The best dog-friendly camping near Kempsey

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Bringing your dog or cat along? Kempsey’s packed with over 1,150 pet-friendly camping options, so you won’t have to leave your mate behind. You’ll find sites tucked along the Macleay River, in bushland full of goannas, or near local swimming holes—many with toilets, showers, and the all-important campfire ring. Fishing and wildlife-watching are local staples. Prices start at just $8 a night, with the average hovering around $35. Top picks from regulars include The Hatch Farm - Port Macquarie (669 reviews), Bundilla River Camp (589 reviews), and Stoney Park care of Dennis Stone (482 reviews). Bring treats for your pet and something to ward off mozzies—nights here can get lively.

96% (8.5K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Oxley Riverside Campsites

1. Oxley Riverside Campsites

100%
(243)
63km from Kempsey · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Mount Seaview, NSW
Welcome to our beautiful property on the Hastings River. Oxley Riverside Campsites is a little piece of paradise located inland and west of Port Macquarie. Our property features undulating hills with lush, green grass, fantastic views and access to a refreshing river to cool off in, on hot summer days. Oxley Riverside Campsites offers four listings for your enjoyment. We have campsites right on the river for kayaking and swimming enthusiasts and for those who choose to relax and just take in the stunning surrounds. We welcome your furry family members as long as they are on leashes. Oxley Riverside Campsites provides large private spaces for each campsite with a communal covered picnic table and barbecue for the use of all campers. Campfires are permitted outside of fire ban season, and there is a dedicated firepit on each site. We look forward to welcoming you!
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$73
 / night
Riverlea Green,  Nambucca Valley

3. Riverlea Green, Nambucca Valley

98%
(73)
46km from Kempsey · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Wirrimbi, NSW
** T ** Our riverfront farm now has sites available for self-contained campers! • 300m Nambucca River frontage, with direct access - Perfect for fishing, swimming, boating and lazing by the river 😌 • Flat grassy campsites, for caravans, tents and RV’s (own toilet, electricity & water required). • Campfires permitted April - October • Group camping available • Well behaved pets welcome. Off leash is permitted, provided the pets stay with their owners. Location: • 10 min off the highway, a peaceful halfway stop between Sydney and Brisbane • Centrally located in the Nambucca Valley, perfect for exploring the Valley’s beaches, towns and hinterland • 3km to Riverview Island Wedding and Function Venue • Fresh produce available from the Fruit and Veg Stall next door
Campfires
from 
AU$39
 / night
Blue Hills Cottage

4. Blue Hills Cottage

76km from Kempsey · 1 site · Lodging · Upper Lansdowne, NSW
Built circa 1924, Blue Hills Cottage is a modest federation timber farmers cottage that has been lovingly restored by Pamela and her late Mother Opal. Blue Hills is home to many native birds, animals, reptiles, and insects. It's an inspiring location for artists, photographers, bird watchers, bushwalkers, recreational horse riders, and those simply seeking a reprieve from the hectic pace of city life. For your comfort during Summer, the cottage has 2 air conditioning units and ceiling fans in the 2 main bedrooms and lounge room. There is a wood fire heater plus 2 oil heaters for winter use. LOCATION: The property lies at the foot of the sheer and majestic Lansdowne Escarpment, bordering Coorabakh National Park. Stunning valley views are to be had from the Flat Rock viewing platform located on the rim of the escarpment above the property. This is a popular spot for local bushwalkers, hikers, and visitors to the area. The cottage is 27 km or a 25-minute drive north of Taree Airport, 45 minutes south of Port Macquarie, and 5 minutes from Upper Lansdowne village. There is a distance of 3kms of unsealed road which is regularly maintained to a good standard by our local council. The nearest x street is Muddy Lane. GUEST BOOK Please familiarise yourself with the guest book and observe our house rules contained therein. Information on our house and safety rules, as well as local attractions and tips for getting the most from your rural holiday experience. EXCLUSIONS: No conventional oven. No gourmet kitchen experience. Please use the dual burner butane gas stove and kettle gas barbeque, electric stainless steel cooker, slow cooker/crock pot, and various other electric appliances available to you. No laundry or clothes washing machine. (we are in a rural location so there is no town water. Our water supply is captured rainwater which is in limited supply) There are several laundromat services available in Taree if you need to wash. BYO FOOD, TOILETRIES, and FIREWOOD Blue Hills Cottage is a self-catered holiday experience and guests are required to bring their own supplies including food, toiletries, firewood, starters, and matches. We recommend that you plan your trip in advance to include the acquisition of supplies before setting out. The nearest shopping centre is in Taree which is 35 minute drive from the property. HOLIDAYING WITH PETS Pets are welcome on the proviso that they do not pose a danger to the wildlife and other animals that reside on and around the property. Blue Hills Property is a reserve for wildlife, all wildlife at Blue Hills is protected. Please read the guest book upon arrival for rules to keep the wildlife safe, keep your pet safe, keep you safe, and make holidaying with your pet trouble-free and enjoyable for everyone. In the Kitchenette you will find: Crockpot/slow cooker, large stainless steel frying pan, toaster, coffee maker, electric kettle, fridge, microwave oven, jaffle maker, various cooking pots, kitchen utensils, crockery, cutlery and glassware. Tea, coffee, salt, pepper, oil, and paper towels for cleaning the barbeque will be located in the pantry. A Kettle oven gas Barbecue and a butane gas dual burner stove top are located on the internal verandah. Bedrooms: There are 2 bedrooms in the cottage which will comfortably sleep 4 adults ( ie 1 couple per room) or a small family. Bedroom One has a queen-size four-poster bed, wardrobes, a dresser, 2 bedside chests and bedside lamps, and a long mirror. Bedroom two has a Queen Anne double four-poster bed, wardrobe, dresser, and bedside lamps. Beds are fitted with electric blankets during the cooler months. Both bedrooms are fitted with a cool cycle air unit and ceiling fans for your Summer comfort. There is a spare room containing a single bed located outside the cottage on the verandah. There is no ceiling fan or air-con available in this room. The cottage will comfortably accommodate two couples or a small family or up to four single adults (who prefer not to share) All bed linen, blankets, doonas, pillows, and towels are provided by your Host. Bathroom: Basic bathroom equipped with shower, toilet, wash basin and cupboard. No bathtub. Due to our limited supply of tank water, there is no washing machine in the cottage. (see exclusions above for more detail) Reservation and cancellation policy: A nonrefundable deposit is required at the time of booking with the balance payable in full one month prior to the booking date. Please refer to the booking platform for further information. Payments less the deposit and transaction fees are refundable for cancellations made up to 7 days prior to the booking date. Cancellations made less than 7 days prior to the booking date are not refundable. Guests agree to pay the owner for any damages incurred by the guest or visitors of the guest to the building, furnishing, and equipment with the exception of accidental breakage to glassware and crockery. "For your added security, this property is only managed in Australia and we never request payments be made to overseas bank accounts" Information regarding this property. The television is via VAST satellite and provides all free-to-air digital channels. Mobile phone reception is reasonably good so long as your carrier is Telstra. The property is accessed via a 3km unsealed council road 5 minutes' drive from the village of Upper Lansdowne. Pets are permitted, please let management know before booking that you are traveling with your pets Bring your horse! We can provide a safe fully fenced paddock right beside the cottage with fresh water on tap. The surrounding area is excellent for horse riding.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$182
 / night
Vallis Oakes

5. Vallis Oakes

100%
(69)
63km from Kempsey · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Girralong, NSW
Welcome to Vallis Oakes, your own slice of paradise nestled on over 300 acres, surrounded by the tranquil Oakes State Forest and the vibrant Gumbaynggirr National Parks. Check out our instagram - @vallis_oakes Swim in the crystal-clear waters and be on the lookout for local wildlife like frogs, turtles, eagles, king parrots, black cockatoos, kingfishers, goannas, and the beautiful Crimson Rosellas. Fireflies have also been spotted! Discover a variety of activities including hiking trails, lookouts, motorbike and 4WD trails. Vallis Oakes is the perfect base for exploring the national parks and then relaxing by the fire under the stars. SELF CONTAINED CAMPERS ONLY To keep our valley pristine, all campers must be fully self-contained. This means having your own toilet, water supply, and taking all waste with you when you leave. This is non-negotiable to maintain the site's natural beauty. PETS are welcome provided they are good with other dogs and livestock. FLOOD WARNING The property is located on river frontage, it may be subject to flooding during heavy rain. Please check with us 3 days before arrival to confirm current conditions. In case of flooding, a full refund will be issued, or an alternate campsite on higher ground may be available. While the photos showcase the stunning blue waters, please note that the water’s appearance may change after heavy rain. You are welcome to enjoy campfires, provided there are no local restrictions. Firewood is available for purchase onsite. Plenty of space is available for caravans, camper trailers, and tents. The sites are 4WD only due to water crossings and challenging road conditions after heavy rain. PRIMITIVE CAMPING We do not have on-site amenities. Please bring all necessary supplies, including a camp toilet. It is essential to maintain the cleanliness of the site, NO DIGGING HOLES and all waste must be removed upon departure. We have a collection point for cans + bottles. Please note that there is no phone reception. If you require internet access, WiFi is available by the main cottage. We look forward to your visit and hope you enjoy everything Vallis Oakes has to offer! If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to contact us. Have a wonderful stay!
Campfires
from 
AU$73
 / night

Bringing your dog or cat along? Kempsey’s packed with over 1,150 pet-friendly camping options, so you won’t have to leave your mate behind. You’ll find sites tucked along the Macleay River, in bushland full of goannas, or near local swimming holes—many with toilets, showers, and the all-important campfire ring. Fishing and wildlife-watching are local staples. Prices start at just $8 a night, with the average hovering around $35. Top picks from regulars include The Hatch Farm - Port Macquarie (669 reviews), Bundilla River Camp (589 reviews), and Stoney Park care of Dennis Stone (482 reviews). Bring treats for your pet and something to ward off mozzies—nights here can get lively.

96% (8.5K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Oxley Riverside Campsites

1. Oxley Riverside Campsites

100%
(243)
63km from Kempsey · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Mount Seaview, NSW
Welcome to our beautiful property on the Hastings River. Oxley Riverside Campsites is a little piece of paradise located inland and west of Port Macquarie. Our property features undulating hills with lush, green grass, fantastic views and access to a refreshing river to cool off in, on hot summer days. Oxley Riverside Campsites offers four listings for your enjoyment. We have campsites right on the river for kayaking and swimming enthusiasts and for those who choose to relax and just take in the stunning surrounds. We welcome your furry family members as long as they are on leashes. Oxley Riverside Campsites provides large private spaces for each campsite with a communal covered picnic table and barbecue for the use of all campers. Campfires are permitted outside of fire ban season, and there is a dedicated firepit on each site. We look forward to welcoming you!
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$73
 / night
Riverlea Green,  Nambucca Valley

3. Riverlea Green, Nambucca Valley

98%
(73)
46km from Kempsey · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Wirrimbi, NSW
** T ** Our riverfront farm now has sites available for self-contained campers! • 300m Nambucca River frontage, with direct access - Perfect for fishing, swimming, boating and lazing by the river 😌 • Flat grassy campsites, for caravans, tents and RV’s (own toilet, electricity & water required). • Campfires permitted April - October • Group camping available • Well behaved pets welcome. Off leash is permitted, provided the pets stay with their owners. Location: • 10 min off the highway, a peaceful halfway stop between Sydney and Brisbane • Centrally located in the Nambucca Valley, perfect for exploring the Valley’s beaches, towns and hinterland • 3km to Riverview Island Wedding and Function Venue • Fresh produce available from the Fruit and Veg Stall next door
Campfires
from 
AU$39
 / night
Blue Hills Cottage

4. Blue Hills Cottage

76km from Kempsey · 1 site · Lodging · Upper Lansdowne, NSW
Built circa 1924, Blue Hills Cottage is a modest federation timber farmers cottage that has been lovingly restored by Pamela and her late Mother Opal. Blue Hills is home to many native birds, animals, reptiles, and insects. It's an inspiring location for artists, photographers, bird watchers, bushwalkers, recreational horse riders, and those simply seeking a reprieve from the hectic pace of city life. For your comfort during Summer, the cottage has 2 air conditioning units and ceiling fans in the 2 main bedrooms and lounge room. There is a wood fire heater plus 2 oil heaters for winter use. LOCATION: The property lies at the foot of the sheer and majestic Lansdowne Escarpment, bordering Coorabakh National Park. Stunning valley views are to be had from the Flat Rock viewing platform located on the rim of the escarpment above the property. This is a popular spot for local bushwalkers, hikers, and visitors to the area. The cottage is 27 km or a 25-minute drive north of Taree Airport, 45 minutes south of Port Macquarie, and 5 minutes from Upper Lansdowne village. There is a distance of 3kms of unsealed road which is regularly maintained to a good standard by our local council. The nearest x street is Muddy Lane. GUEST BOOK Please familiarise yourself with the guest book and observe our house rules contained therein. Information on our house and safety rules, as well as local attractions and tips for getting the most from your rural holiday experience. EXCLUSIONS: No conventional oven. No gourmet kitchen experience. Please use the dual burner butane gas stove and kettle gas barbeque, electric stainless steel cooker, slow cooker/crock pot, and various other electric appliances available to you. No laundry or clothes washing machine. (we are in a rural location so there is no town water. Our water supply is captured rainwater which is in limited supply) There are several laundromat services available in Taree if you need to wash. BYO FOOD, TOILETRIES, and FIREWOOD Blue Hills Cottage is a self-catered holiday experience and guests are required to bring their own supplies including food, toiletries, firewood, starters, and matches. We recommend that you plan your trip in advance to include the acquisition of supplies before setting out. The nearest shopping centre is in Taree which is 35 minute drive from the property. HOLIDAYING WITH PETS Pets are welcome on the proviso that they do not pose a danger to the wildlife and other animals that reside on and around the property. Blue Hills Property is a reserve for wildlife, all wildlife at Blue Hills is protected. Please read the guest book upon arrival for rules to keep the wildlife safe, keep your pet safe, keep you safe, and make holidaying with your pet trouble-free and enjoyable for everyone. In the Kitchenette you will find: Crockpot/slow cooker, large stainless steel frying pan, toaster, coffee maker, electric kettle, fridge, microwave oven, jaffle maker, various cooking pots, kitchen utensils, crockery, cutlery and glassware. Tea, coffee, salt, pepper, oil, and paper towels for cleaning the barbeque will be located in the pantry. A Kettle oven gas Barbecue and a butane gas dual burner stove top are located on the internal verandah. Bedrooms: There are 2 bedrooms in the cottage which will comfortably sleep 4 adults ( ie 1 couple per room) or a small family. Bedroom One has a queen-size four-poster bed, wardrobes, a dresser, 2 bedside chests and bedside lamps, and a long mirror. Bedroom two has a Queen Anne double four-poster bed, wardrobe, dresser, and bedside lamps. Beds are fitted with electric blankets during the cooler months. Both bedrooms are fitted with a cool cycle air unit and ceiling fans for your Summer comfort. There is a spare room containing a single bed located outside the cottage on the verandah. There is no ceiling fan or air-con available in this room. The cottage will comfortably accommodate two couples or a small family or up to four single adults (who prefer not to share) All bed linen, blankets, doonas, pillows, and towels are provided by your Host. Bathroom: Basic bathroom equipped with shower, toilet, wash basin and cupboard. No bathtub. Due to our limited supply of tank water, there is no washing machine in the cottage. (see exclusions above for more detail) Reservation and cancellation policy: A nonrefundable deposit is required at the time of booking with the balance payable in full one month prior to the booking date. Please refer to the booking platform for further information. Payments less the deposit and transaction fees are refundable for cancellations made up to 7 days prior to the booking date. Cancellations made less than 7 days prior to the booking date are not refundable. Guests agree to pay the owner for any damages incurred by the guest or visitors of the guest to the building, furnishing, and equipment with the exception of accidental breakage to glassware and crockery. "For your added security, this property is only managed in Australia and we never request payments be made to overseas bank accounts" Information regarding this property. The television is via VAST satellite and provides all free-to-air digital channels. Mobile phone reception is reasonably good so long as your carrier is Telstra. The property is accessed via a 3km unsealed council road 5 minutes' drive from the village of Upper Lansdowne. Pets are permitted, please let management know before booking that you are traveling with your pets Bring your horse! We can provide a safe fully fenced paddock right beside the cottage with fresh water on tap. The surrounding area is excellent for horse riding.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$182
 / night
Vallis Oakes

5. Vallis Oakes

100%
(69)
63km from Kempsey · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Girralong, NSW
Welcome to Vallis Oakes, your own slice of paradise nestled on over 300 acres, surrounded by the tranquil Oakes State Forest and the vibrant Gumbaynggirr National Parks. Check out our instagram - @vallis_oakes Swim in the crystal-clear waters and be on the lookout for local wildlife like frogs, turtles, eagles, king parrots, black cockatoos, kingfishers, goannas, and the beautiful Crimson Rosellas. Fireflies have also been spotted! Discover a variety of activities including hiking trails, lookouts, motorbike and 4WD trails. Vallis Oakes is the perfect base for exploring the national parks and then relaxing by the fire under the stars. SELF CONTAINED CAMPERS ONLY To keep our valley pristine, all campers must be fully self-contained. This means having your own toilet, water supply, and taking all waste with you when you leave. This is non-negotiable to maintain the site's natural beauty. PETS are welcome provided they are good with other dogs and livestock. FLOOD WARNING The property is located on river frontage, it may be subject to flooding during heavy rain. Please check with us 3 days before arrival to confirm current conditions. In case of flooding, a full refund will be issued, or an alternate campsite on higher ground may be available. While the photos showcase the stunning blue waters, please note that the water’s appearance may change after heavy rain. You are welcome to enjoy campfires, provided there are no local restrictions. Firewood is available for purchase onsite. Plenty of space is available for caravans, camper trailers, and tents. The sites are 4WD only due to water crossings and challenging road conditions after heavy rain. PRIMITIVE CAMPING We do not have on-site amenities. Please bring all necessary supplies, including a camp toilet. It is essential to maintain the cleanliness of the site, NO DIGGING HOLES and all waste must be removed upon departure. We have a collection point for cans + bottles. Please note that there is no phone reception. If you require internet access, WiFi is available by the main cottage. We look forward to your visit and hope you enjoy everything Vallis Oakes has to offer! If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to contact us. Have a wonderful stay!
Campfires
from 
AU$73
 / night

Stories from the community

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field