Beach and dog-friendly camping near Port Macquarie
Beach camping, forest camping, and glamping are all within easy reach from this vibrant coastal city.
97% (2073 reviews)
- Port Macquarie
97% (2073 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Port Macquarie
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12 top beach and dog-friendly campgrounds near Port Macquarie
98%
(1159)
The Hatch Farm - Port Macquarie
23 sites · RVs, Tents150 acres · The Hatch, NSW
Welcome to Port Macquarie's 'The Hatch Farm'; a pet friendly, interactive animal and fishing farm stay! A 150-acre working farm with a stunning outlook over the saltwater Maria River (with a rustic boat ramp and waterway running into the Hastings River).
Located on the Mid North Coast NSW, 4kms off the Pacific Highway, and a quick 13/15-minute drive to the holiday township of Port Macquarie. Port Macquarie is known for its beautiful beaches, coastal scenery and walks, koala hospital, and local strawberry and tomato picking.
Bernard and Susan are custodians of the farm, primarily using the land for poultry (egg), pig, and goat farming. They are transitioning to an off-grid and eco-friendly lifestyle for their retirement.
The Hatch Farm is home to many animals, most of whom are rescues - including border collies, cavalier king charles spaniels, chickens, ducks, pigs, sheep, goats, miniature horses, cows, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs. There is plenty to do and see around the farm from complete relaxation, interacting with the friendly animals (there is usually a variety of babies to cuddle!), to casting a line or launching your boat from the rustic boat ramp.
Friendly pets welcome.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
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Trash
from
AU$25
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(332)
Racecourse Camping
25 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Crescent Head, NSW
Secluded Racecourse Beach is a short drive south of Crescent Head on the mid-north coast of NSW. We have a beautiful 11 acres of coastal land where you can hear the waves as you sleep with the pristine Racecourse Beach only a 5 to 10 minute walk away. We are not directly on the beach and do not have beach access.
Racecourse Beach is a great spot for surfing, fishing and swimming. All you need to do is find one of our intimate sites for you to pitch a tent or pull up with the camper van.
THERE ARE NO AMENITIES SO YOU MUST BE FULLY SELF CONTAINED AND LEAVE NO TRACE.
Each campsite has a fire pit - Firewood is available to purchase from the service station in Crescent Head and you are also welcome to gather wood from the property.
No Dogs.
Campfires
from
AU$15
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
97%
(245)
Fernbank Creek - Port Macquarie
17 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Fernbank Creek, NSW
***FERNBANK CREEK - PORT MACQUARIE***
Six and a half acres of level paddock with two spring fed dams surrounded by tree lines for morning and afternoon shade.
Suitable for self-sufficient vans, tents, camper trailers, motorhomes. You will need your own amenities.
Suggest families with young toddlers camp away from the dams. You can utilise your own fire pit, strictly no glass to be burned. You can find sticks and branches along the tree lines.
All rubbish is to be removed.
Direct road access to the property. Just 7 minutes drive to the centre of Port Macquarie and an easy 2 minute drive from the Pacific Highway on a quiet and scenic road.
Pets welcome, but please be mindful of other guests and our resident pets.
Fernbank Creek Road runs along a natural ‘chain-of-ponds’ water way, wildlife include turtles, ducks, quail, red bills, tawny frogmouth, ring tail possums, sugar gliders and kangaroos to name a few.
Walking distance to local winery and horse riding centre.
We do our best to allow you to access our piece of paradise.
Potable water
Campfires
from
AU$35
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(274)
Macleay Home Camp
12 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Jerseyville, NSW
We are located right on the edge of the Macleay river with lots of space for you to camp near the river front, or in the paddock amongst the green flat grass. Use the camp as a base and head out for a kayak, on the stand up paddle board or simply throw a line in for a spot of fishing. Crabbing is permitted in this area.You need to be fully self-contained with own camping toilet/shower. Relax around the campfire and help the kids toast marshmallows.The beach is within driving distance, it's 5 minutes to townDrinking water is available. Dogs on leashes welcome.Please note that each booking includes 1 drivable + 1 towable vehicle. If your group has more than 1 drivable vehicle, please book a second site. This helps us minimise the impact on our land; we thank you for your cooperation and understanding!
Campfires
from
AU$36
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(158)
Way Way Getaway
5 sites · RVs, Tents55 acres · Way Way, NSW
Minutes away from Scotts Head beach and town, but feels like you’re out in the bush.
Surf famous Scotts head point, or head to the back beaches for some in crowded beach breaks, explore local rural towns, enjoy some peace and quiet!
Fire friendly, pet friendly, family friendly (pretty friendly in general)!
Toilets
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from
AU$30
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
99%
(288)
Belly’s Farm Stay
7 sites · RVs, TentsNorth Haven, NSW
Stay in the small coastal town of North Haven, where you will be a short 5 minute drive from North Haven Beach, or a 5 minute walk to Camden Haven River. There is plenty of space in the paddocks, with a choice of open grasslands and shaded areas with trees.You will need to be fully self-contained with own camping toilet/shower and water supply. Cut firewood for sale or you can gather your own. Your dog is welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times and in your control. Please ensure you get in touch before with a phone call or text with your ETA for arrival so we can meet you at the gate. Please note camping allowed only in paddocks as the rest of the farm is off-limits.Good access for 2WD, caravans & large vehicles.We look forward to welcoming you soon!
Campfires
from
AU$20
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
93%
(358)
Yarralen Retreat
44 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Yarrahapinni, NSW
Yarralen is a beautiful 40 acre property on the mid-north coast of NSW. Situated under Mt Yarrahapinni on the Eastern side of the Pacific Hwy. Halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour. We are surrounded by National Parks and close to pristine beaches , grassy heads , scotts head and the Macleay River.
Please note there is a $10 pet fee for the campsites, and $15 pet fee for lodgings (the two Vans and Units).
We offer a magical bush retreat with all the modern felicities with a range of camping and accommodation options:
-The Eclectic Bush Haven is a family-friendly camping area where kids under 12 yrs camp for free, campers booking this option have access to camp kitchen, toilets and electricity.
-The Yarralen Retreat Camp Ground 2 is a more secluded camping area for off-road campers that are completely self-contained with their own toilet, kitchen facilities and power.
-The Butterfly Caravan and Retro Glam Vans are renovated caravans nestled in the rainforest.
-Yarralen Retreat Glamping are glamping tents offering the perfect romantic escape, or if you just like camping but don't want to set up a tent, this is the perfect choice.
- Our Entire Property Exclusive option means you can book out the whole place for your group to enjoy privately. Please thoroughly read the site description which explains exactly what this option does and does not include.
Our 40-acre property features eclectic, arty, and striking sculptures and artworks. Stroll through the beautiful bush surroundings, visit the water lilies, and say hello to the roaming peacocks.
The campsites are located on a grassed area surrounded by a corridor of tall trees for your shade and comfort.
We're not far from the beach, with Grassy Heads being the closest beach. While you're exploring why not check out Scott’s Head and South West Rocks for the amazing vistas.
Refresh and recharge in the Magnesium pool and detox in our sauna (please book access under our Extras).
Warm your soul around the campfire in the evening. Firewood is available (please see our Extras).
Campers at the Eclectic Bush Haven will enjoy our fantastic camp kitchen, along with amenities including hot showers and flushing toilet. The kitchen is fully equipped with a Webber BBQ, gas cooktop, large fridge, lighting and power. (IMPORTANT: Campers who book the Yarralen Retreat Camp Ground 2 area DO NOT have access to these facilities, we expect campers in this area to be fully self-contained)
For your convenience entry to the property and main camping area is via our asphalt driveway, which suits all vehicles. (IMPORTANT: Campers who book the Yarralen Retreat Camp Ground 2 will need a 4WD to access this secluded part of the property).
Overnight or longer stays are also available for private parties, weddings, retreats, team building - anything possible. Please message us to have a chat.
Peaceful tall timbered bushland with abundant wildlife throughout the property. It's a great experience for kids, feeds the chooks, free-ranging peafowl, rainforest and billabong walks, and amazing gardens.
Campfires are permitted in the communal fire pit area or individual firepits are available to enjoy at your site.
Please use tank water sparingly (for cooking, cuppas) and BYO drinking water.
We offer a range of Extras to make your stay memorable and comfortable:
-Infra-red Detox Sauna
-Magnesium heated Pool
-Firewood for your campfire
We look forward to welcoming you!
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from
AU$25
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
100%
(9)
Cailleach Farm on the River
4 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Johns River, NSW
Potable water
Campfires
from
AU$30
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
91%
(11)
Ingenia Holidays Old Bar Beach
145 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Old Bar, NSW
Breathe in the refreshing coastal air at Ingenia Holiday Parks Old Bar Beach, the park is located on beautiful Old Bar Beach making this the perfect place to stay on your next family holiday. Old Bar Beach is a pet-friendly (leash-off) patrolled beach known for its clear water and long sandy coastline. Ingenia Holiday Parks Old Bar Beach can be found on the sunny mid-north coast of NSW 3.5 hours drive from Sydney, making this the ideal stop for a long weekend or a cheeky midweek getaway.
There is an array of accommodation options available to suit all, including powered sites perfect for caravanners, unpowered sites for those who enjoy camping, and ensuite sites for travelers who enjoy a little bit of luxury. For those who don’t have your own camping equipment Ingenia Holidays Old Bar Beach also has a range of cabins and cottages to suit all budgets and families.
The park is fully equipped for a family-friendly holiday boasting a large swimming pool and playground, camp kitchen, BBQ area as well a large amenities block. Once you have finished exploring the park there is plenty to do in the local area including surfing, beach fishing, kayaking, and amazing bush walking trails just minutes from your doorstep.
If eating is your ideal way to spend time during your holiday you are in luck! you will find loads of cafes and restaurants in the town center, only a few minutes drive from the park. Ingenia Holidays Old Bar Beach is the perfect family-friendly holiday to unwind and get back to nature, whether you are chilling at the park itself or exploring the local area you will leave feeling rejuvenated.
Potable water
Toilets
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Cooking equipment
from
AU$35
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
96%
(132)
Pipe Dream Bush Camp - Dog Friendly
109 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Kempsey, NSW
If you want to avoid the crowds our property is only 10 minutes drive to great local surf and fishing beaches at Crescent Head. There is an abundance of bird life, the odd kangaroos and wallabies, and other wildlife. There is a melaleuca forrest that children are welcome to play in and build a cubby house, and 2 pretty little dams to catch yabbies, and for dogs to enjoy a swim.
The property where camping is provided is approx 20 acres with a limit of 10 groups so you can find your own little piece of paradise.
There is plenty of fire wood for you to collect on the property on your way in. Please help yourself to any fallen timber for firewood but please do not cut any standing trees down. When checking out, ensure you properly extinguish fires and return any unused firewood to the bush.
Dogs are welcome to be here off leash as long as they are well socialised and reasonably obedient. There is large areas for them to run freely and dams to swim in.
It is accessible via a 2WD dirt road, even with a little wet weather. If rainfall is extreme we recommend 4wd's.
The property is completely off grid so we have a 'leave it as you found it' approach. This means you will need a camp toilet, and to take all of your rubbish with you. We are a rural property so do not have rubbish collection services. (Fees apply for any left behind rubbish).
Happy camping!
Toilets
Campfires
from
AU$25
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(22)
Eagles Rest
2 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Byabarra, NSW
If you value your privacy, then you are at the right place. We have just one exclusive campsite on our 40 acres. You are hidden away and guaranteed privacy from the host accommodations.
Private access is by 4WD only.
Farm route is accessible by 2WD in dry weather - check with hosts before or on confirmation of booking.
Access during unpredictable weather will depend on your vehicle/camper/caravan configuration. Please check with host prior if you are unsure. We are more than willing to make it work for you.
On arrival, guests are met by host and directed to the site.
Camp site is a secluded, grassy spot beside the creek, among tall gum trees, where you can enjoy peace and serenity. Perfect for families or group of friends. The creek has lovely shallow areas suitable for kids to splash and play in.
Occasionally you may see sea eagles soaring overhead, they nest in one of the trees along the creek beside your camp area.
Camp area has a composting drop toilet housed in an outback style 'dunny' shed. Fresh rainwater is available.
The site has a fire pit and some light fire wood laying around from fallen branches, plus mesh to place over the fire pit if you wish to use the fire for cooking. (There will always be smaller branches and kindling available for fires however, larger and longer burning wood is not guaranteed all season.)
Well behaved pets are welcome. You may be visited by some cattle during your stay...they will keep out of your way.
There are some large and unique trees to admire and keep your eye out for wildflowers that grow along the creek. There is an active eagle's nest in one of the trees.
Guests are welcome to explore down the creek where you'll find some great swimming holes.
For a relaxing stroll, guests are welcome to walk the farm fence lines which are regularly maintained with a mower.
There are so many beautiful local attractions to visit. Our local village is less than 2kms from the property where you will find Byabarra Cafe for excellent refreshments. Then a gorgeous drive up onto the plateau and you will find Comboyne village with a historic 1905 goal, Larrikins Lockup.
And if you are feeling more adventurous, Rawson Falls and Ellenborough Falls make lovely day trips. And Comboyne Rock provides some stunning views.
Upon arrival your host will provide you with an information pack on local attractions and general Hip Camp house rules and guidelines for your safety and enjoyment.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
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from
AU$45
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
98%
(248)
Kooinda Farm
10 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Eungai Creek, NSW
100 acre farm of mixed native bush and orchard plantings, with a mixture of secluded camp areas for campers with their own amenities and sites with facilities. The Woodland Lakeside campsite has a single compost toilet, and the Woodland Ridgetop sites share a camp kitchen with compost toilets and hot showers.
We have two beautiful dams that are great for kayaking and swimming, and creek frontage where you can fish. Beautiful views of Yarrahapinni Mountain to the east and hills out to the west. There are 40 acres of bushland to go walkabout. Geese and ducks free range the property and feeding time visits can be arranged. We are just 1.5km of single track gravel road to the Pacific Highway with good access for all types of vehicles.
There is a choice of private campsites either by the dam or the creek with no other campers in sight! We also have a multi site area at the Woodland Ridgetop with a camp kitchen, compost toilets and showers. This will be available to be booked as a large group area or as 3 individual sites. Later in 2024 we will also have beautiful glamping bell tent sites available.
Drinking water (tank water) is available from an outdoor tap at the farmhouse, as long as we have had sufficient rainfall. Please check in advance if you require water. Campers MUST have their own self contained amenities for the Creek Camp, and the 2 Parking Sites, and leave no trace. There is a toilet dump point for chemical toilets in Macksville, 10 mins away.
All he sites are dog friendly as long as all dog poo is cleared up.
20 mins to Scotts Head and Grassy Head beaches and Yarrahapinni National Park. State Forest on the doorstep great for mountain bikes, and with motorbike trails heading out to the west.
The farm is 5 minutes from the Eungai Buffallo Farm cafe. There is also farm produce available for sale - fresh eggs for breakfast!
Potable water
Toilets
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Cooking equipment
from
AU$8
/ night
* Before taxes and fees
Dog-friendly getaways
Under $50
Beach and dog-friendly camping near Port Macquarie guide
Overview
The gateway to Australia’s subtropical north, Port Macquarie enjoys an idyllic location on the mid-north coast of New South Wales. The city’s Koala and Wildlife Park draws visitors from around the globe, while beaches and coastal rainforests fan out from the city and nearby national parks, nature reserves, and national forests offer some of the most picturesque camping experiences in the country. Whether you’re looking for a secluded hideaway, dramatic coastline views, bushwalking, or flora and fauna spotting, you’ll find it all around Port Macquarie.
Where to go
South Along the Coast
About a 40-minute drive south of Port Macquarie, Crowdy Bay National Park is a coastal getaway famed for its rugged cliffs, white-sand beaches, and wildlife-filled forests. It’s also the perfect vantage point from where to watch migrating whales in winter. Diamond Head, in the park’s northern section, is one of the biggest and most popular camping areas with plenty of space and facilities, while Crowdy Gap Campground is a short walk from the beach and Kylie’s Beach Campground is set behind sand dunes.
North Along the Coast
Just under an hour north of the city, Goolawah National Park and Goolawah Regional Park offer camping in peaceful surroundings just a short stroll from the beach. Opportunities for outdoor adventures abound, from surfing and fishing to birdwatching. Accommodation options include Racecourse Campground in the national park, which offers showers and toilets, or the basic but pet-friendly Delicate Campground, in the regional park. Another 40 minutes north takes you to Hat Head National Park, known for landmarks like Smoky Cape Lighthouse and the Trial Bay Gaol, as well as plentiful canoeing and kayaking opportunities. Hungry Gate and Smoky Cape campgrounds both have toilets and barbecues.
Inland
About 45 minutes southwest of Port Macquarie, Kerewong State Forest offers lush surroundings, walking trails through native forest, and cool creeks ideal for swimming. In the forest, Swans Crossing is a popular camping area with toilet facilities and picnic tables on former farmland. Mount Boss State Forest is a secluded getaway about 90 minutes northwest of Port Macquarie by road. Area campgrounds offer peace and quiet as well as waterholes ideal for cooling off.
When to go
Port Macquarie’s warm subtropical climate is one of Australia’s most comfortable and makes camping and enjoying the area a pleasure year-round. Campsites are typically less crowded during the winter months (June through August), which is also the time for whale-watching. Spring (September through November), on the other hand, is a draw for birdwatchers and promises coastal heathlands blooming with brightly colored wildflowers. Temperatures and rainfall are highest in summer (December through February).
Know before you go
- Port Macquarie has several camping gear stores where you can gather supplies before heading out. Top picks include Anaconda and BCF (Boating Camping Fishing).
- Smoking is prohibited in all NSW national parks.
- Pets are not permitted in New South Wales national parks or reserves, but they are allowed in some regional parks and all state forests.
- Some area campgrounds, such as Crowdy Gap, require advance bookings.
Nearby attractions
- Well worth the visit for those camping near the Peel Valley, Chaffey Dam is an engineering marvel surrounded by pristine parkland.
- An exciting adventure for anyone camping near Port Macquarie, Caves Beach is home to much more than just stunning ocean views.
- Clean sands and rolling green hills are dotted with remnants of the once bustling coal mining operation at Catherine Hill Bay.
Popular Port Macquarie holidays
Safety at Hipcamp
Hipcamp acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.