The best dog-friendly camping near Lake Illawarra

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Bringing your pets to Lake Illawarra? You’ve got over 220 pet-friendly camping options to choose from, with prices starting at just $27 a night and an average around $85. Sites range from bushland clearings to spots close to the water, and many allow campfires. Practical touches matter here—expect showers, toilets, and plenty of space for your dog to roam. Locals hike the escarpment trails, saddle up for a bit of horseback riding, and spot black cockatoos early in the morning. For a tried-and-tested stay, check out Babbling Brook 4WD Camping (348 reviews), Buxton Getaway (268 reviews), or Otford Park nr Royal National Park (251 reviews). Book a spot that suits your style, leash up, and get out there.

97% (3.7K) 166 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Illawarra

La Estancia Hideaway at Jervis Bay

1. La Estancia Hideaway at Jervis Bay

100%
(36)
57km from Lake Illawarra · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Whether you’re travelling with your partner, your best friends, or your favourite four‑legged companion, La Estancia Hideaway is a welcoming base for your Jervis Bay adventure. Thoughtful touches, a private outdoor bath, and a cosy communal glamping area create a space where every adult guest feels comfortable and cared for. It’s a quiet, inclusive bush escape 5 minute drive from the sandy white beaches where you can enjoy nature without crowds, noise, or pressure — just open skies, birdsong, and room to breathe. For more information and reservations feel free to message us. We can't wait to welcome you to the natural beauty of Jervis Bay at La Estancia Hideaway! 🏕️🏖️
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$146
 / night
Lyrebirds Nest

2. Lyrebirds Nest

98%
(82)
60km from Lake Illawarra · 2 sites
Welcome to Lyrebirds Nest, a quiet bush escape. Lyrebirds Nest cottage is situated in the bush with forest views from the balcony and rooms. The cottage is setup for glamping with an wood stove, queen bed (BYO linen), sofa, electricity, filtered water (hot and cold), hot indoor shower and composting toilet. A bar fridge and microwave is also provided. The open fire is not to be used. The surrounding land on the property includes a lake with jetty, sauna, olive grove, orchard and chicken coup. There are great hikes on the property or you can follow the creek and continue into the State Forest. There is plenty of wildlife to see, a bird lovers paradise with plenty of Lyrebirds, king parrots, black cockatoos to name a few. You're welcome to stay in the cottage or camp by the lake. Located half way between Canberra and Sydney, and 15 minutes walk from Penrose station with easy access to all the Southern Highlands has to offer.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from 
AU$303
 / night
The Wandy Donkey Camp

3. The Wandy Donkey Camp

97%
(176)
68km from Lake Illawarra · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Located 15-minute drive to the glorious beaches of Jervis Bay, 2.5 hrs south of Sydney and 2.5hrs east of Canberra The Wandy Donkey Camp offers 150 acre property for you to rest without the hustle and bustle of the south coast. Created for families wanting to explore the beauty of the South Coast. With a natural stream that traverses the property there is much for you to observe and enjoy. Watching the Cows and Sheep graze or admiring the Alpacas long necks. There is also donkeys you might get to interact with along with seasonal (spring) baby goats. You will be able to sit with nature by the little stream watching for the wombats, kangaroos and lizards as they do their thing. Only 15 minute drive to nearest beaches, you can enjoy some great cafes and restaurants around the local Shoalhaven area. Travel 30 minutes south to Bendalong and feed the stingrays. Head west up the mountain to beautiful Jerrawangla lookout and Tianjara Falls. Located in the heart of the Shoalhaven, The Wandy Donkey Camp is central to all your coastal experiences. Kate your host, has a wealth of local knowledge that will get you started on your South Coast adventure. This is a, you bring, you take, experience leaving no physical trace behind. But leaving with a great story to share with your loved ones. Talk to Kate to arrange a detailed, up-close interaction with the farm animals.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
AU$73
 / night
Fat Lamb Farm Camping

4. Fat Lamb Farm Camping

97%
(31)
69km from Lake Illawarra · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Situated 2.5 hours south of Sydney and 2.5 hours from Canberra, Fat Lamb Farm currently offers 2 grassed areas for tents and self-contained RV’s in the rural township of Wandandian. Enjoy the many species of wildlife, kangaroos, native birds, reptiles and the resident wombats. You can watch the cows and sheep graze. Depending on the time of year you may also view the wonders of new life and witness the beauty of lambing time. Bring a kayak or canoe and enjoy the views along beautiful Wandandian Creek. Challenge yourself to reach the mouth of the St Georges Basin or throw a line and catch a fish for dinner. We are pet friendly; however, all pets must be on a leash or lead at all times due to the livestock on property. Remember to have your furry family member protected from ticks and don’t forget to protect yourself as well. Campfires are permitted in designated areas outside of the Bushfire Danger period. Fire pits will be supplied when you are within those periods. These are unpowered sites and you will need to be self-contained with camping toilet, shower and water, taking all waste with you when you go. You will be camped 15 minutes from Huskisson. Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet if you feel like venturing further for a swim in the ocean or a meal in a restaurant.
from 
AU$85
 / night
Babbling Brook 4WD Camping

5. Babbling Brook 4WD Camping

100%
(663)
70km from Lake Illawarra · 15 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
AU$121
 / night

Bringing your pets to Lake Illawarra? You’ve got over 220 pet-friendly camping options to choose from, with prices starting at just $27 a night and an average around $85. Sites range from bushland clearings to spots close to the water, and many allow campfires. Practical touches matter here—expect showers, toilets, and plenty of space for your dog to roam. Locals hike the escarpment trails, saddle up for a bit of horseback riding, and spot black cockatoos early in the morning. For a tried-and-tested stay, check out Babbling Brook 4WD Camping (348 reviews), Buxton Getaway (268 reviews), or Otford Park nr Royal National Park (251 reviews). Book a spot that suits your style, leash up, and get out there.

97% (3.7K) 166 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Illawarra

La Estancia Hideaway at Jervis Bay

1. La Estancia Hideaway at Jervis Bay

100%
(36)
57km from Lake Illawarra · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Whether you’re travelling with your partner, your best friends, or your favourite four‑legged companion, La Estancia Hideaway is a welcoming base for your Jervis Bay adventure. Thoughtful touches, a private outdoor bath, and a cosy communal glamping area create a space where every adult guest feels comfortable and cared for. It’s a quiet, inclusive bush escape 5 minute drive from the sandy white beaches where you can enjoy nature without crowds, noise, or pressure — just open skies, birdsong, and room to breathe. For more information and reservations feel free to message us. We can't wait to welcome you to the natural beauty of Jervis Bay at La Estancia Hideaway! 🏕️🏖️
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$146
 / night
Lyrebirds Nest

2. Lyrebirds Nest

98%
(82)
60km from Lake Illawarra · 2 sites
Welcome to Lyrebirds Nest, a quiet bush escape. Lyrebirds Nest cottage is situated in the bush with forest views from the balcony and rooms. The cottage is setup for glamping with an wood stove, queen bed (BYO linen), sofa, electricity, filtered water (hot and cold), hot indoor shower and composting toilet. A bar fridge and microwave is also provided. The open fire is not to be used. The surrounding land on the property includes a lake with jetty, sauna, olive grove, orchard and chicken coup. There are great hikes on the property or you can follow the creek and continue into the State Forest. There is plenty of wildlife to see, a bird lovers paradise with plenty of Lyrebirds, king parrots, black cockatoos to name a few. You're welcome to stay in the cottage or camp by the lake. Located half way between Canberra and Sydney, and 15 minutes walk from Penrose station with easy access to all the Southern Highlands has to offer.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from 
AU$303
 / night
The Wandy Donkey Camp

3. The Wandy Donkey Camp

97%
(176)
68km from Lake Illawarra · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Located 15-minute drive to the glorious beaches of Jervis Bay, 2.5 hrs south of Sydney and 2.5hrs east of Canberra The Wandy Donkey Camp offers 150 acre property for you to rest without the hustle and bustle of the south coast. Created for families wanting to explore the beauty of the South Coast. With a natural stream that traverses the property there is much for you to observe and enjoy. Watching the Cows and Sheep graze or admiring the Alpacas long necks. There is also donkeys you might get to interact with along with seasonal (spring) baby goats. You will be able to sit with nature by the little stream watching for the wombats, kangaroos and lizards as they do their thing. Only 15 minute drive to nearest beaches, you can enjoy some great cafes and restaurants around the local Shoalhaven area. Travel 30 minutes south to Bendalong and feed the stingrays. Head west up the mountain to beautiful Jerrawangla lookout and Tianjara Falls. Located in the heart of the Shoalhaven, The Wandy Donkey Camp is central to all your coastal experiences. Kate your host, has a wealth of local knowledge that will get you started on your South Coast adventure. This is a, you bring, you take, experience leaving no physical trace behind. But leaving with a great story to share with your loved ones. Talk to Kate to arrange a detailed, up-close interaction with the farm animals.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
AU$73
 / night
Fat Lamb Farm Camping

4. Fat Lamb Farm Camping

97%
(31)
69km from Lake Illawarra · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Situated 2.5 hours south of Sydney and 2.5 hours from Canberra, Fat Lamb Farm currently offers 2 grassed areas for tents and self-contained RV’s in the rural township of Wandandian. Enjoy the many species of wildlife, kangaroos, native birds, reptiles and the resident wombats. You can watch the cows and sheep graze. Depending on the time of year you may also view the wonders of new life and witness the beauty of lambing time. Bring a kayak or canoe and enjoy the views along beautiful Wandandian Creek. Challenge yourself to reach the mouth of the St Georges Basin or throw a line and catch a fish for dinner. We are pet friendly; however, all pets must be on a leash or lead at all times due to the livestock on property. Remember to have your furry family member protected from ticks and don’t forget to protect yourself as well. Campfires are permitted in designated areas outside of the Bushfire Danger period. Fire pits will be supplied when you are within those periods. These are unpowered sites and you will need to be self-contained with camping toilet, shower and water, taking all waste with you when you go. You will be camped 15 minutes from Huskisson. Jervis Bay, Sussex Inlet if you feel like venturing further for a swim in the ocean or a meal in a restaurant.
from 
AU$85
 / night
Babbling Brook 4WD Camping

5. Babbling Brook 4WD Camping

100%
(663)
70km from Lake Illawarra · 15 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
AU$121
 / night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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