The best dog-friendly campgrounds in Central Coast

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for camping in Australia! If you're looking to bring your furry friend along on your outdoor adventure, we've got you covered. With over 120 pet-friendly camping options in the beautiful Central Coast region, you'll have no trouble finding the perfect spot for you and your four-legged companion. From Fern Valley Ranch with 401 reviews, to Ironbark Ranch - Mangrove Mt with 110 reviews, and Lakestead Farm with 83 reviews, you'll find campsites that have been tried and tested by fellow campers. Enjoy popular facilities like campfires, potable water, and the freedom to bring your pets. And with prices starting as low as $20 and an average price per night of $55, you can experience the great outdoors without breaking the bank. Whether you're into paddling, whitewater paddling, or just enjoying the beauty of autumn, you'll find the perfect camping experience here on Hipcamp. Happy camping!

95% (10.9K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for camping in Australia! If you're looking to bring your furry friend along on your outdoor adventure, we've got you covered. With over 120 pet-friendly camping options in the beautiful Central Coast region, you'll have no trouble finding the perfect spot for you and your four-legged companion. From Fern Valley Ranch with 401 reviews, to Ironbark Ranch - Mangrove Mt with 110 reviews, and Lakestead Farm with 83 reviews, you'll find campsites that have been tried and tested by fellow campers. Enjoy popular facilities like campfires, potable water, and the freedom to bring your pets. And with prices starting as low as $20 and an average price per night of $55, you can experience the great outdoors without breaking the bank. Whether you're into paddling, whitewater paddling, or just enjoying the beauty of autumn, you'll find the perfect camping experience here on Hipcamp. Happy camping!

95% (10.9K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Brightwater

99%

(110)

1 site · Tent, RV · Kulnura, NSW

Brightwater sits beside Olney State Forest and Kuluwan Flora Reserve. It is a 50-acre farm with a lovely spring-fed dam, with our nearby campsite. The site contains van parking, an open pavilion, an open deck by the stream, a fire pit, and a dunny. It is private and secluded, and with just one group staying at a time, you are guaranteed the space to yourselves. Please go straight ahead on Collins Ave and enter through the car entrance, NOT the truck entrance which is off to the right. If you come in the truck entrance I can't see you. There are many beautiful walking and bike trails in the area. Lots of wildlife to meet, including water dragons, wild ducks, and pythons, to name a few. There is also nearby evidence of the original occupants, the Darkinjung people. You are also welcome to bring a couple of horses! There's a safe paddock with a trough and nice trails in the area to explore. The Kulnura General Store and bottleshop is just 9km down the road for basic supplies.

2. Chapman Valley

98%

(447)

219 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Garland Valley, NSW

With its large, secluded Bush Campsites, 'Chapman Valley' is still Sydney's best-kept secret! Picture this. Your weekend escape is relaxed from the very start - the car trip along the scenic winding Putty Road is slow and leisurely as you know you can arrive at any time for the self serve check-in. After signing in, you meander through this Beef Cattle farm, heading to your own designated camping area. A private corner of the property all to yourselves! After setting up camp, and showing off your awesome (of course) campfire lighting skills, you sink back in your camp-chair and listen to ...the bush. And you see ...the bush. Not a single other camper in site. Oh, except the ones you invited with you of course! There they are. The kids running enthusiastically across the open paddock chasing after their footy, with Buster, the family dog happily nipping at their heels. "They'll sleep well tonight!" you think to yourself happily, as you sink further into your camp-chair and take a long drink on that ice cold beer. 1hr drive from the nearest town (Singleton), "Chapman Valley" is the perfect oasis for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. There are no nearby shops so be sure to bring everything with you. The property offers over 100kms of bush tracks ideal for walking, push-bike riding or 4WDing. On site-horse riding is available, offering rides ranging from 1hr family rides to full day experienced rides. Check out our website for a full list of offerings. The Communal camping area is within walking distance of our amenities block, which offers flushing porcelain toilets and a hot shower. Bush campsites are fully self-sufficient, BYO (bring your own) water and toileting system. All campers are required to take their rubbish home with them as there are no bins on site. Sites available for all vehicle types, from buses and large caravans to fully kitted out off-road vehicles. We offer a self check-in service with full maps and directions, which means you can arrive anytime you like. Free early check-in and late check-out: Check-in anytime from sunrise and check-out anytime before sunset so you can make the most of your getaway.

3. Whispering Gums Colo River Camping

100%

(13)

8 sites · Tents, RVs · Upper Colo, NSW

Camp beneath the gums and let the breeze and the Colo River whisper you to sleep. Where Nature, Adventure, and Relaxation Meet. Escape the everyday and immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of the Colo River, nestled in the heart of the Hawkesbury region—just a short drive from Sydney. Our riverside campsite offers a tranquil, back-to-nature experience perfect for families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts. Pitch your tent beneath towering gum trees or park your camper beside the gentle flow of the Colo River, one of the last unspoiled river systems in New South Wales. Wake up to birdsong, take a morning dip in crystal-clear waters, and spend your days kayaking, fishing, bushwalking, or simply soaking in the serenity of your surroundings. Whether you’re seeking adventure or a peaceful weekend getaway, Whispering Gums offers: Spacious, unpowered sites right by the river. Complete off-grid experience. Flushing toilets now installed on-site... Showers coming soon :) Nearby Kayak and canoe access to explore the winding waterways Pet-friendly so your furry friends can join the fun with pre-approval by host. $20 pet fee payable in "extras" at the checkout. Keep pets close at all times and pick up after them. We appreciate you being responsible, respectful dog owners :) Reconnect with nature. Unplug from life. and rediscover the joy of simple pleasures at Whispering gums—a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Book your riverside escape today. Please note: River access involves a short, steep path - best suited for those comfortable with uneven terrain.

4. Lion entrance

20 sites · Tents, RVs · Sydney, NSW

Green land with a beautiful lake near sydney

5. La Cascina

98%

(521)

3 sites · Tents, RVs · Floraville, NSW

*****No toilet or shower available at this listing. You must bring your own. PLEASE BE AWARE ENTRY TO THE PROPERTY IS STEEP. Entry is not ideal for large caravans or campervans. ***** We do not allow fires at the campsite between the 1st of October and the 1st of March. We apologise for any inconvenience to this rule. La Cascina is a small property on a hill surrounded by trees and bushland. There are two main camping areas which would suite tent and small to medium van/car camping. There is access to neighbouring bushland with nice short walks available in the area. Only 20 minutes by car to Newcastle CBD, 10 minutes by car to Redhead Beach and 5 minutes by car to Lake Macquarie. La Cascina is a great spot to stop overnight on a road trip or to get away for the weekend to relax. We have no toilets so please bring your own. The access to the property is a steep sealed driveway. Site 1 is an open site with plenty of shade. The area is flat. More suited to larger camping setups. This site is less private. There is vision of the neighbouring property and an overflow campsite 50 meters away. Site 2 is a more uneven surface area which is better for smaller vans and tents. Redhead Beach is the closest dog beach 10 minutes by car. Croudace Bay is a dog park on the lake which is 5 minutes by car. This is a family owned acreage that brings the best parts of environmental living with the benefits of being close to the coast and a city. A very long time ago it was the site of a quarry. The nature has returned and we are left with a beautiful forested acreage.

Stories from the community

Andrew

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Whispering Gums Colo River Camping

We had a fantastic time at Whispering Gums. There’s lots of space between camping spots and most of them have some cover under trees. It’s right next to the beautiful Colo River which had varied levels of water depth that has good areas for small dogs and kids. Toilets are nice and clean. The firepits were a good size and we got value purchasing the firewood and kindling. Make sure you follow their provided directions on getting there. There’s a big difference in road quality between the two possible routes!

V

Veronica

2 weeks ago

5 m car

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Whispering Gums Colo River Camping

We spent the weekend here with friends and absolutely loved it. The campground is right next to a beautiful river with crystal-clear water and sandy spots, it’s truly stunning and so relaxing. The bathrooms were clean throughout our stay, and Yara and her partner were incredibly friendly and communicative, which made everything even easier. It’s also super handy that the campground is only about two hours from Sydney, making it perfect for a quick 2-night escape over any weekend. We’ll definitely be coming back!

N

Nick

2 weeks ago

6 m Class B

With kids

Weekend Trip to Whispering Gums Colo River Camping

Beautiful place! Will def go again. Very tranquil

D

Danny

3 weeks ago

5 m pop-up camper

With kids

1 night at La Cascina

Lovely spot, highly recommended. Really loved how tucked away and private it felt.

Silver

3 weeks ago

5 m pop-up camper

1 night at La Cascina

Site number 2, one adult Jeep grand Cherokee with 17 foot caravan. Great campsite in beautiful bushland setting. Very private. Excellent phone reception. Also excellent TV reception. As mentioned before, the driveway is very steep, but it is quite manageable, using your lowest gear. I’m camping here because of its close proximity to Belmont 16s club, which is no more than 10 minutes away. I’ll certainly be returning again. Site 2 is the go if you’re looking for a real bush setting along with privacy

Russ

3 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Chapman Valley

Amazing spot! No campers within 6km. Essentially had the entire property to ourselves, roos and some cattle. Was a clear night with plenty of stars out. Will 100% be back

K

Kelly-Anne

3 weeks ago

6 m pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Whispering Gums Colo River Camping

Great campsite, distance between campsite is great. Kids and dog loved swimming in the creek. Toilets are a great addition. Definitely would go back. Thanks Yara.

W

Wendy

3 weeks ago

1 m Class B

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Whispering Gums Colo River Camping

Lovely quiet spot amongst the trees by the river Good toilets

Plenty of space for car campers or tents!

T

Tom

3 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Brightwater

Beautiful quite spot, safe for kids with plenty of wildlife around to look at!

Silver

3 weeks ago

5 m pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to La Cascina

Site number 2, one adult Jeep grand Cherokee with 17 foot caravan. Great campsite in beautiful bushland setting. Very private. Excellent phone reception. Also excellent TV reception. As mentioned before, the driveway is very steep, but it is quite manageable, using your lowest gear. I’m camping here because of its close proximity to Belmont 16s club, which is no more than 10 minutes away. I’ll certainly be returning again. Site 2 is the go if you’re looking for a real bush setting along with some privacy

A

Andrew

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Brightwater

Great spot, very private and well equipped with shade structure, water, pit toilet, tables, chairs, fireplace and firewood. Great for a family or small group getaway. Nice bushwalks nearby, also a dam for swimming.

M

Milly

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Whispering Gums Colo River Camping

We loved camping at Whispering Gums. Beautiful green space and river access perfect to cool down. Yarra was an amazing host and kept in contact with all details before our stay, and popped down to greet us when we arrived. We’ll be back!

T

Tara

October 2025

Tent

1 night at La Cascina

Quiet and peaceful, great pocket of bush near town

M

Mateo

October 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to La Cascina

Nearby little retreat. Quiet and tidy. Hosts were very helpful and instructions very clear. Accessible with 2wd

zak

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Whispering Gums Colo River Camping

The location is great and exactly what we were looking for. It’s off-grid with plenty of space, making it a quiet setup for those looking to disconnect. Yara and Greg are professional and genuine.

A

Andrew

October 2025

7 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Whispering Gums Colo River Camping

We had a beautiful two-night stay at Whispering Pines. Communication from Yara before our visit was friendly and helpful, making our arrival super easy. The sites are flat, grassy, and shaded by lovely trees right on the banks of the Upper Colo River. There’s easy river access – just a short walk down a steep sandbank, or you can take a gentle stroll out the gate to the Upper Colo Bridge area for a swim or explore. The campsites are well spaced, giving you plenty of privacy and room to relax. At night, it’s incredibly peaceful – all you can hear is the wildlife. A perfect spot to unwind and enjoy nature. Highly recommend.

M

Martin

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Brightwater

The experience was perfect. The campsite is close to a stream and a pond, with a great fire pit and tap water , a large shed to enjoy leisure time, and a convenient toilet. There are also several excellent hiking trails nearby, where you can enjoy the natural beauty when the weather is nice. It's easy to get in and out, and you don't need a 4x4 to get there(i drive a suv). All in all, it was an unforgettable experience. Five stars recommended!

T

Tiago

October 2025

5 m Class B

With kids

Weekend Trip to La Cascina

Great weekend away! I took my son camping in our campervan. Location was perfect, we felt very comfortable being in our own bush pocket away from anyone. Even though we’re right in town. Stunning beaches with only a short drive away. 100% recommend it and will return to another trip away.

G

Gavin

October 2025

2 m pop-up camper

2 nights at Brightwater

I found this place to be extremely relaxing. Great bush walks lovely people will definitely be back.