The best dog-friendly caravan camping in Northern Rivers

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Encompassing the catchments and fertile valleys of the Clarence, Richmond, and Tweed rivers in northeastern NSW, the Northern Rivers region is a subtropical oasis where beaches are backed by rolling farmlands and national parks. It’s warm enough to camp comfortably year-round across the area, though conditions tend to be drier in winter. Regional highlights include surfing—particularly in Byron Bay—hiking in World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests, and exploring the region’s small hinterland towns. But there’s plenty more to do, from horse-riding to hot-air ballooning and boutique shopping to river cruising. 

96% (4.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Common Grounds

1. Common Grounds

99%
(143)
10 sites · Tents, RVs · Pillar Valley, NSW
Welcome to Common Grounds, where nature feels like home. (previously 'Oceans Reach') Our conservation property is a registered Land for Wildlife sanctuary, and we’ve created a space where native animals and humans alike can feel safe, welcome, and at home. Whether you’re stopping overnight just off the highway or planning a longer escape, Common Grounds is an easy and grounded place to rest, reconnect, and explore. We’re centrally located to some of the best the Clarence Valley has to offer with uncrowded surf beaches, national parks, rivers, and historic towns, all within a short drive. Or a perfect spot over spot between Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay, just off the motorway. Nearby to explore: 🦘 Glenugie State Forest: Right next door! Great for hiking, mountain biking, 4WD trails, wildlife spotting, and peaceful bush walks. 🌊 Brooms Head: A stunning coastal village with tidal pools, a quiet beach, and scenic headland walks 🏖️ Yuraygir National Park: Sprawling coastal park with epic hikes, secluded beaches, and vibrant wildlife 🌿 Wooli & Minnie Water: Pristine beaches, estuary kayaking, snorkelling, and quiet village charm 🏞️ Clarence River towns: Explore Ulmarra, Maclean, or Grafton for riverfront cafes, historic pubs, and local arts. 🐦 Birdwatcher’s paradise: The whole area is alive with native birds and seasonal visitors (black cockatoos, friendly king parrots, kookaburras, and more). Bring binoculars! Wander our own native bushland, rich with flora and fauna, or just sit back and watch the wildlife come to you. We live on-site and are slowly restoring this special land, including the old Grafton Racecourse Beer Pavilion. The composting toilets and clever camp showers were thoughtfully built using recycled materials and offered for campers to use. At night, light a fire, enjoy a cold drink, and take in the stars. We’re easy-going and happy to give you your space. Camp fires must be contained Sept-April. Large fire pits provided and firewood for sale on site. The sites are listed for vehicles under 9m, but if your setup is larger, feel free to contact me and we can usually work something out ☺️ We’d love to welcome you to Common Grounds - a place to land, to breathe, and to feel a little more connected.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$31
 / night
Dungarubba Fields

3. Dungarubba Fields

91%
(180)
5 sites · Tents, RVs · Dungarubba, NSW
Thankyou for considering Dungarubba Fields. We offer you a well located and secure camp-site to explore the North Coast or for that overnight stay while you are travelling to your destination and need a safe place to camp. Our four campsites are spacious and are freshly mown flat grassed sites. Each campsite has 1 or 2 stone circles for campfires, with free kindling and free firewood supplied to all campsites. Whether you are a single traveller, a couple, family or group booking we have the campsite for you. We are family friendly and dog friendly. Dungarubba Fields is a private, rural setting on six acres on Bundjalung country. Four of our camp sites are situated across a small bridge in the back paddock, and one camp site is situated just before the bridge for those self driving campervans with a wider wheel-base. The paddock was once cleared and in recent years we have planted and cared for over 100 new Koala and rainforest trees. After the Northern Rivers floods of 2022 we are now continuing the bush regeneration beside the Dungarubba wetland which borders our property. Our camp-sites offer shade, space, wildlife and birdlife. Campfires are allowed 12 months a year depending on fire ratings and local conditions except on days of Total Fire Ban and the preceding evening going into a Total Fire Ban. We supply the free firewood to each campsite as we understand how important the campfire is to the camping experience. Outside the fire season we can supply a readymade Bonfire at an additional cost to your booking. Hipcampers can access fresh drinking water (rainwater) from our rainwater tanks, with an accessible tap near our home. Hipcampers have access to a downstairs flushing toilet at the house. We offer a Portaloo for larger group bookings situated beside your camp site as an optional extra for an additional cost. The Portaloo needs to be booked when you make your booking. The house on the property was originally built in 1903 as the Catholic Church of the nearby locality Riley's Hill. In the 1940’s it was moved to the current site after low attendance by parishioners who didn’t want to have to row across the Richmond River and get their feet wet to attend Mass. The church sold the building in the 1980’s and it was raised off the ground with two new wings attached on either side to become a private residence. The sugar cane and soybeans, however more surrounding land is being planted to Macadamia nuts which will change the look of the landscape in future. During May to November of an evening, you can look out for the occasional cane fire which is a historic part of the harvesting of sugar. The Richmond River and boat ramp is a short 2 minutes drive for both fishing and water skiing. The Broadwater National Park with sand-dunes and a fishing beach is only a 10 minute drive away. The Pacific Highway is 7 minutes drive away. The beautiful coastal village of Evans Head with shops, a medical clinic and a patrolled beach is just a 15 minutes drive. The nearest townships are Broadwater (2 fuel stations and a pub under new management), Coraki (junction of 2 rivers), Woodburn (pub with a bistro and a laundrette) and Evans Head (a township with most services). We are a 45 minutes drive to Byron Bay and 25 minutes to the coastal city of Ballina up the Pacific Highway or 25 minutes drive inland to the city of Lismore. We welcome friendly dogs and there is plenty of space for them to run around and chase balls or other dogs. Our dog Stella is a 4 year old Blue Heeler, who greets people from the balcony barking as you drive in. Don’t let the barking fool you as she loves visitors and their dogs. We expect owners to be responsible for their dogs and in particularly when there are Koalas close by. We ask dogs not to roam at night as Koalas are nocturnal (and so are other critters) and night-time is when they choose their food tree for the next day and roam around. We are in Core Koala Habitat and love our koalas, we hope you do too. We look forward to hosting you and in creating a sensational camping experience for you. Lise and Pete Dungarubba Fields.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$37
 / night
Nightcap Falls

4. Nightcap Falls

2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Whian Whian, NSW
Up in the hills of Whian Whian (NENSW), the 'Nightcap Falls' offers a range of outdoors activities and stunning waterfalls alongside a cosy indoor dwelling 'at the centre of all your desired adventures'. This property is perfect for friends gathering for an occasion, holidays or even quality couple time. Mountains, Waterfalls, Hiking, Kayaking and Fishing can all be accessed easily from the property. AVAILABLE TO THOSE INTERESTED: Cave and Waterfall Tours can be arranged upon further discussion (and under certain time condition) This tour includes seeing the properties 'exclusive waterfall' along with the glow worms that appear within a 'large and observable cave at dusk (see images). If not interested in the offered tour of the property, there's always the famous 'Whian Whian Falls' and surrounding Nightcap Rainforests NP. Access to a toilet, shower and kitchen is granted with the host living around there corner to assist guests if required. * Camp fires and BBQ's are also permitted
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$51
 / night

Encompassing the catchments and fertile valleys of the Clarence, Richmond, and Tweed rivers in northeastern NSW, the Northern Rivers region is a subtropical oasis where beaches are backed by rolling farmlands and national parks. It’s warm enough to camp comfortably year-round across the area, though conditions tend to be drier in winter. Regional highlights include surfing—particularly in Byron Bay—hiking in World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests, and exploring the region’s small hinterland towns. But there’s plenty more to do, from horse-riding to hot-air ballooning and boutique shopping to river cruising. 

96% (4.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Common Grounds

1. Common Grounds

99%
(143)
10 sites · Tents, RVs · Pillar Valley, NSW
Welcome to Common Grounds, where nature feels like home. (previously 'Oceans Reach') Our conservation property is a registered Land for Wildlife sanctuary, and we’ve created a space where native animals and humans alike can feel safe, welcome, and at home. Whether you’re stopping overnight just off the highway or planning a longer escape, Common Grounds is an easy and grounded place to rest, reconnect, and explore. We’re centrally located to some of the best the Clarence Valley has to offer with uncrowded surf beaches, national parks, rivers, and historic towns, all within a short drive. Or a perfect spot over spot between Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay, just off the motorway. Nearby to explore: 🦘 Glenugie State Forest: Right next door! Great for hiking, mountain biking, 4WD trails, wildlife spotting, and peaceful bush walks. 🌊 Brooms Head: A stunning coastal village with tidal pools, a quiet beach, and scenic headland walks 🏖️ Yuraygir National Park: Sprawling coastal park with epic hikes, secluded beaches, and vibrant wildlife 🌿 Wooli & Minnie Water: Pristine beaches, estuary kayaking, snorkelling, and quiet village charm 🏞️ Clarence River towns: Explore Ulmarra, Maclean, or Grafton for riverfront cafes, historic pubs, and local arts. 🐦 Birdwatcher’s paradise: The whole area is alive with native birds and seasonal visitors (black cockatoos, friendly king parrots, kookaburras, and more). Bring binoculars! Wander our own native bushland, rich with flora and fauna, or just sit back and watch the wildlife come to you. We live on-site and are slowly restoring this special land, including the old Grafton Racecourse Beer Pavilion. The composting toilets and clever camp showers were thoughtfully built using recycled materials and offered for campers to use. At night, light a fire, enjoy a cold drink, and take in the stars. We’re easy-going and happy to give you your space. Camp fires must be contained Sept-April. Large fire pits provided and firewood for sale on site. The sites are listed for vehicles under 9m, but if your setup is larger, feel free to contact me and we can usually work something out ☺️ We’d love to welcome you to Common Grounds - a place to land, to breathe, and to feel a little more connected.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$31
 / night
Dungarubba Fields

3. Dungarubba Fields

91%
(180)
5 sites · Tents, RVs · Dungarubba, NSW
Thankyou for considering Dungarubba Fields. We offer you a well located and secure camp-site to explore the North Coast or for that overnight stay while you are travelling to your destination and need a safe place to camp. Our four campsites are spacious and are freshly mown flat grassed sites. Each campsite has 1 or 2 stone circles for campfires, with free kindling and free firewood supplied to all campsites. Whether you are a single traveller, a couple, family or group booking we have the campsite for you. We are family friendly and dog friendly. Dungarubba Fields is a private, rural setting on six acres on Bundjalung country. Four of our camp sites are situated across a small bridge in the back paddock, and one camp site is situated just before the bridge for those self driving campervans with a wider wheel-base. The paddock was once cleared and in recent years we have planted and cared for over 100 new Koala and rainforest trees. After the Northern Rivers floods of 2022 we are now continuing the bush regeneration beside the Dungarubba wetland which borders our property. Our camp-sites offer shade, space, wildlife and birdlife. Campfires are allowed 12 months a year depending on fire ratings and local conditions except on days of Total Fire Ban and the preceding evening going into a Total Fire Ban. We supply the free firewood to each campsite as we understand how important the campfire is to the camping experience. Outside the fire season we can supply a readymade Bonfire at an additional cost to your booking. Hipcampers can access fresh drinking water (rainwater) from our rainwater tanks, with an accessible tap near our home. Hipcampers have access to a downstairs flushing toilet at the house. We offer a Portaloo for larger group bookings situated beside your camp site as an optional extra for an additional cost. The Portaloo needs to be booked when you make your booking. The house on the property was originally built in 1903 as the Catholic Church of the nearby locality Riley's Hill. In the 1940’s it was moved to the current site after low attendance by parishioners who didn’t want to have to row across the Richmond River and get their feet wet to attend Mass. The church sold the building in the 1980’s and it was raised off the ground with two new wings attached on either side to become a private residence. The sugar cane and soybeans, however more surrounding land is being planted to Macadamia nuts which will change the look of the landscape in future. During May to November of an evening, you can look out for the occasional cane fire which is a historic part of the harvesting of sugar. The Richmond River and boat ramp is a short 2 minutes drive for both fishing and water skiing. The Broadwater National Park with sand-dunes and a fishing beach is only a 10 minute drive away. The Pacific Highway is 7 minutes drive away. The beautiful coastal village of Evans Head with shops, a medical clinic and a patrolled beach is just a 15 minutes drive. The nearest townships are Broadwater (2 fuel stations and a pub under new management), Coraki (junction of 2 rivers), Woodburn (pub with a bistro and a laundrette) and Evans Head (a township with most services). We are a 45 minutes drive to Byron Bay and 25 minutes to the coastal city of Ballina up the Pacific Highway or 25 minutes drive inland to the city of Lismore. We welcome friendly dogs and there is plenty of space for them to run around and chase balls or other dogs. Our dog Stella is a 4 year old Blue Heeler, who greets people from the balcony barking as you drive in. Don’t let the barking fool you as she loves visitors and their dogs. We expect owners to be responsible for their dogs and in particularly when there are Koalas close by. We ask dogs not to roam at night as Koalas are nocturnal (and so are other critters) and night-time is when they choose their food tree for the next day and roam around. We are in Core Koala Habitat and love our koalas, we hope you do too. We look forward to hosting you and in creating a sensational camping experience for you. Lise and Pete Dungarubba Fields.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$37
 / night
Nightcap Falls

4. Nightcap Falls

2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Whian Whian, NSW
Up in the hills of Whian Whian (NENSW), the 'Nightcap Falls' offers a range of outdoors activities and stunning waterfalls alongside a cosy indoor dwelling 'at the centre of all your desired adventures'. This property is perfect for friends gathering for an occasion, holidays or even quality couple time. Mountains, Waterfalls, Hiking, Kayaking and Fishing can all be accessed easily from the property. AVAILABLE TO THOSE INTERESTED: Cave and Waterfall Tours can be arranged upon further discussion (and under certain time condition) This tour includes seeing the properties 'exclusive waterfall' along with the glow worms that appear within a 'large and observable cave at dusk (see images). If not interested in the offered tour of the property, there's always the famous 'Whian Whian Falls' and surrounding Nightcap Rainforests NP. Access to a toilet, shower and kitchen is granted with the host living around there corner to assist guests if required. * Camp fires and BBQ's are also permitted
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$51
 / 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

The best dog-friendly caravan camping in Northern Rivers guide

Where to go

The Tweed

Stretching for about 40 kilometres from Tweed Heads in the north down to Wooyung in the south, and west to the Border Ranges, The Tweed is a verdant coastal farming area dotted with seaside and hinterland campsites. Bask on empty beaches, admire the heritage architecture in tiny towns, tour the region’s farm gates, or take a cruise along the scenic Tweed River.

Brunswick Heads

This once-sleepy fishing town has become nearly as popular as its neighbour to the south, Byron Bay, in recent years. Brunswick Heads hugs the idyllic Brunswick River, popular for swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Sheltered by the southern break wall, Torakina Beach is particularly popular among families. Choose between a number of campgrounds and holiday parks by the riverside, many with cabins and sites for caravans and tents.

Byron Bay to Lennox Head

The legendary surf and wellness hub at Australia’s most easterly point is well equipped for campers, with holiday parks within walking distance of the town centre, campgrounds toward Suffolk Park, 10 minutes south of town, and more at Broken Head. Twenty minutes south of Byron Bay, the quieter coastal town of Lennox Head has holiday parks just steps from the beach and the popular Lake Ainsworth recreation area.

Byron Bay Hinterland

The lush hinterland region west of Byron Bay is dotted with historic villages and pockets of lush subtropical rainforest ripe for hiking and waterfall chasing. The main place to camp is the Rummery Park Campground in Nightcap National Park, with easy access to hiking trails and the spectacular Minyon Falls Lookout. Private campgrounds also dot the area between Byron and Mullumbimby, 30 minutes to the northwest.

Yamba and Iluka

Heading south from Lennox Head, you can camp at Ballina and Evans Head, but the most popular camping spot south of Byron is the Yamba region, on the southern fringe of the Northern Rivers. More than a dozen holiday parks sit between the coastal fishing town of Yamba, on the southern bank of the Clarence River, and Woody Head, in Bundjalung National Park to the north. Between the two lies Iluka, which sits on the northern side of the river mouth. Typical of the NSW North Coast, good surf spots can be found here.

Top regions near Northern Rivers