Discover the best forest and dog-friendly campgrounds near Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

92% (1287 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Canberra

Under $50

Available this weekend

99%

(57)

Maddara.Organic.Farm.and.Art

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Yass River, NSW

Once a much larger property, we purchased our 120-acre (50-hectare) in 1984 as a means to live sustainably and raise a family. Living in our shed whilst we prepared the garden, put in watering infrastructure and built our house which we finally moved in when our daughter was 6 months old in 1990. Over the ensuing years we have continued to increase biodiversity on the property and set it up so we can live sustainably, harvesting our own water, electricity and food. If your lucky you could get a hamper of our product when there is sufficient in season. With the increased biodiversity you will find that in the mornings and evenings kangaroos and wallabies will visit with the occasional echidna, rabbit and hare; and to forget the large array of bird life - that may wake you early in the morning with the songs. This campsite is set on lovely grassy open areas interspersed with gum trees. The sunrise looks spectacular near the dam, when the trees give off a lovely glow. The main paddock has a Geodome, a shared space for relaxing in. With all that space you can park and set up camp anywhere in the paddock. There is access to drinking water, toilets, and a hot shower. Around the dome is a firepit, drinking water and a camp kitchen. The firepit features an Argentinian BBQ and a plate for cooking. The kitchen has plates, cups, cutlery, and other bits and pieces for you to use. If you want exclusive use of the paddocks - refer to Group Bush Retreat.

* Before taxes and fees

100%

(10)

Southern Tablelands Bush Camping

2 sites · RVs, Tents2700 acres · Bungendore, NSW

Peaceful unspoilt bush and farm land on the Great Dividing Range. 1 hour from Canberra, 3 hours from Sydney. Turn off highway down 6.5km private gravel road, then follow short dirt tracks into campsites. Choice of two secluded campgrounds over 1km apart; only one private group per campground. Campfires allowed when conditions permit, free firewood supplied. No services (power, water, sewerage, rubbish collection or wifi). Peppermint Gum Group Campground is well established and suits larger groups of friends or 2-3 families (max 16 guests). Located in 1.6ha (4 acres) of grassy woodland, it offers a good choice of mown campsites in shade or sun. A large communal clearing is centrally located for group gatherings, with a rustic camp kitchen hut for all-weather cooking and eating. A pit toilet is a short walk away, with handwashing station and views! Snowgums Campsite is a smaller campsite for up to 6 people, on a low forested ridge overlooking Sandhills Creek below. 3 separate mown tent sites and a campfire clearing in protected snowgums forest. Several kilometres of marked walking trails within the property. Explore the creek line, hike up the mountain to the old stone trig point, walk to the swimming hole on the creek with jetty, picnic area and rowboat. Numerous picnic spots. A swimming dam, jetty, and picnic sites are accessible via marked walking and driving tracks. There are also several kms of walking tracks directly from the campsite along Sandhills Creek and the 'mountain paddock'. Owners live further along the road on the property, and can be contacted if needed. A separate AirBnB house is located on the property; please respect the privacy of fellow guests.

* Before taxes and fees

100%

(45)

Shepherds Rest

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Mount Fairy, NSW

Beautiful open views across rolling hills and paddocks. Sit by the dam and enjoy the views. Meet the goats, llama and chickens. Walk the farm paddocks with the goats. Mountain bike on country roads. Various sites to choose from. Only 45 mins from Canberra.

* Before taxes and fees

99%

(203)

Coots Creek Campground

11 sites · RVs, Tents300 acres · Nanima, NSW

Following so many positive experiences with Hipcamp the owners decided to open up their beautiful 300acre cattle property to other Hipcampers, to share the beauty of the land and its flora and fauna in a pieceful environment, to develop friendships and operate the park during their retirement years. Patrons have enjoyed the easy accessibility, stunning sunset views and the peace and quiet of feeling like they are a million miles away from civilization. All sites in the Campground area are sited to give maximum privacy and safety from any fire threat, with plenty of room to place tents/vans for best viewing position. Campground Sites x 7 Beautiful private sites that feel like you are away from the rest of the world. Watch kangaroos, wallaroos and wedge tail eagles. Drive through comfort for large Caravans/RV. - Campers are encouraged to BYO Toilet, greywatertank and fresh water – potable water available for refill of tanks.

* Before taxes and fees

92%

(166)

Elm Grove Sanctuary Community

11 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Goobarragandra, NSW

Elm Grove Sanctuary provides the perfect environment for a digital detox. Visitors are welcome for family holidays, wedding receptions, and retreats, with cabins and camping options Set in the picturesque Goobarragandra Valley, 28 kms east of Tumut, we are surrounded by Kosciusko National Park with spectacular mountain scenery. There's plenty to do while visiting: fishing, bushwalking, swimming, stargazing, picnics, campfires or just sitting under an Elm tree with a book. We have Campsites by the river with a simple camp kitchen and basic toilets available. These sites have easy 2WD access and space to turn a caravan around. We also have a cabin that you can book that has a fully set up kitchen, wood fire and plenty of accommodation with a view. We have dogs, and are a Dog friendly campsite. (We also have chickens, so if you bring a dog, please make sure that it is going to be friends with our chickens, or kept on a leash.) There is no mobile reception, so you will not be disturbed by the outside world when you visit paradise.

* Before taxes and fees

12 top forest and dog-friendly campgrounds near Canberra

99%

(203)

Coots Creek Campground

11 sites · RVs, Tents300 acres · Nanima, NSW

Following so many positive experiences with Hipcamp the owners decided to open up their beautiful 300acre cattle property to other Hipcampers, to share the beauty of the land and its flora and fauna in a pieceful environment, to develop friendships and operate the park during their retirement years. Patrons have enjoyed the easy accessibility, stunning sunset views and the peace and quiet of feeling like they are a million miles away from civilization. All sites in the Campground area are sited to give maximum privacy and safety from any fire threat, with plenty of room to place tents/vans for best viewing position. Campground Sites x 7 Beautiful private sites that feel like you are away from the rest of the world. Watch kangaroos, wallaroos and wedge tail eagles. Drive through comfort for large Caravans/RV. - Campers are encouraged to BYO Toilet, greywatertank and fresh water – potable water available for refill of tanks.

* Before taxes and fees

99%

(57)

Maddara.Organic.Farm.and.Art

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Yass River, NSW

Once a much larger property, we purchased our 120-acre (50-hectare) in 1984 as a means to live sustainably and raise a family. Living in our shed whilst we prepared the garden, put in watering infrastructure and built our house which we finally moved in when our daughter was 6 months old in 1990. Over the ensuing years we have continued to increase biodiversity on the property and set it up so we can live sustainably, harvesting our own water, electricity and food. If your lucky you could get a hamper of our product when there is sufficient in season. With the increased biodiversity you will find that in the mornings and evenings kangaroos and wallabies will visit with the occasional echidna, rabbit and hare; and to forget the large array of bird life - that may wake you early in the morning with the songs. This campsite is set on lovely grassy open areas interspersed with gum trees. The sunrise looks spectacular near the dam, when the trees give off a lovely glow. The main paddock has a Geodome, a shared space for relaxing in. With all that space you can park and set up camp anywhere in the paddock. There is access to drinking water, toilets, and a hot shower. Around the dome is a firepit, drinking water and a camp kitchen. The firepit features an Argentinian BBQ and a plate for cooking. The kitchen has plates, cups, cutlery, and other bits and pieces for you to use. If you want exclusive use of the paddocks - refer to Group Bush Retreat.

* Before taxes and fees

92%

(166)

Elm Grove Sanctuary Community

11 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Goobarragandra, NSW

Elm Grove Sanctuary provides the perfect environment for a digital detox. Visitors are welcome for family holidays, wedding receptions, and retreats, with cabins and camping options Set in the picturesque Goobarragandra Valley, 28 kms east of Tumut, we are surrounded by Kosciusko National Park with spectacular mountain scenery. There's plenty to do while visiting: fishing, bushwalking, swimming, stargazing, picnics, campfires or just sitting under an Elm tree with a book. We have Campsites by the river with a simple camp kitchen and basic toilets available. These sites have easy 2WD access and space to turn a caravan around. We also have a cabin that you can book that has a fully set up kitchen, wood fire and plenty of accommodation with a view. We have dogs, and are a Dog friendly campsite. (We also have chickens, so if you bring a dog, please make sure that it is going to be friends with our chickens, or kept on a leash.) There is no mobile reception, so you will not be disturbed by the outside world when you visit paradise.

* Before taxes and fees

99%

(256)

Michelago Farm Camping

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Michelago, NSW

Large open paddock with easy access from Monaro Highway, great for camping with amazing views of the mountains. The access road is good quality dirt road. Ok for caravans. Dog friendly (must be well behaved around our animals and not chase them). We have Alpacas in our camping paddocks so your dog must be kept under control at all times. We have a composting toilet available for campers to use. Mobile phone reception in the area is around 3-4 bars 4G on Optus and 3-4 bars 3G on Telstra. Please bring your own wood for camp fires or you can purchase a barrow of bush wood from us in the extras. We prefer you not to collect your own wood (other than starter sticks/branches) as we are trying to maintain logs, branches, ground cover on the ground for native birds, lizards, etc. Private outdoor yoga sessions are available if booked in advance or you can book into the local classes on Thursday nights. All camp fees are being used to rehabilitate our property with plants that are native to our area and restore the land.

* Before taxes and fees

100%

(45)

Shepherds Rest

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Mount Fairy, NSW

Beautiful open views across rolling hills and paddocks. Sit by the dam and enjoy the views. Meet the goats, llama and chickens. Walk the farm paddocks with the goats. Mountain bike on country roads. Various sites to choose from. Only 45 mins from Canberra.

* Before taxes and fees

100%

(10)

Southern Tablelands Bush Camping

2 sites · RVs, Tents2700 acres · Bungendore, NSW

Peaceful unspoilt bush and farm land on the Great Dividing Range. 1 hour from Canberra, 3 hours from Sydney. Turn off highway down 6.5km private gravel road, then follow short dirt tracks into campsites. Choice of two secluded campgrounds over 1km apart; only one private group per campground. Campfires allowed when conditions permit, free firewood supplied. No services (power, water, sewerage, rubbish collection or wifi). Peppermint Gum Group Campground is well established and suits larger groups of friends or 2-3 families (max 16 guests). Located in 1.6ha (4 acres) of grassy woodland, it offers a good choice of mown campsites in shade or sun. A large communal clearing is centrally located for group gatherings, with a rustic camp kitchen hut for all-weather cooking and eating. A pit toilet is a short walk away, with handwashing station and views! Snowgums Campsite is a smaller campsite for up to 6 people, on a low forested ridge overlooking Sandhills Creek below. 3 separate mown tent sites and a campfire clearing in protected snowgums forest. Several kilometres of marked walking trails within the property. Explore the creek line, hike up the mountain to the old stone trig point, walk to the swimming hole on the creek with jetty, picnic area and rowboat. Numerous picnic spots. A swimming dam, jetty, and picnic sites are accessible via marked walking and driving tracks. There are also several kms of walking tracks directly from the campsite along Sandhills Creek and the 'mountain paddock'. Owners live further along the road on the property, and can be contacted if needed. A separate AirBnB house is located on the property; please respect the privacy of fellow guests.

* Before taxes and fees

99%

(487)

Scribbly Gum

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents50 acres · Northangera, NSW

This property is in Northangera with the Mongarlowe River running along the boundary. It's covered in trees and provides a pristine environment amongst the "Scribbly Gums". It has flat areas with plenty of free timber for the designated fire pits. I have tried to create a haven for wildlife including Kangaroos, wombats, echidnas and platypus. I cherish the cleanliness of the river and surrounds and wish to be able to share this special environment with others who care to preserve all it offers.Located not far from Braidwood, a town steeped in history, with good shopping, coffee shops and great food.Sloping to flat land amongst the Scribbly Gum trees offering a number of sites and walks through the property. It provides both sun and shade. Access is good for vans of any size along a track through the bushland.Lovely swimming spots in the Mongalowe River, beautiful clear water, and several lovely bushwalks around the property. We offer four sites and the maximum stay is 7 nights.

* Before taxes and fees

99%

(172)

Pine Gums, via Goulburn.

2 sites · RVs, Tents155 acres · Goulburn, NSW

Pine Gums is so close to everything but also feels a world away from everyone. From the time you pull in, to the time you leave, the experience at Pine Gums is peaceful, rewarding and one you will always cherish and remember. With so many people coming back time and time again, bringing friends and family, this really does speak for itself. This site was previously a pine forest and was harvested back in 2018. We are clearing some ground for grazing cattle while letting some regrowth come through for the wildlife. We have plenty of kangaroos, possums, wombats just to name a few and an abundance of birdlife. There is an undercover BBQ area with a built-in fireplace and gas BBQ. There is also a proper flushing toilet. At night, sit and listen to the sounds of silence as you glance up to the stars. This spot feels a world away but still has the convenience of being only 10 minutes off the Hume Hwy and only 20 minutes from Goulburn where you can get all your daily needs. There is plenty of firewood laying around the property for the campfire so bring your saw, cut some wood, and just enjoy. No firewood is to be taken off the property. Please always consider the next camper and leave some available and ready. Pet friendly! (Please always keep pets with you and away from the cattle/wildlife) 4x4 is definitely recommended especially if you are towing a larger van.

* Before taxes and fees

100%

(1)

'Bertie' Tiny House w Lake/Vineyard

1 site · Lodging350 acres · Wallaroo, NSW

Watch the Sunset over Beautiful Views of the Brindabella Hills, with a glass of Wallaroo Wines. You can swim in the lake, kayak, bring your doggy and enjoy a time away from bustling life. No internet, no hassles. Bring a book and enjoy looking out on the lake, which often turns bright pink in the sunset. Walk down to the beautiful waterfall, and say hello to the gentle baby cows. We love hosting people here, and know you'll love the ambience and wondrous silence of nature. Retreat - if you are keen on a longer break from work to read those 10 books or set up an isle in the paddocks to paint, or record some music i would love to offer 30% off. One convertable King bed downstairs and one loft double bed upstairs. There is a full kitchen with views out over the water. The toilet is an easy-to-use composting toilet with full instructions. A beautiful wooden deck milled from a fallen tree on the property. Kayak for you to use on the water. Fire pit outside.

* Before taxes and fees

99%

(131)

Witts End

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Krawarree, NSW

Spend some time exploring the Deua National Park which is home to the Big Hole and the Marble Arch. Stroll along the banks of the Shoalhaven River and go for a dip.We offer powered and unpowered camping, a cabin and a hut. The property has two large grass sites where power can be provided. Located a short stroll to amenities and approx 50m from the dam where you can sit and relax or enjoy your meals at a communal BBQ area. The campsites have access to a toilet, shower and laundry. Guests can enjoy use of drinking water, a picnic table for meals and rubbish facilities.Louisa's Cabin is a studio style cabin with a small kitchenette (water from outdoor tank), cosy couches around an indoor fireplace and a lush King Bed. The bathroom is a shared amenities block with 2 showers and 3 toilets a short walk through the gardens. There is access to a laundry.Paddy's Hut is self-contained for your comfort, and the perfect location for a family getaway, a group of friends to relax and unwind, or offer the creature comforts to stage you wildlife adventures from.Enjoy the evenings around the campfire as you tell tales under the stars.Pets are welcome, but please be aware the owners have two of their own friendly dogs who are likely to stop by and say hello.

* Before taxes and fees

99%

(176)

Country Journey, Boxgrove farm

42 sites · RVs, Tents600 acres · Yass, NSW

With over 600 acres of Australian bush, our property is ideal for campers that want their own space. We are completely off-grid (no wifi to distract you) and we run off tank water (for this reason showers are only available for two hours in the evening). There are multiple camp sites on the property - some are close to hot showers and toilets, others are within a short walking distance. Some sites are perfect for our self sufficient campers who might want a nice private location and don't need access to amenities. There are two shared camp kitchen areas (with pizza ovens and bbqs). We have two amenities blocks with toilets and hot showers and two further compost toilets located at other sites. Campfires are permitted in designated areas (check with us when booking) and firewood can be added to your booking - we do require at least 24 hours notice if you want wood. There are lots of old-style games for the kids such as cricket, tennis, playground, bikes available, a swim in the dam and general country running around fun! Unfortunately we no longer have our flying fox, but there are plenty of other activities to keep you busy. We have some great bush walking areas where you might be lucky enough to see our resident wombats or our breeding pair of Wedge-tailed Eagles. You might also be lucky enough to be there when our two kelpies, Finn and Tori, are moving sheep through the property (they like to put on a show!!). The property dates back to the early 1900s and there are numerous historic buildings on the property. The earliest is a wooden slab hut that was built around the beginning of the 19th century - the Goulburn Penny Post newspaper, dated 3 December 1904 lines the walls of the hut. It also has a two shearing stand wooden shed built by Marcus Dawe in 1922. We try to make sure all of our guests have a great experience - so if you have any special requests reach out to us and have a chat!

* Before taxes and fees

Booked 2 times

Hamro Farm House

1 site · RV, Tent200 acres · Gurrundah, NSW

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and find sanctuary at Hamro Farm house, a serene retreat nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes and gently rolling hills of an untouched paradise. This haven is not just a place to stay; it’s a journey back to nature, where every moment is a treasure waiting to be discovered. At Hamro Farmhouse, we invite you to step into a world where tranquility meets natural beauty, creating the perfect backdrop for unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Whether seeking solitude, adventure, or a moment to reconnect with nature, our farmhouse offers an idyllic setting designed to rejuvenate your spirit and inspire your heart.

* Before taxes and fees

Forest and dog-friendly camping near Canberra guide

Overview

Canberra’s museums, galleries, and national monuments offer plenty of culture, but the city’s best asset is its natural setting. Hemmed in by sloping peaks and nature reserves, here outdoors enthusiasts can enjoy bushwalking, cycling, and wildlife trails, or head to Lake Burley Griffin to sail, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard with views of Parliament House. Campers have a wide range of options, whether parking your campervan or caravan on the outskirts of the city centre, or sleeping out in swags beneath the stars.

Where to go

Australian Alps

The Australian Alps roll out south of Canberra into New South Wales and Victoria. On the outskirts of the capital, the rocky peaks and bushlands of Namadgi and Brindabella national parks harbour rustic camping spots with alpine views and plenty of options for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Further south, the mountain resorts of Thredbo and Perisher are two of the country’s most popular ski areas

Wine Country

Just a half-hour drive north of the city, the green hills of Murrumbateman, Gundaroo, and Yass make up the Canberra wine region, where boutique wineries and cellar doors offer vineyard strolls and wine tasting. Some of Canberra’s best camping sites lie here, where you can pitch your tent in the hills, cool off with a dip in a natural swimming hole, then tuck into a BBQ around the campfire.

Canberra Nature Reserves

Canberra is encircled by nature reserves, where you can roam along woodland trails, swim in freshwater creeks, and spot wild kangaroos hopping through the bushlands. Popular getaways from the city include Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, just southwest of the city; Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve to the north; and Kowen Forest to the east.

When to go

Canberra’s distinct seasons mean that the city’s landscapes are ever changing—autumnal leaves blanket the hillsides with shades of red, orange, and gold, while the mountaintops are dusted with snow in winter. The best time for camping trips, bushwalking, and outdoor activities is from September through May, but the region is busiest in summer (December through February), when it’s best to book camping grounds in advance.

Know before you go

Public transport is limited between Canberra and the surrounding national parks and reserves, so you will need your own car. Some sites are only reachable by 4WD.
Camping sites in the ACT’s parks often have few amenities, so bring everything you need with you, including drinking water and firewood.
Fire bans are common in the ACT during summer and dry periods, so be sure to check local recommendations before lighting your campfire.
A National Parks pass is required to visit, hike, or camp within Australia’s national parks.
Snakes are common around Canberra—keep your ankles covered if walking through tall grass and pack a first-aid kit when hiking or camping in bushland areas.

Nearby attractions

Located at the end of the Snowy Mountains Highway and surrounded by breathtaking views, Tantangara Dam is a great place to visit for hiking and water sports.