Dog-friendly caravan camping in Illawarra
Discover and reserve the best campgrounds, cabins, caravan parks, and more.
94% (1431 reviews)
- Illawarra
94% (1431 reviews)
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12 top dog-friendly caravan sites in Illawarra
96%
(234)
Grady's Riverside Retreat
48 sites · RVs, Tents17 acres · Burrier, NSW
Grady’s Riverside Retreat was first established in 1979. The retreat is located 20 minutes west of Nowra and is set on 17 secluded acres on the banks of the beautiful Shoalhaven River, surrounded by natural bushland, mountains, cliffs and dairy pastures. This makes Grady’s Riverside Retreat an ideal place to bring your friends and family to relax, unwind and enjoy the scenery.
Grady’s has over 500 metres of direct access to the Shoalhaven River. The river is deep and also is title which means we have a large variety of fresh and saltwater fish that inhabit these waters. Majority of our well maintained grassy sites are located along the river or have uninterrupted river views. With the added bonus of Jetty, boat ramp and beach areas for you to utilise at your leisure.
Grady's is a pet friendly Retreat and we also allow campfires. We strongly believe these few extra things are essential to create a true camping experience.
The park grounds are well maintained throughout the year. The amenities are fresh and cleaned daily. If you are the adventurous type there are many activities to offer in the vicinity such as canoeing, fishing, swimming, bushwalks, 4WDriving, bike riding, jet skiing, water skiing and much more
Come and enjoy our absolute riverfront camping accommodation.
Secluded camping sites are available on request (subject to availability)
We also have powered camp sites and Riverview cabins and cottages available.
The picturesque banks of the Shoalhaven River play host to the perfect escape from the burdens of city life. Only 2 hours from Sydney but feels like a world away. Amongst the trees and under the clear blue sky, sit around your campfire and allow yourself the time to reflect, reconnect, and revel in nature's abundance.
Activities:-
*Fishing/swimming
*kids playground
*basketball ring and volleyball court
*large reserve for ball sports etc
*BMX Track - Grady’s has a BMX track on site
*Canoeing and Paddle Boards for hire - Grady’s is a great location for the canoeing and paddle boards beginners or enthusiasts.
*4WDing and Dirt Bike Riding - Grady’s is in close proximity to many fire trails and 4WD tracks.
*Bushwalking and mountain biking - There are many walking tracks in and around the Yalwal region.
*Boating - Bring your own boat or jet ski and enjoy the use of our boat ramp and jetty.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from
AU$25
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
94%
(8)
Misty Farm
10 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Jamberoo, NSW
100 acres of farmland and bush walks, old cattle yard, camping area near water. Located 700 meters above sea level on the escarpment, among the clouds.
Firewood and wildlife at night including wombats, black cockatoos, owls, and wallabies.
Non-powered sites with no toilet facilities.
Good access, water available if required, and wood available for the campfire area.
Campfires
from
AU$20
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
90%
(51)
Tomerong Forest
15 sites · RVs, Tents600 acres · Falls Creek, NSW
At Tomerong Forest, you'll find 600 acres of private native forest with an abundance of wildlife, welcoming self-contained campers to immerse themselves in nature.
You'll be camped just 15 minutes drive from Huskisson, Hyamms Beach, and St George's Basin - a great location if you want laid-back bush camping, but also crave a restaurant meal and a swim in the beautiful waters of Jervis Bay.
It is isolated from the overcrowded tourist parks and offers great secluded camping. At the right time, you will literally not see another human for days if that is your wish!
At the current moment, a 4WD is essential to access the property.
All campers must be self-contained, with their own camp toilet, and take all waste when they go.
So if you are tired of that 6 metre x 6 metre tent site and don't want to hear the guy next door coughing and snoring, or if you just want to only hear the sound of the breeze through the trees, come and stay a few days or a week or longer if you wish. Seclusion this accessible from Sydney is a rare commodity.
Pets are welcome, but please keep them under control as we value the wildlife. Sorry, no cats for that particular reason.
Potable water
Campfires
from
AU$35
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
96%
(157)
Pheasant Ground
2 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Robertson, NSW
Situated just off Jamberoo Mountain Road, we are ideally located between Bowral and Kiama.
This campsite is a flat grassy area with rural views to the west and north west. Enjoy the lush green grass under the shade of old gnarly trees. Dogs on leashes are very welcome.
Campers will have access to toilet during their stay, just a short walk from the camping area.
Various birds, wombats and wallabies are common around our farm and we're located very close to Carrington Falls (Budderoo National Park), the Illawarra Fly Tree Top Walk
and Barren Grounds Nature Reserve where you can go for a lovely bushwalk or have a swim.
This campsite is best suited to caravans or RVs as we are situated near a
semi-busy tourist road between Robertson and Jamberoo (perfect if you need a safe place to stay on your adventure). Our front paddock has easy access off Gordon’s track.
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$75
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(24)
Jervis Bay Escape
33 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Woollamia, NSW
Jervis Bay Escape is a 10-acre hobby farm just 5 minutes from beautiful Jervis Bay and its internationally protected marine park. You can camp close to some of the most attractive beaches in Australia, with the clearest waters and whitest sands in the world. Great fishing and swimming nearby, plus there are several National Parks in the area offering fantastic options for bushwalking and hiking.
We offer several sprawling cleared areas, bordered by trees, with good access to the main road into Jervis Bay, ideal for self-contained campers to set up, kick back and relax. We're a place for peaceful travelers looking to unwind.
90 minutes from Wollongong and just under 3 hours from most parts of Sydney.
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from
AU$50
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(331)
Otford Park nr Royal National Park
3 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Otford, NSW
Otford is a historic village in a valley between Sydney and Wollongong, and bounded by the Pacific ocean. Our private acreage backs onto the southern tip of the Royal National Park, so the outlook from the campsite is all leafy trees. Walk to lookouts over the ocean, hike down to the beach or a few minutes drive to dog friendly beaches. Our bathroom and kitchen facilities make it an easy experience for first time campers. We are well-behaved-dog-friendly BUT you must let us know in advance.
Our access track to the camping sites has been repaired with a deep layer of asphalt but still best suited to 4WD. . There is also the option of parking roadside, and walking in approx 400m to the sites. Please message us if unsure about your vehicle.
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ
1. Please let us know if you are bringing a dog/dogs - we have horses, house dogs, chickens and; wildlife plus likely other campers close by, so need to be forewarned. Dogs must be on lead or contained at all times.
2. If you need to camp out of your 4WD RV (such as a roof top tent), please contact me before booking to ensure those two particular vehicle sites are still available :) and that your vehicle is suitable for our track. Maximum length is approx 5m. Please scroll through the photos to see our amenities and camping sites.
3. We limit the number of people staying at any one time, so weekends book up quickly. That said, due to Covid and weather, people often cancel at the last minute too, so if we are currently booked out, it's always worthile checking again closer to the date for any availability.
We are on acreage (approx 7 acres) in Otford, surrounded by forest, backing onto the very southern end of the Royal National Park Sydney/Wollongong. Sleep under the stars, and to the hoot of our local owls, and yips of the gorgeous feather-tail gliders. Lovely, peaceful and private in a bushland backdrop but so close & just a walk to famous sites, beaches, cafes and bushwalking - so the perfect spot to stop, unpack and then go exploring.
Max of 3 camp sites booked at a time. Each camp site is within shouting distance of each other, so if looking for absolute privacy, please talk to me first. As bookings come through, I assess the number of people booked for a site, and adjust availability on the others accordingly (such as blocking the rest of the day/s to prevent over-crowding) We usually only have two unconnected groups/families at a time.
Our site is the perfect place to camp in comfort and safety, when taking an overnight rest after the long backpacking trek from Bundeena.
We have firewood available for our cosy camp firepits (one firepit available for each site) We buy in reclaimed hardwood to reduce the impact of logging of native forest, but also often have seasoned firewood from our own fallen trees. $20 for approx 20kg. Heaps of kindling sticks are around on the forest floor. Please leave large and rotting logs alone for wildlife.
Water - Connected to Sydney Catchment drinking water, so supply isn't an issue, but we conserve where we can.
Kitchenette We have a tiny house mobile kitchenette with sink, basic table wear, microwave, kettle, toaster, LÓr Nespresso compatible Pod machine (BYO pods) single hot plates, mini bar fridge ,and; USB ports. You can also use the facility to recharge your mobile phone and; torches. We also provide a billy kettle, cast iron fry pan and camp fire hot plate.
You'll also find 6 comfy directors chairs stored within the kitchenette, and a deck of cards, jigsaw puzzles, boardgames etc. Cricket bat, Bocce ball game, and Finish Kubbs set are stored within the timber box under the gazebo.
"Nature Calls" We have a new long drop compost toilet - only human waste and; toilet paper please. A small bin is provided for sanitary products etc. Please leave the bushland surrounds free of solid waste.
Gazebo
Weatherproof /insect meshed gazebo and outdoor furniture. Absolutely no fires under the gazebo, otherwise it will melt and catch fire.
Quiet Hours
Quiet hours between 10pm and 7am
Outdoor and Indoor Showers
Warm water is heated by LPG gas bottles - please help conserve water and gas
QUIET HOURS:
To respect other campers who may be staying, and our amazing nocturnal wildlife, our quiet hours are 10pm to 7am, when noise is asked to be kept minimal. Such an exception would be event times like New Years Eve.
We have found that camping is a great way to reset your Circadian rhythm - waking and sleeping according to the natural light & darkness , and a drink around a crackling camp fire super relaxing :)
CONTACT:
If you want me to send you more photographs of the camping sites/facilities , you can look up Otford Park or OtfordParkCamping on Facebook and contact me through there (can't send photos etc via HipCamp messages yet)
WHAT TO EXPECT:
We have horses, poultry, dogs and abundant wildlife so visiting pets must be either caged or leashed at all times. We have two waterproof dog beds available - just need to bring their blanket etc for softness
As its a sanctuary for wildlife - absolutely No Hunting is permitted. Wildlife can be loud at times - morning and night, from the wild deer that wander through, to domestic roosters that like to visit. Its a bit 'farm country and wild bushland' tucked between Sydney and Wollongong
Caravans/large motorhomes cannot access the rear of our property, due the narrowness of the track, but no problem for the many 4wd style camper vehicles.
Necessities/consumables
We have a supply of toilet paper, hand wash, hand sanitiser, insect repellent , fire lighters, mossie coils, matches, dish soap, paper towels and spray disinfectant. Its an honour system for use just while you're here, so please don't take them home with you. If you need to buy toilet paper for your next journey, just ask me.
WHAT'S NEARBY:
- easy walk to Otford railway station
- easy walk to our free local tennis court just down the road
-road walk up to Bald Hill lookout (famous for its hang-gliding and view of the Seacliff Bridge) or hike up the fire trail and around the Stony Batter headland
- walk to Otford Lookout and the start of the many trails through the Royal National Park or the hike down (about 20 to 30min) to Bulgo beach to swim, fish or snorkel. Be sure to take water and wear comfy shoes
- quick walk to the hidden entrance of the historic abandoned Otford railway tunnel entrance -its also an interesting and fun way to walk to Stanwell Park beach!
Otherwise its just few minutes drive to Stanwell Park beach and Coalcliff Beach - all clean and beautiful
or go further north to the many stunning beaches of the Royal National Park such as Garie, Burning Palms, Wattamolla
- Darkes Forest - for trail horse riding, and the Glenbernie Orchard, for fresh apple and stone fruit produce and apple picking tours
* * * * * * * * * *
Off Leash Beaches
- If you have a dog , it will probably love the northern end of Stanwell Park beach its been designated an off-leash area, north of the creek. - park your carpark of Park Parade.
Sharkey's Beach, Coledale. A dedicated off-leash beach for dogs and surfers alike, all year round. Approx 10 min drive south.
* * * * * * * * * *
Others Sights & Activities
- Four km to Symbio Wildlike Park - a lovely day out to see both exotic animals such as cheetahs or more local cuddly koalas and opportunities to hand feed kangaroos and wallabies. A water theme park will keep the kiddies entertained and cool too
- On the way to Symbio is the beautiful Kelly's Falls - part of the Garrawarra State Conservation area & historic Princess Marina Cliff Walk.
- Seacliff Bridge - Not to be missed and part of the Grand Pacific Drive along the South East Coast, Seacliff Bridge is now an iconic Australian landmark. It beautifully hugs the huge sandstone cliffs around the ocean, and is popular to tourist and film makers alike.
- Cafes - yum! Walk to the Otford Pantry on the corner of Domville Rd and Lady Wakehurst Drive, open weekends for great coffee and pastries, overlooking the ocean. Then many other cafes in nearby Stanwell Park and Helensburgh
- We are situated in a valley, with the Illawarra train line about 500m to 1km away, so occasionally you might here a coal train passing, or more interesting on many weekends the historic Cockatoo Run steam train comes through around 10am and on its return approx 6pm. If children are at the station waiting to see it, the drivers usually oblige with a friendly toot of the steam horn.
- Horse Riding - Book ahead for trail rides at either the local Otford Farm in Lloyd Place, or can drive to Darkes Forest Riding Ranch
- Wodi Wodi track at Stanwell Tops - if you're fit and love a challenging hike, the Wodi Wodi track can take you from the Hanging swamp around and down to Coalcliff. Water, comfortable shoes and insect repellent (for the odd leach) etc is essential, but the spectacular views at the top and destination make it worth it
FOOD and PROVISIONS
Helensburgh shopping centre is just 4km drive away. But if you're hiking on foot from the Royal National Park and would like basic provisions such as milk and bread available on your arrival, please let us know in advance, and we'll do our best to have them here. We have a generator run mini-fridge in the kitchenette to keep such items cold, if needed.
TINY HOUSE
If you'd like to sleep in a bit of luxury, check out our new tiny house listing here
SYDNEY, WOLLONGONG &; BEYOND
Otford is 9km by car to Waterfall, Sutherland Shire, 43 km to George St, Sydney CBD, 25km to Wollongong CBD. 44km to Bondi Beach, and 53km to Kiama. All can be accessed by train too. So the perfect area to set up base camp, whilst exploring greater Sydney, as well as the many beautiful spots within walking distance.
HIP CAMP REVIEWS
When reading and leaving reviews , please have a heart towards your camp hosts. The way the rating % works, it takes about 111 positive reviews out 112 reviews, to over-ride that 1 negative. So for the average Hipcamp, it takes a looong time, to get back to 99 or 100% positive feedback. If you have an issue onsite, please raise it immediately. I know the majority of hosts will try and rectify it for you.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Cooking equipment
from
AU$60
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
Booked 6 times
Mellows Ridge
3 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Calderwood, NSW
Nestled right up against the escarpment this high-end, off-grid 40 acre property effectively offers your own private slice of Macquarie Pass National Park - amazing views, giant cedar trees, fern forests, waterfalls and palms surround.
It feels remote but it's only 90 min from Sydney, 30 min to Kiama and just 15 min to the shops. The property also offers the only hiking path up to the top of the escarpment for some truly amazing views.
Access to the loggers camp is currently 4WD.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from
AU$65
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
90%
(5)
Noonameena - Sleep in the Bush
4 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Berrima, NSW
Noonameena is a 100 acre natural bushland property located approx 7kms outside of Berrima, NSW in the Southern Highlands. While most of the property is covered by a variety of natural bushland, a small flat area of cleared land is perfect for recreational campers.
The property has access to the Wingecarribee River to the south, a natural pool and large dam in the camping area.
Other property features include commercial gardens, orchards and free range chicken coop as well as a homestead with surrounding gardens.
There are also plenty of walking tracks on the property.
Campfires
from
AU$80
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
65%
(10)
Smiths Camp Site
2 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Kiama, NSW
Smiths Camp is a 2 acre block of land in the heart of Kiama on the South Coast on New South Wales. Just 1 hour from Sydney, 3 hours from Canberra.
You'll be able to set up camp just 500m away from the main town, beaches and the famous Kiama Blow Hole.
If you are after a quick stop in the middle of town and experience Kiama‘s farm land, this is the place to stay.
Please take your rubbish with you as we don’t have council pick up.
Please note checkin is at 2pm and check out is at 11am.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Cooking equipment
from
AU$130
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(23)
Wombat Hollow
2 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Budgong, NSW
100 acres of secluded paradise with a kilometer of free flowing pebbled creek. Bound on two sides by the craggy escarpments of the Budgong and Morton National Parks there is ample grassland to give a feeling of space yet an abundance of trees to wander through as you engage with the tame wildlife and magnificent birdlife.
Bring your mountain bike, fishing rod, swimmers, hiking boots, climbing gear, horse riding gear, or tennis racquet, and leave the kids in the play area while you sit by the creek and listen to the water tumbling through the rocks.
If you are as intrigued by rare animals as we are, then this is the place for you. 63 Bird species, 24 mammals, 16 reptiles, and 12 amphibians have been sighted in the area (Clarke 2012) and this includes many rare and endangered species including the Brush-tailed rock wallaby, Giant burrowing frog, Gang-gang cockatoo, Glossy black-cockatoo, Koala, Little Lorikeet, Platypus and the Yellow-bellied glider.
We only have two campsites at present, so you will be guaranteed peace and privacy. However, due to the demand for that site and that all people who have stayed have loved the experience, I am going to open up a few more sites over the course of 2024. You will always however have lots of space and privacy. Please note, that your group must be self-contained, with their own camp toilet, however fresh drinking water is available.
Access is into a valley on a well maintained unsealed road and there are some minor causeways making it unsuitable for busses. An ordinary sedan will do for Billabong site but you will need some power for towing and a 4x4 to tow out in any rain. Riverbend site is only suitable for 4x4's and off-road camp trailers.
You are a 40 minute drive from the sea (try the Shoalhaven 100 beach challenge https://www.shoalhaven.com/100-beach-challenge/ ) and just 15km from the historical town of Kangaroo Valley with its myriad of water activities, golf, wine estates, and quaint shopping. ttps://visitkangaroovalley.com.au/see-and-do/
Our neighbor offers horse riding experiences that are absolutely amazing. (pre-book at www.kangaroovalleyhorses.com)
Potable water
Campfires
from
AU$60
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(6)
Wings of the Carribee
2 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Burradoo, NSW
If your heart beats to the vibrant drum of the Southern Highlands but you want the space and freedom of camping on a river, then Wings of the Carribee is for you.
Two campsites share 20 Acres of cottonwood trees on the Wingecarribee river. They are 250m apart and both on the riverfront giving you the seclusion you need while allowing you access to all that the Highlands have to offer. Bring your fishing rod and yabbie net, sit at the large picnic table, bring your kayak for a paddle and enjoy the half drum fire pit while watching the cows grazing across the river. If you are bringing dog(s) then consider Yabbie which is enclosed.
Of course you will be tempted to explore the area. Wings sits directly between Bowral and Moss Vale (both are less than 5km away) so you can leave the camper and head into town to enjoy the old world charm of both towns. The Southern Highlands is ideal if you’re wanting to escape Sydney (100km) or Canberra (160km) without lengthy travel. Discover all that the area has to offer including a host of idyllic country towns, fascinating shops and regular country events. With it’s abundant wineries, award-winning restaurants, culinary delights, and natural splendor, it’s the place to unplug, find yourself and indulge in some of life’s finest pleasures.
If birdlife is your thing then you are also in for a rare treat (eyes open for the resident wedgetail), but whatever you seek from your break, we look forward to hosting you.
Potable water
Campfires
from
AU$80
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(308)
Babbling Brook 4WD Camping
14 sites · RVs, Tents800 acres · St. Georges Basin, NSW
Situated on the beautiful Wandandian Creek with 15km creek frontage, 2.5 hours south of Sydney, Babbling Brook offers ten grassed areas with an easy 3km 4WD drive to campsites. 15 mins drive to Huskisson and Sussex Inlet. We do not accommodate large groups as our focus is peace, relaxation and family friendly.
The property is home to an abundance of wildlife including kangaroos, wallabies, native birds and reptiles. There are also a lot of wombats so stay on the track and look for burrows.
There are many activities to enjoy including kayaking, fishing, swimming, bush walking, bird watching and 15kms of mountain bike trails.
We are pet friendly, please remember to have your pets protected against ticks.
You will need to be self-contained with own camping toilet, shower and water. Please DO NOT dig toilet hole, even though you leave it covered, it doesn't take long for the foxes to dig it up and leave a real mess!! Campfires permitted in designated areas.
There is mobile reception. No shooting, archery or hunting. No trail bikes. Do not damage trees, there is plenty of firewood on the ground.
Don't forget your mozzie repellent.
Please note we have a moderate cancellation policy thru Hipcamp.
Campfires
from
AU$100
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
Under $50
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Safety at Hipcamp
Hipcamp acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.