The best dog-friendly campgrounds near Lake Illawarra, New South Wales

Bringing your pets to Lake Illawarra? You’ve got over 220 pet-friendly camping options to choose from, with prices starting at just $27 a night and an average around $85. Sites range from bushland clearings to spots close to the water, and many allow campfires. Practical touches matter here—expect showers, toilets, and plenty of space for your dog to roam. Locals hike the escarpment trails, saddle up for a bit of horseback riding, and spot black cockatoos early in the morning. For a tried-and-tested stay, check out Babbling Brook 4WD Camping (348 reviews), Buxton Getaway (268 reviews), or Otford Park nr Royal National Park (251 reviews). Book a spot that suits your style, leash up, and get out there.

94% (3.4K) • 161 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Illawarra

Bringing your pets to Lake Illawarra? You’ve got over 220 pet-friendly camping options to choose from, with prices starting at just $27 a night and an average around $85. Sites range from bushland clearings to spots close to the water, and many allow campfires. Practical touches matter here—expect showers, toilets, and plenty of space for your dog to roam. Locals hike the escarpment trails, saddle up for a bit of horseback riding, and spot black cockatoos early in the morning. For a tried-and-tested stay, check out Babbling Brook 4WD Camping (348 reviews), Buxton Getaway (268 reviews), or Otford Park nr Royal National Park (251 reviews). Book a spot that suits your style, leash up, and get out there.

94% (3.4K) • 161 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Illawarra

1. Secluded Shallowford Retreat

94%

(8)

72km from Lake Illawarra · 1 site · Tent, RV

Welcome to Secluded Shallowford Retreat! Nestled on 5.3 acres of pristine land, our retreat offers a perfect blend of thick bush, open clearings, and majestic big trees with cleared underbrush. Whether you're seeking a peaceful escape or an adventurous outdoor experience, Secluded Shallowford Retreat has something for everyone. Key Features: Cleared Areas: Enjoy spacious, open clearings ideal for setting up camp, picnicking, or stargazing under the night sky. Thick Bush: Immerse yourself in nature with dense, lush vegetation that provides privacy and a true wilderness feel, with plenty of local flora and fauna. Sussex Inlet: 5 minutes away from Sussex Inlet town and the beautiful local beaches and inlet. Perfect for those who want to spend time on the water, fishing or relaxing on nearby beaches. Come and experience the tranquillity and natural beauty of Secluded Shallowford Retreat. Your perfect getaway awaits! 🌲🏕️✨

2. Big Bell Farm

82%

(14)

35km from Lake Illawarra · 4 sites · RVs

At Big Bell Farm, we understand that you want a holiday where you can relax, unwind, and enjoy the views. Nestled in amongst farmland and national parks, Big Bell Farm can deliver. We are a family and pet friendly farm stay, offering camping and cabin accommodation. You can walk your dog along the creek, or discover breathtaking views on one of the many surrounding walking tracks. As the day comes to an end, you may find yourself enjoying a family barbeque dinner, all surrounding a beautiful campfire, while taking in the stars above in the night sky. At Big Bell Farm, we pride ourselves on being a carbon-neutral place. We consume as little energy as possible, and offset any remaining carbon emissions by planting more trees around the farm. Accessibility is no issue for us, as we also provide wheelchair access with some of our cabins. The property is located just 5 minutes from the town of Kangaroo Valley. Two hours’ drive from Sydney or Canberra. If food is your thing, take a chef led class, enjoy the freshest of local produce . In the village, fill up on lovingly made yummies at one of the many cafes. Explore pioneer history at the museum or browse the shops for treats or gifts.

from

AU$97

/ night

3. Fat Lamb Farm Camping

96%

(27)

69km from Lake Illawarra · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Situated 2.5 hours south of Sydney and 2.5 hours from Canberra, Fat Lamb Farm currently offers 2 grassed areas for tents and self-contained RV’s in the rural township of Wandandian. Enjoy the many species of wildlife, kangaroos, native birds, reptiles and the resident wombats. You can watch the cows and sheep graze. Depending on the time of year you may also view the wonders of new life and witness the beauty of lambing time. Bring a kayak or canoe and enjoy the views along beautiful Wandandian Creek. Challenge yourself to reach the mouth of the St Georges Basin or throw a line and catch a fish for dinner. We are pet friendly; however, all pets must be on a leash or lead at all times due to the livestock on property. Remember to have your furry family member protected from ticks and don’t forget to protect yourself as well. Campfires are permitted in designated areas outside of the Bushfire Danger period. Fire pits will be supplied when you are within those periods. These are unpowered sites and you will need to be self-contained with camping toilet, shower and water, taking all waste with you when you go. You will be camped 15 minutes from Huskisson. Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet if you feel like venturing further for a swim in the ocean or a meal in a restaurant.

from

AU$85

/ night

4. Middle Of Nowhere

80km from Lake Illawarra · 1 site · Tent, RV

40 Acres of seclusion, privacy and stars at night. Pitch a tent wherever you like and enjoy the views towards the National Park. Located in Big Hill NSW, this place is nothing fancy and very basic. Light a fire and enjoy the peace and quiet. You must come fully prepared and ready to create your own adventure as this is just a block of land with endless opportunity for fun and quiet enjoyment of a variety of activities. 4WD access only. Drive through to the camping platform to pitch a tent. Stay within the property boundary as per the photos. Do not descend to the river. It's dangerous.

5. Surfside Cudmirrah Beach

100%

(22)

78km from Lake Illawarra · 16 sites · RVs, Lodging

Surfside Cudmirrah Beach is a small family-owned and operated holiday park located on beautiful Cudmirrah Beach. At times, Cudmirrah feels like a secret little hamlet that no one has ever heard of (it’s pronounced Cud-mee-rah). Located near the township of Sussex Inlet, right next door to Berrara and surrounded by Conjola National Park, visitors to Cudmirrah Beach are spoilt for choice with many options for enjoying the outdoors. Cudmirrah Beach is ideal for long beach walks at any time of year, you can either walk north to Sussex Inlet (and take the dog who will love you for it) or south to Berrara then all the way to Bendalong if you are feeling adventurous!

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

L

Luke

3 days ago

Tent

1 night at Secluded Shallowford Retreat

Beautiful spot, in a beautiful town. Easy to find, with a great host.

E

Ewan

November 2025

5 m travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Surfside Cudmirrah Beach

Awesome place. staff super warm and friendly. Very clean facilities, extremely peaceful. Absolutely loved our stay.

Louise

November 2025

7 m travel trailer

With pets

5 nights at Fat Lamb Farm Camping

Great getaway. Secluded and the dog also had a great time

K

Kristy

November 2025

8 m travel trailer

With kids

4 nights at Surfside Cudmirrah Beach

We had lovely 4 nights at Surfside, the powered was level with concrete pad. Power, water and waste close. The amenities were modern and clean. Overall I was so impressed, our stay surpassing any caravan park we’ve stayed at since being on the road for 13 weeks. The beach is stunning.

b

October 2025

7 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Fat Lamb Farm Camping

Just returned from a weekend with our old dog at Wombat Flat, great place to unwind. Large level area that is private and quiet. Plenty of shade if it’s hot and about 50m from a wide slow flowing creek (beware submerged branches from recent floods?). Very peaceful, no boats, tiny whisper of traffic noise that gets drowned out by the birds. Wombat one night, friendly horses and cows if you go for a wander thru the paddocks. Thought it was a little pricey but there was a pile of cut wood at camp and the solitude was just what we were looking for. If you’re looking to be entertained you won’t find it at Wombat Flats, strictly BYO fun in whatever form you choose. Sanctuary Point, Huskisson,

R

Rachel

October 2025

5 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Fat Lamb Farm Camping

We had a lovely relaxing time at wombat flat caught a couple of fish cooked on an open fire would definitely go back again

S

Serena

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Fat Lamb Farm Camping

We loved camping at Wombat Flats campsite. It was well maintained and very private. We enjoyed the beautiful view of the creek and all the lush greenery. We’ll be back again for sure!

P

Pete

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Fat Lamb Farm Camping

This camp is easily my family’s favourite new campsite. Well maintained and completely private, with direct access to the river for the kids and dogs to splash around in. You know it was a winner when my 4 year old daughter was saying “can we stay here forever daddy”

y

yanisa

October 2025

With pets

2 nights at Surfside Cudmirrah Beach

Surfside Cudmirrah Beach is one of our favorite places, perfect for family and pet activities with beautiful and clean cabins.

J

Jane

September 2025

7 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Surfside Cudmirrah Beach

So close to the beach and an inlet with an area for dogs (leads) clean and fire pits for rent add to the experience

J

Jessica

August 2025

8 m travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Surfside Cudmirrah Beach

We enjoyed our experience at Cudmirrah Beach, the concrete slabs were great, nicely spaced, new and in great condition. The amenities were spotless and clean. The location to the beach is mint! We went in winter and had the beach to ourselves. Kangaroos coming through the area at dusk and morning were nice . The only downside is there isn’t any shops close - so bring supplies in with you. Although this also makes the spot nice and quiet. Would love to go back in the summer.

H

Hugh

July 2025

Tent

1 night at Secluded Shallowford Retreat

Nice quite spot with great views. Plenty of Firewood around to

M

MANUEL

July 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Secluded Shallowford Retreat

Great camping spot near the beach. We had the place to ourselves. Thanks!

M

Monique

June 2025

8 m pop-up camper

4 nights at Surfside Cudmirrah Beach

I loved teardrop camping at Surfside Cudmirrah Beach. The facility was very well maintained. The showers had strong water pressure and hot water. The toilets were clean. The powered site P5 was nice and spacious. The beach is stunning and pretty much secluded this time if year. I do wish I could bring my own firepit and not pay $10 a night, that said, not a deal-breaker. Would easily return annually.

M

Malek

April 2025

5 m travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Big Bell Farm

Our stay at Big bell farm was great! Our host Yvonne was very helpful and quick to respond to any questions we had. The kids absolutely loved the creek aswell!

A

Anthony

April 2025

With pets

3 nights at Surfside Cudmirrah Beach

Caravan was spotlessly clean, the campsite is quiet, very close to the beach.

d

dave

April 2025

10 nights at Fat Lamb Farm Camping

It was just awesome to finally set up a camp you didn't have to worry about. Didn't need to secure any gear when going out adventuring for the day. Set up all our solar in the perfect spot to charge then enjoyed th e beautiful little towns and gorgeous beaches close by. Nowra was well appointed with everything we needed. Open fires every night using the provided fire pit and the nearby river for utility water was so convenient and enjoyable

M

Melissa

March 2025

6 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Secluded Shallowford Retreat

We had a very pleasant stay at Shallowford and enjoyed the peacefulness and close location to the Beach. Look forward to returning on another location.

K

Katie

March 2025

5 m pop-up camper

With pets

2 nights at Surfside Cudmirrah Beach

Everything extremely well kept. Facility were the cleanest we have come across in our travels. 10 out of 10 Thanks for a great stay.

C

Carly

February 2025

Weekend Trip to Surfside Cudmirrah Beach

Such a lovely stay. The caravan was clean, cosy and stylish. The park was so well maintained, lovely staff and a beautiful part of the coast. Highly recommend