Dog-Friendly Camping in NSW

By: The ellaslist Team, 12 May 2023

Bundling up the whole family in the car and hitting the open road in search of an awesome campground is practically a yearly tradition in NSW. But a family holiday just isn’t complete without your four-legged family members, are we right? Lucky for you, NSW has got dog-friendly camping sorted!

Dog-friendly camping in NSW comes easy at these top six spots where pooches will be welcomed with open arms and maybe even a treat or two. 

Dog-Friendly Camping in NSW

1. Shoal Bay Holiday Park – Port Stephens

Dog-friendly camping Shoal Bay Holiday Park
If you’re after dog-friendly camping in NSW, Shoal Bay Holiday Park certainly delivers.


Located right across the road from Shoal Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in NSW, Shoal Bay Holiday Park take pets into consideration when booking their guests.

Pets are permitted at the holiday park for dog-friendly camping in tents or van sites, however, they are not permitted on long weekends or during the school holidays (with the exception of the June Long Weekend & July School Holidays).

2. Mystery Bay Campground – Mystery Bay

Dog-friendly camping Mystery Bay Campground
Dogs on leashes are always welcome at Mystery Bay Campground.


Another popular NSW campground that combines the beach and the bush, Mystery Bay Campground on the South Coast welcomes dogs on leashes year-round for fun dog-friendly camping in NSW.

Enjoy beach fishing, stunning waters, and a chance to unplug from technology for a few days with your family. Please note that Mystery Bay is an unpowered campground and they run on a first-come-first-serve basis with no reservations taken.

3. Riverwood Downs – Barrington Tops

Dog-friendly camping Barrington Tops
If you’re keen to get off the beaten track with your furry friends in tow, Riverwood Downs in the stunning Barrington Tops should certainly top the list.


Riverwood Downs is a multi-award-winning property on a lush 750 acres at the foothills of Barrington Tops and offers plenty of accommodation options for families with pets including rooms, cabins, and campsites.

Dogs are permitted off the leash all around the property, and if you can tear yourself away from the stunning surroundings, Barrington Bar & Grill down the road even has a dedicated dog’s menu!

4. Lake St Clair Campground – Lake St Clair

Dog-friendly camping Lake St Clair
The whole family will love the views on offer at Lake St Clair Campground.


Travel just 30 minutes north of Singleton, and you’ll find the picturesque Lake St Clair and Lake St Clair Campground.

Another hotspot for dog-friendly camping in NSW, Lake St Clair Campground offers powered sites, campsites, hot showers and not to mention hours and hours of water activities for adventurous families. Dogs are most welcome at the campsite as long as they remain on a leash.

5. Turon Gates – Capertee

Dog-friendly camping Capertee
Turon Gates in Capertee is described as a “Bush Hideaway” but we suggest an upgrade to a luxury bush hideaway!


The remote campground provides rustic log cottages, pet-friendly camping as well as glamping just over two hours from Sydney.

Nestled on 6,000 acres in true bushland, Turon Gates will get you completely off the beaten track with your two- and four-legged family members for a very rewarding bush camping holiday.

6. Halifax Holiday Park – Nelson Bay

Dog-friendly camping Nelson Bay
You are absolutely spoilt for choice when it comes to prime camping views at Halifax Holiday Park.


Another beachside gem from the Port Stephens region, Halifax Holiday Park in Nelson Bay juts out of the mainland to appear as though you’re nestled on your own secluded island. The caravan and tent sites are so close to the beach, you could just about roll out of bed and onto the sand!

Much like Shoal Bay Holiday Park, pets are permitted at Halifax for stays in tents or van sites, however, they are not permitted on long weekends or during the school holidays (with the exception of the June Long Weekend and July School Holidays).

Other Family Holiday Destinations in NSW

Family Farm Stays Near Sydney
Where to Take the Kids Glamping Near Sydney
Best Beach Camping Spots in NSW
 

Have you signed up to our newsletter? Join ellaslist to get the best family and kid-friendly events, venues, classes and things to do NEAR YOU!

  • Toddlers
    Preschoolers
    Kids
    Teens
    Family

Reviews