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.

95% (9.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds

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.

95% (9.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Riverlea Green, Nambucca Valley

98%

(73)

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

** T ** 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

2. State Forest, Ocean Views

98%

(83)

49km from Scotts Head · 1 site · Tent, RV · Boambee, NSW

Come and camp in this quiet, peaceful location. Campers will be able to enjoy state forest access to explore wildlife or sit back, relax and take in the extensive views of the ocean, farmland and green valley, established tropical fruit trees, wandering cattle in close proximity and occasional native animals wandering by, city lights at night can be seen while under the stars, privacy assured. There are also bush walks for guests to enjoy. There are few facilities here, tank water and a sawdust composting toilet, picnic table and small contained fire pit also... campers need to be self sufficient with optional own toilet/shower facilities and leave no trace. The camp site has had an upgrade beautification and facility program that is fully available. The property is in close proximity to the ocean and the city, just a 10 minute drive too the Coffs Harbour CBD. You're welcome to bring your pet, but they must be supervised and kept under control. Campfire are permitted in the provided fire area. Please note that some sites require 4WD access and are a steep climb (see photos). Caravan access is limited to small to medium length only. Large vans require assistance so not recommended for this site.

3. Yarrawin Camping

100%

(182)

26km from Scotts Head · 26 sites · Tents, RVs · Argents Hill, NSW

Yarrawin is 680 acre cattle farm and hardwood timber plantation in the heart of the Nambucca Valley, offering scenic, secluded, private campsites with their own swimming hole and a river gravel beach on 3km of beautiful double river frontage. Camping options include riverside camps, the Shack and riverside camp and a large secluded valley. Each campsite is separate from the others, giving guests privacy and exclusive use of the swimming hole (except Chinamans Valley) at their site. All riverside sites offer a natural gravel beach entry into the water. There are no amenities here, campers will need to be self contained and leave no trace. Every site has a fire pit which must be used for campfires. If you want to use your own it must be off the ground. Only sand mats or similar, NO TARPS, to be set up on the grassed areas to preserve the grass. Firewood $20/night (CASH ONLY PLEASE). Please let us know in advance if you want firewood. Beautiful drinking rain water is available in a 20lt Jerry can if required on arrival. Bird lovers can enjoy watching the various bird varieties, as well as ducks. Animals include wallabies, goannas, deer and fish as well as cattle and stock horses. Fishing is okay but it is STRICTLY catch and release ONLY. There are many places to go bushwalking, either following the river or heading up the valleys or hiking up the hills through the trees. The property is just 10kms from the convenience of Bowraville, a historic township with a supermarket, folk museum, a war museum, a historic theatre, and other historic buildings. Nambucca Heads and the beautiful surrounding beaches are just 27kms east and Coffs Harbour 80kms away. Please note this is a working farm, so there will be cattle and stock horses on the property that may approach your campsite.

4. Tremendous Temagog

100%

(1)

47km from Scotts Head · 1 site · Tent, RV · Temagog, NSW

The property consists of bush land and open grazing area s.The property has run livestock in the past. It's a sealed road all the way to the property meaning access is fine for 2WD. This campsite suits self-contained campers who bring their own camping toilet/shower. There is drinking water available on site. Enjoy a campfire dinner or simply relax under the stars while you keep warm. There's a public swimming hole at the Macleay River 6kms from site near the Temagog Bridge. There's enough space to launch your kayak or you can just jump in to cool down. Dogs welcome.

5. Frog Hollow on Bobo River

97%

(53)

60km from Scotts Head · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Ulong, NSW

Frog Hollow on Bobo River Camp is located on the banks of the Bobo River, surrounded by rainforest. The property is listed with NSW Government as private biodiversity conservation area because of its flora and fauna. The camping site is private and just a short walk to the river with a causway, swimming hole and cascades. It's made up of four camping bays and parking areas. Two bays suitable for car base camping with space for tent or swag, one bay suitable for small caravan or camper trailer. Great base camp to explore the Mountain area. On one of the sites there is a timber shelter where a fire can be made out of the rain. Short walk to the weir and swimming area.

Stories from the community

S

Stuart

November 2025

4 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Frog Hollow on Bobo River

Amazing place The river was just beautiful Big open spots Nice and peaceful

M

Michelle

November 2025

4 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Frog Hollow on Bobo River

What a beautiful camping spot. Lovely site so close to the river. Kayaks and rubber tubes to borrow. The river is pristine and close by and the host Arne is so very helpful. We loved our stay and have already booked again

H

Helen

October 2025

9 m travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Yarrawin Camping

We loved this HIPCAMP. On arrival we were greeted by Ian. He had already got our campfire 🔥 ready to light. He also had a delicious chocolate brownie for us for dessert ( everyone gets this little treat ) This campsite was lovely and green. Ian had cleaned up all the 🐄 💩 too The creek was cool but lovely and clean, We strolled the paddocks and met all the livestock 38 babies 🐄 A quiet and relaxed few days spent here You need to be self sufficient & firewood 🪵 is available to purchase. Thanks for having us Bobby & Ian

T

Trent and Emma

October 2025

6 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Yarrawin Camping

We had an amazing weekend stay. Ian was a fantastic host: welcoming, helpful, and respectful of our space. The campsite itself is a peaceful haven. We swam, fished, and even spotted turtles in the creek – a magical experience for the kids! The rope swing was a huge hit, and the dogs loved having the freedom to roam safely. Friendly cows wandered through our site, curious but gentle, adding to the charm of the place. If you're looking for a relaxed, nature-rich getaway with space for kids and pets to explore, this spot is a gem. We'll definitely be back!

I

Irene

October 2025

4 m pop-up camper

With pets

5 nights at State Forest, Ocean Views

We loved camper trailer camping here. It was quiet, private and peaceful. Our three dogs loved it too. We had visits from cute peacocks and peahens!

M

Moston

October 2025

6 m travel trailer

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Yarrawin Camping

Four well separated and spacious camping areas set on lush green grass next to a very attractive creek. Great spot, will go again.

Ian

October 2025

6 m travel trailer

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Yarrawin Camping

The location was really great as were the hosts. Nothing was a problem and we even got a visit from a few inquisitive farm horses asking for carrots.

J

Jo

October 2025

8 m travel trailer

2 nights at Yarrawin Camping

Had a great time camping at the Swimming Hole, peaceful and relaxing. Brownies were a yummy welcome gift. We will hopefully come back, thanks for sharing your space with us.

N

Nathan

October 2025

3 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Frog Hollow on Bobo River

Awesome spot and host 👌 would definitely recommend .

J

Jon

October 2025

7 m pop-up camper

With kids

4 nights at Yarrawin Camping

Fantastic spot and the only one's we had to share it with were the cows, horses, goana's and dozens of native birds. Watching the Azure Kingfisher's catching dinner each evening was a highlight. We'll be back!

R

Rylee

October 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Frog Hollow on Bobo River

Super lovely spot and super friendly host! Creek was so nice and refreshing. Every bit beautiful. Perfect offline getaway.

L

Laura

October 2025

6 m travel trailer

With kids

2 nights at Yarrawin Camping

This place is paradise! River frontage with easy access for the kids, wildlife galore, rope swings, fires, star-filled sky. Ian and Bobby were kind and wonderful hosts - the brownies from Bobby were delicious, and Ian even gave us a demonstration on the zip line. 10/10 ⭐️

L

Lindsay

October 2025

8 m pop-up camper

1 night at Riverlea Green, Nambucca Valley

A beautiful piece of tree lined riverbank on the Nambucca river near Macksville. Plenty of space for campers and we enjoyed our fire pit. The farm dog, teddy is very friendly and kept watch over us as well as what was happening on the river. Definitely recommended, cheers Lindsay

M

Melanie

October 2025

7 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Yarrawin Camping

Amazing camp, really private and beautifully maintained. Restful and tranquil... Hosts were very welcoming and helpful. Beautiful swimming holes. Took our two dogs who loved the walks and the water. Will definitely return to this beautiful spot.

Hollie

October 2025

5 m travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Yarrawin Camping

Definitely the best family camping spot. My teenagers played and played on the rope swing. We stayed 4 days and we were definitely not ready to come home. Top spot.

D

David

October 2025

7 m travel trailer

1 night at Riverlea Green, Nambucca Valley

Spoilt to have it all to ourselves!! Lovely spot on the river for swimming and just chilling out.

R

Rachel

October 2025

9 m travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Yarrawin Camping

We had. Great time here. Bobbi and Ian were wonderful hosts and couldn’t have done more to help us have a great stay. The whole area is beautiful but we loved the flying fox over the creek and our own little beach. Cows and horses appeared on and off to say hi! Kids voted it their favourite camping spot ever!

Look closely, you will see our beer drinking chairs.

B

Brendan

October 2025

6 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Yarrawin Camping

Great spot absolutely loved it! Very private, the perfect place to relax with your dogs and have a swim! We will be back!

Julie

October 2025

6 m pop-up camper

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Yarrawin Camping

We had the most amazing time at Yarrawin. We stayed at the first crossing and it was such a big area. Lots of creek to swim, float and kayak in. It’s a very beautiful property, highly recommend and would loved to have stayed longer.

Strath

October 2025

Tent

With pets

4 nights at Frog Hollow on Bobo River

I set out in a Honda Jazz and was very impressed with how easy the site was to access. Most of the roads leading to the site are sealed with only the last few kilometres being dirt road. The sites were easy to set up camp on, spacious and were well shaded by the canopy of the rainforest. We stayed on site 4 which was closest to the toilet, but one of the furthest from the river entrance near site 2. The river was lovely, but a touch chilly in October. The water was clean and full of fish, tadpoles and turtles. Arne supplied tubes and paddles which was great for getting some sun in the arvo. Arne was an incredible host, stopping for a chat every day and to check on our firewood supplies ($10 for a very generous bag). We ended up doing some site shuffling with some of the other people from our group and he was more than accommodating with us. On one of the days of our trip, we went to see Battery falls. The Jazz was able to make the 15-minute drive quite easily, with a small assist needed to cross one water redirector. Arne shared a pin for us to a spot we could park and hike about 300m to the top of the waterfall. The hike was steep, but manageable and the waterfall was amazing to swim under, once you scaled the rocks to the base. When we went looking for wildlife, we had the opportunity of seeing many species, including the Giant Barred Frog, Long-nosed Bandicoot, Black Snakes, Skinks, and Quails. Overall I rate Frog Hollow on Bobo River a must-do for your next camp