Beach and dog-friendly camping near Boat Harbour
Beaches, bushlands, and ocean views surround this port town.
96% (1066 reviews)
- Boat Harbour
96% (1066 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Boat Harbour
Under $50
Star Hosts in Boat Harbour
10 top beach and dog-friendly campgrounds near Boat Harbour
97%
(538)
Abstobys Retreat
4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Bobs Farm, NSW
A private property with grass campsites by a tidal outlet to Port Stephens harbour.
You can spend your days fishing, kayaking or enjoying Nelson Bay and surrounding areas and beaches which are only 15 minutes away. Guests have the use of a retreat shelter/fire place/BBQ area and wifi.
Campers must try to be self contained bringing their own water, toilet and shower. Sorry, no caravans over 20ft. Suite solo travellers, couples wanting a quiet weekend and LGBT friendly. We do have available tank, rain water for drinking, a toilet and hot shower available for those who cannot be totally self contained. Yes there are mozzies because you are near water, so bring repellent.
Pets are welcome but must stay on a leash throughout your stay.
Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
Please BYO firewood.
Fires are only permitted when there are no fire restrictions and in the designated fire pit and designated fire pit area for your own fire pit.
Children 16 & under stay for free. Please notify host if you are bringing children.
Please be careful and supervise young children near the water.
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from
AU$28
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(9)
Kintelliko
4 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Newcastle, NSW
A beautiful flat grassy bed for your Rv, caravan or tent awaits you at Kintelliko. Kintelliko means “to laugh” in the local Awabakal language and we hope to share our joy of living on this beautiful acreage nestled into 100 acres of bushland - yet only 5 minutes to the beach, lake and shops.
Your fully powered site has everything you could need. A compost toilet (sorry you have to share it with the brush tail possum who’s decided it’s nice there), an amazing outdoor hot shower made from a huge sculpture, an outdoor kitchen with BBQ and stainless steel benches (it’s out in the open).
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from
AU$60
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(1)
Ingenia Holidays One Mile Beach
219 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · One Mile, NSW
While many of our holiday parks offer a beachfront location, Ingenia Holidays One Mile Beach takes things up a notch with a 1.6-kilometre stretch of sand, right on your doorstep.
Set on the holiday park’s namesake – One Mile Beach – there’s no need to factor in a commute for your morning beach stroll or swim these holidays.
If you’re feeling adventurous during your stay, you’re in for a treat with over 26 beaches located in the Port Stephens region including the 32-kilometre Stockton Beach, which is home to the largest sand dunes in the southern hemisphere.
It’s these very dunes where you can experience camel rides at sunset or sandboarding down them at high speed.
Choose between camping, caravan sites, cabins or villas for your stay at Ingenia Holidays One Mile Beach – with direct beach access available from all villas for those who enjoy the idea of waking up to the sound of rolling waves.
While you’ve got the best of Port Stephens less than 15 minutes’ drive away, there’s plenty to keep the family entertained within the holiday park grounds such as a games room, jumping cushion, playground and ball court.
Given its position along the coastline, seafood lovers will love the local oyster bars and seafood restaurants close by, like restaurant institution Rick Steins at Bannisters.
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from
AU$49
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(7)
Tiona Holiday Park
101 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Tiona, NSW
Stay in sites and cabins nestled between the white sands of Seven Mile Beach, the cabbage tree palm-studded shores of Wallis Lake and the spectacular Booti Booti National Park.
Find your space at the pet-friendly Tiona Holiday Park, whether you are camping, caravanning or need a cabin for the night, and only 15 minutes from Forster. All of our sites and cabins are family friendly, pet friendly, and the perfect space from which to relax, explore, connect or play – plus you can have a campfire* (in season)!
Lush native rainforest style landscaping allows you to embrace the natural feel of the park, whilst enjoying a stay your style. Beachfront eco style cabins and tents and lakeside spacious camping and caravan sites for adventurers and families.
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from
AU$57
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
96%
(34)
Iggys Haven @ Anna Bay
8 sites · Tents25 acres · Anna Bay, NSW
Beautiful 25 acres with natural wild life, Koalas, Kangaroos, Flying Squirrels, Kookaburras and much more.
Located amongst 27 beaches (Samurai Nudist beach is one of them) around the Port Stephens peninsula with entry point to the largest sand dunes on the Eastern coast of Australia…stretching 41 kilometres.
4WD, camel rides or some great fishing at Birubi Beach NSW.
Property is located off grid, but also 2 min from Anna Bay Tavern, 3 min drive to the nearest rock pools and some fine surf.
Campfires
from
AU$90
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
87%
(39)
SeaForest Sanctuary
21 sites · RVs, Tents65 acres · Charlotte Bay, NSW
NOT SUITABLE FOR VANS OVER 18ft.
65 acres of pristine forest excites the senses with its diversity of environments; meandering creek tributaries, a huge natural billabong, rich array of birdlife & wildlife. The property’s rainforest walk leads you through a subtropical tree forest by the banks of Duck creek, past the 'Dingo' large sculpture then to the ultimate viewing of the gigantic ancient trees that are 300 years old.
The property is close to 4 beaches - Blueys, Boomerang, Elizabeth & Cellito/Sandbar ( 3 of those beaches are dog friendly and Sandbar even allows Horse riding as well as 4WD). The property borders the southern boundary of the Wallingat National Park - which offers days and days of adventures and has the best look-out over the whole coastal region called the Whoota Whoota lookout.
Wallis Lake is literally across the road from the front gate and can be accessed by boat launch just up the Coomba road or at the Pacific Palms recreational club ( Recky) which is a short 5 minutes down the road. Smiths Lake is only 5 minutes drive away in the other direction and has catamaran and boat hire services close to the Frothy Coffee Cafe, located right on the Smiths Lake waters edge. The new water sport called Fliteboard, also known as e-foiling ( it’s a new technology giving the beginner to advanced rider an experience of surfing without needing to catch a wave - sort of SUP and standing on a large stable board but propelled by a battery operated propeller ) is also located here to try out and have lessons on..The stable board GLIDES above the water on a keel like structure that is motorised by battery and is controlled by a hand held bluetooth device. You literally fly above the serene water silently ! ( exclusive deals given to SeaForest Sanctuary visitors - see extras - loading information shortly )
SeaForest Sanctuary sites are 4WD and AWD due to the tracks- some 2WD as long as they have a high ground clearance & depending if we have dry weather. ( I have a small 2WD SUV and it gets around perfectly in the dry weather but I need the 4WD in the wet ).
No amenities so campers need to BYO everything they need and leave no trace. Campers MUST bring their own camping toilet... This property is a wildlife/bush sanctuary and thus everyone is asked to please do their part to keeping it that way.
The waterways and forests in this area are mind blowing. If you have the opportunity, hire a boat/ houseboat or kayak etc and explore the Myall, Smiths and Wallis Lakes.. Bushwalking trails are everywhere through the many National Parks that surround us here.
The property is Dog friendly and owners must be respectful of others and keep animals quiet and contained at night. Goes without saying - please clean up doggie dung and take with your rubbish.
Campfires are permitted in a designated area when restrictions aren't in place, plenty of wood to gather your own. Please be mindful that there could be fire bans on certain days during the summer. Farm manager will keep you informed and if the worst scenario happens being a fire warning of catastrophic conditions, please follow the farm managers instructions to evacuate the premises and enjoy some shopping in Forster or go to the movies for the day until the warning has lifted.
Horse agistment available.
Campfires
from
AU$35
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(519)
Spirit of the Forest
19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents70 acres · Boolambayte, NSW
Spirit of the Forest is one of the oldest properties in the area. Many years ago it was an old dairy farm, but it has been through many transitions since then.... uniquely situated only a few kms. from the majestic "Grandis" tree it has an abundance of wildlife close by, wallabies come out to feed on the pasture at dusk and dawn, mighty eagles soar overhead and beautiful Arabian horses run free in the paddocks.Trevor and Maya moved here from Berry NSW 17 years ago. Trevor is an internationally acclaimed entertainer and horse whisperer and Maya is an artist, author and lecturer. Both found the property a haven from their busy schedule of performing overseas.A unique 70 acre Arabian horse property, surrounded by Myall Lakes National Park 4 kms from "The Grandis" the tallest tree in NSW and 10 kms from Bulahdelah Town also near to beautiful North Coast beaches. There are many beautiful areas to choose from to camp, as well as a cabin.A portable 240v generator (1) is available for hire $10.00 a day, fuel included, advance booking.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
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from
AU$45
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
93%
(381)
Blueys Beach Farmstayz
16 sites · Tents7 acres · Blueys Beach, NSW
*Please note that this is not a working farm. You can pet and interact with the animals (horses, goats and chickens) through the fence, but no feeding, sheering or other activities available. Thank you for your understanding.
Welcome to Blueys Beach Farmstay!
MerryLegs's Paddock offers fantastic group bookings, perfect for larger groups. Strawberry's paddock is located towards the rear of the property, offering a comfortable spot for those with kids, with easy access to the amenities.
Merrylegs's Paddock is the perfect spot for couples and smaller or larger groups.
Merrylegs's is located towards the front of the property, and offers sites for up to 4 guests per site.
Enjoy lovely grassed areas with ample shade for your camper-van, roof top tent, free standing tent or swag. We have seven (7) acres of fully fenced grassy paddocks, with mostly shaded open areas.
We have a 2 night minimum and a 5 night maximum stay at both listings.
We're located very close to Blueys Beach where you can stroll along the shore, go for a swim or help the kids build sandcastles. It’s a flat walk from your campsite, only minutes away along the footpath (approximately 200 metres) to local restaurants, cafes and shops. Those visiting with their furry family member can enjoy the nearest dog friendly beach within council regulated hours just a further 150 metres down the path.
You can enjoy access to flushable toilets x 2 and a singular hot shower and a singular cold shower for those after the beach days, please BYO toiletries. We ask that you place all of your rubbish in the bins provided .. we can take your recyclable cans and bottles for the Earn and Return program. To clarify .. YES we have a garbage bin for general waste only .. no recycling bin.
We allow campfires when it is safe. ALL fires must be contained in a fire pit. Absolutely no fires are to be lit on the open grass.
WE have fire pits for hire and bagged firewood is available for purchase on site .. all fire pits brought onto the property for use by guests will be subject to the discretion of the property owners. All fires and fire pits must be "OK'd" with the property owners prior to lighting, what we're looking for clearance from the ground to the base of the fire pit .. the greater distance the better. Fires can only be lit in accordance with NSW Rural Fire Services fire restrictions or total fire bans.
We've recently had multiple patches of our buffalo lawn scorched to beyond charcoal by careless guests .. you must ask the hosts / property owners before lighting any fires .. unnecessary burnt patches of lawn may result in you and your guests leaving!!
We ask you to please note:
** UNFORTUNATELY WE DO NOT TAKE ANY CARAVANS .. HYBRID CARAVANS .. MOTOR HOMES .. RV'S .. FIFTH WHEELER's .. BUSES INCLUDING MERCEDES SPRINTERS of any size .. mainly the footprint of these types of vehicles is far too great .. once again we're only a grassy paddock not a caravan park.
Standard size camper trailers and camper-vans, roof top tents are all completely fine.
If your bus is longer than 4 meters in length, over 2 meters in height and/ or width with a tare weight of 3 tonne or over SORRY BUT IT IS A NO!!
If your camper trailer is wider than 2.5 meters or longer than 4.5 metres in length inclusive of the drawbar .. SORRY BUT ITS A NO!!
If you have a Jayco of any description .. regardless of length / width OR what the "registration papers say" .. SORRY BUT IT IS STILL A NO!!
- If you have solar panels to charge you might have to chase the sun a little, as there are plenty of shaded areas which is perfect come summer.
We do not allow the use of "Slackline or Tightropes" strung between our trees, it causes them to be ringbarked after a prolonged use .. meaning they die in the long run .. rope clotheslines and hamocks perfectly ok on the palms, sheoaks and paperbarks!!
- Dogs are permitted here however they must be friendly off leash and must NOT chase my pets which include horses, goats , dogs and our pet chooks.
Please pick up after your pooch .. as a courtesy to other guests and also to us, it doesn't happen in a caravan park .. please do the right thing here.
PLEASE ADVISE US UPON BOOKING IF YOU ARE BRINGING A PET/PETS!!
- There are animals that live here and they occasionally make animal noises. Specifically, we have a pet Roosters, one is called Derek. and another called Billy .. they are both meticulous at their job of being a rooster and can start very early in the morning.
We ask you to please be understanding during your visit, that this is Derek and Billy's home and we ask you to PLEASE RETHINK YOUR BOOKING if you feel this might impact on your holiday or your guests holiday.
On arrival, we ask that you stop at the garages at the front of the house to confirm your check-in and get instructions .. PLEASE DO NOT ENTER THE PROPERTY, prior to letting us know you have arrived.
When we have heavy rain, some areas of the property are not car accessible and you may need to walk to some amenities. and keep driving to a minimum.
Upon your booking you will receive a couple of private messages from us .. these will be located in your HipCamp Messages on the App or the website
they will contain instructions for once you arrive .. PLEASE READ THEM!!
We're happy to help if you need more information .. safe travels always!!
Potable water
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Campfires
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Trash
from
AU$40
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(5)
Michaels Place
2 sites · RVs, Tents18 acres · Lake Munmorah, NSW
Michaels Place is 18 acres but mostly bushland, about 5 acres grassed area. It's kind of hidden but central to everything in Lake Munmorah, Frazer national park is minutes away. The lake is in walking distance as is bowling club , shopping centre.
At the property is just me my daughter, dogs and the chickens. There is birdlife everywhere. help yourself to free range eggs ... cant beat it...
Potable water
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from
AU$200
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
Booked 1 time
Ingenia Holidays Middle Rock
123 sites · Lodging, RVs10 acres · One Mile, NSW
It’s not just real estate agents who talk about location, location, location – those booking beach holidays speak the same language. For a park with a prime position, check into Ingenia Holidays Middle Rock.
You’ll find it an 11-minute drive to the Port Stephens town center, and only a hop, skip and a jump to the main attractions of Port Stephens including the Tomaree Summit Walk, Nelson Bay Marina, Stockton Sand Dune and Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary right next door.
To check in, choose between cabins, caravan sites, or campgrounds and prepare to settle into a Port Stephens state of mind. Being a coastal location everything about this park is set up for you to rest and relax – whether its lounging around the resort style pools, enjoying a casual BBQ in the recently refurbished camp kitchen or letting the kids loose on the jumping pillow.
With a fully licensed café and bar on site you can skip self-catering altogether if you’re inclined or explore the many restaurants and cafes in Port Stephens within walking distance of the park.
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
Trash
Cooking equipment
from
AU$999
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
Available this weekend
Dog-friendly getaways
Beach and dog-friendly camping near Boat Harbour guide
Overview
Rocky headlands and sandy shores hem in the tiny port of Boat Harbour on the south coast of the Port Stephens peninsula. Hike along the seashore to spot humpback whales along the rocks, head down to the beach to swim and sunbathe, or enjoy fishing, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding. Two national parks lie on either side of the village—zip along the beaches of Worimi Regional Park in a 4WD or discover the bushwalking trails and surf beaches of Tomaree National Park. Camp at One Mile Beach just north of Boat Harbour, or choose from holiday parks around the peninsula.
Where to go
Great Lakes
North of Boat Harbour, the Myall, Smiths, and Wallis Lakes make up the Great Lakes region, surrounded by golden beaches and lush rainforest. Camp at coastal towns such as Forster, Bulahdelah, and Pacific Palms; cruise around the Myall Lakes National Park in a houseboat or kayak; or hike through the rainforest in the Booti Booti National Park.
Central Coast
To the south, the Central Coast of NSW runs from Newcastle all the way to Sydney. Wildlife watching opportunities abound—spot migrating whales from Shelly Beach or pelicans around the lakes and lagoons of The Entrance. On route to Sydney, the beaches and waterways of the Brisbane Water National Park and Bouddi National Park are ideal for camping, cruising, and bird-watching.
Greater Blue Mountains
Inland from Boat Harbour, the Yengo and Wollemi National Parks are part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area. Hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding are popular ways to explore, or you can venture off-road in a 4WD. Camping here is all about getting back to nature, with backcountry campsites reachable only on foot or by 4WD.
When to go
NSW’s balmy summers (December through February) are the most popular time for swimming and water sports along the coast of Boat Harbour. Temperatures are mild year-round and rarely drop below 10°C, even on winter evenings, so it’s possible to camp at any time. Visit between May and August to spot humpback whales on their annual migration.
Know before you go
- Buses run to Boat Harbour from Newcastle, but to explore the coast and national parks, you’ll need your own vehicle.
- There are no shops in Boat Harbour—the closest supermarket is in Salamander Bay, a 10-minute drive away.
- Fire bans are common in New South Wales during summer and dry periods, so check local recommendations before lighting your campfire.
- A permit is required to camp within NSW’s national parks, and campsites must be booked in advance.
Top cities near Boat Harbour
Safety at Hipcamp
Hipcamp acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.