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% (6.6K)

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% (6.6K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Sawtell

1. Wild Nymboida Camping Dorrigo

100%

(299)

46km from Sawtell · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

Come and enjoy our private camping spots on the beautiful Nymboida River, New South Wales. Check in is before 5pm no check-ins after 5pm Campers have direct access to the river which is great for swimming and paddling. Please note that this is a free flowing river and there are rapids and waterfalls in parts, so care must be taken in parts. The campsites do require a 4WD to be accessed and are not suitable for larger caravans. Small of road vans and camper trailers are fine. Pets are welcome but we are a working cattle property, so if your dog is going to chase cattle it's probably not a great fit. There is a lot to do in the area, including bushwalking, chasing waterfalls, local markets, restaurants, wineries and galleries. 20 minutes from Dorrigo and 50 minutes from Bellingen. We charge $25 per adult per night Kids are free

2. Vallis Oakes

100%

(73)

51km from Sawtell · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Welcome to Vallis Oakes, your own slice of paradise nestled on over 300 acres, surrounded by the tranquil Oakes State Forest and the vibrant Gumbaynggirr National Parks. Check out our instagram - @vallis_oakes Swim in the crystal-clear waters and be on the lookout for local wildlife like frogs, turtles, eagles, king parrots, black cockatoos, kingfishers, goannas, and the beautiful Crimson Rosellas. Fireflies have also been spotted! Discover a variety of activities including hiking trails, lookouts, motorbike and 4WD trails. Vallis Oakes is the perfect base for exploring the national parks and then relaxing by the fire under the stars. SELF CONTAINED CAMPERS ONLY To keep our valley pristine, all campers must be fully self-contained. This means having your own toilet, water supply, and taking all waste with you when you leave. This is non-negotiable to maintain the site's natural beauty. PETS are welcome provided they are good with other dogs and livestock. FLOOD WARNING The property is located on river frontage, it may be subject to flooding during heavy rain. Please check with us 3 days before arrival to confirm current conditions. In case of flooding, a full refund will be issued, or an alternate campsite on higher ground may be available. While the photos showcase the stunning blue waters, please note that the water’s appearance may change after heavy rain. You are welcome to enjoy campfires, provided there are no local restrictions. Firewood is available for purchase onsite. Plenty of space is available for caravans, camper trailers, and tents. The sites are 4WD only due to water crossings and challenging road conditions after heavy rain. PRIMITIVE CAMPING We do not have on-site amenities. Please bring all necessary supplies, including a camp toilet. It is essential to maintain the cleanliness of the site, NO DIGGING HOLES and all waste must be removed upon departure. We have a collection point for cans + bottles. Please note that there is no phone reception. If you require internet access, WiFi is available by the main cottage. We look forward to your visit and hope you enjoy everything Vallis Oakes has to offer! If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to contact us. Have a wonderful stay!

3. Valla Beach Holiday Park

28km from Sawtell · 144 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

**Please note that our office is closed on Christmas Day (25 December), and we do not accept arrivals or departures on this date. Any bookings made with a check-in or check-out on 25 December will be cancelled. Thank you for your understanding.** Valla Beach Holiday Park is the perfect place to unwind, rejuvenate and embrace the Nambucca Valley’s rich diversity and beauty. Go for a swim, kayak up the tranquil Deep Creek River, or enjoy a lovely leisurely walk through native bushland to the sparkling, blue ocean at South Valla Beach. Here is a little pocket of paradise you'll find yourself wanting to revisit year after year. Valla Beach Holiday Park is located halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, only 30 minutes south of Coffs Harbour and 10 minutes north of Nambucca Heads with Urunga, Bellingen and Dorrigo close by. The park sits majestically alongside The Deep Creek River mouth, adjacent to South Valla Beach and has some of the best surf and fishing spots on the Mid North Coast. Nambucca Heads – 10 minutes Urunga – 15 minutes Bellingen – 30 minutes Coffs Harbour – 33 minutes Dorrigo – 1 hour Valla Beach Holiday Park offers a range of affordable and comfortable cabin accommodations, as well as beautiful surroundings for camping, caravan or motorhome stays. There are many campsites available, some in shady spots including slab sites. Choose a site close to all of our fabulous amenities – or away from it all! The choice is yours.

4. Taking It Easy Acres

19km from Sawtell · 12 sites · Tents, RVs

Enjoy a relaxing stay on our 60 acre riverside property on the Kalang River. With plenty of river frontage, you can choose a peaceful waterfront camp-site. The property features a boat ramp suitable for launching small vessels, perfect for fishing, crabbing, kayaking or simply relaxing by the river. Wildlife is abundant with regular sightings of birds and kangaroos. Conveniently located just minutes from the Highway, 8km from Urunga and 35km from Coffs Harbour, it's an ideal base to explore the Coffs Coast before returning to the calm of camp. Campers must be fully self sufficient. No power or water is currently available at camp sites. A toilet and your own water supply are required. Come and unwind on your peaceful piece of riverside paradise.

from

AU$73

/ night

5. Ingenia Holidays South West Rocks

100%

(17)

58km from Sawtell · 157 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

The South West Rocks coastline might be a mecca for surfers but there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the costal life on the New South Wales Mid-North Coast. Nestled on the banks of Back Creek, a scenic tidal waterway, Ingenia Holidays South West Rocks is the perfect basecamp for both water sports lovers and anglers, with the Macleay River Boat Ramp just two kilometers from the holiday park grounds. Enjoy a sleep-under-the-stars experience and pitch the tent or put down the trailer legs in one of the 150 caravan and camping powered and unpowered sites, which include waterfront and ensuite sites. If you prefer the creature comforts of home, you can choose a cabin or villa – from a studio cabin to a three-bedroom deluxe villa. For water-based activities during your stay, book a surfing lesson, hire a stand-up paddle board, don a snorkel mask or book a fishing charter from the reception of Ingenia Holidays South West Rocks. Active holiday makers will want to pack walking shoes to explore the nearby walking trails of Hat Head National Park, navigating through Little Bay, Smoky Cape and Captain Cook’s Lookout. Learn about the local region with a tour of Trial Bay Goal or stroll the local town center, which is only a short one kilometer walk from the holiday park.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Chelle

4 days ago

6 m travel trailer

3 nights at Vallis Oakes

This location is so beautiful and very private 🤩 Our host Sammy was great and provided heaps of info to help us locate the campsite easily. The causeway crossings were easily managed in our 4WD and small hybrid caravan. Definitely recommend this one ☝️

S

Sherralee

2 weeks ago

6 m pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Vallis Oakes

Absolutely pristine & secluded. We had the place all to ourselves, with a crystal clear swimming hole, beautifully maintained grounds & surrounded by birds & wildlife. Our host Sammy was so welcoming & friendly, with excellent communication & check in directions. The guest wifi near the cottage, was especially appreciated. We can’t wait to return to this amazing oasis. 🌳

M

Michael

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wild Nymboida Camping Dorrigo

It’s the best. Highly recommend. It will become your regular as it has become mine.

B

Belinda

2 weeks ago

6 m pop-up camper

With pets

4 nights at Vallis Oakes

We loved our 4 night stay here. Peaceful & still. Stunning countryside & fresh water dip was beautiful. Great grassy & level campsite at the top or at the bottom campsite To be able to book the WHOLE campsite just for our group was the best. Thank you for sharing your slice of paradise 🙏

L

Lisa

3 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Wild Nymboida Camping Dorrigo

Beautifully maintained camping area we had a huge grassy and flat spot by the river with a fire pit. Appreciated the çlean composting toilet. The swimming hole was deep and had a flat granite rock in the middle of the river that the kids spent hours jumping off. Stuart was an easy going host who offered us early arrival and late pack up. We had a wonderful weekend!

M

Michael

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wild Nymboida Camping Dorrigo

My favourite camping spot. It’s perfection. Right on the river and perfectly private.

j

jacki

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Ingenia Holidays South West Rocks

Our stay was very nice, super clean facilities great for families.

P

Patrick

November 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Vallis Oakes

We had a fantastic stay at vallis oakes. Very relaxing with a beautiful stream flowing through. Lots of places to swim and explore. Our dogs had the time of their life being able to roam. Sammy was very friendly and accommodating.

craig

November 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at Wild Nymboida Camping Dorrigo

Our 3rd time to this property, 2nd time on site one, as usual Stuart has it well maintained and looking lovely. Excellent flat grassed campgrounds with heaps of room. This site is located on a bend in the river with easy access to deep pools and waterfalls. After our second trip is the pic of the three in our opinion. Host advisers 4WD only and he is right. The track in and out after a spot of rain in very slippery. We suggest taking some basic recovery gear such as recovery tracks.

p

paul nicholas

November 2025

5 m travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Vallis Oakes

another great spot in the Bowraville area, a good level campsite on a great little water hole, good and refreshing on a hot afternoon on arrival, very quite and peaceful with the whole campsite to our selves, plenty of room for the dog to run around although he spent most of his time in the water. the hosts are a very friendly young family and Sam was very helpful, and the kids turned up with fresh farm eggs, very much appreciated. we will definitely be back

K

Krista

November 2025

6 m pop-up camper

6 nights at Wild Nymboida Camping Dorrigo

We had an amazing time on Stuart’s property , so much to explore in the area & so many hidden gems .It was so relaxing at the property & was very well maintained with beautiful grassy sites .The river was stunning & lovely for a dip

Stephen

November 2025

4 m travel trailer

3 nights at Vallis Oakes

Vallis Oakes is raw and absolutely stunning. The swimming is next level, fresh, clean, untouched water that will not dissapoint..Our host Sammy went out of his way to make sure our stay was everything we hoped for..Absolutely recommend to anybody that needs to escape the normal and reset.

M

Matt

November 2025

6 m pop-up camper

2 nights at Vallis Oakes

🌲 Vallis Oaks is pure bliss. Crystal-clear water that looks unreal, peaceful surroundings, and stunning scenery—an unforgettable escape into nature. Sammy, his wife, and their lovely children couldn’t have been more kind and helpful. Truly a special place.

c

charlie

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Vallis Oakes

We absolutely loved our stay! The crystal-clear water hole was stunning, our dog had the best time swimming in it, and even our cat enjoyed tagging along for the adventure. The owners were so open and welcoming, making us feel right at home. We definitely recommend this spot to anyone looking for a peaceful and pet-friendly getaway!

K

Karen

October 2025

6 m pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Wild Nymboida Camping Dorrigo

Fantastic spot! Very peaceful and private. So good to be able to have my dog off a leash, have a swim in the river and just chill. Stuart was very responsive with his communication. Nice grassy campsite with a fire at night. Lots of birdlife and local trees were in flower. Very pretty. Would definitely recommend.

Daniel

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Vallis Oakes

Great private site nestled in the Nambucca river source. Highly recommended

Fred

October 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at Wild Nymboida Camping Dorrigo

Our second trip was as amazing as the first. This is by far the most private and spacious site we’ve ever been to. I could sit under the gum tree for hours, listening to the sounds of nature and taking in the peaceful view of the waterhole surrounded by boulders and weeping willows. Stuart is very friendly and accommodating. Thank you again!

E

Elizabeth

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Wild Nymboida Camping Dorrigo

It was absolutely beautiful. Flies were relentless but otherwise beautiful, private place to unwind.

j

jane

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Vallis Oakes

Beautiful, peaceful spot with plenty of space. Loved it

D

Darcy

October 2025

4 m pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Vallis Oakes

Just the most magic and peaceful spot, like something out of a fairytale! Was lucky to have the whole place to ourselves and even in the middle of a thunderstorm it was an amazing experience! Even though he wasn't there Sammy was a legend over the phone making everything so clear and helpful! 100% will be coming back!!