The best dog-friendly campgrounds in Port Stephens

It’s hard to believe this patch of paradise is just 2.5 hours’ drive north of Sydney and about 30 minutes from Newcastle. Home to a bay twice the size of Sydney Harbour, the Port Stephens region encompasses towns such as Nelson Bay, Anna Bay, and Shoal Bay. Swim in crystal-clear water at one of the area’s 26 beaches, go sandboarding down the largest dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, or book a cruise to either swim with wild dolphins or go whale watching in winter.

96% (10.9K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Port Stephens

It’s hard to believe this patch of paradise is just 2.5 hours’ drive north of Sydney and about 30 minutes from Newcastle. Home to a bay twice the size of Sydney Harbour, the Port Stephens region encompasses towns such as Nelson Bay, Anna Bay, and Shoal Bay. Swim in crystal-clear water at one of the area’s 26 beaches, go sandboarding down the largest dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, or book a cruise to either swim with wild dolphins or go whale watching in winter.

96% (10.9K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Port Stephens

1. Chapman Valley

98%

(448)

219 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Garland Valley, NSW

With its large, secluded Bush Campsites, 'Chapman Valley' is still Sydney's best-kept secret! Picture this. Your weekend escape is relaxed from the very start - the car trip along the scenic winding Putty Road is slow and leisurely as you know you can arrive at any time for the self serve check-in. After signing in, you meander through this Beef Cattle farm, heading to your own designated camping area. A private corner of the property all to yourselves! After setting up camp, and showing off your awesome (of course) campfire lighting skills, you sink back in your camp-chair and listen to ...the bush. And you see ...the bush. Not a single other camper in site. Oh, except the ones you invited with you of course! There they are. The kids running enthusiastically across the open paddock chasing after their footy, with Buster, the family dog happily nipping at their heels. "They'll sleep well tonight!" you think to yourself happily, as you sink further into your camp-chair and take a long drink on that ice cold beer. 1hr drive from the nearest town (Singleton), "Chapman Valley" is the perfect oasis for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. There are no nearby shops so be sure to bring everything with you. The property offers over 100kms of bush tracks ideal for walking, push-bike riding or 4WDing. On site-horse riding is available, offering rides ranging from 1hr family rides to full day experienced rides. Check out our website for a full list of offerings. The Communal camping area is within walking distance of our amenities block, which offers flushing porcelain toilets and a hot shower. Bush campsites are fully self-sufficient, BYO (bring your own) water and toileting system. All campers are required to take their rubbish home with them as there are no bins on site. Sites available for all vehicle types, from buses and large caravans to fully kitted out off-road vehicles. We offer a self check-in service with full maps and directions, which means you can arrive anytime you like. Free early check-in and late check-out: Check-in anytime from sunrise and check-out anytime before sunset so you can make the most of your getaway.

2. Banjo's Retreat

99%

(69)

8 sites · RVs · Jilliby, NSW

Banjo's Retreat is a 40 Acre property with multiple camp sites. It's located 20 minutes to beaches, 5 minutes to river. Restaurants, pubs close by, tree tops adventure park and amazement zoo 3mins away. With views to the mountains and amazing sunsets to the west over the national park. Walking trails, wildlife including kangaroos, echidnas, turtles, water dragons etc etc pay regular visits, as well as the abundent birdlife

from

AU$73

/ night

3. Camp on Hunter (Elderslie)

99%

(217)

17 sites · Tents, RVs · Branxton, NSW

Riverside camping at Elderslie near Branxton. Located on 6 hectares. Camp kitchen in shed with power, fridge microwave available to use. Bbq and wood heater in shed. All for sharing. Well water. Port-a loo available. Fishing, swimming, kayaks or just relax and watch bird life. Dogs on lead. Level places for vans. Fires must be contained, when fires are permitted. Bring your own wood. Also a fire bunker for camp ovens - pending fire restrictions. Bring own wood. Gas hot shower available. On the river means keep eye out for snakes in the warmer months. Camping under gum trees is not permitted- see photo. Must take all rubbish with you.

4. Montebello Estate

3 sites · Tents, RVs · Pokolbin, NSW

Perched high on a hill in the heart of the Hunter Valley, Montebello Estate offers a truly breathtaking escape. With sweeping views over rolling vineyards and majestic mountain ranges, our campsite is the perfect place to unwind, reconnect, and take in the beauty of wine country. Wake up to golden sunrises spilling across the valley and enjoy delicious breakfast and lunch at our on-site café Lacasalinga cafe. On Friday nights, join us for a relaxed dinner under the stars, featuring fresh local produce and Hunter Valley hospitality at its best. At Montebello Estate, we invite you to embrace the simplicity of nature. Our site is fully off-grid, with no power or amenities, offering an authentic and peaceful camping experience. Come prepared, switch off from the everyday, and immerse yourself in the quiet charm of the Hunter Valley hills.

5. Elsewhere (Escape2Nature)

96%

(39)

5 sites · Tents, RVs · Invergordon, NSW

Nestled on a picturesque 100-acre farm, your private campsite awaits. Choose from one of five secluded sites—each spread out over 5 acres, with your own exclusive large riverfront site to unwind, swim, and disconnect. Spend your days exploring deep-water swimming holes, soaking in natural rapids, trout or fly fishing, or simply relaxing under the stars with the soundtrack of the river. Lawns are lovingly maintained and there's firewood for purchase from the farmhouse to make your stay even easier. 🚗 Access: The farm is reached via a well-maintained unsealed road, suitable for 2WD vehicles. Expect a few shallow, low-speed creek crossings—just enough adventure to feel like you're truly off the grid. Please be aware that river crossings are dangerous. Flood waters can rise quickly. Please review current weather in advance and use common sense when entering river crossings and don't take risks. 🔥 Amenities: Fire pits welcome, and yes—there’s wood for purchase. This is your chance to disappear into nature, without disappearing completely.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

C

Chantal

3 days ago

4 m travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Elsewhere (Escape2Nature)

Absolute beauty of a spot! Easy access, very quiet and plenty of room to spread out. The river was a godsend over a few hot days of camping. Highly recommend for a place to disconnect.

n

nathan

5 days ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Elsewhere (Escape2Nature)

Scenic area, beautiful location by a flowing river and secluded enough to feel like your there alone. Would recommend and stay again.

L

Lorraine

2 weeks ago

4 m pop-up camper

3 nights at Camp on Hunter (Elderslie)

Lovely spot on the river. Plenty of room and the gas hot shower was a welcome bonus. Allan is a fabulous host and very friendly.

S

2 weeks ago

5 m car

Weekend Trip to Elsewhere (Escape2Nature)

Beautiful camp ground along side a creek with a swimming hole surrounded by national parks

Water was a bit low but there were still waist deep pools

N

Narelle

2 weeks ago

5 m car

Weekend Trip to Elsewhere (Escape2Nature)

We stayed two nights and were lucky to have place to ourselves. The second day was a scorcher after our drive up to gosford tops (we seen a spotted quoll! and a lyrebird) we come back and sat in river all afternoon which was lovely. Heaps of wrens weebills mistletoebirds, kookaburras and a bright blue kingfisher, and a wallaby stunning. The river was beautiful i wore crocs in as rocks on bed of waterway Waterhole is waist deep but water was low when we were there.

H

Hamish

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camp on Hunter (Elderslie)

Great location, great view, great facilities 10/10

C

Casey

November 2025

5 m travel trailer

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Elsewhere (Escape2Nature)

Stunning spot. It was very lovely to camp directly next to the river and wake up to the river every morning. Beautiful property. Thank you for having us. We will be back

B

Ben

November 2025

Tent

3 nights at Camp on Hunter (Elderslie)

Great camp location, close enough to townships and the vineyards but also also far enough away for that little respite. Allen is such a great host and appreciate him and the family sharing their slice of heaven, facilities are quite and basic that provide some camping comforts at a great price. Stayed for 3 nights working nearby and in afternoon a couple of kangaroos grazed nearby, a little gumbumple with the host whilst watering finished off the days as an excellent way to unwind.

M

Matthew

November 2025

6 m travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Camp on Hunter (Elderslie)

Awesome host, with great amenities. This was my first ever hipcamp experience which far exceeded expectations.

A

Andrew

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camp on Hunter (Elderslie)

Great place to stay. Camp area was very well manintained with enough space between campers to allow plenty of privacy. Easy to find and easy access in with excellent communication from the host. Good spot to kayak from however the river was pretty low at the time making the walk down to the water a little longer than expected. Suggest if you have a heavy kayak like me to make sure you have a kayak trolley.

H

Harry

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Elsewhere (Escape2Nature)

Located in a beautiful area, the campsite is very well kept and the stream flowing past is absolutely lovely. I would definitely recommend to anyone!

D

Dean

November 2025

6 m pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Elsewhere (Escape2Nature)

Site 4 Such a well maintained campground right next to the river, the sites are spread out well apart from each other. Nice shady trees along the rivers edge and the water was deep enough to get in and cool off. Hosts are awesome and they even had our load of pre ordered firewood delivered to our site before we got there. Will stay again

W

Wayne

November 2025

9 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Elsewhere (Escape2Nature)

Such a beautiful spot right on the river, extremely well maintained and freshly mowed. This place was so nice just to sit back and relax by the fire with a few beverages. We will be back again.

K

Kyle

November 2025

5 m pop-up camper

With kids

Weekend Trip to Elsewhere (Escape2Nature)

Beautiful spot, hosts are awsome. Had an awesome time! Will definitely be back

J

Jayden

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camp on Hunter (Elderslie)

Beautiful spot beautifully up kept, will definitely be back

jason

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Elsewhere (Escape2Nature)

This was a great spot for a chill. I was after somewhere away from noise and people and this was just the ticket. Spots are roughly 100m apart. There was no-one in the next one so I could only see the roof of a van 200m away. Nice. It is close-ish to the road so you do get a few cars coming past, but wasn't a big deal. Water was lovely for a refreshing dip. One of my favourite Hipcamps so far.

C

Chris

October 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Elsewhere (Escape2Nature)

We loved our 2 night stay at Elsewhere. With the whole camp to ourselves on the first night and plenty of space away from our 2nd night neighbours we enjoyed the peace and quiet, swimming in the river and playing with our dog. Unfortunately, no fish were caught but that’s nothing new.