The best dog-friendly campgrounds near Clarence Town, New South Wales

Clarence Town makes camping with pets easy, with over 1,600 spots where your furry mate is welcome. You’ll find sites for as little as $10 a night, with an average around $54. Most places allow campfires, and showers are common, so you won’t have to rough it too much. The river bends are good for swimming, while bush tracks wind out for hiking and fishing. Locals rate Bunyip's Camp (951 reviews), Wattle Valley Farm (578 reviews), and Abstobys Retreat (488 reviews) if you want a sure bet. You’ll spot everything from open paddocks to shaded groves—just check if dogs need to stay on lead. Pack the lead, grab the treats, and get ready for a weekend where the dog can get as muddy as you.

96% (10K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Clarence Town

Clarence Town makes camping with pets easy, with over 1,600 spots where your furry mate is welcome. You’ll find sites for as little as $10 a night, with an average around $54. Most places allow campfires, and showers are common, so you won’t have to rough it too much. The river bends are good for swimming, while bush tracks wind out for hiking and fishing. Locals rate Bunyip's Camp (951 reviews), Wattle Valley Farm (578 reviews), and Abstobys Retreat (488 reviews) if you want a sure bet. You’ll spot everything from open paddocks to shaded groves—just check if dogs need to stay on lead. Pack the lead, grab the treats, and get ready for a weekend where the dog can get as muddy as you.

96% (10K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Clarence Town

1. Willowbank

100%

(340)

30km from Clarence Town · 7 sites · Tents, RVs

"Willowbank" is a stunning 252 acre property located in the picturesque Karuah River valley with 1km of river frontage. The property has been in our family for 4 generations, being bought by Ian's great grandfather in the 1920's. We cater for guests that are looking to get back to nature and enjoy the great outdoors without feeling overcrowded! We want our guests to be happy and have the best experience possible. Why not follow us on Facebook @Willowbank Hipcamp and see what is happening on the farm, videos of our sites and info on what is on in our community! Located only 8 minutes drive from the historical town of Stroud which was settled by the AA Company in the 1820's as a food growing area. There are still many beautiful buildings from that period to explore. A dairy farm for many years, we switched over to beef around 15 years ago. Currently we run around 120 head of Angus and mixed breed cattle. Within 3 hours drive of Sydney and around an hour from the Barrington National Parks, Newcastle, Maitland, Forster and Nelson Bay, it makes it the perfect destination for a weekend getaway! We are offering 6 beautiful, partly shaded, camping sites along the pristine Upper Karuah River. All sites are separated for privacy and are all right on the edge of the river. There are plenty of opportunities for bird watching, hiking, swimming, kayaking, fishing (in summer), star gazing or just relaxing. All sites are site only and no toilet or shower facilities are provided. You will need to bring your own camping toilet or self contained caravan/ camper (dump point is located in Stroud township) We hope to make your stay a pleasurable one with many happy memories made. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. ***sorry no parties allowed*** Your hosts, Jo and Ian.

from

AU$46

/ night

2. Abstobys Retreat

97%

(771)

29km from Clarence Town · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

I have a small private property with grass campsites by a tidal outlet to Port Stephens harbour. We do not offer secluded camp sites away from other people on large acreage. 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, microwave and free wifi 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.

3. Crockers Creek Hideaway Farm

98%

(67)

72km from Clarence Town · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

300 acres of native forest and hobby farm to explore bushwalking , bird watching , mountain bike riding , horse riding trails ,access to Wang wauk river. Forster and beaches only a short drive away . If your a nature enthusiast come stay a night or two. Camp under the stars enjoy the camp fire among native trees relax and breathe it all in.

4. Wallis Island Camp area

77km from Clarence Town · 13 sites · Tents

Wallis Island is a nature reserve near Forster, New South Wales, Australia. It was created in January 1983 and covers an area of 584ha (454.5 acres). It sits within Wallis Lake, just south of the Coolongolook River. Facing a beautiful view of Wallis Lake and surrounded by forests and marshlands. A short walk takes you to the private jetty - where you can enjoy recreational water sports and fishing!

from

AU$91

/ night

5. Ironbark Down

99%

(41)

52km from Clarence Town · 12 sites · Tents, RVs

Surrounded by bushland and wildlife, this property is a birdlife sanctuary, and situated right on the trails so is ideal for bushwalking, bike riding, trail bike riding, birdwatching, horse riding, 4wd driving and more. Close to shops &; the vineyards but very isolated and peaceful, it is quiet and serene, with amazing moonscapes, sunrises and sunsets. Pets are welcome under owners control.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Jess

3 days ago

11 m pop-up camper

With kids

Weekend Trip to Willowbank

Amazing spot right on the river with your own river access from each site. Dog friendly with minimal campers in sight even over the Chrissy/new year period. Peacefully quiet, we will be back.

J

James

3 days ago

5 m Class B

With kids

2 nights at Willowbank

Very beautiful and peaceful spot next to the river, surrounded by hills and grassy paddocks. Roaming cattle and shady trees add to the attraction for this place, which we will surely return to. We had the entire site of Long Flat to ourselves which was great, though next time we will likely return with some other friends knowing that we can again enjoy the entire site for ourselves. Big enough for five or six families with room to spread out still, and easy access into the river for a cooling off dip. Joanne met us as we arrived and escorted us to the site along the paddock trails, showed us the full site, introduced us to the extent of their land and gave us a run down of their cattle operation. She was very friendly, interesting, and a delight to talk to. Her two dogs that follow at her side were both very happy, and the little guy was friendly with both our dog and our boy. Ten minutes out of Stroud where the Milk Bar with its delicious food and authentic country town atmosphere, the antiquities shop, and the Butcher, were all being must visit places. All up the stay was very exactly what we were looking for, if perhaps just not quite long enough.

J

Jade

5 days ago

4 m pop-up camper

With pets

3 nights at Willowbank

We had a great stay at Willowbank. Nice shady and well maintained, flat site. Easy walk down to the river. Jo maintained great communication and was very welcoming and accommodating when we arrived. Being not too far from Home, we look forward to coming back again

K

Kalyani

6 days ago

Tent

2 nights at Willowbank

We had a relaxing stay at Willowbank over Christmas! Easy and private access to the river, quiet and secluded camping spots spaced out and cute cows to say hi to on the way to the site! Recommend

Georgia

6 days ago

5 m car

3 nights at Willowbank

Another peaceful stay at Willowcamp! Spent Christmas by the river... quiet nights and peaceful sleep ins awakening to the cows mooing. Saw lots of wildlife, including a tortoise exploring the edge of the river at night. I just love it here and of course will be back again! Thanks once again Jo and Ian :)

K

Kirsty

1 week ago

14 m travel trailer

With kids

4 nights at Willowbank

We had a fantastic time staying at Willowbank. We stayed over Christmas in our caravan on the paperbarks site. It was perfect, Jo and Ian were very welcoming and friendly. The creek was great fun for the kids, cows and horses around.

N

Nicole

1 week ago

Tent

2 nights at Willowbank

Absolutely fantastic! Joanne was incredible - responsive, helpful, accommodating, warm, and a true pleasure to speak to. The site was perfect - private, comfortable, and right on the river for both amazing views and swims. This has definitely become a regular spot for me to visit and I look forward to seeing Jo again soon. Do yourself a favour and visit Willowbanks!

A

Andrew

1 week ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Willowbank

Absolutely stunning location and views the property is amazing! Jo and her husband were so welcoming, friendly and knowledgeable We will be back!

Brenda

1 week ago

5 m pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Willowbank

Really beautiful spot. Hosts are lovely. Would recommend

J

James

1 week ago

5 m pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Willowbank

Beautiful spot. Lovely hosts. If you are looking for a relaxing spot that is well maintained, this is it. Highly recommended

E

Ethan

2 weeks ago

12 m pop-up camper

With pets

2 nights at Willowbank

Peaceful and private get away. Kids and the dog enjoyed the lush green space to run around and the river to swim

R

Rob

2 weeks ago

6 m travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Willowbank

We had a relaxing few days here by the river. Thank you for sharing your place! Would definitely love to come back!

T

Tamara

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Willowbank

Beautiful spot, peaceful and helpful host. Highly recommend!

N

Nicole

2 weeks ago

6 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Willowbank

This is a lovely spot by the river with easy access and lovely hosts. Thank you

H

Howard

2 weeks ago

10 m travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Willowbank

Second time at willow bank just a great place to chill out dogs had a great time swimming in the river absolutely recommend this great camp Jo and Ian are great hosts

D

Danni

2 weeks ago

10 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Willowbank

Our second visit to Willowbank and it was just as beautiful as the first time. Owners Jo and Ian are lovely people. We and our friends shared Paperbarks site with our two caravans. Fantastic extremely large and private site with open grass area and lots of shade by the river. We spent the weekend in the river with the kids floating around on our inflatables. Only ankle to waist deep. Cows and horse came to visit and say hello on our second morning. Highly recommend for a fantastic off grid camp. There is public toilets down the street (3min drive), and the quaint town of Stroud is only 10 minutes with an IGA, cafes and beautiful 2nd hand/ local craft stores.

E

Ella

3 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

3 nights at Willowbank

We loved camping at the rapids for a relaxing couple of nights. It was the perfect spot for a group getaway. The rapids and the deep swimming area nearby were incredibly refreshing on a hot day. The campsite had plenty of space to spread out comfortably, and the scenery was amazing. Joanne was lovely and finding the campsite was easy.

c

chris

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Abstobys Retreat

We really enjoyed our stay here. The place was beautiful and Louise was very friendly. Toilets are clean and the facilities are good enough for any needs. 100% would recommend

M

Mike

3 weeks ago

5 m travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Willowbank

Just spent a great weekend on Jo’s property. What a great stay, everything was perfect very quiet and peaceful with a great river to cool off in. Will definitely be back 🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼

M

Michelle

3 weeks ago

6 m travel trailer

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Willowbank

We stayed at the Long Flat site and loved it. Lush green grass and flat for caravans. Plenty of room as well. On such a hot weekend we spent most of the time cooling off in the river. Can’t wait to return.