- Hawkesbury River
The best dog-friendly caravan parks in Hawkesbury River
95% (12.4K) • 260 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Hawkesbury River
C Colo - just beautiful
1. C Colo - just beautiful
94%
(377)
8 sites · Tents, RVs · Colo, NSW
Our property contains the first road in and out of Colo - the original road is supported by hand built dry rock walls some of which are over 3 m high. Often referred to as convict built, but more likely built by freemen who were former convicts.
The property housed the load master's residence who controlled the cargo boats that docked to collect the valley’s produce. This was then transported back down the Colo River which flows into the Hawkesbury river and leads to Broken Bay following the coastline down to Old Sydney Town. The beach diagonally across the river was landed upon by members of the First Fleet’s exploratory scouting party on the lookout for quality farm land - some of which is still in production today.
Our property is on the uppermost reach of freshwater but with tidal influence. This deep water allows swimming and canoeing all year round. Our property is adjacent to the only council built canoe launching facilities on the Colo River.
Toilets
Campfires
Picnic table
from
AU$73
/ night
Mandalong Manor
2. Mandalong Manor
99%
(265)
10 sites · Tents, RVs · Mandalong, NSW
Mandalong Manor is set in a small valley partly cleared with lots of trees , creek and dam , peaceful setting , wildlife , wallabies , kangaroos , kookaburras cockatoos , occasional koala and wombat , goanna , deer can also be seen . There are a few nice spots for camping .
The property is just near Jimbo’s Industrial Art Emporium .
You may notice a collection of interesting vehicles , machinery and building materials on your way to the gate .
Please come in the main gate and contact me when you arrive ,
I will meet you there .
The camp sites are on the other side of the paddock .
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
from
AU$73
/ night
Peppertree Pony Camp
3. Peppertree Pony Camp
89%
(69)
6 sites · Tents, RVs · Sydney, NSW
Beautiful horse farm on 21 acres, come and holiday or just relax with your horse or just for a farm escape.
Plenty of room to walk, run or just watch the wildlife as you sit by the water by the dam. Camping by the fire under the stars.
Pony rides are available for kids. We have horse facilities available also if you want to camp and ride your horse.
Fantastic facilities for families wanting to get away with the kids.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$127
/ night
Brightwater
4. Brightwater
99%
(118)
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.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
from
AU$109
/ night
Ironbark Down
5. Ironbark Down
99%
(45)
12 sites · Tents, RVs · Cessnock, NSW
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.
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$49
/ night
95% (12.4K) • 260 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Hawkesbury River
C Colo - just beautiful
1. C Colo - just beautiful
94%
(377)
8 sites · Tents, RVs · Colo, NSW
Our property contains the first road in and out of Colo - the original road is supported by hand built dry rock walls some of which are over 3 m high. Often referred to as convict built, but more likely built by freemen who were former convicts.
The property housed the load master's residence who controlled the cargo boats that docked to collect the valley’s produce. This was then transported back down the Colo River which flows into the Hawkesbury river and leads to Broken Bay following the coastline down to Old Sydney Town. The beach diagonally across the river was landed upon by members of the First Fleet’s exploratory scouting party on the lookout for quality farm land - some of which is still in production today.
Our property is on the uppermost reach of freshwater but with tidal influence. This deep water allows swimming and canoeing all year round. Our property is adjacent to the only council built canoe launching facilities on the Colo River.
Toilets
Campfires
Picnic table
from
AU$73
/ night
Mandalong Manor
2. Mandalong Manor
99%
(265)
10 sites · Tents, RVs · Mandalong, NSW
Mandalong Manor is set in a small valley partly cleared with lots of trees , creek and dam , peaceful setting , wildlife , wallabies , kangaroos , kookaburras cockatoos , occasional koala and wombat , goanna , deer can also be seen . There are a few nice spots for camping .
The property is just near Jimbo’s Industrial Art Emporium .
You may notice a collection of interesting vehicles , machinery and building materials on your way to the gate .
Please come in the main gate and contact me when you arrive ,
I will meet you there .
The camp sites are on the other side of the paddock .
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
from
AU$73
/ night
Peppertree Pony Camp
3. Peppertree Pony Camp
89%
(69)
6 sites · Tents, RVs · Sydney, NSW
Beautiful horse farm on 21 acres, come and holiday or just relax with your horse or just for a farm escape.
Plenty of room to walk, run or just watch the wildlife as you sit by the water by the dam. Camping by the fire under the stars.
Pony rides are available for kids. We have horse facilities available also if you want to camp and ride your horse.
Fantastic facilities for families wanting to get away with the kids.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$127
/ night
Brightwater
4. Brightwater
99%
(118)
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.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
from
AU$109
/ night
Ironbark Down
5. Ironbark Down
99%
(45)
12 sites · Tents, RVs · Cessnock, NSW
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.
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$49
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
B
Beau
2 weeks ago
5 m Class A
We booked to stay camping at Peppertree Pony Camp for 2 nights but due to loving the peacefulness, the kindness of the hosts and the overall beauty of the farm we decided to stay an extra night. Honestly couldn’t recommend Peppertree enough, the hospitality was 10/10!
See moreD
Daniel
2 weeks ago
14 m travel trailer
With kids
Loved every moment.
The hosts were so kind and helpful, we were having some issues with our caravan and they are so helpful and really went out of their way to help.
Their property is perfect with a trampoline for our kids and plenty of room to run around.
The kids loved the puppies, ponies and Ruby for a little push around while I cooked dinner
100% recommend.
See more
S
Sean
2 weeks ago
5 m car
The hospitality here was great. I had originally planned to just go once overnight as a test of my new set up but I will be back again for sure.
Recommend getting on the river as much as possible.
See moreD
David
2 weeks ago
6 m pop-up camper
With pets
Great little spot. Close to the river, large sites.
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H
Henriette
2 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
Nice camping spot for a relaxed little getaway. The spots to fellow campers are really far from each other, so you still have peace and quiet in case others decided for the same spot.
Lots of wallabies and kangaroos around, very peaceful.
The organic toilet worked well, no smell or whatsoever.
Can recommend the place!
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Angela
2 weeks ago
3 m pop-up camper
Group trip
Camping here was brilliant. Easy access in both 2WD and AWD. We camper with an offroad trailer and had no issues having a flat spot and more than adequate space. The sites are distributed well across the property giving some privacy. The toilet was well maintained by Steve, along with firewood (if ordered) and any other tips about the area.
Whilst the sites are not absolute river front, it's quick and easy access and the river is absolutely brilliant for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding etc.... a true relief from the heat and. Other freatures include fire drums and pizza oven.
Yes the road is close by, however it isn't going to put us off from visiting again. We loved this camp, and the hosts who were fun, accommodating and they made the most delicious brownies for us!!!
Thanks Steve and Dan for having us, we had a fab time and wish you all the best in 2026.
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G
Grace
2 weeks ago
Tent
Group trip
Had a great night camping at creeky heights! Beautiful place. Jim was a great host, would definitely recommend staying here to anyone
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o
owen
2 weeks ago
Tent
Group trip
Sound guy, lots of space, lovely campsite. Would definitely go again
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Camille
2 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
I solo camped here with my dog and we had the most perfect time. We played in the dam, followed the walking trails into the state forest from the camp site, sat around the fire, and watched and listened to the wildlife within the area.
This site is very well equip with tank water and tap set up, clean and new drop toilet, large sheltered area, established fire pit with cook top, wooden platform with tent anchors as well as a grassy patch to pitch a tent, and great little dam to swim and play in.
The hosts were great, their dogs are great as well, the ridgebacks were really friendly to my kelpie cross, which he was happy with.
Another plus is this is tucked away from the main house, and there are no other camping sites, so its really private and quiet.
Highly recommend this site, I'm sure I'll be back!
See moreR
Rebecca
2 weeks ago
7 m travel trailer
With kids
The kids loved being able to pay the horses and visit the puppies.
The toys and trampoline were also a hit - so much so they wanted to stay at the property rather than visit Taronga zoo!
Takes approx 1 hour to get into Sydney CBD and just over an hour to Bondi..
See moreJ
John
2 weeks ago
Tent
Great spot. The river was a treat on the hot days, can be a little noisy with traffic from the bridge at night but more then made up for by our Host Steve and his incredible brownies ☺️
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S
Shane
2 weeks ago
Tent
Great spot, plenty of space and firewood everywhere. Kids had a great time and so did we.
Thank you
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Lauren
2 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
A beautiful location, great location on the river and close to home!
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E
Emma
2 weeks ago
15 m Class B
With pets
We had a good time and kids loved the horses and puppies. It was quiet and peaceful. We were a bit disappointed that there was no water/dam to swim in as photos indicate but we found somewhere not too far away (driving) to swim. Host communicated well and was accommodating, even though they were away while we were there. Overall a good place to stay.
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M
Maddy
2 weeks ago
5 m Class B
With kids
Great camping site for a family (we went as a family of 3) or would be awesome for a bigger group. Very close to the river with a ladder provided to get in and out easily and canapés/kayaks for hire. BYO everything except a firepit as these are provided. Steve is an incredible host.
See moreK
Kusal
2 weeks ago
Tent
Group trip
Lovely place and host Cath was wonderful. The place was secluded and we had huge area for ourselves, had good stock of firewood.
See moreB
Bradley
3 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
I stayed at Steve’s camp recently and really enjoyed my time there overall. The location is great—nice and close to Sydney, with a good hike just up the road that makes it easy to explore the area.
Steve himself was an absolute legend! His brownies, stories, prizes, and local knowledge really added a special touch to the stay and made the experience more personal and fun.
A few things to note for future campers: the map could use an update as it was a bit hard to read, and the campsite is fairly close to the road, so you’ll hear some road noise at times. There’s also a bright streetlight that stays on all night, which might bother some people depending on which site they’re in. The walk to the bathroom at night or early morning can be a little awkward since it goes through other campsites.
Overall though, it was a great stay with a friendly vibe, good amenities, and an unbeatable location for a quick getaway from the city.
See moreZ
Zoe
3 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
My family and I had a great time relaxing at the campsite. Steve was a brilliant host and we loved the brownies he brought us!
There is a bit of traffic on the road nearby but not too disturbing.
My only wish would be that the river access be made easier, the path down to the water is quite overgrown and steep, and the actual waterside area is not particularly inviting.
See moreS
Sophie
3 weeks ago
5 m Class B
Had a great rest here! Listen some amazing birds in the morning!
See moreM
Martin
3 weeks ago
Tent
Group trip
Pretty cool and relaxed place to camp. Jim was so nice a good hostler with us. I recommend
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The best dog-friendly caravan parks in Hawkesbury River guide
Where to go
Hawkesbury
North of Sydney, Wisemans Ferry sits at the meeting point of the Hawkesbury and Macdonald rivers. Hiking, mountain biking, and canoeing are the main activities on offer in the neighbouring Dharug National Park, and to the north, Yengo National Park has thrilling 4WD tracks and remote bush campgrounds. Wisemans Ferry is also the starting point of the Old Great North Road, an important site in Australia’s convict history.
Broken Bay
The Hawkesbury River meets the ocean at Broken Bay, flanked by two coastal national parks. Cruise the waterways, fish along the coast, or trek between Aboriginal heritage sites in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. On the north shore, Brisbane Waters National Park bursts with colour during spring wildflower season—explore by bike, kayak, or boat, then camp at Pindar Cave.
The rainforest-clad peaks of the Blue Mountains rise on the horizon along the western section of the Hawkesbury River. Head into the Blue Mountains National Park to hike and mountain bike through the rainforest, ride the Scenic Railway to the Three Sisters lookout, and discover gorges, waterfalls, and natural swimming holes. Camping comes with views, too—pitch your tent by the creek or in tranquil forest valleys.
Australia’s largest city might not seem like an obvious choice for camping, but there are lots of ways to get outdoors in and around the Sydney. Swim and surf along the North Shore, cruise around Sydney Harbour, or even attempt a daring Sydney Harbour Bridge climb.