The best dog-friendly campgrounds near Sawtell, New South Wales

Camping with your pet in Sawtell means waking up to the sound of birds, not traffic. With over 770 pet-friendly spots, you can pitch a tent or roll up in your caravan just minutes from the coast or tucked behind gum trees. Many sites welcome campfires, so you and your dog can settle in by the flames after a day spent surfing, fishing, or watching kangaroos graze at dusk. Prices start at $8 a night, with most sites averaging $40. Favourites like Dodona (419 reviews), Footprints in Style (418 reviews), and Valley View Escape (344 reviews) make it easy to find a spot with toilets and room for your four-legged mate. This is real camping—simple, relaxed, and built for travellers who’d rather have sand on their shoes than city dust in their lungs.

96% (6.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Sawtell

Camping with your pet in Sawtell means waking up to the sound of birds, not traffic. With over 770 pet-friendly spots, you can pitch a tent or roll up in your caravan just minutes from the coast or tucked behind gum trees. Many sites welcome campfires, so you and your dog can settle in by the flames after a day spent surfing, fishing, or watching kangaroos graze at dusk. Prices start at $8 a night, with most sites averaging $40. Favourites like Dodona (419 reviews), Footprints in Style (418 reviews), and Valley View Escape (344 reviews) make it easy to find a spot with toilets and room for your four-legged mate. This is real camping—simple, relaxed, and built for travellers who’d rather have sand on their shoes than city dust in their lungs.

96% (6.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Sawtell

1. Yarrawin Camping

100%

(188)

44km from Sawtell · 26 sites · Tents, RVs

Yarrawin is 680 acre cattle farm and hardwood timber plantation in the heart of the Nambucca Valley, offering scenic, secluded, private campsites with their own swimming hole and a river gravel beach on 3km of beautiful double river frontage. Camping options include riverside camps, the Shack and riverside camp and a large secluded valley. Each campsite is separate from the others, giving guests privacy and exclusive use of the swimming hole (except Chinamans Valley) at their site. All riverside sites offer a natural gravel beach entry into the water. There are no amenities here, campers will need to be self contained and leave no trace. Every site has a fire pit which must be used for campfires. If you want to use your own it must be off the ground. Only sand mats or similar, NO TARPS, to be set up on the grassed areas to preserve the grass. Firewood $20/night (CASH ONLY PLEASE). Please let us know in advance if you want firewood. Beautiful drinking rain water is available in a 20lt Jerry can if required on arrival. Bird lovers can enjoy watching the various bird varieties, as well as ducks. Animals include wallabies, goannas, deer and fish as well as cattle and stock horses. Fishing is okay but it is STRICTLY catch and release ONLY. There are many places to go bushwalking, either following the river or heading up the valleys or hiking up the hills through the trees. The property is just 10kms from the convenience of Bowraville, a historic township with a supermarket, folk museum, a war museum, a historic theatre, and other historic buildings. Nambucca Heads and the beautiful surrounding beaches are just 27kms east and Coffs Harbour 80kms away. Please note this is a working farm, so there will be cattle and stock horses on the property that may approach your campsite.

2. Tall Timbers Retreat

89%

(23)

68km from Sawtell · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

Relax with the whole family at our peaceful rural retreat. Our retreat is a short drive from the M1 motorway. Life on our farm is simple with 'off the grid solar'. Less than 15 minutes to the gorgeous beaches of Minnie Water and only 25 minutes to fishing and swimming at Wooli. Grafton is our main shopping town. Your space will be peaceful and warm with the wood heater. Your doggos are very welcome (leashed when outdoors please). Car parking for two cars beside the cabin. Enjoy!!!

3. Blicks River Camping

94%

(116)

57km from Sawtell · 9 sites · Tents, RVs

Do you like private river swimming?4wd only. Our property is in Dundurrabin which is inland from Coffs Harbour. Perfect for those seeking a spot 'off the beaten track.' You will need 4WD car, caravan/camper. There is no 2WD access. 4WD only. We offer beautiful river camping. Enjoy the company of platypus, turtles extensive bird life, reptiles, native flora and fauna. Spend your time swimming, river exploring & bush walking - all in total privacy. There is a pit toilet but you're welcome to bring your own amenities. Pets are welcome. Phone reception is limited. There is no Telstra signal, only Optus. Site 1 features a wooden platform overlooking the river, suitable for tents & swags. We have 60 acres with the Blicks river running along the bottom end of the property. (our home is at the opposite end of the acreage so you will have your own space). We invite you to come and enjoy our property, groups and families welcome. Our only requirement is that you respect the river and the environment - no washing in the river (shampoo, dishwashing liquid etc). Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions!

4. Heartwood

60km from Sawtell · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging

A very private and peaceful slice of the Nambucca Valley, featuring multiple elevated sites with spectacular views. You’ll be greeted at the base camp and directed to the sites that require a short hike. Your equipment will be delivered to you, or 4WD access can be discussed if needed. We never crowd the property — you’ll have entire areas to yourself for maximum privacy. Abundant wildlife makes this a birdwatcher’s paradise. Do as much or as little as you desire.

5. Yagaari Mountainside Sanctuary

100%

(20)

52km from Sawtell · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

*Recently renovated! Hot showers, new composting toilets & shared undercover space at Yagaari - Suitable for private camping, group bookings, workshops and small gatherings* Note: We are a 4WD/AWD property 🛻 Yagaari Mountainside Sanctuary borders the Western side of Yarriabini National Park on the traditional lands of the Ngambaa people. The creeks and dams here are all spring fed and provide a sanctuary for an abundance of wildlife and native bushland, as well as a few beautiful places for a refreshing swim! The property is private and quiet and has stunning sunrise and sunset views as well as multiple camping sites fit for various needs and group sizes. We have recently built a large shared communcal space for campers to enjoy and there are also clean, odourless composting toilets and hot showers available for use on site. There is lots of space to walk and explore with tracks leading up into the heart of the National Park. Nearby are many gorgeous rivers, beaches and other national parks to explore. We are convieniently located only 10 minutes from Macksville for shopping and cafes and only 15 minutes from Scotts Head, a great beach for families and surfers.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

A

Alexandra

5 days ago

Tent

2 nights at Yagaari Mountainside Sanctuary

Thank you for such a magical stay! The location is so peaceful and beautifully cared for by Alex and Georgia. They were such welcoming hosts, gave us great recommendations for places to visit locally, and even left out plenty of firewood for us. Thank you for a very special and memorable Christmas!

J

Jacqui

2 weeks ago

5 m travel trailer

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Yarrawin Camping

Very quiet, peaceful and private location. Great spot to take your dog to wonder and take a dip.

J

Jane

3 weeks ago

12 m travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Yarrawin Camping

Beautiful camp area. Well kept. Great views and creek. Friendly cows and horses. Lovely host.

L

Lucia

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Blicks River Camping

Amazing spot! We stayed at the site with the platform as we expected a storm and it was perfect. Maryanne welcomed us kindly and gave us instructions. Accessible with 4WD and Optus reception is great 👍 River was lovely and refreshing, beautiful nature around. Super cute Family of platypus living literally in front of the platform so happiness all around. Will be back!!

T

Tinu

December 2025

6 m pop-up camper

With kids

Weekend Trip to Yarrawin Camping

Our stay at Ian's Hipcamp was everything we dreamed of and more. The camping spot is perfectly situated right on a beautiful, winding creek, offering the ultimate private escape. We were able to set up our camper right on the sandy bank, giving us direct access to the water for swimming and relaxing. The location is incredibly picturesque, featuring a stunning contrast between the lush, dense greenery lining the river on one side and an open, sunny field on the other. It feels wonderfully wild yet totally accessible. A huge shout-out to our incredible hosts, Ian and Bobbie! They were so friendly, welcoming, and accommodating. They even surprised us with a batch of homemade brownies—such a thoughtful touch that truly elevated our stay. If you're looking for a truly peaceful, secluded experience to disconnect and enjoy nature, this is the place. Ian and Bobbie have created a hidden paradise—we can't wait to come back!

M

Mark

November 2025

Tent

2 nights at Yarrawin Camping

We had a great time best camping spot I've ever been fishing and swimming and flying fox shack was great especially when it rained a bit at night animals roaming cows and horses great fire pit and not far to town can't recommend it enough thank u Ian and Bobbie

E

Emma

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

4 nights at Yarrawin Camping

We absolutely loved this camp, it was private, quiet and peaceful. The swimming holes were great with lovely water and fun zip lines. Ian, Bobbie and their friends were amazing and willing to help out every day (plus there were delicious brownies on entry). There was so much space and beautiful views. We cannot recommend staying here more.

R

Rhii

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Yagaari Mountainside Sanctuary

My friends and I stayed for the weekend and absolutely loved it! The whole place was spotless and beautifully maintained — you can really tell how much care goes into keeping it that way. The swimming hole and facilities are a short walk from the campsites, and if you head up the hill, you’ll get stunning sunset views. Alex was incredibly welcoming, helpful and made sure we had everything we needed (even supplied us with loads of firewood!). Can’t wait to come back!

H

Helen

October 2025

9 m travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Yarrawin Camping

We loved this HIPCAMP. On arrival we were greeted by Ian. He had already got our campfire 🔥 ready to light. He also had a delicious chocolate brownie for us for dessert ( everyone gets this little treat ) This campsite was lovely and green. Ian had cleaned up all the 🐄 💩 too The creek was cool but lovely and clean, We strolled the paddocks and met all the livestock 38 babies 🐄 A quiet and relaxed few days spent here You need to be self sufficient & firewood 🪵 is available to purchase. Thanks for having us Bobby & Ian

T

Trent and Emma

October 2025

6 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Yarrawin Camping

We had an amazing weekend stay. Ian was a fantastic host: welcoming, helpful, and respectful of our space. The campsite itself is a peaceful haven. We swam, fished, and even spotted turtles in the creek – a magical experience for the kids! The rope swing was a huge hit, and the dogs loved having the freedom to roam safely. Friendly cows wandered through our site, curious but gentle, adding to the charm of the place. If you're looking for a relaxed, nature-rich getaway with space for kids and pets to explore, this spot is a gem. We'll definitely be back!

L

Lynne

October 2025

7 m Class B

With pets

2 nights at Tall Timbers Retreat

A beautiful, still and quiet place to let go and connect with nature. Kangaroos, gorgeous towering gums and the reflections in the lake all add to the sense of well being. Walking through the forest also feels very connected. The grounds are well kept with the bonus of a bush shower and washing up area. We also appreciated being able to purchase some free range eggs from their chooks. Owners are very kind and generous and respect your privacy. Highly recommended.

M

Moston

October 2025

6 m travel trailer

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Yarrawin Camping

Four well separated and spacious camping areas set on lush green grass next to a very attractive creek. Great spot, will go again.

Ian

October 2025

6 m travel trailer

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Yarrawin Camping

The location was really great as were the hosts. Nothing was a problem and we even got a visit from a few inquisitive farm horses asking for carrots.

J

Jo

October 2025

8 m travel trailer

2 nights at Yarrawin Camping

Had a great time camping at the Swimming Hole, peaceful and relaxing. Brownies were a yummy welcome gift. We will hopefully come back, thanks for sharing your space with us.

J

Jon

October 2025

7 m pop-up camper

With kids

4 nights at Yarrawin Camping

Fantastic spot and the only one's we had to share it with were the cows, horses, goana's and dozens of native birds. Watching the Azure Kingfisher's catching dinner each evening was a highlight. We'll be back!

L

Laura

October 2025

6 m travel trailer

With kids

2 nights at Yarrawin Camping

This place is paradise! River frontage with easy access for the kids, wildlife galore, rope swings, fires, star-filled sky. Ian and Bobby were kind and wonderful hosts - the brownies from Bobby were delicious, and Ian even gave us a demonstration on the zip line. 10/10 ⭐️

M

Melanie

October 2025

7 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Yarrawin Camping

Amazing camp, really private and beautifully maintained. Restful and tranquil... Hosts were very welcoming and helpful. Beautiful swimming holes. Took our two dogs who loved the walks and the water. Will definitely return to this beautiful spot.

Hollie

October 2025

5 m travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Yarrawin Camping

Definitely the best family camping spot. My teenagers played and played on the rope swing. We stayed 4 days and we were definitely not ready to come home. Top spot.

R

Rachel

October 2025

9 m travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Yarrawin Camping

We had. Great time here. Bobbi and Ian were wonderful hosts and couldn’t have done more to help us have a great stay. The whole area is beautiful but we loved the flying fox over the creek and our own little beach. Cows and horses appeared on and off to say hi! Kids voted it their favourite camping spot ever!