The best dog-friendly campgrounds near Sawtell, New South Wales

Camping with your pet in Sawtell means waking up to the sound of birds, not traffic. With over 770 pet-friendly spots, you can pitch a tent or roll up in your caravan just minutes from the coast or tucked behind gum trees. Many sites welcome campfires, so you and your dog can settle in by the flames after a day spent surfing, fishing, or watching kangaroos graze at dusk. Prices start at $8 a night, with most sites averaging $40. Favourites like Dodona (419 reviews), Footprints in Style (418 reviews), and Valley View Escape (344 reviews) make it easy to find a spot with toilets and room for your four-legged mate. This is real camping—simple, relaxed, and built for travellers who’d rather have sand on their shoes than city dust in their lungs.

96% (6.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Sawtell

Camping with your pet in Sawtell means waking up to the sound of birds, not traffic. With over 770 pet-friendly spots, you can pitch a tent or roll up in your caravan just minutes from the coast or tucked behind gum trees. Many sites welcome campfires, so you and your dog can settle in by the flames after a day spent surfing, fishing, or watching kangaroos graze at dusk. Prices start at $8 a night, with most sites averaging $40. Favourites like Dodona (419 reviews), Footprints in Style (418 reviews), and Valley View Escape (344 reviews) make it easy to find a spot with toilets and room for your four-legged mate. This is real camping—simple, relaxed, and built for travellers who’d rather have sand on their shoes than city dust in their lungs.

96% (6.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Sawtell

1. Playstation Campsite

97%

(86)

77km from Sawtell · 6 sites · RVs

No Tents or sleeping in cars that do not have shower and toilet facility. We are a 4 minute drive from the historical town of Gladstone, which has a bakery, butcher, general store, retail shops, fruit and veg shop, nursery, cafes, restaurants, an op-shop, second hand wares shop, galleries, outdoor swim centre and of course the local pub. Gladstone Markets are on the 3rd Sunday of the month. It's a 20 minute drive to South West Rocks, Hat Head and Crescent Head. Just 45 minutes north of Port Macquarie and 1 hour south of Coffs Harbour. Please arrive before dark, or advise arrival time if not possible . You must be fully self contained, there are no facilities. Please no tents or swags. Enjoy a beautiful campsite near a large dam, watch the ducks, rosellas, cranes, herons and the occasional Jabiru, feed and nest in the trees. A great spot for bird watching. Pick your own spot, maybe near one of the fire braziers, but not directly under the trees if windy. No livestock on property but we have visiting kangaroos, tortoises, green frogs, and eels in the dam if you want to fish for them. Mid Coast Flying operate a private 800 metre airstrip on the property, and Trial Instructional Flights (TIFS) are available, for $150 for 45 minutes. Please speak to Ross when you arrive. You can pick your own site. Unfortunately we may have to close after torrential rain events. We are also pet friendly, however there are no bins, so please pick up after your pets in the camping area. Water is available near the hangar as you drive in.

from

AU$43

/ night

2. Anchorage Park

99%

(447)

17km from Sawtell · 7 sites · RVs

To protect our lawns, Anchorage Park Urunga now requires the use of breathable eco grass-friendly camping mats or enjoy the grass. Thank you for helping keep Anchorage Park beautiful. With the warmer season approaching we advise to familiarise yourselves with the NSW Rural Fire Services - Bush Fire Danger Period runs from 1 October 2025 to 31 March 2026 Check out our social media pages for current up to date NEWS Riverfront campground on the majestic Kalang River. Boating, fishing, crabbing, swimming literally from your awning. 20 minutes south of Coffs Harbour, 5 minutes from Urunga town centre. All sites are waterfront, somewhat level and grassed. Communal fire pits and potable water on-site seasonally - Contact us before arrival. All campers must be self contained (removing rubbish and must have own toilet) Use of boat ramp, jetty, kayaks and fire pits available from farm house. Wood for sale This is a dog friendly campground inviting self contained campers to enjoy our beautiful property. Raised individual fire pits are allowed (no fires on the ground) Out of respect for our campers privacy and insurance requirements, UNAUTHORISED entry to campgrounds is prohibited. Note ** extra adult charge refers to (school) children 16 years or older staying with parents. Group bookings are welcomed, please contact host directly for details **Conditions apply

from

AU$59

/ night

3. Blicks River Camping

94%

(116)

57km from Sawtell · 9 sites · Tents, RVs

Do you like private river swimming?4wd only. Our property is in Dundurrabin which is inland from Coffs Harbour. Perfect for those seeking a spot 'off the beaten track.' You will need 4WD car, caravan/camper. There is no 2WD access. 4WD only. We offer beautiful river camping. Enjoy the company of platypus, turtles extensive bird life, reptiles, native flora and fauna. Spend your time swimming, river exploring & bush walking - all in total privacy. There is a pit toilet but you're welcome to bring your own amenities. Pets are welcome. Phone reception is limited. There is no Telstra signal, only Optus. Site 1 features a wooden platform overlooking the river, suitable for tents & swags. We have 60 acres with the Blicks river running along the bottom end of the property. (our home is at the opposite end of the acreage so you will have your own space). We invite you to come and enjoy our property, groups and families welcome. Our only requirement is that you respect the river and the environment - no washing in the river (shampoo, dishwashing liquid etc). Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions!

4. Heartwood

60km from Sawtell · 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. Macleay River private Retreat

94%

(25)

73km from Sawtell · 5 sites · RVs

A beautiful little gem on the river bank just on the outskirts of Gladstone. Gladstone has many beautiful little stores and cafes as well as the amazing Heritage Hotel if you would like a pub meal for lunch or dinner. It is only a 20 minute drive to South West Rocks or Hat head and 25mins to Crescent Head. You can sit back on the bank and fish, go for a swim, canoe or enjoy some water skiing and put your boat in the river from the property itself.

from

AU$46

/ night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

M

Michelle

2 weeks ago

7 m travel trailer

With kids

1 night at Anchorage Park

Great place to camp with beautiful views. Host very lovely.

J

Jessey

2 weeks ago

6 m travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Anchorage Park

Amazing riverfront caravanning spot! Beautiful lawn surrounded by a river and a paddock with cows behind you. You can walk straight into the river and enjoy a swim spot away from the crowds. We will be back!

J

John

2 weeks ago

7 m travel trailer

2 nights at Anchorage Park

Anchorage Park is a stunning location on the river with super helpful hosts. The weather wasn’t kind while we were there so we’ll just have to come back again! Even with the rain we really enjoyed our time there.

Andy

3 weeks ago

9 m travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Anchorage Park

We keep coming back. Magical spot with amazing hosts. Always plan a stop on our way north or south

L

Lucia

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Blicks River Camping

Amazing spot! We stayed at the site with the platform as we expected a storm and it was perfect. Maryanne welcomed us kindly and gave us instructions. Accessible with 4WD and Optus reception is great 👍 River was lovely and refreshing, beautiful nature around. Super cute Family of platypus living literally in front of the platform so happiness all around. Will be back!!

N

Nicole

3 weeks ago

4 m travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Anchorage Park

This is our second visit and it didn’t disappoint. We came in summer this time and the water was beautiful, crystal clear and plenty of fish. All sites booked but plenty of space - will definitely be back again.

S

Shane

December 2025

5 m travel trailer

3 nights at Anchorage Park

Beautiful campground, well maintained, tranquil and great hosts. Proximity to surrounding areas is great too.

A

Anthony

December 2025

7 m travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Anchorage Park

Lovely grassed area riverwas beautiful to swim in heaps of room between van sites and Troy and Angela were perfect hosts thoroughly recommend this Park

R

Roy

December 2025

8 m travel trailer

2 nights at Anchorage Park

Located in an amazing landscape, the sites are expansive and on flat grassy ground. Loved our stay.

Site 6 - River views and private access to water with wind protection. Our largest site by sqm

R

Richard

December 2025

5 m car

4 nights at Anchorage Park

Lovely spacious grassy areas to camp next to the river. Angela and Troy are wonderful hosts. Would love to stay again.

R

Roz

December 2025

8 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Anchorage Park

Highly recommend this Hipcamp The entrance into the property was very inviting with a long road lined with trees and followed the river leading to the Farm house with a huge turning circle for caravans. The host Troy & Angella were friendly, informative and our site number 1 was right on the river. We had no trees in front of our site just some small plants. So we had full view of the river. There are steps leading down to the river which is sandy and good for swimming (which our dog Bonnie loved). You can have a small fire but we didn’t feel the need at this time of year. The grounds are very well maintained and nice green grass. We would highly recommend this Hipcamp and shall be returning again.

S

Sidonie

November 2025

19 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Anchorage Park

Our stay at Anchorage Park was amazing. So relaxing with stunning views and peaceful and private atmosphere. We enjoyed fishing onsite too. It was like being on our own little piece of paradise. Highly recommend this place.

Simon

November 2025

7 m travel trailer

2 nights at Anchorage Park

A great spot our second visit within 12 months. Great access to water and large site.

T

Terese

November 2025

6 m Class B

1 night at Anchorage Park

Anchorage Park at Urunga was our first Hip Camp and we absolutely loved it. So beautiful and peaceful. Looking forward to staying again when up that way

J

Julia

November 2025

13 m travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Anchorage Park

Lovely spot. Tranquil beside the river but would book a site with clear river frontage (fishing) next time. Lots of birdlife and very friendly pups but we did have to put our old dog inside the van. Access was easy and instructions were clear. Will be back.

C

Craig

November 2025

9 m travel trailer

1 night at Anchorage Park

We loved the views of the river. Angela greeted us and show us to the camp site the property is amazing Will stay again when passing by next time

S

Shannon

November 2025

5 m pop-up camper

With kids

3 nights at Anchorage Park

Beautiful spot right on the water, great sunsets, great friendly hosts, a boat ramp to put the boat in. Will be back again

H

Helen

November 2025

9 m travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Anchorage Park

This is one amazing property full of lush green grass. There are plenty camps here and they are all private with plenty of space The hosts Angela & Troy are lovely and are among some of the best we have met. You can have a campfire and doggo’s are invited as well. You must be self sufficient ( BYO toilet) with water also The rest is plenty of room to fish and swim if you really want to or just relax around your camp. The town of Urunga is quaint and filled with lovely people. We rode our bikes the 6 km to town for breaky ( The Boardwalk ) most days. The local butcher has amazing quality tasting meat and for those of you passing through out of hours he even has a refrigerated vending machine with a huge choice of meats. The local pub is 7 days with great bistro meals and is also dog friendly in the beer garden, there is a golf course and plenty of places to walk, So much in this tiny town Thank you Angela & Troy we have loved every minute of our time at Anchoridge and we will Definitely be back