Discover the best dog-friendly caravan campgrounds near Shellharbour, New South Wales

Australia
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New South Wales
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Shellharbour

94% (1418 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Shellharbour

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top dog-friendly caravan sites near Shellharbour

99%

(347)

Otford Park nr Royal National Park

3 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Otford, NSW

Otford is a historic village in a valley between Sydney and Wollongong, and bounded by the Pacific ocean. Our private acreage backs onto the southern tip of the Royal National Park, so the outlook from the campsite is all leafy trees. Walk to lookouts over the ocean, hike down to the beach or a few minutes drive to dog friendly beaches. Our bathroom and kitchen facilities make it an easy experience for first time campers. We are well-behaved-dog-friendly BUT you must let us know in advance. Our access track to the camping sites has been repaired with a deep layer of asphalt but still best suited to 4WD. . There is also the option of parking roadside, and walking in approx 400m to the sites. Please message us if unsure about your vehicle. IMPORTANT PLEASE READ 1. Please let us know if you are bringing a dog/dogs - we have horses, house dogs, chickens and; wildlife plus likely other campers close by, so need to be forewarned. Dogs must be on lead or contained at all times. 2. If you need to camp out of your 4WD RV (such as a roof top tent), please contact me before booking to ensure those two particular vehicle sites are still available :) and that your vehicle is suitable for our track. Maximum length is approx 5m. Please scroll through the photos to see our amenities and camping sites. 3. We limit the number of people staying at any one time, so weekends book up quickly. That said, due to Covid and weather, people often cancel at the last minute too, so if we are currently booked out, it's always worthile checking again closer to the date for any availability. We are on acreage (approx 7 acres) in Otford, surrounded by forest, backing onto the very southern end of the Royal National Park Sydney/Wollongong. Sleep under the stars, and to the hoot of our local owls, and yips of the gorgeous feather-tail gliders. Lovely, peaceful and private in a bushland backdrop but so close & just a walk to famous sites, beaches, cafes and bushwalking - so the perfect spot to stop, unpack and then go exploring. Max of 3 camp sites booked at a time. Each camp site is within shouting distance of each other, so if looking for absolute privacy, please talk to me first. As bookings come through, I assess the number of people booked for a site, and adjust availability on the others accordingly (such as blocking the rest of the day/s to prevent over-crowding) We usually only have two unconnected groups/families at a time. Our site is the perfect place to camp in comfort and safety, when taking an overnight rest after the long backpacking trek from Bundeena. We have firewood available for our cosy camp firepits (one firepit available for each site) We buy in reclaimed hardwood to reduce the impact of logging of native forest, but also often have seasoned firewood from our own fallen trees. $20 for approx 20kg. Heaps of kindling sticks are around on the forest floor. Please leave large and rotting logs alone for wildlife. Water - Connected to Sydney Catchment drinking water, so supply isn't an issue, but we conserve where we can. Kitchenette We have a tiny house mobile kitchenette with sink, basic table wear, microwave, kettle, toaster, LÓr Nespresso compatible Pod machine (BYO pods) single hot plates, mini bar fridge ,and; USB ports. You can also use the facility to recharge your mobile phone and; torches. We also provide a billy kettle, cast iron fry pan and camp fire hot plate. You'll also find 6 comfy directors chairs stored within the kitchenette, and a deck of cards, jigsaw puzzles, boardgames etc. Cricket bat, Bocce ball game, and Finish Kubbs set are stored within the timber box under the gazebo. "Nature Calls" We have a new long drop compost toilet - only human waste and; toilet paper please. A small bin is provided for sanitary products etc. Please leave the bushland surrounds free of solid waste. Gazebo Weatherproof /insect meshed gazebo and outdoor furniture. Absolutely no fires under the gazebo, otherwise it will melt and catch fire. Quiet Hours Quiet hours between 10pm and 7am Outdoor and Indoor Showers Warm water is heated by LPG gas bottles - please help conserve water and gas QUIET HOURS: To respect other campers who may be staying, and our amazing nocturnal wildlife, our quiet hours are 10pm to 7am, when noise is asked to be kept minimal. Such an exception would be event times like New Years Eve. We have found that camping is a great way to reset your Circadian rhythm - waking and sleeping according to the natural light & darkness , and a drink around a crackling camp fire super relaxing :) CONTACT: If you want me to send you more photographs of the camping sites/facilities , you can look up Otford Park or OtfordParkCamping on Facebook and contact me through there (can't send photos etc via HipCamp messages yet) WHAT TO EXPECT: We have horses, poultry, dogs and abundant wildlife so visiting pets must be either caged or leashed at all times. We have two waterproof dog beds available - just need to bring their blanket etc for softness As its a sanctuary for wildlife - absolutely No Hunting is permitted. Wildlife can be loud at times - morning and night, from the wild deer that wander through, to domestic roosters that like to visit. Its a bit 'farm country and wild bushland' tucked between Sydney and Wollongong Caravans/large motorhomes cannot access the rear of our property, due the narrowness of the track, but no problem for the many 4wd style camper vehicles. Necessities/consumables We have a supply of toilet paper, hand wash, hand sanitiser, insect repellent , fire lighters, mossie coils, matches, dish soap, paper towels and spray disinfectant. Its an honour system for use just while you're here, so please don't take them home with you. If you need to buy toilet paper for your next journey, just ask me. WHAT'S NEARBY: - easy walk to Otford railway station - easy walk to our free local tennis court just down the road -road walk up to Bald Hill lookout (famous for its hang-gliding and view of the Seacliff Bridge) or hike up the fire trail and around the Stony Batter headland - walk to Otford Lookout and the start of the many trails through the Royal National Park or the hike down (about 20 to 30min) to Bulgo beach to swim, fish or snorkel. Be sure to take water and wear comfy shoes - quick walk to the hidden entrance of the historic abandoned Otford railway tunnel entrance -its also an interesting and fun way to walk to Stanwell Park beach! Otherwise its just few minutes drive to Stanwell Park beach and Coalcliff Beach - all clean and beautiful or go further north to the many stunning beaches of the Royal National Park such as Garie, Burning Palms, Wattamolla - Darkes Forest - for trail horse riding, and the Glenbernie Orchard, for fresh apple and stone fruit produce and apple picking tours * * * * * * * * * * Off Leash Beaches - If you have a dog , it will probably love the northern end of Stanwell Park beach its been designated an off-leash area, north of the creek. - park your carpark of Park Parade. Sharkey's Beach, Coledale. A dedicated off-leash beach for dogs and surfers alike, all year round. Approx 10 min drive south. * * * * * * * * * * Others Sights & Activities - Four km to Symbio Wildlike Park - a lovely day out to see both exotic animals such as cheetahs or more local cuddly koalas and opportunities to hand feed kangaroos and wallabies. A water theme park will keep the kiddies entertained and cool too - On the way to Symbio is the beautiful Kelly's Falls - part of the Garrawarra State Conservation area & historic Princess Marina Cliff Walk. - Seacliff Bridge - Not to be missed and part of the Grand Pacific Drive along the South East Coast, Seacliff Bridge is now an iconic Australian landmark. It beautifully hugs the huge sandstone cliffs around the ocean, and is popular to tourist and film makers alike. - Cafes - yum! Walk to the Otford Pantry on the corner of Domville Rd and Lady Wakehurst Drive, open weekends for great coffee and pastries, overlooking the ocean. Then many other cafes in nearby Stanwell Park and Helensburgh - We are situated in a valley, with the Illawarra train line about 500m to 1km away, so occasionally you might here a coal train passing, or more interesting on many weekends the historic Cockatoo Run steam train comes through around 10am and on its return approx 6pm. If children are at the station waiting to see it, the drivers usually oblige with a friendly toot of the steam horn. - Horse Riding - Book ahead for trail rides at either the local Otford Farm in Lloyd Place, or can drive to Darkes Forest Riding Ranch - Wodi Wodi track at Stanwell Tops - if you're fit and love a challenging hike, the Wodi Wodi track can take you from the Hanging swamp around and down to Coalcliff. Water, comfortable shoes and insect repellent (for the odd leach) etc is essential, but the spectacular views at the top and destination make it worth it FOOD and PROVISIONS Helensburgh shopping centre is just 4km drive away. But if you're hiking on foot from the Royal National Park and would like basic provisions such as milk and bread available on your arrival, please let us know in advance, and we'll do our best to have them here. We have a generator run mini-fridge in the kitchenette to keep such items cold, if needed. TINY HOUSE If you'd like to sleep in a bit of luxury, check out our new tiny house listing here SYDNEY, WOLLONGONG &; BEYOND Otford is 9km by car to Waterfall, Sutherland Shire, 43 km to George St, Sydney CBD, 25km to Wollongong CBD. 44km to Bondi Beach, and 53km to Kiama. All can be accessed by train too. So the perfect area to set up base camp, whilst exploring greater Sydney, as well as the many beautiful spots within walking distance. HIP CAMP REVIEWS When reading and leaving reviews , please have a heart towards your camp hosts. The way the rating % works, it takes about 111 positive reviews out 112 reviews, to over-ride that 1 negative. So for the average Hipcamp, it takes a looong time, to get back to 99 or 100% positive feedback. If you have an issue onsite, please raise it immediately. I know the majority of hosts will try and rectify it for you.

* Before taxes and fees

100%

(349)

Babbling Brook 4WD Camping

14 sites · RVs, Tents800 acres · St. Georges Basin, NSW

Situated on the beautiful Wandandian Creek with 15km creek frontage, 2.5 hours south of Sydney, Babbling Brook offers ten grassed areas with an easy 3km 4WD drive to campsites. 15 mins drive to Huskisson and Sussex Inlet. We do not accommodate large groups as our focus is peace, relaxation and family friendly. The property is home to an abundance of wildlife including kangaroos, wallabies, native birds and reptiles. There are also a lot of wombats so stay on the track and look for burrows. There are many activities to enjoy including kayaking, fishing, swimming, bush walking, bird watching and 15kms of mountain bike trails. We are pet friendly, please remember to have your pets protected against ticks. You will need to be self-contained with own camping toilet, shower and water. Please DO NOT dig toilet hole, even though you leave it covered, it doesn't take long for the foxes to dig it up and leave a real mess!! Campfires permitted in designated areas. There is mobile reception. No shooting, archery or hunting. No trail bikes. Do not damage trees, there is plenty of firewood on the ground. Don't forget your mozzie repellent. Please note we have a moderate cancellation policy thru Hipcamp.

* Before taxes and fees

99%

(37)

Wombat Hollow

2 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Budgong, NSW

100 acres of secluded paradise with a kilometer of free flowing pebbled creek. Bound on two sides by the craggy escarpments of the Budgong and Morton National Parks there is ample grassland to give a feeling of space yet an abundance of trees to wander through as you engage with the tame wildlife and magnificent birdlife. Bring your mountain bike, fishing rod, swimmers, hiking boots, climbing gear, horse riding gear, or tennis racquet, and leave the kids in the play area while you sit by the creek and listen to the water tumbling through the rocks. If you are as intrigued by rare animals as we are, then this is the place for you. 63 Bird species, 24 mammals, 16 reptiles, and 12 amphibians have been sighted in the area (Clarke 2012) and this includes many rare and endangered species including the Brush-tailed rock wallaby, Giant burrowing frog, Gang-gang cockatoo, Glossy black-cockatoo, Koala, Little Lorikeet, Platypus and the Yellow-bellied glider. We only have two campsites at present, so you will be guaranteed peace and privacy. However, due to the demand for that site and that all people who have stayed have loved the experience, I am going to open up a few more sites over the course of 2024. You will always however have lots of space and privacy. Please note, that your group must be self-contained, with their own camp toilet, however fresh drinking water is available. Access is into a valley on a well maintained unsealed road and there are some minor causeways making it unsuitable for busses. An ordinary sedan will do for Billabong site but you will need some power for towing and a 4x4 to tow out in any rain. Riverbend site is only suitable for 4x4's and off-road camp trailers. You are a 40 minute drive from the sea (try the Shoalhaven 100 beach challenge https://www.shoalhaven.com/100-beach-challenge/ ) and just 15km from the historical town of Kangaroo Valley with its myriad of water activities, golf, wine estates, and quaint shopping. ttps://visitkangaroovalley.com.au/see-and-do/ Our neighbor offers horse riding experiences that are absolutely amazing. (pre-book at www.kangaroovalleyhorses.com)

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100%

(196)

Buxton Getaway

3 sites · RVs, Tents19 acres · Buxton, NSW

Located just one hour from Sydney, our property features 19 acres of pure serenity with two dams and one large enough to kayak on (kayaks supplied). The back of the property is perfect for camping and suitable for a small to medium caravan/camper. The larger dam has a picnic area and kayaks available to paddle on. Adjoining our property is Nattai National Park with a lovely 20 minute walk down to Little River. The Aqua Pool Trail in the National Park is just gorgeous. If you wish to try and catch some yabbies from the dams the only allowable and fun way is by a long stick and sausage. Hooks, fishing lines and traps are not allowed as we have people, dogs and horses swimming in the dams. We welcome self-contained campers who bring their shower/toilet set up. We do have two drop pit toilets available and each campsite has a pit fire provided. We are getting low on firewood so you will need to bring some along with you. There is access to drinking water. Our property is 2WD accessible and can accommodate small caravans and camper trailers. Not far from Buxton is Thirlmere where the Steam Train Museum is and train rides are available on the weekends, a great activity for the kids. Thirlmere Lakes National Park is perfect for a relaxing picnic, walk, birdwatching, and glimpse into locomotive history. Mittagong and Bowral have great wineries with restaurant/bistro. Pets are welcome. There's a range of different bushwalking trails in the region, including Starlights trail, a scenic bushwalk suited to experienced hikers, which forms part the Greater Blue Mountains trail network between Mittagong and Katoomba.

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93%

(14)

Misty Farm

10 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Jamberoo, NSW

100 acres of farmland and bush walks, old cattle yard, camping area near water. Located 700 meters above sea level on the escarpment, among the clouds. Firewood and wildlife at night including wombats, black cockatoos, owls, and wallabies. Non-powered sites with no toilet facilities. Good access, water available if required, and wood available for the campfire area.

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100%

(97)

Jervis Bay Hideaway - Power & Water

16 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Woollamia, NSW

Cobblewood Cottage is 5 acres of peaceful natural bushland with Australia fauna & flora. The 2 camp sites are either grassed open space or grassed sites nestled amongst the native floras. We require all campers to be fully self contained with OWN TOILET & SHOWER We offer a unique camping experience with out crowds and space! With our Kangaroo's coming for a daily feed, adults & children will be delighted. The native bird life is friendly & the farm-yard chook's just love a pat and cuddle from all who visit. We are pet friendly as long, as your pets are well mannered and on leash at all times & get along with our ever so friendly Australian Border Collie Mr Darcy. Please ensure you advise us prior to booking via an email enquiry if you are bringing a dog as we will need to pre-approve. sharon.webster@apm.net.au We have a children’s playground camp site that has a trampoline and swing set to keep the kids entertained and a common area with kids games including noughts and crosses, connect 4 and orbit tennis. Parents can relax in one of our hammocks located around the camp area. In Autumn & Winter we offer open fire pits on all sites & we can provide wood for the campfire at a small cost. Just a 5 minute drive to Woollamia boat ramp & 7 minutes to the paddle board ramp you will enjoy the beautiful calm waters of Currambene Creek for your boating, canoeing, fishing & paddle board needs. Or if a keen fisherman you can head out into Jervis Bay & through the heads for all your sports fishing. The township of Huskisson is only a 9-minute drive with award winning cafes, clubs, pubs, surf & speciality shops for campers to enjoy. Huskisson offers dolphin & whale watchers tours & spectacular views of Jervis Bay & surrounding beaches, fishing adventures, paddle board & boat hire. There are 2 breweries Jervis Bay and Flamin Galah with a selection of homebrewed beers, Wines and Cocktails with live music most weekends and permanent food vans on site and Huskisson now has Buds Tavern a 1960 retro pub which is dog friendly but no children on premises. Jervis Bay offers pristine beaches with Hyam’s Beach boasting the whitest sands in the Southern Hemisphere, however there are many to choose from. St George’s Basin offers good fishing, boating, windsurfing and paddle boarding options or great for the toddlers for swimming and family picnics. Local tourist magazines and maps available at shed. A local RSL Club also offers the service of a free Courtesy Bus, however there is an array of restaurants available in the evening from Japanese to Stone-grill, and daytime local cafes in particular Five Little Pigs is worth a visit. Bush walking, mountain biking, rock climbing are all within an hour’s drive for those more adventurous campers. Booderee National Park is just a 30-minute drive & history buffs will love the ruins of Cape St George lighthouse where you can soak up the cliff top views of the Pacific Ocean. A short 10 mins drive to Vincentia Marketplace for all your grocery, fresh bread, beverages and speciality stores.

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91%

(23)

Kookaburra

3 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Jerrawangala, NSW

Kookaburra is a small farm on 20 acres. A quiet location less than two minutes off the Princes Highway, located halfway between Ulladulla and Nowra on the NSW South Coast (approximately 3 hours from Sydney and Canberra). Camping is available on lush green paddocks or under the trees, a short walk from the creek. We enjoy plenty of birdlife, wallabies, and wombats (keep an eye out at dusk). Guests will enjoy solitude and space, but please be aware that other groups may be visible. There are no restroom facilities here, so guests must be self-sufficient, take rubbish, and leave no trace. We have cows, chickens, and a pig. There are a wide variety of local activities to enjoy. National parks surround us for four-wheel driving, motorbiking, mountain biking, hiking, and climbing. We are also within 30 minutes of numerous beaches. It is a beautiful, quiet, and secluded spot to spend your next weekend or just overnight while passing through. No groups Fires are allowed, and firewood is available (cut/collect your own). We are pet-friendly and love our pets, too, but please ensure they are well-behaved and leave the animals and wildlife alone. Things to note: There is little phone reception (mostly none). 2WD is generally fine unless it gets very wet. Bring a pest repellent. Wombat holes do extensive damage to unsuspecting vehicles. Snakes (black and brown). Bee hives (keep clear or be stung). Beware of tree stumps.

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98%

(40)

Melon Green at Oakdale

1 site · RV, Tent15 acres · Oakdale, NSW

Lovely grassy farm on a 15 acre block. A quick 15 minute drive into Picton where you can find our local club and shops. Short drive to Nattai lookout overlooking Warragamba water catchment. Spectacular view. Nearby Camden township restaurants, cafes, pool, bike track along Nepean River and more. We are located approximately 1 hour from Sydney airport so a day in the city is not out of the question. Shopping malls a short distance away. We have 4 horses, two dams, nice outlook, outside amenities. Camp alongside undercover carport or choose your spot. Clean tank water is available and picnic table can be provided. As we have horses, dogs must be on a leash. Campfires are welcome in the fire pit. 4wd recommended or suv with good clearance.

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99%

(112)

Dharawal Camp

1 site · RV, Tent25 acres · 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 fresh 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, a kitchen washing area, 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.

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96%

(56)

Tibohine Farm

6 sites · RVs5 acres · Balmoral, NSW

Small sustainable farm located on the Southern Highlands of NSW and only 10 mins off the Hume Hwy. Peaceful location offering a safe and relaxing stay. As we are a rural property on tank water and with limited services, please ensure you are fully self-contained with your own toilet, shower and drinking water.

* Before taxes and fees

88%

(4)

Mellows Ridge

3 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Calderwood, NSW

Nestled right up against the escarpment this high-end, off-grid 40 acre property effectively offers your own private slice of Macquarie Pass National Park - amazing views, giant cedar trees, fern forests, waterfalls and palms surround. It feels remote but it's only 90 min from Sydney, 30 min to Kiama and just 15 min to the shops. The property also offers the only hiking path up to the top of the escarpment for some truly amazing views. Access to the loggers camp is currently 4WD.

* Before taxes and fees

97%

(76)

Sussex Horses For Healing

1 site · RV, Tent16 acres · Sussex Inlet, NSW

A peaceful private 16 acre property an easy 5 minutes drive to the beach, lake and river around Sussex Inlet.Paddocks and 2 dams, kangaroos, horses & alpacas, backing onto bushland, great area for bush walks. Plenty of space for caravans, motor homes or tents. Privacy in the back paddock for those that have their own setup. Space closer to house for those needing amenities.Good access for caravans. Campfires permitted when restrictions aren't in place.DOGS ON REQUEST. PLEASE ASK.We have horses and you are welcome to interact/feed/brush/pat, just ask me on arrival.**DO NOT USE OUR BINS, take all of your rubbish with you when you leave, guests will be fined if you put rubbish in our bins We look forward to welcoming you soon!

* Before taxes and fees

Dog-friendly caravan camping near Shellharbour guide

Overview

Looking for a caravan-friendly camping experience near Shellharbour, New South Wales? Hipcamp has over 180 available options with caravan accommodations and pet-friendly terrain. You can choose from top-rated campsites like Fern Valley Ranch (401 reviews), Megalong Valley Farm (435 reviews), and Rivers Run Colo River (389 reviews). With an average price per night of $40 and options as low as $10, you can find the perfect spot for your budget. Popular amenities include showers, campfires, and cooking equipment, while popular activities range from paddling and biking to snow sports.