Head Out Hiking. Fees change throughout the year but it’s pretty cheap, long drop toilets and cold showers are the only real facilities. Location: Wingello Not into tents? This quintessentially Australian spot is close to Mount Jerusalem National Park, but it’s got Garden of Eden vibes with peacocks strolling the lawns and wild macadamias and mulberries to pick. It’s free with no bookings required and as it’s just off the Pacific Highway, it makes a good spot to crash on road trips. Here are 12 of the best dog-friendly camping spots around NSW. Note! We’ve rounded up 12 of the best dog-friendly camping spots in NSW for you and your pooch to pitch a tent at and play ball. Camping in Wingello State Forest is free, but you’ll need to be self-sufficient as toilets are basically the only amenity. Glamping on the South Coast NSW has never felt so good. Twenty clicks south of the windswept fishing town of Eden sits Scrubby Creek Picnic Area. Around here, you’ll be in for a tonne of things to do with your dog including fishing and surfing. Location: Coopernook It’s a real mystery how one of the most mind-blowing coastal campgrounds in NSW has dog-friendly status. Whether you opt for a cabin or glamping, you and your doggo will wake to mountain views, rolling rivers and all the outdoor activities you could dream of. Bookings by phone are essential and payment is in cash on arrival. Our dog friendly caravan parks welcome socialised dogs (and their responsible owners) on their camping and powered sites. It’s a flat fee all year ‘round. They know you love your dog and that there’s no such thing as too many hugs, kisses and photos of them. There are bins, firepits and long-drop toilets but you’ll have to bring your own water. Sadly though, the options for dog-friendly camping in NSW are kinda limited – most campsites are in national parks and dogs aren’t allowed because they freak out the wildlife. Time from Sydney: 3.5 hours Try wine tasting with your dog in the Hunter Valley, escape from the city to Southern Highlands or go hiking with your dog in the Blue Mountains.But if you are simply looking for some chillaxing time with your pup, travel south from Sydney and discover the beautiful dog friendly NSW South Coast. Or dog, I guess. Most sites aren’t powered but there are hot showers and coin-operated laundry. It’s basically a park with some BBQs and a toilet block but hey, what more do you actually need? When you’re glamping, there’s no tent to pitch and no sleeping bag to unroll. There are 50 unpowered campsites to choose and booking is unavailable so you'll have to make sure you get in early. Cabins are also available and are pet-friendly. This stunning spot is a two and a half-hour drive from Sydney and is home to deep water boat ramps, an epic sling of cafes and restaurants too. Love bushwalks with your dog? Yup! Time from Sydney: 2.5 hours (and 1.75 hours from Canberra) Coopernook Forest Park has toilets and BBQs, but bring your own water. You can take all your family members on holidays as there are many NSW caravan and holiday parks that welcome pets and are dog-friendly, however every park has its own pet policy and conditions will apply. There’s also a small boat ramp for launching tinnies at the park, with a larger ramp a few minutes up the road. Here's a guide to our pet friendly accommodation and beaches. Location: Mittagong NSW’s South West Rocks currently allows a maximum of five dogs at the resort at one time, so make sure to book well in advance for peace of mind. 2WD vehicles can make it in but be cautious in the wet or in low cars. As for the antics you and your dog can get up to, think kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing and crabbing (BYO equipment). Surrounded by two blue calm water beaches, Halifax is the perfect spot to camp with your dog in NSW. While many of the most popular hiking trails in NSW are located within national parks, and thus are off the agenda for hiking with your dog, there’s some other great dog-friendly hikes located around the state. Pups are only permitted here outside peak holiday periods (which means there’s also no bringing your pooch during school holidays and over long weekends—but regular weekends are all yours). We know pets are part of the family! Pet-Friendly Holiday Parks are clearly identified by a ‘Dogs Welcome’ icon, or simply use the search below to spot a park that suits you…and your pet. The Wee Jasper reserves offer a quiet off-grid spot where you can have some quality time with your best mate. For true bush camping with your pup, hit up Old Bara Campsite. That means many restrictions in national parks and where and when you can give Fido the freedom to escape off his leash. 2. This true blue bush camping retreat is run by Ina and Brian Casburn and it’s refreshingly down to earth, just check out their website. The native bushland of East Boyd State Forest offers a super basic camping retreat that’s dog friendly. Location: Wee Jasper Kick back with Fido as the sun sets, you’re in for a wet and sandy weekend! Time from Sydney: 4.5 hours (and only 30mins from Bateman’s Bay) Dog-friendly campsites are awesome, here’s how to keep them that way: Tucked up under Barrington Tops National Park is a cute little spot called Coachwood Camping Area. The Coachwood Camping Area, three and a half hours north-west of Sydney, is remote and for the most part, accessible only by 4WD (2WD can work sometimes, but it can be difficult). Dog surfing? South West Rocks. Further north is the Reflections Holiday Parks Evans Head. All camping sites cater for open fires in a brazier or above-the-ground fire pit. Thankfully, we've saved you a bunch of searching time and rounded up the absolute best camping grounds you can take your dog to, no strings (or leashes) attached. There is no other way to cut it, Mystery Bay Campground is pretty. Right on the ocean, this bush camping site is surrounded by turquoise beaches, rocky coves and spectacular views over cliff headlands. Mystery Bay Campground – Mystery Bay. In the Southern Highlands south of Sydney, down the Wombeyan Caves Road from Mittagong, sits Wollondilly River Station. Location: Capertee Maca’s Camping Ground is close enough to Byron Bay that it packs out with Bluesfest, Splendour in the Grass and Falls Festival campers, and prices more than double. Or maybe choose something in between i.e. Here are the best dog-friendly beaches heading South on the NSW South Coast that you’ll want to pin on your map! You can camp at the dog-friendly HQ camp, which is a great base for nearby walks and mountain bike rides. Casually sitting on the banks of a scenic tidal waterway, Ingenia is the ultimate place to camp with your dog in NSW. This one’s special. Bring ‘em. At Secura, you’ll be in prime real estate with a number of beaches, rivers, restaurants, cafes and hinterlands right at your doorstep. It’s the perfect spot to practice ‘sit’, ‘shake’, ‘heel’ and ‘bring me a beer round the campfire’. Merry Beach Caravan Park lies on the coastal heart of Murramarang National Park (and its the absolute definition of beachfront). That’s my idea of the perfect summer getaway. There’ll be no hand-holding here, you need to bring everything with you (including a general okayness with an outside toilet situation). Seeking some dog-friendly activities in the region? You bet. Coming in at a cool 6,000 acres, Turon Gates isn’t just pet-friendly, it’s like they built the place with pets in mind. Pets are welcome at beaches in every town, a broad range of accommodation (see below) and lots of our cafes and restaurants. As well as dog-friendly camping, Scrubby Creek is a great rest stopover for self-sufficient campers on a coastal road trip. Beach camping and caravan camping is welcome here and dogs are more than welcome. There are bushwalks, strolls along the river and fishing spots across 5 different locations, all dripping in alpine bliss. Some even boast dog friendly cabins (but don’t forget their bedding, as they’re not allowed on the furniture). From the sweeping beaches to hinterland areas full of national parks, forests, wineries and cultural attractions, there’s something for everybody. Dogs love camping. Time from Sydney: 4 hours (and 1.5 hours from Canberra) Cost: Free! To find out more about camping with pets at Shoal Bay Holiday Park, visit their website. Location: Narooma It’s not free though so make sure you book ahead. glamping of course! Oh and luuush scenery, of course. Try your hand at mountain biking (BYO), canoeing, gold panning and more. Well you can do it with pup just over the Blue Mountains at Glen Davis Camping Area. Are You Looking For Pet Or Dog Friendly Accommodation in South Coast? The nearby Barrington Bar and Grill even has a "Hound’s Breath Café" menu just for pets, that includes a "Pup a Chino". Twenty clicks south of the windswept fishing town of Eden sits Scrubby Creek Picnic Area. If you’re looking to treat yourself and pamper your pooch by the river, while still getting very much in touch with nature, then look no further. Time from Sydney: 3.5 hours (and only 30mins from Port Macquarie) Cost: $24 for two people per night. 1. Combine that with your trusty pooch and you've secured yourself a solid weekend away full of star-gazing, walks and all the space you could ask for. You know, the best times. Not much beats the off-the-grid feels when you go camping. Photo thanks to Danielle MacInnes on Unsplash, Location: Main Arm Of course, dogs are more than welcome to join in on the fun. Pet Friendly Holidays Travelling with your pet? Three or so hours from Sydney, this back-to-basics campground is for the experienced camper; there’s no power, no on-site shop and no lights for the loo (bring a torch). Another popular NSW campground that combines the beach and the bush, Mystery Bay Campground on the South Coast welcomes dogs … The spot is grassy and open, surrounded by walking tracks and the starry sky above. Free Dog Friendly Campsites If you can’t stand the idea of leaving your dog behind and going on a camping trip, the good news is you don’t have to. There’s no internet, nice. Tick. By using our website, you accept our use of cookies. That being said, there are bushwalking, swimming and starry night skies a-plenty. Dog Friendly Camping in Capertee. NSW South Coast 10. You are welcome to bring along your well-trained companion dog(s), but we ask that you bring your dog’s own bedding and that flea & tick treatments and vaccinations are current. Just north of Taree, there’s a dog-friendly camping spot where you can hang out beneath the gum trees with your pooch. These are our favourite spots. Just over five hours from Sydney, this ocean-side campsite is perfect for the fam—and pup—who love a dip. It’s a primo playground for your furry mate. Dogs are welcome at the manager's discretion outside of peak season for caravan and camping sites. Bookings aren’t necessary but cash is! Here are some of our faves for you and pup to escape the cat race.