The best dog-friendly caravan campgrounds near Patonga, New South Wales

Patonga is a peaceful beachside town on the southern end of New South Wales’ Central Coast, separated from northern Sydney by the mouth of the Hawkesbury River. Many visitors come on day trips from Palm Beach, as a ferry connects the nearby towns of Ettalong and Wagstaffe with Sydney’s Northern Beaches. It’s easy to stay for longer, though, as there’s a large, well-equipped campground in Patonga itself, and further options in nearby towns and national parks. It’s worth lingering to enjoy the swimming, kayaking, SUP boarding, and chilled-out beach vibes.

94% (9.3K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Patonga is a peaceful beachside town on the southern end of New South Wales’ Central Coast, separated from northern Sydney by the mouth of the Hawkesbury River. Many visitors come on day trips from Palm Beach, as a ferry connects the nearby towns of Ettalong and Wagstaffe with Sydney’s Northern Beaches. It’s easy to stay for longer, though, as there’s a large, well-equipped campground in Patonga itself, and further options in nearby towns and national parks. It’s worth lingering to enjoy the swimming, kayaking, SUP boarding, and chilled-out beach vibes.

94% (9.3K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Shady Acres Colo River

99%

(189)

46km from Patonga · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · Central Colo, NSW

This property is a Pristine Riverfront property in Colo Valley. It is a tidal river with sandy shallow sandbars and 10ft deep swimming holes. There is an abundance of native animals here including kangaroos, lyre birds, lace monitors, platypus and more! Access is via a short dirt driveway to the riverfront camping area. The access is 2wd unless there has been significant rain it becomes 4wd access.We can accommodate both small and large groups with sites just steps away from the river. We have 2 water entrances, one is a large grassed area with shallow water which is great for kids & families. The other entrance is a natural sandy entry with a deeper swimming area suitable for adults. We also have a beautiful lagoon area where I can arrange additional campers. We have built some new flushing toilets (3) with a hot water shower.We are very accommodating of your pets. We welcome dogs and can host horses in one of the paddocks. Please ensure you contact the host prior to your stay if you are bringing any animals. We have canoes & floats which you can hire to paddle up the river. Additional activities here include fishing, swimming, bushwalking, canoeing & birdwatching. We are also only a 5 minute drive to Colo Riverside Cafe.We also have 2 beautiful brand new glamping tents that you can hire. Please see our extras.I look forward to meeting you soon!

2. Dharawal Camp

99%

(164)

78km from Patonga · 1 site · Tent, RV · Wedderburn, NSW

Dharawal Camp offers all the benefits of glamping. Enjoy a peaceful night's rest in your tent/vehicle, then hop out of bed and enjoy the peaceful surrounds of the cabin with access to a kitchen area supplying rainwater. With the secluded bush surroundings and the quiet, it's hard to believe you're only an hour away from Sydney. You might even see a Koala There is strictly no accomodation in the Cabin. The camp features a camping toilet and bathing facilities, gas bbq, a kitchen washing area, NO FRIDGE, a recreation space and dining table when the weather is bad. All you need to do is roll out your swag. Campers are encouraged to take their rubbish with them. There is access to power for campervans/caravans. Warm your toes at the outdoor fireplace whilst you chat with friends. (Please bring own firewood). You will be a 10 minute drive from the beautiful Dharawal National Park which has wonderful swimming holes and bush walks. The site is 15 minutes drive from Campbelltown, which offers all amenities of a large metropolitan city.

3. Ingenia Holidays Lake Macquarie

95%

(39)

51km from Patonga · 89 sites · RVs, Lodging · Mannering Park, NSW

Stay in a picturesque location mere footsteps from lapping water at Ingenia Holidays Lake Macquarie! Located alongside the largest coastal saltwater lagoon in Australia on the North Coast of New South Wales, you can choose to stay in waterfront villas, holiday cabins or grassy, powered campsites for lakeside holiday bliss. Bring the boat and access the park’s private boat ramps into Lake Macquarie, or visit nearby beaches, walking trails or national parks. If you’d rather stay in, access the park’s amenities and enjoy the jumping cushion, swimming pool and BBQs, or hire a kayak or a stand-up paddle board!

4. Lion entrance

26km from Patonga · 20 sites · Tents, RVs · Sydney, NSW

Green land with a beautiful lake near sydney

5. Down by the Hawkesbury - Exclusive

98%

(149)

40km from Patonga · 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.

Stories from the community

Tracey

2 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

Lauren

3 weeks ago

6 m pop-up camper

With kids

Weekend Trip to Dharawal Camp

2nd visit to this beautiful place. Everything you need to have a wonderful stay. Kids had a great time as well! 😀

G

Geoffrey

3 weeks ago

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.

G

Greg

November 2025

8 m Class A

With pets

2 nights at Ingenia Holidays Lake Macquarie

Very nice location near the water. Newish facilities and quiet

Graham

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Shady Acres Colo River

Absolutely loved our weekend there. There was another group at the same time but the setup meant we couldn’t hear anything whatsoever. Right by the river which was nice. Got a decent shower, thunder and lightening on the first night and the ground still held up absolutely fine. Lisa had some big tables and even a bbq available to use which was a lovely bonus.

Troy

November 2025

6 m Class A

With pets

Weekend Trip to Ingenia Holidays Lake Macquarie

Friendly staff. Has everything you want and a cheap price for what you get

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.

A

Alex

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Shady Acres Colo River

Amazing location and Lisa is a great host - everything we could have asked for. We will be back!

M

Matthew

October 2025

5 m Class B

2 nights at Ingenia Holidays Lake Macquarie

Ingenia Holidays Park is exactly as advertised. I occupied a single site for a couple of nights while I was working in the area but there are also plenty of activities and amenities for the family to enjoy. The shower amenities are plentiful and hot.

E

Emily

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Dharawal Camp

Our first time camping with the kids and we had a great time. The cabin with drinking water and toilet/shower was very convenient and very useful for storing things. Outdoor pizza oven was a big success. Was great to find a camp site so close to Sydney where we could also take our dogs. A short drive to the national park where we enjoyed hiking with the kids to the Minerva Pool.

Linda

October 2025

3 nights at Dharawal Camp

Such a quiet place, the cabin was handy and had games, a ping pong table, electricity, a shower, toilet, fire pit, outdoor wood stove and hot water. Plenty of space for two tents, a swag and a 3x3m gazebo, 4 adults, 2 kids and a dog. The owner even come down to say hello and then left us alone for the rest of our trip. Was close enough to major shops but far enough away that you felt like you were in the middle of nowhere.

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!

A

Anne-Kathrin

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Dharawal Camp

We had the best long weekend here. Our group of 10 friends plus a Labrador puppy enjoyed the super well setup campsite with a well organised campfire area and extra smooth and flat camping area. The hut with power, running (hot) water, clean compost toilet, a gas bbq, pizza oven, ping pong table and cooking basics made life super comfortable and easy and David was lovely too. This is probably our favourite campsite ever.

Soojin

October 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at Down by the Hawkesbury - Exclusive

Lovely private location with all the luxury additions of flushing toilet, hot shower/water, electricity, fridge and covered area. Lots of space to set up and hang out. Megan was a lovely host with great communication.

Lucy

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Shady Acres Colo River

We had a great time camping at Shady Acres. Lisa was great and very helpful. There was plenty of space, and lots of firewood available which we really appreciated. The river was lovely for a swim. We loved the sounds of the birds in the morning. The location was easy to find in the daylight but a little tricky to find at night time. We would definitely recommend!

A

Avindra

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Down by the Hawkesbury - Exclusive

This campsite was honestly a dream. We had the whole place to ourselves and it felt like our own private getaway. Super peaceful, heaps of space, and nothing but nature around us. Nights by the fire under the stars were unreal, and mornings were just as good waking up to birds instead of alarms. It was clean, easy, and way more comfortable than we expected. Perfect mix of adventure and chill. If you’re after a camping spot that feels private and special, this is the one. Megan and Trev were very accommodating and super easy to deal with, the pups Coco pops and Millie were a pleasure to have around, Timmy on the neighbouring property was an good bloke Already planning our next trip back!

J

Jackson

September 2025

6 m pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Dharawal Camp

Great stay !! Thoroughly enjoyed this site, felt very private David was helpful with cabins lights and pizza oven instructions We will return for sure.

S

Stephen

September 2025

8 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Down by the Hawkesbury - Exclusive

Megan and Trevor are the most amazing hosts, and their property and outlook is superb. Caravan site right on the magnificent Hawkesbury River, perfect for fishing if that is your desire or just relaxing and seeing the world go by. Surprisingly a shower and toilet was also available plus a private shelter with dining tables and chairs, fireplace and party lights! The outside fire pit was also a bonus. Their rascally sausage dogs were a delight! An amazing place and beautiful hosts - what more could you ask for? Thanks Megan and Trevor.

Y

August 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at Dharawal Camp

We were a group of 5 friends with a dog and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Dharawal Camp. The cabin is great shelter from the rain but is cold, bringing indoor sandals is recommended. The kitchen is well-equipped with plenty of bowls, plates, cups, and mugs. There are some cooking utensils but no pots or pans. There was no fridge but there were 2 decent sized eskies available. Plenty of space for cooking, storage, and hanging out. There is hot water on all taps and the drop toilet is set up well.

Vasilis

August 2025

6 m pop-up camper

With kids

Weekend Trip to Dharawal Camp

Great little getaway for short or long. We did a weekend away and absolutely had a blast. Being so close had almost 3 full days. Having the house to prep food, table tennis and bathroom amenities makes cleaning the kids easy. Nice bush walks, small river to see and plenty of birds around. Pizza Oven was on key for us. Recommend and will be back.

Under $50

“Wywurri 2”

97%

(97)

15km from Patonga · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · Glenworth Valley, NSW

Come and set up camp in an open paddock (14 acres) with 3 dams up on Mangrove Mountain of the hinterland of Gosford, a stones throw from all the Central Coast has to offer. SADDLES restaurant, GLENWORTH Valley. Mooney Mooney Club has great food dine on the verandah at sunset. Walkabout Wildlife Park is almost diagonally opposite the Jones Road entrance. Sommersby Waterfalls. The block is 14 acres adjoining Brisbane Water National Park there are bush trails to Weeney Creek out the back gate. Situated a few minutes off the expressway close to East Gosford shopping, (12 minutes drive) Kariong Shops and service station 9 minutes away Somersby Falls, Woy Woy Falls and Glenworth Valley. Sydney CBD is 67kms south with Newcastle an hour to the North. There are no Amenities here, campers will need to be self contained and leave no trace. Early check-in and late check-out available by arrangement. Additional vehicle access are allowed upon request.

Camden Holiday Park

77km from Patonga · 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.

Canoelands Valley Camping

98%

(350)

22km from Patonga · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Canoelands, NSW

Canoelands Valley Camping is an easy-to-access camping area with magnificent views through the National Park Valley. With only two allocated camping/van zones enjoy the privacy and access to walk around the 40 acres. Located 1.15 hrs from Sydney CBD this is an ideal place for a quick weekend getaway for keen hikers, mountain bikers and nature enthusiasts. Surrounded by the Marramarra National Park you have a short drive to access the Canoelands Ridge Trail (17kms), Duckponds Ridge Trail, Marrarra Ridge to Smugglers Point Ridge Trail. We are a short drive to dine at Wiseman Ferry, and only 11 minutes from the local Woolworths. Or enjoy a beautiful walk at Fagan Park in Galston. Your camping/van area is supplied with red/bins. 2 Portaloos available or camping toilets. Dogs allowed but please let me know first. They will need to be on leash all the time and well behaved. Please pick up after them ANYWHERE they go toilet and also they must be vaccinated. No cats allowed. A campfire during permitted times is allowed but only in the fire pits. There is loads of dried kindling and small logs around the property otherwise please bring your own. All Sites have fire pits. CHILDREN are to be accompanied by an adult at all times if walking around the property. Beautiful spot to relax, with loads of wildlife and bird watching. Please use bins supplied and leave no trace. * There are 4 allocated camp sites. Two are easy(2WD & Vans/trailers) access and have the direct view through the valley. Two require high wheel clearance vehicles (just small hill to drive up with some rocks), these are more private sites(cannot see the other campers) still with lovely views. Please mention what car you have when booking. **Now offering access on weekdays but ONLY Site 1 & 2 (weekend access to Sites 1-4)

Two Shores Holiday Village

90%

(74)

33km from Patonga · 35 sites · Tents, RVs · The Entrance North, NSW

Our picturesque lakefront Holiday Park is surrounded by breath taking surfing beaches and National Parks. Two Shores Holiday Village provides the ideal accommodation and getaway with comfortable cabins and great sites for caravans and camping. Relax to the beautiful sunsets over Tuggerah lake and enjoy lazy walks on the pristine beaches. The Park is an ideal base for boating, fishing, kayaking and with a selection of nearby Restaurants, Entertainment, Golf courses and great shopping Two Shores is a favourite for many visitors. Just 90 minutes north of Sydney, Two Shores Holiday Village is perfectly located for getaways at any time of the year. We accept a maximum of 2 dog. Pet fee is $5 per night per dog, which is payable at the property on arrival. A pet form will need to be completed at time of check in.

NSW Ski Gardens

95%

(846)

32km from Patonga · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Wisemans Ferry, NSW

NSW Ski Gardens is situated on the banks of the Hawkesbury River at Wisemans Ferry. Every October - April is our peak time and its busy! Please be aware there is river noise during our busy times on weekends so may not suit those looking for tranquillity on weekends. During the week it's fine but weekends are busy and a bit noisy. We are 1.2 km from the township along the River Road. There are powered and unpowered sites for caravans and campers set in a rustic location. Amenities include hot showers, laundry, on-site kiosk and boat ramp (fee applicable). BBQ and covered picnic area. Dogs are welcome on leash. Firewood is available for purchase on-site.

Available this weekend

Orchard and Vine

28km from Patonga · 1 site · Tent, RV · Maroota, NSW

Exactly What It Is: A flat, grassy space to camp for the night, secure behind a fence and close to the road for easy access. Large access gates are available, with sunny and shady options to choose from. The cost is $20 per vehicle or tent per night for 2 people, with $10 extra per additional person. Arrival & Departure: Arrive after 12:00 PM and depart by 10:00 AM. Important Notes: Campfires are not permitted due to fire restrictions. Pets cannot be accommodated, as there are animals living on the property. Please take all rubbish with you; the site is fully self-contained. Leave nothing behind. This is a tenanted property with a farmhouse about an acre away, so please only contact the numbers provided with queries. Your camping space will be private and undisturbed. The Property: The property features multiple spring-fed dams with abundant bird and aquatic life, located very close to your camping space. You can walk along the ring track of the main dam. The camping spaces are clear, spacious, and limited in number to provide privacy and comfort for your stay. Services and Amenities: A service station and hamburger takeaway is just 500 meters from the property, offering fuel, food, essentials, public bathrooms, and water. It’s within walking distance or less than a one-minute drive. Location & Attractions: The property is centrally located for local attractions. Wisemans Ferry is a 10-minute drive away, offering pubs, cafés, shopping, swimming, fishing, recreation, and a boat ramp on the Hawkesbury River. Historic convict trails and scenic drives are nearby, along with roadside stalls selling baked goods and local produce. Seasonal “pick your own” fruit is available in the area. Glenorie village is 20 minutes away, with shops and healthcare services. The region features many local rural farm businesses and is just a one-hour drive from Sydney city. Save money and avoid noisy, crowded caravan parks—this is the perfect private camping spot. See you soon! Orchard and Vine

Bielany Campground @ Colo River

85%

(213)

45km from Patonga · 40 sites · Tents, RVs · Wheeny Creek, NSW

Established on the banks of the beautiful Colo River by the Polish scouts over 70 years ago, Bielany has been a native campground ever since. It is maintained by the Polish Foundation in NSW and managed by Cassandra and Rick. We have flushing toilets and unisex hot showers. Bielany is a native campground so u will not find dump points etc or 5 star luxury but u will have a million star view Feel free to visit us anytime.

Canoelands Orchard Camping

98%

(305)

20km from Patonga · 20 sites · Tents, RVs · Canoelands, NSW

Canoelands Orchard Camping and Fruit Picking, is located just 1 hour from Sydney's CBD. The property is 81 acres in total with a small shop and cafe onsite. We offer pick your own fruit so are open to the public daily (closed on occasion). Trading hours can be viewed at www.bookingscanoeladns.com. We are surrounded by the stunning valley views of Marra Marra National Park. Guests can enjoy hiking, wandering the orchard picking fresh produce, taking a tractor ride, feeding the animals and relaxing. Please note we are a working farm so sometimes tractors and vehicles can be heard working from 7am. There will be foot traffic and possibly tractor rides operating near some of the sites although we will do our best to respect your privacy while you are here. We also have a quarry surrounding most of the property, so they sometimes operate machinery early. This is not generally too disruptive though. We are just 15 minutes' drive from the beautiful historical Wiseman's Ferry and the Hawkesbury River. There are multiple hiking tracks located close by. We have several sites to offer around the property. We have a beautiful huge dam just 350m down the gully. It’s super peaceful although a steep walk down the driveway to access, it's definitely worth it, so pack your walking shoes and some swimmers.

C Colo - just beautiful

94%

(348)

43km from Patonga · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Colo, NSW

Our property contains the first road in and out of Colo - the original road is supported by hand built dry rock walls some of which are over 3 m high. Often referred to as convict built, but more likely built by freemen who were former convicts. The property housed the load master's residence who controlled the cargo boats that docked to collect the valley’s produce. This was then transported back down the Colo River which flows into the Hawkesbury river and leads to Broken Bay following the coastline down to Old Sydney Town. The beach diagonally across the river was landed upon by members of the First Fleet’s exploratory scouting party on the lookout for quality farm land - some of which is still in production today. Our property is on the uppermost reach of freshwater but with tidal influence. This deep water allows swimming and canoeing all year round. Our property is adjacent to the only council built canoe launching facilities on the Colo River.

Jila Camp Grounds

96%

(1280)

57km from Patonga · 47 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Yarramundi, NSW

Welcome to our family-friendly camping haven nestled in the picturesque Grose Valley, just a short drive from Sydney. Our campsite offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and family-friendly activities to create lasting memories for you and your loved ones. Family-Friendly Atmosphere: At our campsite, families are at the heart of everything we do. We understand the importance of creating a safe and enjoyable environment for kids, ensuring that families can bond and create cherished moments together. Our grounds are designed to cater to the needs of families, with designated family-friendly areas and activities suitable for all ages. Respectful Enjoyment: To maintain the family-friendly atmosphere, we kindly request campers to adhere to our quiet hours starting at 9 PM. We discourage those not oriented towards family activities and serene evenings, ensuring everyone can enjoy the tranquility of the natural surroundings. River Adventures: For water enthusiasts, our campsite boasts a pristine river where you can swim, fish, and kayak to your heart's content. Imagine spending a lazy afternoon on the water, teaching your kids to fish or paddling along the gentle current. It's an idyllic setting for aquatic family adventures. Riverside Camping: With over 600 meters of riverside campsites spread across 50 acres of lush bushland, you'll find the perfect spot to set up your tent or park your camper. Each site provides a secluded and tranquil escape, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature while still enjoying the comforts of a well-maintained camping area. Explore Nature on Foot or Wheels: Nature enthusiasts will delight in the variety of activities available. Embark on a bushwalk, discovering the flora and fauna that call the Grose Valley home. Mountain biking enthusiasts can navigate our trails, exploring the landscape on two wheels. There's always an adventure waiting just beyond your campsite. Campfires and Seasonal Delights: As the sun sets, gather around a crackling campfire with family and friends. We provide plenty of firewood to keep the flames dancing, creating the perfect atmosphere for storytelling and bonding. And when the season is right, don't forget to grab some homegrown avocados or contribute a small donation for kayak hire—all proceeds go to Beyond Blue, supporting mental health initiatives. Proximity to Richmond: Just a 10-minute drive away lies Richmond, a town with a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. Explore the blend of modern suburbia and historical landmarks, adding a touch of culture to your camping experience. Supporting a Cause: Extra vehicles are welcome with a small fee, and rest assured, all proceeds go to Beyond Blue, supporting mental health awareness and initiatives. Camp Before Sunset: For a stress-free and safe camp setup, we recommend arriving before sunset. This ensures you have ample time to settle in, allowing you to start your camping adventure on a comfortable note. Discover your secluded spot to swim, camp, fish, or simply relax. Join us in the Grose Valley for a camping experience that caters to the whole family, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Star Hosts in Patonga

Myrtle Ridge Farm

98%

(741)

25km from Patonga · 33 sites · Tents, RVs · Ourimbah, NSW

Private camp paddock located right on the banks of Ourimbah Creek. Enjoy a peaceful setting surrounded by nature, with a walking track and plenty of local fauna to spot. The property is close to all the Central Coast’s top tourist attractions, making it the perfect base for your stay. This circular campground is ideal for family get-togethers or accommodation for local weddings. The farm has been in the same family for over 80 years and offers a genuine country experience. The site is a large, flat paddock with plenty of open space and privacy, surrounded by a tall hedge of trees. Our Bottom Creek Camp is also available nearby. You’ll find plenty to see and do in the area, including: Beautiful Central Coast beaches, just 20 minutes away Strickland State Forest walking trails and waterfalls (15 minutes) The Australian Reptile Park, a hands-on zoo (30 minutes) Yarramalong Valley attractions such as Amazement Farm and Fun Park for younger children TreeTops Adventure Park for climbing and ziplining (15 minutes) Aqua Splash Gosford, a floating water park for all ages (open in summer) And for the grown-ups, a day trip to the Hunter Valley Wineries, Australia’s oldest wine region Come and experience the best of both worlds — peaceful country camping just a short drive from all that the Central Coast has to offer.

Fern Valley Ranch

99%

(1209)

21km from Patonga · 19 sites · Tents, RVs · Somersby, NSW

**WE ARE NOT TAKING CHECK-INS ON CHRISTMAS DAY, but you can stay over Christmas Day** ----- Are you looking for a retreat to get away from the city, or a refreshing alternative to a caravan park along your journey? We have CAMPSITES nestled in our Orchard or in the Pine Trees paddock, (with nearby amenities); or for more of a comfortable and unique stay, try our CHARMING, CONVERTED SCHOOL BUS! Fern Valley Ranch has it all- waterfall viewing, bush walks, animal feeding. Unwind; relax by the campfire with quiet cup of tea (or a beer). Leave the city behind and tune back in to the birdlife and whistle of the breeze among the tall trees. CAMPSITES- Max 5 campers (see Campsite Listing for number and type of dwellings allowed per site.) SCHOOL BUS- Max 4 guests (no pets)- can book separate bus campsites after booking Bus. SCHOOL BUS CAMPING- Get friends to camp next to you in the Bus. *** NO ENTERING ANY WATER ON THE PROPERTY, YOU WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE IMMEDIATELY IF YOU DO NOT RESPECT OUR RULES *** If you want to swim, there are beaches within half an hour from our farm. - We are just an hour between Sydney and Newcastle; and 15 minutes to Gosford. THINGS TO DO IN THE CENTRAL COAST: - Australian Reptile Park - Great North Walk - Fire Creek Botanical Winery - Mount Penang Farmers Market - Mangrove Creek Dam - Many Cafes & chocolate shop -BEACHES: The Entrance, Toowoon Bay, Shelley, Terrigal - Gosford Regional Gallery - Edogawo Commemorative Gardens - Take a drive to the small village of Spencer - Golf clubs are all nearby.

Bunyip's Camp

96%

(1453)

56km from Patonga · 19 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Martinsville, NSW

At the foot of the Watagan mountains, close to the Watagan 4WD tracks, picnic areas, and bike tracks. Also close to Lake Macquarie where you will find fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing etc. About a 20 - 40 min drive to beautiful beaches. Ideal for those wanting to be surrounded by birds, nature and a couple of friendly doggos. Also great for people wanting to try out their new camper, van or tent for the 1st time as we are an easy 1 hour drive north of Sydney on the M1 and close enough to shops for those forgotten items. Also we have unfenced dams and waterways, if you are camping with young children please consider carefully and let me know before booking. We have very basic bathroom facilities of 1 flushing toilet in the shed and an outdoor warm shower. Please read the site rules and camping conditions to ensure this site suits your needs.

"DeView" Colo River Valley Camping

99%

(704)

48km from Patonga · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · Central Colo, NSW

Beautiful property, nestled in the Colo Valley, next to the pristine Colo River. We have cleared grassy paddocks, some shady areas, and access to the Colo River, one of the most pristine rivers in NSW. Our river access is normally shallow, well-suited to young families or those who just want to lay back and enjoy a refreshing dip. Amazing sunrises, sunsets, and stargazing are provided free of charge along with bird watching, local wildlife, and horses in surrounding paddocks. We offer limited sites to comply with NSW Camping legislation and Hipcamp guidelines and to enable campers to experience the Colo as it should be, listening to the beautiful wildlife and really appreciating the outdoors. Sites are large with varying distance between each to enable you to enjoy the camping experience in your own space. Both paddock sites and limited river spots are available. If planning to stay with friends and you wish to share a site only 1 booking is required, the sites are large, some up to 30m x 30m. IMPORTANT: Pets are allowed on a case-by-case basis, with conditions, and a $20 fee applies. Please check with Hosts before booking. Once approved, please add the Pets Extra when booking. (Saturday night 2-night minimum) There is no mobile reception or internet access, therefore, providing a true off-grid retreat. Self-sufficient campers are preferred. There are fire drums available on each site, most with grill plates - subject to RFS bush fire danger ratings on the day. There are three communal flushing toilets and two awesome hot water showers! ALL waste is to leave with you! There are local bush walks through National Parks and great places for mountain bike riding although be mindful of holiday traffic in peak times on our local dirt roads. The local shop, Colo Riverside is open 4 days a week Thurs-Sun, just 10kms up the road providing last-minute supplies, ice, bottle shop, and cafe services. Please note: Due to our location bookings may be canceled at short notice in times of bad weather due to flooding, limited access, fire or flood warnings. We trust you will understand we are only looking out for your safety and of course, Hipcamp credits will be arranged.

Wattle Valley Farm

97%

(950)

72km from Patonga · 33 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Paynes Crossing, NSW

Welcome to Wattle Valley Farm! Nestled on 100 stunning acres along the iconic Wollombi Brook, our property is a haven for native wildlife. During your stay, you might spot wombats, kangaroos, echidnas, goannas, kookaburras, or black cockatoos—nature’s most charming neighbors! Explore our property on walking trails that lead to local aboriginal cave art and a scenic river walk, perfect for reconnecting with the great outdoors. Located in the heart of the Wollombi Valley and Hunter Valley wine region, Wattle Valley Farm is your ideal base for adventure. The historic Wollombi village, with its vibrant cafes and famous tavern, is just five minutes away, while the Broke and Pokolbin wine regions are a picturesque 30–40-minute drive. Discover nature, wine, and relaxation—all in one unforgettable escape!

Dog-friendly getaways

Down by the Hawkesbury - Exclusive

98%

(149)

40km from Patonga · 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.

Lion entrance

26km from Patonga · 20 sites · Tents, RVs · Sydney, NSW

Green land with a beautiful lake near sydney

Dharawal Camp

99%

(164)

78km from Patonga · 1 site · Tent, RV · Wedderburn, NSW

Dharawal Camp offers all the benefits of glamping. Enjoy a peaceful night's rest in your tent/vehicle, then hop out of bed and enjoy the peaceful surrounds of the cabin with access to a kitchen area supplying rainwater. With the secluded bush surroundings and the quiet, it's hard to believe you're only an hour away from Sydney. You might even see a Koala There is strictly no accomodation in the Cabin. The camp features a camping toilet and bathing facilities, gas bbq, a kitchen washing area, NO FRIDGE, a recreation space and dining table when the weather is bad. All you need to do is roll out your swag. Campers are encouraged to take their rubbish with them. There is access to power for campervans/caravans. Warm your toes at the outdoor fireplace whilst you chat with friends. (Please bring own firewood). You will be a 10 minute drive from the beautiful Dharawal National Park which has wonderful swimming holes and bush walks. The site is 15 minutes drive from Campbelltown, which offers all amenities of a large metropolitan city.

Ingenia Holidays Lake Macquarie

95%

(39)

51km from Patonga · 89 sites · RVs, Lodging · Mannering Park, NSW

Stay in a picturesque location mere footsteps from lapping water at Ingenia Holidays Lake Macquarie! Located alongside the largest coastal saltwater lagoon in Australia on the North Coast of New South Wales, you can choose to stay in waterfront villas, holiday cabins or grassy, powered campsites for lakeside holiday bliss. Bring the boat and access the park’s private boat ramps into Lake Macquarie, or visit nearby beaches, walking trails or national parks. If you’d rather stay in, access the park’s amenities and enjoy the jumping cushion, swimming pool and BBQs, or hire a kayak or a stand-up paddle board!

Shady Acres Colo River

99%

(189)

46km from Patonga · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · Central Colo, NSW

This property is a Pristine Riverfront property in Colo Valley. It is a tidal river with sandy shallow sandbars and 10ft deep swimming holes. There is an abundance of native animals here including kangaroos, lyre birds, lace monitors, platypus and more! Access is via a short dirt driveway to the riverfront camping area. The access is 2wd unless there has been significant rain it becomes 4wd access.We can accommodate both small and large groups with sites just steps away from the river. We have 2 water entrances, one is a large grassed area with shallow water which is great for kids & families. The other entrance is a natural sandy entry with a deeper swimming area suitable for adults. We also have a beautiful lagoon area where I can arrange additional campers. We have built some new flushing toilets (3) with a hot water shower.We are very accommodating of your pets. We welcome dogs and can host horses in one of the paddocks. Please ensure you contact the host prior to your stay if you are bringing any animals. We have canoes & floats which you can hire to paddle up the river. Additional activities here include fishing, swimming, bushwalking, canoeing & birdwatching. We are also only a 5 minute drive to Colo Riverside Cafe.We also have 2 beautiful brand new glamping tents that you can hire. Please see our extras.I look forward to meeting you soon!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best dog-friendly caravan camping near Patonga guide

Where to go

Sydney’s Northern Beaches

Patonga is only separated from Sydney’s Northern Beaches and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park by the Hawkesbury River. Campers can drive the longer way around or take the passenger ferry from Ettalong or Wagstaffe to Palm Beach. Palm Beach, Whale Beach, and Avalon Beach offer well-equipped campgrounds suitable for all types of campers, while Ku-ring-gai Chase has one campground, the Basin Campground, which can be reached by ferry.

Brisbane Water National Park

Just north of Patonga, the Brisbane Water National Park offers walks, cycling, and fishing, and has some ancient Aboriginal rock art sites. There’s a small, basic bush tent site within the park, as well as a picnic area, or visitors can stay in Patonga or nearby coastal campsites at Umina or Gosford and make day trips into the park. The roads into the park are sealed so two-wheel-drive vehicles have access.

Bouddi National Park

On another peninsula and across Brisbane Water from Patonga but connected by a bridge, the small Bouddi National Park has a golden-sand beach, a popular coastal walk, and fantastic lookout points. There are three beachside campgrounds within the park, which should be booked in advance, and they’re only suitable for tents. Some of the campsites provide drinking water but not all, so come prepared.

When to go

To best enjoy the beautiful beaches around Patonga, visit in summer, when the weather is hot and conditions perfect for going between the sand and the sea. The summer school holiday period will be especially busy at campsites, though. For other outdoor activities such as hiking and biking, spring and autumn are preferable, with cooler temperatures. Winter is the off-season and the weather can be cool and wet but not very cold, so staying in campervans, caravans, and cabins is more comfortable.