We. Love. Dogs. And with around 40% of Australians living with a dog, odds are good that you do too! Dogs are cute, fun, and some of the best mates you’ll ever have. So it makes sense you’d want to take your dog camping with you. But dog friendly camping in NSW is hard to find, for one big reason.

Most NSW camp grounds are in National Parks, and if you plan on camping at one of them, your pupper needs to stay home. NSW National Parks have a blanket ban on dogs to protect native wildlife. Because native animals see dogs as predators, your dog’s presence or scent can scare them from an area. That means even the nicest dog in the world can pose a risk.

With that in mind, here are our top picks for dog friendly camping spots in New South Wales. If you’re ever worried if a spot allows dogs (on this list or not) call ahead and ask. Better safe than sorry.

If you’re keen to do some Blue Mountains camping without your pup, check out our article on the best free Blue Mountains camping spots!

Glen Davis Camping Area

Just north of Lithgow, about 3.5 hours drive from Sydney, lies the sleepy town of Glen Davis, just west of the Blue Mountains national park. In town there’s a stunning camp ground, with swimming and shops close by. The camp ground is free and has bins, hot showers, and a small play ground for kids.

Note: We’re talking about the camping ground in Glen Davis town itself, not the Coorongooba campground up the road. Coorongooba is in the national park, so dogs aren’t allowed.

Lake Lyell

On the outskirts of Lithgow, just under 3 hours from Sydney, Lake Lyell is a fantastic place to spend a weekend. The lake was man made in 1982 for the Mount Piper and Wallerawang Power Stations, and is suitable for fishing, water skiing, swimming, and jet skiing. Camping is $24 a night or $29 for a powered site, with hot showers, toilets, barbeques, and a boat ramp available.

A few things to note: The showers are coin-op, so bring change, and there is a kiosk where you can purchase firewood, if you didn’t bring your own (which you should do). There are entry fees if you’re not planning on camping – you can see those here.

Delicate Campground

Delicate campground is just north of Port Macquarie, and despite being managed by NSW National Parks, it does allow dogs. It’s a remote spot, so you’ll need to bring everything you need for the stay, but you can drive all the way in and camp next to the car. Caravans and motor-homes are also welcome. 

A few things to note – there are toilets here, but they’re pit toilets, so BYO toilet paper. The price is $24 per site per night for 2 people, $12 for extra adults, $6 for extra kids aged 5-15, and it’s cash only. Camp fires are allowed, but you need to bring your own firewood. Check out this site for more information.

Glenmack Park, Kangaroo Valley

Nestled in the Kangaroo Valley, Glenmack Park is a caravan and camping park that’s very family friendly, as well as being pet friendly, with a few conditions. The park is fully kitted out with a jumping pillow, pool, and a small collection of animals, in a kind of petting-zoo arrangement. Kangaroo Valley itself is a gorgeous place to visit, and well worth the drive.

Camping at Glenmack Park is charge per person, rather than per site. Adults are between $16 and $20 depending on the time of year, and kids are between $12 and $16. Learn more on the website.  

Mystery Bay Campground

For those who love the surf, this is a good option. A little over five hours from Sydney, Mystery Bay is a stunning spot by the sea, just north or Bermagui. While Mystery Bay is a dog friendly camp ground, the beach is only dog friendly between 5pm and 9am. for the humans, there are a few other beaches nearby that offer beach fishing and decent surf – something for everyone! No bookings are needed for camping, but it can get busy and fill up. Check out the Mystery Bay Camp Ground website for details.

If you love taking your dog to the beach, you might be interested in out list of dog friendly beaches!

Reflections Holiday Parks Eden

While not close to Sydney, Reflections Holiday Park Eden is still in NSW, around an hour north of the Victorian border. It’s a spacious caravan park in a gorgeous park of the world, with an unbeatable lake front location. It’s a great place to stop with you dog and family if you’re road tripping between Sydney and Melbourne.

They offer both powered and unpowered sites, as well as cabine. The park is dog-friendly most of the year, but don’t allow dogs over the Christmas period, from December 20th to January 10th. Learn more on their website.

Reflections Holiday Parks Bonny Hills

Another dog-friendly camping offering from Reflections caravan parks comes north of Sydney, between Port Macquarie and Camden Haven. Reflections Bonny Hills is right on the beach, making for a great summer vacation.

As with the Eden location, dogs are welcome all through the year, except for the Christmas period. Learn more on the website.