The best dog-friendly campgrounds near Newcastle, New South Wales

Looking for a camping adventure near Newcastle, New South Wales in Australia with your furry friend? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 3,200 options specifically catering to pets, you're sure to find the perfect campsite. Whether you prefer a tranquil stay at Fern Valley Ranch (401 reviews), a picturesque spot at Rivers Run Colo River (389 reviews), or a rustic experience at Bunyip's Camp (577 reviews), Hipcamp has got you covered. Enjoy popular amenities such as pets, campfires, and potable water, and partake in exciting activities like whitewater paddling, swimming, and exploring historic sites. With an average price per night of $35 and options as low as $6, camping has never been more affordable and pet-friendly!

96% (10.6K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Newcastle

Looking for a camping adventure near Newcastle, New South Wales in Australia with your furry friend? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 3,200 options specifically catering to pets, you're sure to find the perfect campsite. Whether you prefer a tranquil stay at Fern Valley Ranch (401 reviews), a picturesque spot at Rivers Run Colo River (389 reviews), or a rustic experience at Bunyip's Camp (577 reviews), Hipcamp has got you covered. Enjoy popular amenities such as pets, campfires, and potable water, and partake in exciting activities like whitewater paddling, swimming, and exploring historic sites. With an average price per night of $35 and options as low as $6, camping has never been more affordable and pet-friendly!

96% (10.6K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Newcastle

1. Ironbark Down

99%

(41)

42km from Newcastle · 12 sites · Tents, RVs

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.

2. Gateway to Port Stephens

89%

(61)

20km from Newcastle · 10 sites · Tents, RVs

Gateway is an open ,grassed, flat area with afternoon shade, we have tents sites available as well as room for RV's. Sites are allocated on a first in first served basis, please make sure to keep the entry way clear for other campers to enter and exit. Our 25 acre property is set on rural farm land adjacent the Worimi Conservation lands at the gateway to beautiful Port Stephens and the Tilligerry Peninsular making it a great place to base while exploring our beautiful paradise. We are located 40 mins from Newcastle ,20 mins from Birubi Beach Anna Bay the northern end of the 32 km long Stockton beach which is well known for its giant sand dunes and great surfing, you can also go for a camel ride while you are there ,it's 30 mins to Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay which has several beautiful beaches and great restaurants. Next door is Oakvale Wildlife Park and close by is Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters and Go carts Go. A boat ramp to the Tilligerry river is 2.5 kms away which is a great area to fish and kayak . Popular bushwalking tracks are also nearby. Our local shops including a Bp foodworks, bakery, bottle shop, fruit and vege and Take away are 2.5 km away. Also close by is Murrays Brewery and Sunset Vines both with great food, wine, beer and weekend entertainment. We have a flushing toilet.Tank water is for onsite usage only and we ask that you are conservative with water usage. Electricity hook up is available within the campsite (bring an extension lead) BYO firewood and please be firesafe at all times Dogs are welcome, for the safety of others campers they must be kept on leash during your stay and please keep dogs away from all horses on the property. We do ask that you take all rubbish with you when you leave, we do supply a bin for recyclables such as bottles and cans only. We are in a rural area so there will be mozzies so bring your insect repellant. Please be respectful to other campers, no loud music at night.

3. Ingenia Holidays One Mile Beach

96%

(58)

36km from Newcastle · 209 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

While many of our holiday parks offer a beachfront location, Ingenia Holidays One Mile Beach takes things up a notch with a 1.6-kilometre stretch of sand, right on your doorstep. Set on the holiday park’s namesake – One Mile Beach – there’s no need to factor in a commute for your morning beach stroll or swim these holidays. If you’re feeling adventurous during your stay, you’re in for a treat with over 26 beaches located in the Port Stephens region including the 32-kilometre Stockton Beach, which is home to the largest sand dunes in the southern hemisphere. It’s these very dunes where you can experience camel rides at sunset or sandboarding down them at high speed. Choose between camping, caravan sites, cabins or villas for your stay at Ingenia Holidays One Mile Beach – with direct beach access available from all villas for those who enjoy the idea of waking up to the sound of rolling waves. While you’ve got the best of Port Stephens less than 15 minutes’ drive away, there’s plenty to keep the family entertained within the holiday park grounds such as a games room, jumping cushion, playground and ball court. Given its position along the coastline, seafood lovers will love the local oyster bars and seafood restaurants close by, like restaurant institution Rick Steins at Bannisters.

4. Webber's Nook Tiny House

60km from Newcastle · 1 site · Lodging

Nestled peacefully in the picturesque Glendonbrook Valley, Webber's Nook is just 2 hrs from Sydney and 15 minutes from all amenities and health services. Our off-grid tiny house is fully equipped with kitchen and bathroom, yet totally self sufficient. Enjoy your findings from the wineries, just 30 minutes away, by the fire pit, or curl up on the sofa with a book. Enrich the soul and escape the city's hustle and bustle on this idyllic working farm. We love dogs, but outside please.

5. Lostock Dam Caravan Park

95%

(22)

73km from Newcastle · 21 sites · Tents, RVs

Bordering the majestic Barrington Tops National Park and nestled in an amphitheater of mountainous surrounds, we have all the right ingredients to take you to a reality where you can forget the grind of your everyday life. Allow yourself to be taken away by the serenity of unspoiled nature, of beautiful Paterson and Allyn Rivers. Tranquillity is waiting for you at Lostock. We have both powered and unpowered site options available. Year round activities at Lostock include: Canoeing in river and or dam Swimming Fishing Barrington Tops offers a bushwalker’s paradise, with an excellent walking track network that includes short and easy walks and push bike tracks 4 Wheel Driving Star Gazing Motorbike Riding Bird Watching

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Jeremy

2 weeks ago

5 m car

Weekend Trip to Lostock Dam Caravan Park

Very Tidy, lots of room we had a group of 12 people, 8 cars very friendly caravan park, close to the river, clean facilities but very old school. People live onsite in van homes but are all very friendly. Would recommend this spot to anyone who wants to chill out and have a relaxing stay away from civilisation, reception is a 10 min drive away for Telstra customers…

A

Amanda

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Ironbark Down

Good flat site for easy camping. Access is via fire trail, and would recommend only 4wd access, especially in rainy conditions. Plenty of tinder and firewood was available, but we didn’t need to use it.

P

PUJAN

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lostock Dam Caravan Park

Very very goooooooooooooooooooood, if you forgot anything which necessary for camping, check at office… meet the host and get your stuff from there………local for vocal.

b

bhavesh

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Lostock Dam Caravan Park

This spot was nicely maintained. Office person were so warm and welcoming.

J

Jenny

October 2025

4 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Ironbark Down

Sonia was lovely to deal with and very prompt communication. Really peaceful, rustic bush setting, and welcoming of dogs. Facilities currently very basic, and road in had culverts that would be an issue for low vehicles or large vans, but was fine for our 14 foot set up.

H

Harriet

October 2025

Tent

3 nights at Ingenia Holidays One Mile Beach

We stayed here for 3 nights and was one of the best camp sites we’ve stayed in! Reception staff are very welcoming, the site itself is really well maintained and there’s plenty to do. The pool area is perfect, the beach is only a short walk with a cafe/bar/restaurant just by it. Would highly recommend!

J

Jo

October 2025

8 m pop-up camper

With pets

2 nights at Ingenia Holidays One Mile Beach

From booking, checkin & checkout was faultless. Staff are very friendly & helpful. Real pride is taken. Enjoyable & would recommend.

Unpowered sites, with excellent views of Lostock Dam wall

I

Iain

October 2025

9 m travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Lostock Dam Caravan Park

Awesome views, basis amenities. No phone signal which is a plus. Good swimming

J

Janine

October 2025

3 m pop-up camper

With pets

1 night at Ironbark Down

Plenty of space to set up a camp for the night. Very convenient having a toilet there and soap and hand sanitiser provided was a lovely touch. Found the camp without any problems. Great directions from Sonnia on how to get there. Plenty of piles of firewood for the night. For my kids first camping experience, I must say they did enjoy it and asked to go back again.

D

Daniel

October 2025

9 m pop-up camper

With kids

Weekend Trip to Ironbark Down

A nice little property hidden away close to Cessnock. Even at full capacity there was heaps of room between everyone's campsite. It was great to be able to have a camp fire and toast a few Marshmallows with the kids.

S

Shane

October 2025

8 m travel trailer

With kids

3 nights at Ironbark Down

We had a great stay at Ironbark. Sonnia was a very friendly host who loved her property. We had three nights here which gave us time to explore the land and visit the wineries close by. The first two nights we had the place to ourself then the last night a lot of people came for the long weekend. It was perfect for our 5yo son who was able to play all day with the new arrivals. Highly recommend this spot.

V

Viet Phong

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Ironbark Down

The site is incredible. Heaps of wood around that you can use. Not enough water for washing hand though

T

Tokiko

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Ironbark Down

We, 2 families together traveled from Sydney and stayed 1 night at Ironbark down campsite. It’s a beautiful campsite with plenty of nature and land. Our children enjoyed campfire and running around in the nature.

R

Rob

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Ironbark Down

At short notice stayed overnight. What’s an awesome private spot with a great little amenities block. Rode in on an Adventure bike, no problem with great direction. Had a fire too, I’ll be back.

Waz

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Ironbark Down

I loved my time at this camp. The peace and tranquility allowed me to relax and reset from the daily stresses of being a busy person. There was plenty of firewood available for the cool nights and no mosquitoes which was a huge bonus. Thanks for having me Sonnia 😊

I

Ian

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lostock Dam Caravan Park

The campsite was good value at $50 for two people for two nights. The problem was that Hipcamp charged me $86 to camp there. I learnt my lesson and will try my hardest to never book through Hipcamp again.