Pitch Your Tent at 10 of NSW’s Best Dog-Friendly Campsites
Words by Lipei Teoh · Updated on 22 Mar 2024 · Published on 18 May 2023
Dogs aren’t permitted in most NSW state and national parks, which means if you want to bring your furry mate on a wild camping trip, you’ll need to dig a little deeper for alternatives. From bush sites camouflaged in hidden valleys to breezy spots by the sea, we’ve rustled up 10 of the best dog-friendly campsites in NSW, where you can pitch a tent knowing your four-legged friend is welcome.
Turon Gates, Capertee Valley
A bush getaway hidden in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, Turon Gates offers dog-friendly camping across 2400 hectares of grassland and forest. Campers can choose their own pitch on the property: snag a spot against a sheer cliff backdrop by Turon River, or pitch your tent on the edge of the bush. If you manage to peel yourself away from your tranquil setup, hop on a canoe with your dog to explore the surrounding endangered box-gum woodland, or try your luck at trout fishing. Kangaroos, wombats, possums, lizards and horses roam the property, and Capertee Valley is also recognised as one of the world’s top 50 birdwatching locations. Modern toilets and hot showers make longer stays a breeze. Bookings online are essential for every guest, including your furry friend.
Mystery Bay Campground, Mystery Bay
Tucked within a sleepy coastal hamlet between Narooma and Central Tilba on the South Coast, Mystery Bay Campground is one of a few in NSW which fronts the ocean. You’ll wake up to the soul-filling scent of the sea when you’re pitched up at one of the ground’s generously sized unpowered campsites, which are scattered between enchanting spotted gum trees. Go for an early morning stroll with your dog on the beach while the sun gently rises over the ocean, then spend the rest of your day lounging by the firepit, exploring nearby acacia- and banksia-dotted headlands, or practise your camping recipes while you look over the gentle waves. Amenities include cold showers, potable water and pit toilets. Campfires are allowed if contained within firepits, and dogs must be kept on leashes in the campground.
Coachwood Camping Area, Chichester State Forest
On the banks of Telegherry River in Chichester State Forest, located in the lower Barrington Tops, is the remote and picturesque Coachwood Camping Area. The free camping ground can only be accessed by four-wheel drive. For more than 150 years, trees in this area have been harvested many times over for timber, meaning you will be camping in regenerated forest. Pitch your tent by the creek, then take a dip in the freshwater lagoon and dry off by a log fire. Tread along the riverbanks with your four-legged companion and, if you’re lucky, you may snag a few yabbies to sizzle for supper. It’s an authentic bush camping experience with minimal facilities, but you’ll be rewarded with nourishing rainforests, replenishing river waters and fresh air.
Riverwood Downs, Barrington Tops
There’s lush terrain, dewy air and wildlife in spades at Riverwood Downs. The magnificent 330-hectare property is located in the foothills of the World Heritage-listed Barrington Tops. Dogs are allowed both on- and off-leash throughout the property. Pitch your tent and unwind by the river or on manicured parklands overlooking the mountains. When you’re not platypus-spotting or bird-watching, bathe in fresh mountain pools or take your dog out for a stroll on the property’s shady walking trails. Gratifying hot showers await you after a long day in the wilderness. Snuggle up by the wood fire under the star-spangled sky and let the sound of the river water trickling down stream lull you and your furry friend to sleep. Canoes and tyre tubes are available for hire.
Wollondilly River Station, Wombeyan Caves
Wollondilly River Station, south-west of Sydney, is a lovely eco bush campground on a vast homestead property. The family- and pet-oriented site offers no frills, genuine bush camping by the river. Getting here is an adventure in itself. Drive through Bullio Tunnel (an impressive 12-metre-long tunnel hand-carved out of solid rock) and brave the rocky roads and their tight bends, blind corners and near-vertical drops. Soon enough, the road opens up to scenic river and mountain scenery, much of which has not changed in centuries. Once you’re pitched up, steer a kayak down the deep river and see if you can spot the rare red-tailed black cockatoo or Percival, a pelican who comes to the river in the summer. Curious wallabies, wombats and goannas frequent the grounds and may pay you and your pooch a visit.
Delicate Campground, Crescent Head
A quality off-leash dog beach is just a stroll away at Delicate Campground. In Goolawah Regional Park at Crescent Head, this back-to-basics camping site has all the ingredients for a classic Aussie beach holiday. Watch the sunlight dance on the water during your morning beach walk with your pooch, and bring your snorkel and goggles along to take in the underwater paradise – or, surf the waves at Delicate Nobby. During whale migration season (May to November), spot the majestic humpbacks and southern right whales breaching to the horizon. At sundown, pull up your chair by the firepit and gaze at seagulls gliding through the air. The site’s amenities include toilets and cold showers.
Wingello State Forest, Wingello
Unzip the curtains of your tent to reveal towering pine trees at your doorstep. There’s something captivating about pitching a tent and building a campfire in a pine forest plantation. Wingello State Forest has more than 50 free campsites surrounded by enchanting radiata pine trees and native forests of manna gum and stringybark. The campground is popular with mountain bikers and offers excellent walking trails. When in season, spot exotic and poisonous mushrooms dotted around the trunks of pine or wild peppermint trees during leisurely strolls with your four-legged friend. And if you’re lucky, you might just find a wombat under the shade. The campsite offers basic amenities such as toilets and a small rainwater tank. It’s recommended you bring your own water.
Glen Davis Camping Area, Glen Davis
Cross the Capertee River and arrive at Glen Davis Campground, a dog-friendly spot 250 kilometres north-west of Sydney at the edge of the widest canyon in the southern hemisphere. The sandstone cliffs that enclose the campsite spectacularly change colour at sunrise and sunset, and the grounds are shaded by beautiful mature eucalyptus trees with abundant wildlife. This location supports a medley of rare and elusive birds such as the regent honeyeater, red-rumped parrots, wedge-tailed eagles and more. Camping here is free, and so is use of the hot showers, laundry, water, picnic shelters and wood-fuel barbeques, but donations are encouraged to help with the park’s upkeep.
Wee Jasper Reserves, Wee Jasper
Set up camp on one of the four dog-friendly reserves at Wee Jasper, not far from the NSW-ACT border. Wee Jasper Reserves offer modern comforts like flushing toilets, potable water, and hot showers at most of its sites. Each reserve offers something different. Shady Billy Grace Reserve, by Goodradigbee River, is the largest campground and has picnic tables and barbeques scattered throughout. If you are a fan of wild cave systems, bush walking and birdwatching, Fitzpatrick Trackhead Reserve is the perfect location to pitch your tent. There are no showers at Swinging Bridge Reserve, but it’s the best spot if you want to swim in the deepest parts of the Goodradigbee River. And if you stroll through a bushy trail at Micalong Creek Reserve, you’ll find a natural swimming hole. With no designated sites and ample wide-open spaces to pitch your tent, campers are spoiled for choice.
Lake St Clair Campgrounds, St Clair
In the foothills of Mount Royal National Park, not far from Singleton, Lake St Clair is 16 kilometres long and covers an area of 1540 hectares – that’s the size of 2000 football fields. Pitch your tent by the lake and take in the views of the water and surrounding hills. Lake St Clair is a hotspot for adventurers looking to turn up the action, so expect to see motorboats, sailboats and waterskiers zipping across the lake. Take a refreshing dip and keep an eye out for the area’s abundant birdlife, including wedge-tailed eagles, parrots and finches, as well as kangaroos and echidnas. Fish for your dinner of bass and perch, then watch the sun settle behind the surrounding hills while you sear your catch over a wood fire. At night, gaze upon the stars scattered like moondust across the open sky. Modern amenities such as hot showers, a kitchen, barbeque areas and flush toilets make camping with the entire family (and your hound) effortless.
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