Dog-friendly and waterside camping in New South Wales

Beaches, snow-capped peaks, rainforest wilderness, and vast outback plains, NSW has it all.

96% (42269 reviews)
96% (42269 reviews)

Popular camping styles for New South Wales

Available this weekend

Under $50

9 top dog-friendly and waterside campgrounds in New South Wales

98%
(1241)

The Hatch Farm - Port Macquarie

14 sites · RVs, Tents150 acres · The Hatch, NSW
Welcome to Port Macquarie's 'The Hatch Farm'; a pet friendly, interactive animal and fishing farm stay! A 150-acre working farm with a stunning outlook over the saltwater Maria River (with a rustic boat ramp and waterway running into the Hastings River). Located on the Mid North Coast NSW, 4kms off the Pacific Highway, and a quick 13/15-minute drive to the holiday township of Port Macquarie. Port Macquarie is known for its beautiful beaches, coastal scenery and walks, koala hospital, and local strawberry and tomato picking. Bernard and Susan are custodians of the farm, primarily using the land for poultry (egg), pig, and goat farming. They are transitioning to an off-grid and eco-friendly lifestyle for their retirement. The Hatch Farm is home to many animals, most of whom are rescues - including border collies, cavalier king charles spaniels, chickens, ducks, pigs, sheep, goats, miniature horses, cows, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs. There is plenty to do and see around the farm from complete relaxation, interacting with the friendly animals (there is usually a variety of babies to cuddle!), to casting a line or launching your boat from the rustic boat ramp. Friendly pets welcome.
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from 
AU$50
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
88%
(41)

SeaForest Sanctuary

21 sites · RVs, Tents65 acres · Charlotte Bay, NSW
NOT SUITABLE FOR VANS OVER 18ft. 65 acres of pristine forest excites the senses with its diversity of environments; meandering creek tributaries, a huge natural billabong, rich array of birdlife & wildlife. The property’s rainforest walk leads you through a subtropical tree forest by the banks of Duck creek, past the 'Dingo' large sculpture then to the ultimate viewing of the gigantic ancient trees that are 300 years old. The property is close to 4 beaches - Blueys, Boomerang, Elizabeth & Cellito/Sandbar ( 3 of those beaches are dog friendly and Sandbar even allows Horse riding as well as 4WD). The property borders the southern boundary of the Wallingat National Park - which offers days and days of adventures and has the best look-out over the whole coastal region called the Whoota Whoota lookout. Wallis Lake is literally across the road from the front gate and can be accessed by boat launch just up the Coomba road or at the Pacific Palms recreational club ( Recky) which is a short 5 minutes down the road. Smiths Lake is only 5 minutes drive away in the other direction and has catamaran and boat hire services close to the Frothy Coffee Cafe, located right on the Smiths Lake waters edge. The new water sport called Fliteboard, also known as e-foiling ( it’s a new technology giving the beginner to advanced rider an experience of surfing without needing to catch a wave - sort of SUP and standing on a large stable board but propelled by a battery operated propeller ) is also located here to try out and have lessons on..The stable board GLIDES above the water on a keel like structure that is motorised by battery and is controlled by a hand held bluetooth device. You literally fly above the serene water silently ! ( exclusive deals given to SeaForest Sanctuary visitors - see extras - loading information shortly ) SeaForest Sanctuary sites are 4WD and AWD due to the tracks- some 2WD as long as they have a high ground clearance & depending if we have dry weather. ( I have a small 2WD SUV and it gets around perfectly in the dry weather but I need the 4WD in the wet ). No amenities so campers need to BYO everything they need and leave no trace. Campers MUST bring their own camping toilet... This property is a wildlife/bush sanctuary and thus everyone is asked to please do their part to keeping it that way. The waterways and forests in this area are mind blowing. If you have the opportunity, hire a boat/ houseboat or kayak etc and explore the Myall, Smiths and Wallis Lakes.. Bushwalking trails are everywhere through the many National Parks that surround us here. The property is Dog friendly and owners must be respectful of others and keep animals quiet and contained at night. Goes without saying - please clean up doggie dung and take with your rubbish. Campfires are permitted in a designated area when restrictions aren't in place, plenty of wood to gather your own. Please be mindful that there could be fire bans on certain days during the summer. Farm manager will keep you informed and if the worst scenario happens being a fire warning of catastrophic conditions, please follow the farm managers instructions to evacuate the premises and enjoy some shopping in Forster or go to the movies for the day until the warning has lifted. Horse agistment available.
Campfires
from 
AU$35
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(539)

Spirit of the Forest

19 sites · RVs, Tents70 acres · Boolambayte, NSW
Spirit of the Forest is one of the oldest properties in the area. Many years ago  it was an old dairy farm, but it has been through many transitions since then.... uniquely situated only a few kms. from the majestic "Grandis" tree it has an abundance of wildlife close by, wallabies come out to feed on the pasture at dusk and dawn, mighty eagles soar overhead and beautiful Arabian horses run free in the paddocks.Trevor and Maya moved here from Berry NSW 17 years ago. Trevor is an internationally acclaimed entertainer and horse whisperer and Maya is an artist, author and lecturer. Both found the property a haven from their busy schedule of performing overseas.A unique 70 acre Arabian horse property, surrounded by Myall Lakes National Park 4 kms from "The Grandis" the tallest tree in NSW and 10 kms from Bulahdelah Town also near to beautiful North Coast beaches. There are many beautiful areas to choose from to camp, as well as a cabin.A portable 240v generator (1) is available for hire $10.00 a day, fuel included, advance booking.
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from 
AU$45
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(143)

Near and Far Yamba

11 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Micalo Island, NSW
Near and Far Yamba is on an exclusive riverside private property, located 10 mins drive from Yamba NSW. If you like the quiet and being away from the mob in a rural area, you will enjoy this out of the ordinary property. If you’re an early riser you will see wonderful sunrises over the river, plenty of kangaroos, birds, jumping mullet, maybe a dolphin or sea eagle. The owners large homestead is visible, they are happy to share their property and surrounds as offered. CAMPSITES: 2 Exclusive spacious separate camp sites near the river - Cubby Waterfront site, space for group 1-3 Caravans, tents, campers, coasters etc . Mango Tree River View Site space for group 1- 2 Caravans, campers. SKIPPY Bush Camp 2 open field - short Stay for self contained ensuite caravans only. Not riverfront, tap water only, no other facilities. All sites - Leave no trace, means take your rubbish away. 3km all weather private road. A secluded private property with open spaces, unfenced river and canals, farm animals and wildlife close by. Kangaroos are regularly around the buildings, in the yard and can be grazing up to the door at night. Town water, grid power, Telstra WIFI is available in the area but not provided. Dog friendly, secure available if required.
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from 
AU$50
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
85%
(36)

Kintelliko

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Newcastle, NSW
A beautiful flat grassy bed for your Rv, caravan, campertrailer or tent awaits you at Kintelliko. Kintelliko means “to laugh” in the local Awabakal language and we hope to share our joy of living on this beautiful acreage nestled into 100 acres of bushland - yet only 5 minutes to the beach, lake and shops. Your fully powered site has everything you could need. An environmentally friendly compost toilet (The brush tail possum sometimes decides it’s nice there), a quaint outdoor hot shower made from a huge sculpture, a rustic outdoor kitchen with BBQ and stainless steel benches (it’s out in the open - water from the tap goes into the garden). We try to make our spaces consistently inviting for birds and wildlife as well as humans. Here's a list of nearby things to do! - Redhead Beach (~5 mins) - Lake Macquarie (~5 mins) -Naru lagoon swimming (~15 mins) -Fernleigh track (~5 mins) - Green Point Walking track (~7 mins)
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AU$60
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
94%
(194)

Waterfalls & More

11 sites · RVs, Tents104 acres · Sherwood, NSW
HIDING IN THE MIDDLE OF EVERYWHERE! Pure. Unadulterated. WILD. 104 very private acres, securely sandwiched between a National Park Nature Reserve and State Forest. On a dead end road. No agriculture or farms upstream, only one other like-minded property owner. Secluded, but hiding smack bang in the middle of everywhere! From vertiginous sandstone cliffs on which epipetrics cling tight, right through to palm-filled rainforests, and with two quite different creek systems (including a monster waterfall), you'll be spoiled for things to do and places to explore - without even leaving the property! HISTORY This land is Gumbaynggirr land. Please be particularly mindful of our First Nation's long presence on this land. In the 1800's, white men came seeking Red Cedar, closely followed by settlers having a go at dairying; though logging has remained this area's mainstay. This special property, despite last being selectively logged about 50 years ago, hosts many huge old-growth trees remaining steadfast for your discovery and wonder. And many more are continuing to grow out too. About 35 years ago about nine of this property's eastern-most 104 acres became part of a far larger nashi pear orchard which filled much of the flats of this top end of the valley that you see today. Ultimately they failed to set good commercial fruit, and the rootstocks took over. You can see remnant rows of these trees just south of the property, from along the road. (Beware though - they have spikes that could puncture Caterpillar tracks!) MORE RECENTLY extensive lantana control efforts have been undertaken as we now move into revegetating with native species and implementing a permaculture plan. Today the property is registered with Land For Wildlife and hosts a very wide mix of native vegetation communities. ACTIVITIES Bird watch. Climb. Abseil. Photograph wildflowers. Paint. Swim. In the next valley there's even gold to be found. Explore trails by mountain bike. Whale watch. Surf. Learn SCUBA. Go beach-combing. Catch a mudcrab. Go whitewater river rafting. Ask your host about where to find all the local waterfalls, the best walking, how to find gold, the gnarliest off-road tracks, Anything is possible here in this magnificent part of the world, except perhaps snow and ice.
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from 
AU$29
 / night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(142)

Sunset Point

5 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Bodalla, NSW
When you stay at Sunset Point you have lake frontage onto Borang Lake ( 4km from Potato Point), which connects directly with the Tuross lakes. You are able to launch your own tinny at our private jetty. A firepit is provided and you can collect your own wood yourself, or purchase a $25 a wheel barrow load with your booking. Wildlife is plentiful here, so please respect the environment and clean up after your self. There are some amazing local beaches only minutes to Potato Point or down the back track 10 minute drive or, ride your pushie or walk (its a bit of a walk) - straight to Blackfellows Point at Potato Point. There are lovely walking tracks around the property and lots of fishing, kayaking, SUP or pop your Tinnie in and fish till sunset or just plain lazy days. Watch the sunrise or walk to the other side of the property and watch the sunset. Watching the moon rise on the lake is quite beautiful. Launch your tinny and go fishing or simply kayak or lazy around. The site is dog friendly, but your pet must be well behaved and not aggressive as there may be other campers and pets on the property during your stay and a Sunset Point Camp Cat. You may not be right next to each other but please respect other guests, with noise. Just 10 minutes from the charming village of Bodalla, which was founded on the back of dairy farming and cheese production back in the 1860s. 30 minutes drive either way to the hubs of Narooma and Moruya. No barking dogs and no loud music or parties. This is a peaceful getaway. Short car trip to famous beaches where you leave nothing but footprints. It's our secret!
Potable water
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from 
AU$50
 / night
* Before taxes and fees

Dog-friendly getaways

Star Hosts in New South Wales

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Dog-friendly and waterside camping in New South Wales guide

Overview

Head north and south of Sydney and you’ll find more beaches than you can count, as well as lakes and winding rivers, thundering waterfalls, and lush rainforests. Beyond the sandstone curtain of the Great Dividing Range, with its gorges in the north and snow-covered alps in the south, stretch the western slopes and plains, full of country towns and hidden surprises. Head to the far west and you’ll find yourself on the edge of the Outback. With more national parks than any other state (and more diversity of landscapes, too) New South Wales delivers the goods when it comes to unforgettable getaways.

Where to go

The Blue Mountains

Lace up your boots for one of Australia's best bushwalking destinations. The ridge of mountains two hours west of Sydney by road or train is a World Heritage-listed wonderland of sandstone canyons, waterfalls, valleys, and clifftop lookouts. The national park offers remote bush campsites, or you can go for a bit more comfort in one of the region’s many caravan and holiday parks. 

NSW North Coast

The coastline of northern NSW, from north of Newcastle to the Queensland border, is classic beach holiday territory. Almost every town has at least one caravan park, often with waterfront campsites, and most of the coastline is protected by national parks with fantastic camping spots and facilities. Flanked by the Great Dividing Range and World Heritage rainforests, the North Coast has Hipcampers spoilt for choice. 

NSW South Coast

Every bit as wild as the North Coast, the South Coast stretches south of Sydney to the Victorian border with a string of national parks, state forests, campgrounds, and seaside towns with family-friendly holiday parks. Kangaroos and wallabies graze the camping grounds and laze on the beaches, which have some of the whitest sand in the world. Kayak the waterways, bushwalk the forests, and soak in the views from the mountaintops.

Snowy Mountains

Alpine New South Wales, also known as the Snowy Mountains, stretches from the ACT south to the Victorian border along the spine of the Great Dividing Range. Along with hundreds of camping spots, the big attraction of Kosciuszko National Park—the largest national park in NSW—is Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. In winter, the area is a magnet for skiers, and in summer, fishing, bushwalking, and mountain biking reign supreme.

NSW Outback

The far western corner of NSW is a great introduction to the Outback, where endless red dust plains seem to stretch on forever under cloudless blue skies. Take a road trip out here and you'll see plenty of kangaroos and emus, but not many people. National parks such as Mungo, Mutawintji, and Kinchega offer superb camping spots, Aboriginal art sites, and stunning scenery.

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