors enthusiasts can enjoy bushwalking, cycling, and wildlife trails, or head to Lake Burley Griffin to sail, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard with views of Parliament House. Campers have a wide range of options, whether parking your campervan or caravan on the outskirts of the city centre, or sleeping out in swags beneath the stars.

Where to go

Australian Alps

The Australian Alps roll out south of Canberra into New South Wales and Victoria. On the outskirts of the capital, the rocky peaks and bushlands of Namadgi and Brindabella national parks harbour rustic camping spots with alpine views and plenty of options for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Further south, the mountain resorts of Thredbo and Perisher are two of the country’s most popular ski areas

Wine Country

Just a half-hour drive north of the city, the green hills of Murrumbateman, Gundaroo, and Yass make up the Canberra wine region, where boutique wineries and cellar doors offer vineyard strolls and wine tasting. Some of Canberra’s best camping sites lie here, where you can pitch your tent in the hills, cool off with a dip in a natural swimming hole, then tuck into a BBQ around the campfire.

Canberra Nature Reserves

Canberra is encircled by nature reserves, where you can roam along woodland trails, swim in freshwater creeks, and spot wild kangaroos hopping through the bushlands. Popular getaways from the city include Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, just southwest of the city; Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve to the north; and Kowen Forest to the east.

When to go

Canberra’s distinct seasons mean that the city’s landscapes are ever changing—autumnal leaves blanket the hillsides with shades of red, orange, and gold, while the mountaintops are dusted with snow in winter. The best time for camping trips, bushwalking, and outdoor activities is from September through May, but the region is busiest in summer (December through February), when it’s best to book camping grounds in advance.

Know before you go

Public transport is limited between Canberra and the surrounding national parks and reserves, so you will need your own car. Some sites are only reachable by 4WD.
Camping sites in the ACT’s parks often have few amenities, so bring everything you need with you, including drinking water and firewood.
Fire bans are common in the ACT during summer and dry periods, so be sure to check local recommendations before lighting your campfire.
A National Parks pass is required to visit, hike, or camp within Australia’s national parks.
Snakes are common around Canberra—keep your ankles covered if walking through tall grass and pack a first-aid kit when hiking or camping in bushland areas.

Nearby attractions

Located at the end of the Snowy Mountains Highway and surrounded by breathtaking views, Tantangara Dam is a great place to visit for hiking and water sports.