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% (10.7K)

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% (10.7K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Brightwater

99%

(113)

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. Ingenia Holidays Lake Macquarie

95%

(40)

89 sites · RVs, Lodging · Mannering Park, NSW

Stay in a picturesque location mere footsteps from lapping water at Ingenia Holidays Lake Macquarie! Located alongside the largest coastal saltwater lagoon in Australia on the North Coast of New South Wales, you can choose to stay in waterfront villas, holiday cabins or grassy, powered campsites for lakeside holiday bliss. Bring the boat and access the park’s private boat ramps into Lake Macquarie, or visit nearby beaches, walking trails or national parks. If you’d rather stay in, access the park’s amenities and enjoy the jumping cushion, swimming pool and BBQs, or hire a kayak or a stand-up paddle board!

3. Paradise near Cattai

88%

(16)

3 sites · Tents, RVs · Sackville North, NSW

Spread across 8-9 acres ( 28 acres in total ) we offer space for 2 sites with power available. Entrance is from the side, leading to a picturesque landscape. Additionally, we have a vast 7-8 acre empty section, perfect for exploration. Bathrooms have no running water , water needs to be filled from granny unit ( buckets with water will be provided refills will be from Granny unit ) Please note, entry to granny flat is restricted. Guests must take all waste with them on departure.

4. Lion entrance

20 sites · Tents, RVs · Sydney, NSW

Green land with a beautiful lake near sydney

5. Lovedale Farm Stay

94%

(157)

34 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Lovedale, NSW

Nestled in the heart of the Hunter Valley, Lovedale Farm Stay invites you to escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in a countryside retreat unlike any other. Set on 300 rolling acres with sweeping vineyard and valley views, you’ll feel a million miles from your daily routine — yet you’re just minutes from world-class wineries, local dining, and the warm charm this region is known for. What makes Lovedale special Choose your pace: Whether you’re setting up your tent beside the campfire, parking your caravan under the gum trees, relaxing in our rustic-cabin, unwinding in one of our four elegant villas, or gathering with family and friends in our guesthouse — lovedale delivers comfort with space and character. Modern meets nature: Enjoy hot showers, clean toilets, fresh wash-up facilities, a brand-new BBQ, a dedicated campfire area, and a welcoming kiosk. We also have a function room on site for events, family celebrations or group getaways. Authentic farm life, for all ages: Guided horse-rides and pony rides let kids and adults explore scenic paddocks safely and with fun. Get hands-on with animal feeding — so many of our guests’ favourite moments are feeding friendly farm animals and making animal-friends. Don’t miss our tractor hayrides, stud tours, bush walks, cray fishing, kayaking, spotlighting at night and more. Wildlife at your doorstep: Kangaroos, wallabies, possums, goannas, wedge-tailed eagles and black cockatoos are often just steps from your door. Lovedale isn’t just somewhere you stay — it’s somewhere you live moments in nature. Wine country by day, retreat by night: Spend your days sampling the best wines the region can offer; return to the quiet of firelight, starry skies, and the cozy calm of rural life. Who will love this stay Families and multi-generational groups who want space, nature, and hands-on fun. Wine lovers who also want authentic countryside experience. Animal lovers, kids, and anyone who’s ever dreamed of waking to birdsong and bush walks. Couples and friends who value a stay that’s as much about the experience as it is about the accommodation.

Stories from the community

Plenty of space for car campers or tents!

B

Ben

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

1 night at Brightwater

Fantastic spot with plenty of privacy and time to enjoy nature. We had a cattle dog who's is reactive and were able to let him off leash during the day, he was tied up at night and left alone by Cath's dogs. Would recommend for anyone wanting to get away and spend some peaceful time in nature.

D

Dario

November 2025

5 m Class B

With pets

3 nights at Ingenia Holidays Lake Macquarie

Being close to the communal kitchen , toilet and pool was good , though , I was placed adjacent to the jumping pad and generator ( that blows up the jumping pad ) wasn’t , when the were other spots available .

M

Meg

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Brightwater

We had a great stay here. Cath was very welcoming and the site was exactly as described. Such a peaceful spot with beautiful Bush walks nearby too. Highly recommend!

Hye Sung

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Paradise near Cattai

Quite place. Lot of fire wood onsite. Easy access

L

Luke

November 2025

5 m car

Weekend Trip to Paradise near Cattai

Quick convenient and simple getaway, close to Sydney for a quick over nighter..

T

Tom

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Brightwater

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

G

Greg

November 2025

8 m Class A

With pets

2 nights at Ingenia Holidays Lake Macquarie

Very nice location near the water. Newish facilities and quiet

G

Gerald

November 2025

8 m pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Lovedale Farm Stay

We had a great time at Margaret's land, she and all her team, specially Russell where the best. We have the place to ourselves with beautiful views and freedom for our kids. If you are looking for a farm place to stay, this is great as you are in an actual horse and cattle farm. They have many other extra services available like tractor rides, horse rides, pony rides, animal feeding. You have Greta in a short drive within a small drive distance and they can even give you a 10% discount on meals at the thirsty horse becausr you are staying at Margaret's place. Awesome place, looking forward to come back.

Troy

November 2025

6 m Class A

With pets

Weekend Trip to Ingenia Holidays Lake Macquarie

Friendly staff. Has everything you want and a cheap price for what you get

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

Molly

October 2025

6 m travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Lovedale Farm Stay

Wonderful place with views, animals and sufficient amenities. I took my 1yo who didn’t enjoy the millions of massive bindis but otherwise it was perfect :) Margaret is lovely.

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!

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.

M

Matthew

October 2025

5 m Class B

2 nights at Ingenia Holidays Lake Macquarie

Ingenia Holidays Park is exactly as advertised. I occupied a single site for a couple of nights while I was working in the area but there are also plenty of activities and amenities for the family to enjoy. The shower amenities are plentiful and hot.

P

Peter

October 2025

5 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Brightwater

A beautiful spot to camp and such amazing amenities we’ve never stayed at a campsite like it and so private

S

Susanna

October 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Brightwater

The perfect getaway! Me and my boys (age 6 and 8) had an amazing camp. Boys loved exploring the creek, swimming in the dam, fire at night, the rainforest walk, saying hi to the sheep and sleeping to the melody of the frogs. So great to just turn up with a tent + food and have everything else there for you. It was perfect. Thanks Cath!

C

Chuck

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Lovedale Farm Stay

it has a awesome view and is greatly companied with animals. Great portable water shower and instant toilet. Everything is well organized! You can’t miss this site

M

Mohsen

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Lovedale Farm Stay

We had an awesome long weekend at Poppy’s Dam Paddock — literally camped right in front of the dam. Beautiful view, peaceful vibes, and not a single snake, lizard, or mutant-sized bug to ruin it. Perfect. Now, let’s talk about the cows. Yes, the paddock is basically a land of freedom… for cow poo. It’s everywhere. But don’t panic — just **don’t camp under the trees** (cows love hanging out there), and **ask the staff for help**. They have this magical machine — a smash mower — that trims the grass and turns the cow pats into organic dust. Do **not** try to move them yourself unless you want to meet their entire worm family. Toilets and showers were portable but clean — absolutely no complaints there. We also tried two wineries nearby: 🍷 **Wandin Valley Estate** – Their red wines were great. Highly recommend! 🍷 **Gartelmann Wines** – If you want to try something different and adventurous, this is your spot. Honestly, most of their wines weren’t my taste — they customise them a lot — but it’s definitely an experience. Overall, we loved it and would totally come back (now that we know how to dodge cow landmines).

M

Milind

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Lovedale Farm Stay

Great hosts... Superb location. Facilities were good too.

M

Maud

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Brightwater

We love the place, very peaceful, clean toilet and great fire pit, wood, table, chairs and weather protection. Josh was really helpful and got out of his way to fix one of the kids bike, so very much appreciated.