The best dog-friendly campgrounds near Scotts Head, New South Wales

Scotts Head draws pet owners with over 1,070 pet-friendly camping options—expect everything from bushland clearings to riverbanks where your dog can roam. Bring your four-legged mate to sites where hiking, wildlife-watching, and swimming are the norm, not an afterthought. Most camps offer showers, campfires, and toilets, so you won’t be roughing it. You’ll find standout spots like The Hatch Farm - Port Macquarie (669 reviews), Bundilla River Camp (589 reviews), and Stoney Park care of Dennis Stone (482 reviews). Sites start at just $8 a night, with the average hovering around $36, so you can keep it simple or splash out. If you’re after a spot where both you and your dog can shake off city dust, you’re in the right patch of Australia.

97% (9.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Scotts Head

Scotts Head draws pet owners with over 1,070 pet-friendly camping options—expect everything from bushland clearings to riverbanks where your dog can roam. Bring your four-legged mate to sites where hiking, wildlife-watching, and swimming are the norm, not an afterthought. Most camps offer showers, campfires, and toilets, so you won’t be roughing it. You’ll find standout spots like The Hatch Farm - Port Macquarie (669 reviews), Bundilla River Camp (589 reviews), and Stoney Park care of Dennis Stone (482 reviews). Sites start at just $8 a night, with the average hovering around $36, so you can keep it simple or splash out. If you’re after a spot where both you and your dog can shake off city dust, you’re in the right patch of Australia.

97% (9.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Scotts Head

1. Racecourse Camping

96%

(440)

56km from Scotts Head · 18 sites · Tents, RVs

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. Fires are allowed, but must be contained in an off ground fire pit brought by camper. Firewood is available to purchase from the service station in Crescent Head and you are also welcome to gather wood from the property.

2. The Hatch Farm - Port Macquarie

98%

(1390)

72km from Scotts Head · 15 sites · Tents, RVs

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). There is plenty to do and see at this hipcamp which was awarded to be one of the best hipcamps in NSW for 2024, and Australia wide for 2025! 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, local strawberry and tomato picking, and 4WDing at nearby beaches and through Cairncross State Forest. 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. Please note that all animal interactions are self-led (including our animal nursery), and children must be supervised by their parents/carers. During NSW School Holidays, host led animal interactions will be available at designated times. Friendly pets welcome. For bookings call or text Susan 0418 842055

3. Port Macquarie Riverside

74km from Scotts Head · 6 sites · RVs

Port Macquarie Riverside is a peaceful riverside campsite nestled in the natural beauty of Riverside, New South Wales, offering a true outdoor escape with water views and plenty of space to relax by the river. Campers can enjoy private river access where you can swim, paddle, fish, or simply unwind watching the water flow by. The surrounding landscape features native bushland and abundant birdlife, making this a great location for nature lovers and anyone seeking peace and quiet just a short drive from Port Macquarie and the Mid North Coast’s beaches. This is a self‑sufficient campsite with no power or facilities provided, so you’ll want to bring everything you need for your stay and leave no trace behind. Set up your tent, camper, or swag in a scenic spot, build a campfire (when permitted), and enjoy evenings under starry skies with the gentle sounds of the river as your soundtrack. The property’s location also makes it a perfect base for exploring the region’s outdoor attractions, from riverside walks and water activities to nearby national parks, coastal beaches, and local towns with cafes, markets, and shops. Bring your sense of adventure and your camping gear for a memorable off‑grid experience at Port Macquarie Riverside — a quiet, scenic place to reconnect with nature and relax by the water.

from

AU$49

/ night

4. Heartwood

35km from Scotts Head · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging

A very private and peaceful slice of the Nambucca Valley, featuring multiple elevated sites with spectacular views. You’ll be greeted at the base camp and directed to the sites that require a short hike. Your equipment will be delivered to you, or 4WD access can be discussed if needed. We never crowd the property — you’ll have entire areas to yourself for maximum privacy. Abundant wildlife makes this a birdwatcher’s paradise. Do as much or as little as you desire.

5. Riverlea Green, Nambucca Valley

98%

(75)

12km from Scotts Head · 7 sites · Tents, RVs

Our riverfront farm now has sites available for self-contained campers! • 300m Nambucca River frontage, with direct access - Perfect for fishing, swimming, boating and lazing by the river 😌 • Flat grassy campsites, for caravans, tents and RV’s (own toilet, electricity & water required). • Campfires permitted April - October • Group camping available • Well behaved pets welcome. Off leash is permitted, provided the pets stay with their owners. Location: • 10 min off the highway, a peaceful halfway stop between Sydney and Brisbane • Centrally located in the Nambucca Valley, perfect for exploring the Valley’s beaches, towns and hinterland • 3km to Riverview Island Wedding and Function Venue • Fresh produce available from the Fruit and Veg Stall next door

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

L

Louise

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Hatch Farm - Port Macquarie

Loved everything about this place. The location on the river is perfect. The sites are great sizes. Hosts are lovely and I especially loved Jack the border collie. Absolute sweetheart of a dog ❤️

D

Danica

2 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

4 nights at The Hatch Farm - Port Macquarie

We loved our stay at this beautiful riverside spot - there is so much space, many great outdoor activities (we loved kayaking, and the farm animals), and Susan and Bernard are so welcoming and accommodating, and have created a wonderful place to be. Highly recommended.

T

Tim

3 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Riverlea Green, Nambucca Valley

Hosts were extremely helpful and it’s such a quiet place to relax and fish with lots of space to run around.

S

Sean

December 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at The Hatch Farm - Port Macquarie

This is a beautiful place to stay on the river - Bernard and Susan are very welcoming and friendly - the sites are huge and the facilities are great - we have rebooked for our return journey

O

Oliver

December 2025

6 m Class A

With kids

1 night at The Hatch Farm - Port Macquarie

A fabulous farm stay. Susan was accommodating of our late arrival due to bushfire traffic. What a place to watch the sunrise over the river. If you have the opportunity to visit, don’t miss it.

D

Dana

December 2025

5 m Class B

With kids

1 night at The Hatch Farm - Port Macquarie

Wir haben uns sehr wohl auf der Farm von Susan und Bernard gefühlt. Sie waren sehr freundlich. Haben sogar mit unserem kleinen Sohn die Tiere gefüttert und haben uns alle Fragen sofort beantwortet. Wir wurden es weiterempfehlen und immer wiederkommen

N

Nicole

December 2025

9 m travel trailer

With kids

1 night at The Hatch Farm - Port Macquarie

Our young family loved staying at The Hatch! Beautiful farm/river views. We had a play on the foreshore, caught a fish, rode our bikes, visited the farm animals, roasted marshmallows on the fire. What more could you want! Thank you so much!

C

CHERYL

December 2025

8 m Class A

With kids

2 nights at The Hatch Farm - Port Macquarie

Thanks Susan and Bernard.. what a wonderful idyllic place this is! The children LOVED playing with Sally (their beautiful & clever border collie) all day long, and the adults LOVED the space, right next to the river. It was a wonderful and unique experience, especially for us city dwellers. Make sure you get the campfire package! Susan also brought the kids into her ‘petting zoo’ and they got to cuddle rabbits, baby chicks, guinea pigs… So fun.

James

November 2025

9 m Class B

Weekend Trip to The Hatch Farm - Port Macquarie

Great hosts- super accommodating and flexible - our van broke down and we weren’t able to get a replacement straight away so meant having to stay an extra night. They were great and relaxed about it all. Great fun kayaking as well - would definitely recommend to anyone going on a road trip!

L

Laina

November 2025

5 m car

Weekend Trip to The Hatch Farm - Port Macquarie

Beautiful property, friendly hosts and the cutest animals!!! Would highly recommend this camp.

m

maddy

November 2025

Tent

2 nights at The Hatch Farm - Port Macquarie

We loved our stay!! Bernard and Susan were helpful and welcomjng :) Freedom to roam the water on the kayaks, great set ups for camping with fire pits and shelter from sun/wind. Nice clean facilities :)highly recommend

A

Anthony

November 2025

4 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Racecourse Camping

We had a great weekend at Racecourse camp , very quiet , Mosquitoes were a bit of a problem, but we were prepared with coils, the honey eater birds were very beautiful Would recommend this camp site for the campers that are self sufficient,no power , water or toilets Lots of flat level areas easy access ans plenty of shade

A

Amy

November 2025

7 m Class B

With kids

1 night at The Hatch Farm - Port Macquarie

Really enjoyed our stay. Very quiet and pleanty of space to spread out. My son loved all the animals, kyaking and the trampoline. Great spot for fishing too. Susan made us feel so at home and made sure we had everything we needed during our stay. Wish we could have extended our stay, but we needed to head home.

Scott

November 2025

8 m travel trailer

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Hatch Farm - Port Macquarie

Another amazing stay! Large sites, welcomeing hosts, pkenty of firewood and fresh eggs. The hosts dogs Jack and Sally are amazing. Great access to the river! This was our second stay and we'll be back again!

M

Marjon

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Hatch Farm - Port Macquarie

I loved my very short overnight stay at Hatch Farm because there were animals everywhere to pat, feed and just have around. I really liked to see all the different birds, feeding the goats, looking at the little lambs and watching the geese waddle. But best of all was patting the friendly Border Collies who came to say hello as the walked around the farm. On arrival, I was greeted by Bernie who explained the facilities and guided me to my perfect little site very close to the amenities. The drop toilet had charm and there was hot water available from an outside tap. There were other campers but everyone kept noise under control so I had a peaceful rest. I had to leave before 6am to continue my long drive home but would love to come back to stay for a longer experience, including a paddle on the river, with all equipment readily available at the farm. After one last pat of one of the dogs that had come to see me off, I left this little slice of paradise with a smile😀.

J

Jamie

November 2025

8 m travel trailer

4 nights at The Hatch Farm - Port Macquarie

From the friendly greeting, to the wonderfull views of the river, The Hatch is a must stay. We couldn’t recommend it more. We have been wanting to camp here for a while, but it was always booked out, we can see now why. There is so much do and so close Port Macquarie, but you wouldn’t know it as the peaceful surroundings made it feel like you could be anywhere.

J

John

November 2025

Tent

3 nights at The Hatch Farm - Port Macquarie

Great hosts and great location. Very welcoming and plenty of space around. View of the river was really nice too

A

Andrew

November 2025

3 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Racecourse Camping

So much space! Loved how clean the whole area was, and nice big fence to feel safe

B

Bridget

November 2025

5 m travel trailer

3 nights at The Hatch Farm - Port Macquarie

Great flat campsites, very welcoming & accomodating hosts. Lots to see in the local area. Had a lovely, relaxing weekend.

K

Kate

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Hatch Farm - Port Macquarie

We loved our stay at the hatch farm on the little piggies site. Such a great location, quiet and ample space for camping. Each spot had a large undercover area with a campfire. Well equipped with hot showers and a toilet. The hatch is set in a gorgeous spot on the river, great for throwing a line in (and plenty of fish to catch!!) we loved the all the animals there and friendly doggos on the site. Bringing our own dogs was great. We finished the trip with purchasing some fresh eggs from the farm. Both susan and bernard were very welcoming and made us feel right at home. We'll be coming again. :)