The best dog-friendly campgrounds near North Ryde, New South Wales

Bringing your pets along? North Ryde has over 500 pet-friendly camping spots, so you won’t need to leave your furry mate behind. Expect to pay around $58 a night, but you’ll find options dipping as low as $20. Most sites welcome campfires, allow pets, and have showers, making it easy to settle in after a day out. Locals head to Fern Valley Ranch (788 reviews), Jila Camp Grounds (749 reviews), and Myrtle Ridge farm (491 reviews) for easy access to hiking trails, creek swims, and a solid chance of spotting wallabies at dusk. North Ryde’s terrain moves from open paddocks to bushland, so you’ll find a spot that suits your camping style. Bring your pet, light a fire, and explore the local wildlife right from your tent flap.

94% (6.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Bringing your pets along? North Ryde has over 500 pet-friendly camping spots, so you won’t need to leave your furry mate behind. Expect to pay around $58 a night, but you’ll find options dipping as low as $20. Most sites welcome campfires, allow pets, and have showers, making it easy to settle in after a day out. Locals head to Fern Valley Ranch (788 reviews), Jila Camp Grounds (749 reviews), and Myrtle Ridge farm (491 reviews) for easy access to hiking trails, creek swims, and a solid chance of spotting wallabies at dusk. North Ryde’s terrain moves from open paddocks to bushland, so you’ll find a spot that suits your camping style. Bring your pet, light a fire, and explore the local wildlife right from your tent flap.

94% (6.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Down by the Hawkesbury - Exclusive

98%

(150)

36km from North Ryde · 1 site · Tent, RV · Pitt Town Bottoms, NSW

Originally settled in 1889 "Bobs Grant" this lovely property and the surrounding land was originally used for farming but is now mostly turf farms. Enjoy our little getaway down by the Hawkesbury River only 10 minutes from historic Windsor. A beautiful river shack for your use exclusively, including fire pit with direct access to the Hawkesbury river. Destroyed in the March and July 2022 floods, we have now re-built and are loving welcoming back our guests. Bring your caravans, tent or swag - all are welcome! Unfortunately, boats are not. Relax and enjoy the serenity whilst being only 1 hour from Sydney. We offer the site to one group only, a maximum of 20 guests. However note, we are not a place for rowdy groups and parties. Groups are welcome here to enjoy the time with their family and friends, play a little music and relax by the river. The river can get busy (which is great after the floods as it has been dead for so long) and so can the road across the river but if you are enjoying your family and friends you won't even notice! We have one basic toilet, and one river water shower available too! Please bring your own drinking water. Fires are only permitted when allowed, in the designated areas only.

2. Brightwater

99%

(111)

70km from North Ryde · 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.

3. Halifax Hill

96%

(53)

56km from North Ryde · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · St Albans, NSW

A secluded bush block about 3.5km from the historic village of St Albans. Accommodation includes a quirky 'mountain shack' up the hill, and a grassy paddock for camping nestled at the foot of the hill. 'Halifax Hill' provides an easily accessible bush escape from the hustle and bustle of Sydney, and a great camp from which to explore the local area. Enjoy the local swimming hole, nearby bushwalks, the historic pub ('The Settlers Arms'), explore the historic convict trail and more.

4. Camden Holiday Park

48km from North Ryde · 89 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Sydney, NSW

Set in the historic town of Camden, this relaxed holiday park offers a comfortable and convenient place to stay in Sydney’s southwest. Camden Holiday Park, formerly Poplar Tourist Park, welcomes visitors looking for a quiet spot to rest close to town. Guests can choose from cabins, caravan sites and camping areas surrounded by shady trees and open green spaces. Located beside the Nepean River and only a short walk or drive from Camden’s cafes, shops and local attractions, the park provides an easy base for exploring the Macarthur region. With clean amenities, hot showers, friendly staff and a peaceful atmosphere, it’s easy to settle in and enjoy your stay.

5. Wallaby Haven

98%

(60)

80km from North Ryde · 61 sites · Tents, RVs · Cooranbong, NSW

We have a large property , set in a beautiful bush setting with plenty of camping sites available. We have camp sites that range from slightly sloping grassed areas, to large open grassed areas, to private wooded areas. There is a flushing toilet available, access to water, no showering facilities .Direct access to the Onley State forest from our back gate , straight onto the popular 4Wheel drive track CPT 80 rd- Prickly Ridge Rd , ONLEY STATE FOREST. Ideal for motor bikes and 4 wheel drives . All weather access for large campers and caravans. Group bookings available and welcomed. Fires permitted and firewood for sale. We have a motor bike track for kids and adults , plenty of wallabies and other wildlife like Deer wandering around the surrounds .There are four dams on the property with ducks and an orchestra of frogs at night . We ask that you respect our home , sheds and the other cabins within the property .We ask that you leave our little piece of GODS COUNTRY , the way you found it Plenty of bird life and rich in natures beauty .Wake up to Kookaburras laughing and Lorikeets feeding in the many trees.Dogs are welcome but must stay on their leeds unless they are being walked in the forest.Please pick up after your much loved 4 legged baby .10 minutes from the freeway and Morisset.KFC , McDonald’s , Cole’s , Woolworths and many specialty shops. Perfect getaway for a weekend or a spot to stay the night if your headed somewhere

Stories from the community

B

Beck

4 days ago

8 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Down by the Hawkesbury - Exclusive

You will not find a better spot within two hours on Sydney. I’m reluctant to share how good it is in fear of it being booked out next time we go. We went for a family catch up before Christmas. Even though it was a 40 degree weekend it didn’t feel like it under the beautiful shady trees. The river, though busy with boats on the hottest weekend of the year offered a quick refresh in a floating tube. Megan the host was fantastic, responsive and warm. The property itself is immaculate. Beautiful sunsets, My Brother hired Mabel the vintage caravan for the two nights and loved lt. It was the perfect weekend. Thank you so much Megan.

Plenty of space for car campers or tents!

M

Meg

2 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Brightwater

We had a great stay here. Cath was very welcoming and the site was exactly as described. Such a peaceful spot with beautiful Bush walks nearby too. Highly recommend!

I

Isha

3 weeks ago

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Halifax Hill

We enjoyed a ur stay at this unique and quite spooky place in mountain shack. We were intrigued by the whole maximalist vibe of the house and loved everything about it. It was peaceful we had everything we needed and our host were communicative and great which made everything perfect

Tracey

3 weeks ago

5 m pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Down by the Hawkesbury - Exclusive

This is the 3rd time our group of 20 have stayed here. Just as amazing as the last times. It's so relaxing and spacious for a large group. The facilities great and awesome to explore the local area. This time it was exploring near by Bilpin with great markets and cider. Megan and her husband are fantastic hosts. We are already looking forward to our next stay

N

Naomi

3 weeks ago

6 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wallaby Haven

Plenty of land to set up and backs onto the Onley State Forest. We went for a bush walk in the morning. Bella our dog had fun playing with Wes the dog on site. Facilities were clean, there are tables and fire buckets on site. Fire wood was delivered to us on site. Nigel and Louise were fantastic hosts.

E

Eleni

3 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Wallaby Haven

Second stay here very accommodating host thank you

J

James

3 weeks ago

6 m Class A

Weekend Trip to Wallaby Haven

Exactly what we needed for a stopover while passing through on the Pacific Hwy. Grassy, quiet and well maintained. Plenty of shade, picnic tables, toilets and fire places. Perfect for solar/ Starlink if needed too. We would definitely stay here again.👌

G

Geoffrey

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Down by the Hawkesbury - Exclusive

Fantastic spot, everything you could ever ask for to make a camping experience wonderful. The owners have done an amazing job. Would definitely recommend it and can't wait to go back there.

T

Tom

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Brightwater

Beautiful quite spot, safe for kids with plenty of wildlife around to look at!

V

Vanessa

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Halifax Hill

We loved the shack with the living rock wall. It was so peaceful out there. Helen and Steve sent us all the information we needed before we arrived so it was very easy to find.

A

Andrew

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Brightwater

Great spot, very private and well equipped with shade structure, water, pit toilet, tables, chairs, fireplace and firewood. Great for a family or small group getaway. Nice bushwalks nearby, also a dam for swimming.

N

Nikolai

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Halifax Hill

We absolutely loved the shack! It was full of life, art and amazing sculptures and it was so lovely during the summer. Lots of animals and insects around the place, so definitely felt like the whole place was alive and happy! We had an amazing time.

M

Martin

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Brightwater

The experience was perfect. The campsite is close to a stream and a pond, with a great fire pit and tap water , a large shed to enjoy leisure time, and a convenient toilet. There are also several excellent hiking trails nearby, where you can enjoy the natural beauty when the weather is nice. It's easy to get in and out, and you don't need a 4x4 to get there(i drive a suv). All in all, it was an unforgettable experience. Five stars recommended!

G

Geoff

October 2025

3 m pop-up camper

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Down by the Hawkesbury - Exclusive

We just had the best weekend of camping at Down by the Hawkesbury. The site is so beautiful, and the facilities (particularly the undercover area) are excellent. The pizza oven had to change nationality for our curry night, so it could produce K & T’s amazing naan bread. Our group all had a wonderful time and we are so looking forward to our next stay at the end of the year. Thank you so much Megan and Trevor, you both made our stay so easy to arrange, and it was great when Trevor brought the dogs down to say hello. We would certainly recommend Down by the Hawkesbury to others, but please don’t book it when we want to visit!! Thanks again From our whole group.

Karolin

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Halifax Hill

We absolutely loved our stay at The Mountain Shack & having the whole place to ourselves in the middle of nature. It’s such a unique property — full of charm, quirks, and thoughtful touches. We spent the evening playing board games and drinking wine by candlelight, which made it feel like we’d stepped back in time (a little spooky, but in the best possible way!). There’s plenty of space to explore, we ducked into the nearby town to the Settlers Arms pub during the day, where there was live music playing in the courtyard, it was lovely. The hosts were incredibly communicative and helpful throughout our stay. If you’re after a rustic, one-of-a-kind getaway, this is it.

Nick

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Wallaby Haven

Great spot…nice a quiet and close to Sydney. Almos brand new flushing toilets were a plus!

J

James

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Wallaby Haven

Peaceful, and very well spaced campground. Clean toilets and helpful hosts when asked questions. Would camp here again for sure.

G

Gavin

October 2025

2 m pop-up camper

2 nights at Brightwater

I found this place to be extremely relaxing. Great bush walks lovely people will definitely be back.

P

Peter

October 2025

5 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Brightwater

A beautiful spot to camp and such amazing amenities we’ve never stayed at a campsite like it and so private

L

Leanne

October 2025

5 m pop-up camper

With pets

4 nights at Down by the Hawkesbury - Exclusive

Loved camping here! Megan and Trevor provided all the essentials we needed! A warm shower, a toilet and a perfect hut with a gorgeous fireplace. Direct access to the water so the kids could splash. We will definitely return! Thanks so much guys!