The best dog-friendly campgrounds near Dora Creek, New South Wales

Camping with pets around Dora Creek is straightforward and full of choice, with over 1,200 pet-friendly options. You’ll find campsites tucked beside creeks, set on working farms, and hidden in bushland—all within easy reach of Lake Macquarie. Sites like Bunyip's Camp (951 reviews), Fern Valley Ranch (788 reviews), and Wattle Valley Farm (578 reviews) all welcome dogs and have fenced paddocks or open land for a proper run. Most sites allow campfires, and you’ll have access to showers and toilets—no need to rough it. Hiking trails wind through eucalypt forests, and you’ll spot cockatoos, wallabies, and the odd goanna if you keep your eyes open. Nights average around $50, but you can score a spot for as little as $12. Bring your lead and a water bowl—this area’s set up for campers who travel with their mates.

96% (12.7K) • 366 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Dora Creek

Brightwater

1. Brightwater

99%

(123)

28km from Dora Creek · 1 site · Tent, RV

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.

Toilets

Campfires

Potable water

from

AU$109

/ night

Ingenia Holidays Hunter Valley

2. Ingenia Holidays Hunter Valley

92%

(13)

32km from Dora Creek · 39 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

New South Wales’ favorite wine region is where you’ll be nestled when you stay at Ingenia Holidays Hunter Valley! Located amongst no fewer than 150 cellar doors with a thriving viticulture and food scene, Ingenia Holidays Hunter Valley offers a range of accommodation options including cabins, poolside villas, and camping or caravan sites. Stay at the park and enjoy the swimming pool, jumping cushion, and camp kitchen, or venture out and explore the region’s vineyards, cheese factories, chocolate shops, and restaurants.

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Showers

from

AU$93

/ night

Mira Wines

3. Mira Wines

100%

(26)

35km from Dora Creek · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Mira Wines is a private, boutique vineyard in Pokolbin, Hunter Valley, specialising in boutique small batch wines, greek style olives and limoncello. We now offer an area of the property for self sufficient campers and caravaners to base themselves and explore the beautiful property and wider Hunter Valley region. There are toilets and shower facilities at the cellar door , these are located away from the camp site but guests are welcome to use them . The views from our hill are spectacular. Seeing early morning hot air balloons a common occurrence at Mira Wines . We are among a group of small family vineyard owners and winemakers with an immense passion for our vines and our wines . Properties like ours typically produce 1000-4000 bottles each year. That is just 120-260 cases each vintage. The vineyard is singularly hand pruned and cared for by the two of us.

Toilets

Showers

Potable water

from

AU$152

/ night

The Old Pub House Wollombi Camping

4. The Old Pub House Wollombi Camping

92%

(50)

37km from Dora Creek · 10 sites · Tents, RVs

Situated on the Wollombi Brook behind The Old Pub House Wollombi next door to the iconic Wollombi Tavern. Park your caravan and you are a short stroll to the historic village with its cafe's, shops, antique stores and of course the Tavern. A short drive to local vineyards or 30 minuets to the Pokolbin vineyards and concert venues.

Campfires

from

AU$61

/ night

Fern Valley Ranch

5. Fern Valley Ranch

99%

(1271)

37km from Dora Creek · 19 sites · Tents, RVs

Are you looking for a retreat to get away from the city, or a refreshing alternative to a caravan park along your journey? We have CAMPSITES nestled in our Orchard or in the Pine Trees paddock, (with nearby amenities); or for more of a comfortable and unique stay, try our CHARMING, CONVERTED SCHOOL BUS! Fern Valley Ranch has it all- waterfall viewing, bush walks, animal feeding. Unwind; relax by the campfire with quiet cup of tea (or a beer). Leave the city behind and tune back in to the birdlife and whistle of the breeze among the tall trees. CAMPSITES- Max 5 campers (see Campsite Listing for number and type of dwellings allowed per site.) SCHOOL BUS- Max 4 guests (no pets)- can book separate bus campsites after booking Bus. SCHOOL BUS CAMPING- Get friends to camp next to you in the Bus. *** NO ENTERING ANY WATER ON THE PROPERTY, YOU WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE IMMEDIATELY IF YOU DO NOT RESPECT OUR RULES *** If you want to swim, there are beaches within half an hour from our farm. - We are just an hour between Sydney and Newcastle; and 15 minutes to Gosford. THINGS TO DO IN THE CENTRAL COAST: - Australian Reptile Park - Great North Walk - Fire Creek Botanical Winery - Mount Penang Farmers Market - Mangrove Creek Dam - Many Cafes & chocolate shop -BEACHES: The Entrance, Toowoon Bay, Shelley, Terrigal - Gosford Regional Gallery - Edogawo Commemorative Gardens - Take a drive to the small village of Spencer - Golf clubs are all nearby.

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

from

AU$72

/ night

Camping with pets around Dora Creek is straightforward and full of choice, with over 1,200 pet-friendly options. You’ll find campsites tucked beside creeks, set on working farms, and hidden in bushland—all within easy reach of Lake Macquarie. Sites like Bunyip's Camp (951 reviews), Fern Valley Ranch (788 reviews), and Wattle Valley Farm (578 reviews) all welcome dogs and have fenced paddocks or open land for a proper run. Most sites allow campfires, and you’ll have access to showers and toilets—no need to rough it. Hiking trails wind through eucalypt forests, and you’ll spot cockatoos, wallabies, and the odd goanna if you keep your eyes open. Nights average around $50, but you can score a spot for as little as $12. Bring your lead and a water bowl—this area’s set up for campers who travel with their mates.

96% (12.7K) • 366 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Dora Creek

Brightwater

1. Brightwater

99%

(123)

28km from Dora Creek · 1 site · Tent, RV

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.

Toilets

Campfires

Potable water

from

AU$109

/ night

Ingenia Holidays Hunter Valley

2. Ingenia Holidays Hunter Valley

92%

(13)

32km from Dora Creek · 39 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

New South Wales’ favorite wine region is where you’ll be nestled when you stay at Ingenia Holidays Hunter Valley! Located amongst no fewer than 150 cellar doors with a thriving viticulture and food scene, Ingenia Holidays Hunter Valley offers a range of accommodation options including cabins, poolside villas, and camping or caravan sites. Stay at the park and enjoy the swimming pool, jumping cushion, and camp kitchen, or venture out and explore the region’s vineyards, cheese factories, chocolate shops, and restaurants.

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Showers

from

AU$93

/ night

Mira Wines

3. Mira Wines

100%

(26)

35km from Dora Creek · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Mira Wines is a private, boutique vineyard in Pokolbin, Hunter Valley, specialising in boutique small batch wines, greek style olives and limoncello. We now offer an area of the property for self sufficient campers and caravaners to base themselves and explore the beautiful property and wider Hunter Valley region. There are toilets and shower facilities at the cellar door , these are located away from the camp site but guests are welcome to use them . The views from our hill are spectacular. Seeing early morning hot air balloons a common occurrence at Mira Wines . We are among a group of small family vineyard owners and winemakers with an immense passion for our vines and our wines . Properties like ours typically produce 1000-4000 bottles each year. That is just 120-260 cases each vintage. The vineyard is singularly hand pruned and cared for by the two of us.

Toilets

Showers

Potable water

from

AU$152

/ night

The Old Pub House Wollombi Camping

4. The Old Pub House Wollombi Camping

92%

(50)

37km from Dora Creek · 10 sites · Tents, RVs

Situated on the Wollombi Brook behind The Old Pub House Wollombi next door to the iconic Wollombi Tavern. Park your caravan and you are a short stroll to the historic village with its cafe's, shops, antique stores and of course the Tavern. A short drive to local vineyards or 30 minuets to the Pokolbin vineyards and concert venues.

Campfires

from

AU$61

/ night

Fern Valley Ranch

5. Fern Valley Ranch

99%

(1271)

37km from Dora Creek · 19 sites · Tents, RVs

Are you looking for a retreat to get away from the city, or a refreshing alternative to a caravan park along your journey? We have CAMPSITES nestled in our Orchard or in the Pine Trees paddock, (with nearby amenities); or for more of a comfortable and unique stay, try our CHARMING, CONVERTED SCHOOL BUS! Fern Valley Ranch has it all- waterfall viewing, bush walks, animal feeding. Unwind; relax by the campfire with quiet cup of tea (or a beer). Leave the city behind and tune back in to the birdlife and whistle of the breeze among the tall trees. CAMPSITES- Max 5 campers (see Campsite Listing for number and type of dwellings allowed per site.) SCHOOL BUS- Max 4 guests (no pets)- can book separate bus campsites after booking Bus. SCHOOL BUS CAMPING- Get friends to camp next to you in the Bus. *** NO ENTERING ANY WATER ON THE PROPERTY, YOU WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE IMMEDIATELY IF YOU DO NOT RESPECT OUR RULES *** If you want to swim, there are beaches within half an hour from our farm. - We are just an hour between Sydney and Newcastle; and 15 minutes to Gosford. THINGS TO DO IN THE CENTRAL COAST: - Australian Reptile Park - Great North Walk - Fire Creek Botanical Winery - Mount Penang Farmers Market - Mangrove Creek Dam - Many Cafes & chocolate shop -BEACHES: The Entrance, Toowoon Bay, Shelley, Terrigal - Gosford Regional Gallery - Edogawo Commemorative Gardens - Take a drive to the small village of Spencer - Golf clubs are all nearby.

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

from

AU$72

/ night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

J

Joice

3 weeks ago

5 m car

Weekend Trip to Fern Valley Ranch

This is such a beautiful and precious hip camp. The people that run the farm are so lovely and very accomodating. They do tours on weekends and take you to their animals. /teach you about the farm and its history. There is a really lovely waterfall and walk and the orchards are beautiful to walk around with tasteful oranges! The funds raised from the hip camp goes to the Rotary charity in many countries it is a very cool concept. We would highly recommend checking this out!

J

Jennifer

February 2026

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Fern Valley Ranch

Lovely place. Very scenic and peaceful. Would benefit from toilet upgrade. We almost cooked inside the tin shed with the warm weather. No escape from warm weather with not being allowed in the water and not much shade. Caretaker was lovely. Kids loved the animals being around to say hello to. Would go back but maybe not in summer.

D

Debbie

January 2026

8 m travel trailer

2 nights at Fern Valley Ranch

We loved our stay here. Doing yoga every day at the waterfall was something I’ll always remember. Surroundings beautiful

S

Sandra

January 2026

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Old Pub House Wollombi Camping

We loved camping at the old house behind the pub. It was so close to everything in Wollombi and yet so quiet. We had a lovely shady spot on the grass above the creek we fell asleep listening to crickets chirping and babbling water. It was a long weekend and we were the only ones there!!! Shame it wasn't cold enough for a fire. 10 out of 10.

Plenty of space for car campers or tents!

T

Tim

January 2026

Tent

1 night at Brightwater

Cath was welcoming and the property was great. I felt very tucked away on the site and was really comfortable sitting on the deck and by the fire. It was a nice drive out and the property was well signposted. It's a new favourite that I would definitely go back to.

Francesca

January 2026

5 m Class B

With pets

1 night at Fern Valley Ranch

À really interesting stopover close to Gosford. The family running the property were very friendly and there were a number of pleasant spots to camp. The creek and waterfall was a highlight.

Stuart

January 2026

Tent

Weekend Trip to Brightwater

Me and a friend did 2 nights here and loved it. Easy to get to and easy check in. Cath (and the dogs) met us on arrival. The dogs do greet you “enthusiastically” and jumped on the car which wasn’t great but they are sweet. The white dogs are guards dogs (let out at night) and take their role seriously on the farm so should not be approached. This is standard with all guard dogs and you shouldn’t let it put you off. Cath will explain when you arrive also. We loved the big open space and variety of setups that the camp site brings. The open cabin is fantastic and provided much needed shelter from the storm! It got a bit hairy at points so glad we had that. It’s nice bring raised up looking across the camp. The big fire pit was great with the grill in the corner so you can cook over coals and still have your main fire next to it. Huge water tank with washing up area and tap was also a great addition. As per another comment, there are leeches but again, just make sure to wear long trousers tucked in and check yourself when you’re walking around camp or on the trails. Same for all forest camping. We didn’t feel like it was too much of an issue. You also have the deck to keep up off the ground if you want to. The site is plenty big for a ground of people with options to pitch tents on grass, mud, sand, the deck or in the cabin itself which we did. There’s also a couple of flat spots for parking for rooftop tents.

K

Karyn

January 2026

9 m travel trailer

2 nights at Mira Wines

Ana's land is beautiful. Perched up on the hill, with views as far as the eye can see! Waking up & looking out of our caravan window at the vines was very special. We were treated to a tasting of a couple of Ana's wines, which were lovely, and her famous Limoncello, which is just delicious!

S

Sonya

January 2026

6 m travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Fern Valley Ranch

Lovely place to stay, beautiful walk around the waterfalls. Highly recommended!

C

Casey

January 2026

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Fern Valley Ranch

Had our first camp there it was great! Quiet and nice, bathroom toilet are compact but decent clean. Will come back in the future!

W

Warren

January 2026

8 m pop-up camper

With kids

Weekend Trip to Fern Valley Ranch

Great chilled camping area, grassy with loverly shady trees.

C

Caitlynn

January 2026

Tent

2 nights at Brightwater

This is our second time staying here in summer and it is just the most perfect campsite. It has it all - privacy, a beautiful healthy dam to swim in, plenty of shade from trees and the handy leanto for wet weather. There is tank water, tables and chair, a massive fire pit and plenty of fire wood. We can’t fault Caths place!

S

Shani

January 2026

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Brightwater

We were greeted welcomingly by the host, Cath, and her friendly dogs. We were then shown to the camp site- it was quite private and very much in nature. It was quite warm the days we were there for, so we were glad the camp site was set in a shaded area to keep us cool. The sounds of birds and other wildlife were lovely to hear, especially at night with the frogs and insects. Our dog had a blast walking the trails nearby as well as swimming in the dam. Highly recommend. Just make sure to bring your insect repellent and you’re all set!

B

Brendon

January 2026

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Fern Valley Ranch

Just a short drive from Sydney, great facilities, great hosts, and spacious sites. There’s been a lot of care taken to ensure that you enjoy your trip.

R

Ricky

January 2026

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Fern Valley Ranch

A very peaceful place with lovely, accommodating staff. The facilities were clean and comfortable, and discovering the hidden waterfall was a delightful surprise. Easy to get to lots of nice beaches on the central coast.

K

Kerrina

January 2026

5 m pop-up camper

With pets

1 night at Fern Valley Ranch

A great spot in our camper trailer in the Orchard. Will definitely be back in the caravan next time coming through.

P

Parnian

January 2026

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Fern Valley Ranch

Steve is very friendly and helpful! We’d like to come again.

Polly

January 2026

4 m pop-up camper

With kids

Weekend Trip to Fern Valley Ranch

What a beautiful Hipcamp and only a short drive out of Sydney. We were greeted by the wonderful hosts and given all the information about our stay. The kids loved every minute, the animals, the orange picking and the waterfall!! We will be back!!! We couldn’t recommend this more!! It has all you need and more

s

sukanya

January 2026

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Fern Valley Ranch

Nice place peaceful lovely walk to the waterfall Steve and Dianne are lovely

R

Rachel

January 2026

Tent

2 nights at Fern Valley Ranch

Had a lovely stay at Fern Valley Ranch. Plenty of space at each pitch and having our own fire pit was great. Facilities were really good with hot showers and toilets. Loved seeing the animals and the waterfall walk was beautiful. Steve the site manager was super helpful. Would definitely come back.