The best dog-friendly camping near Sawtell

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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% (7.4K) 255 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Sawtell

Yagaari Mountainside Sanctuary

1. Yagaari Mountainside Sanctuary

100%
(23)
52km from Sawtell · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
*Recently renovated! Hot showers, new composting toilets & shared undercover space at Yagaari - Suitable for private camping, group bookings, workshops and small gatherings* Note: We are a 4WD/AWD property 🛻 Yagaari Mountainside Sanctuary borders the Western side of Yarriabini National Park on the traditional lands of the Ngambaa people. The creeks and dams here are all spring fed and provide a sanctuary for an abundance of wildlife and native bushland, as well as a few beautiful places for a refreshing swim! The property is private and quiet and has stunning sunrise and sunset views as well as multiple camping sites fit for various needs and group sizes. We have recently built a large shared communcal space for campers to enjoy and there are also clean, odourless composting toilets and hot showers available for use on site. There is lots of space to walk and explore with tracks leading up into the heart of the National Park. Nearby are many gorgeous rivers, beaches and other national parks to explore. We are convieniently located only 10 minutes from Macksville for shopping and cafes and only 15 minutes from Scotts Head, a great beach for families and surfers.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
AU$73
 / night
"Dodona"

2. "Dodona"

99%
(623)
20km from Sawtell · 8 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Dodona - ancient Greek meaning "God's Gift". Here you can camp by a permanent flowing creek in our beautiful green valley. Sites are accessible by all types of vehicles such as RVs, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs, camper trailers or basic tent camping. Campfires are permitted when restrictions aren't in place, firewood is available at $15 per bag and bonus inclusion of a lovely swimming pool and BBQ area! Shower & toilet available. There is 350 km of dirt trails in the very large Orara State Forest behind our property which is great for mountain bike riding, or horse riding (no horse riding permitted on the property). Pet friendly. Stay with a local, friendly host.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$13
 / night
Wild Nymboida Camping Dorrigo

3. Wild Nymboida Camping Dorrigo

100%
(306)
46km from Sawtell · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Come and enjoy our private camping spots on the beautiful Nymboida River, New South Wales. Check in is before 5pm no check-ins after 5pm Campers have direct access to the river which is great for swimming and paddling. Please note that this is a free flowing river and there are rapids and waterfalls in parts, so care must be taken in parts. The campsites do require a 4WD to be accessed and are not suitable for larger caravans. Small of road vans and camper trailers are fine. Pets are welcome but we are a working cattle property, so if your dog is going to chase cattle it's probably not a great fit. There is a lot to do in the area, including bushwalking, chasing waterfalls, local markets, restaurants, wineries and galleries. 20 minutes from Dorrigo and 50 minutes from Bellingen. We charge $25 per adult per night Kids are free
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$31
 / night
Heartwood

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.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
AU$291
 / night
Vallis Oakes

5. Vallis Oakes

99%
(77)
51km from Sawtell · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Vallis Oakes, your own slice of paradise nestled on over 300 acres, surrounded by the tranquil Oakes State Forest and the vibrant Gumbaynggirr National Parks. Check out our instagram - @vallis_oakes Swim in the crystal-clear waters and be on the lookout for local wildlife like frogs, turtles, eagles, king parrots, black cockatoos, kingfishers, goannas, and the beautiful Crimson Rosellas. Fireflies have also been spotted! Discover a variety of activities including hiking trails, lookouts, motorbike and 4WD trails. Vallis Oakes is the perfect base for exploring the national parks and then relaxing by the fire under the stars. SELF CONTAINED CAMPERS ONLY To keep our valley pristine, all campers must be fully self-contained. This means having your own toilet, water supply, and taking all waste with you when you leave. This is non-negotiable to maintain the site's natural beauty. PETS are welcome provided they are good with other dogs and livestock. FLOOD WARNING The property is located on river frontage, it may be subject to flooding during heavy rain. Please check with us 3 days before arrival to confirm current conditions. In case of flooding, a full refund will be issued, or an alternate campsite on higher ground may be available. While the photos showcase the stunning blue waters, please note that the water’s appearance may change after heavy rain. You are welcome to enjoy campfires, provided there are no local restrictions. Firewood is available for purchase onsite. Plenty of space is available for caravans, camper trailers, and tents. The sites are 4WD only due to water crossings and challenging road conditions after heavy rain. PRIMITIVE CAMPING We do not have on-site amenities. Please bring all necessary supplies, including a camp toilet. It is essential to maintain the cleanliness of the site, NO DIGGING HOLES and all waste must be removed upon departure. We have a collection point for cans + bottles. Please note that there is no phone reception. If you require internet access, WiFi is available by the main cottage. We look forward to your visit and hope you enjoy everything Vallis Oakes has to offer! If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to contact us. Have a wonderful stay!
Campfires
from 
AU$73
 / night

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% (7.4K) 255 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Sawtell

Yagaari Mountainside Sanctuary

1. Yagaari Mountainside Sanctuary

100%
(23)
52km from Sawtell · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
*Recently renovated! Hot showers, new composting toilets & shared undercover space at Yagaari - Suitable for private camping, group bookings, workshops and small gatherings* Note: We are a 4WD/AWD property 🛻 Yagaari Mountainside Sanctuary borders the Western side of Yarriabini National Park on the traditional lands of the Ngambaa people. The creeks and dams here are all spring fed and provide a sanctuary for an abundance of wildlife and native bushland, as well as a few beautiful places for a refreshing swim! The property is private and quiet and has stunning sunrise and sunset views as well as multiple camping sites fit for various needs and group sizes. We have recently built a large shared communcal space for campers to enjoy and there are also clean, odourless composting toilets and hot showers available for use on site. There is lots of space to walk and explore with tracks leading up into the heart of the National Park. Nearby are many gorgeous rivers, beaches and other national parks to explore. We are convieniently located only 10 minutes from Macksville for shopping and cafes and only 15 minutes from Scotts Head, a great beach for families and surfers.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
AU$73
 / night
"Dodona"

2. "Dodona"

99%
(623)
20km from Sawtell · 8 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Dodona - ancient Greek meaning "God's Gift". Here you can camp by a permanent flowing creek in our beautiful green valley. Sites are accessible by all types of vehicles such as RVs, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs, camper trailers or basic tent camping. Campfires are permitted when restrictions aren't in place, firewood is available at $15 per bag and bonus inclusion of a lovely swimming pool and BBQ area! Shower & toilet available. There is 350 km of dirt trails in the very large Orara State Forest behind our property which is great for mountain bike riding, or horse riding (no horse riding permitted on the property). Pet friendly. Stay with a local, friendly host.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$13
 / night
Wild Nymboida Camping Dorrigo

3. Wild Nymboida Camping Dorrigo

100%
(306)
46km from Sawtell · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Come and enjoy our private camping spots on the beautiful Nymboida River, New South Wales. Check in is before 5pm no check-ins after 5pm Campers have direct access to the river which is great for swimming and paddling. Please note that this is a free flowing river and there are rapids and waterfalls in parts, so care must be taken in parts. The campsites do require a 4WD to be accessed and are not suitable for larger caravans. Small of road vans and camper trailers are fine. Pets are welcome but we are a working cattle property, so if your dog is going to chase cattle it's probably not a great fit. There is a lot to do in the area, including bushwalking, chasing waterfalls, local markets, restaurants, wineries and galleries. 20 minutes from Dorrigo and 50 minutes from Bellingen. We charge $25 per adult per night Kids are free
Toilets
Campfires
from 
AU$31
 / night
Heartwood

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.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
AU$291
 / night
Vallis Oakes

5. Vallis Oakes

99%
(77)
51km from Sawtell · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Vallis Oakes, your own slice of paradise nestled on over 300 acres, surrounded by the tranquil Oakes State Forest and the vibrant Gumbaynggirr National Parks. Check out our instagram - @vallis_oakes Swim in the crystal-clear waters and be on the lookout for local wildlife like frogs, turtles, eagles, king parrots, black cockatoos, kingfishers, goannas, and the beautiful Crimson Rosellas. Fireflies have also been spotted! Discover a variety of activities including hiking trails, lookouts, motorbike and 4WD trails. Vallis Oakes is the perfect base for exploring the national parks and then relaxing by the fire under the stars. SELF CONTAINED CAMPERS ONLY To keep our valley pristine, all campers must be fully self-contained. This means having your own toilet, water supply, and taking all waste with you when you leave. This is non-negotiable to maintain the site's natural beauty. PETS are welcome provided they are good with other dogs and livestock. FLOOD WARNING The property is located on river frontage, it may be subject to flooding during heavy rain. Please check with us 3 days before arrival to confirm current conditions. In case of flooding, a full refund will be issued, or an alternate campsite on higher ground may be available. While the photos showcase the stunning blue waters, please note that the water’s appearance may change after heavy rain. You are welcome to enjoy campfires, provided there are no local restrictions. Firewood is available for purchase onsite. Plenty of space is available for caravans, camper trailers, and tents. The sites are 4WD only due to water crossings and challenging road conditions after heavy rain. PRIMITIVE CAMPING We do not have on-site amenities. Please bring all necessary supplies, including a camp toilet. It is essential to maintain the cleanliness of the site, NO DIGGING HOLES and all waste must be removed upon departure. We have a collection point for cans + bottles. Please note that there is no phone reception. If you require internet access, WiFi is available by the main cottage. We look forward to your visit and hope you enjoy everything Vallis Oakes has to offer! If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to contact us. Have a wonderful stay!
Campfires
from 
AU$73
 / night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field