Dog Friendly Campsites in Sydney

We're passionate about camping, and with Alma by our side, we've explored numerous campsites in Sydney and the Blue Mountains area. Here, we'll share our experiences, rates, and details about the facilities at each site to help fellow dog-loving campers plan their trips. Stay tuned for updates!

Merry Beach Campground

Price: Depending on the site, prices vary from $30 to $60 per night.
Facilities: Two super clean toilet blocks with great hot showers.
Essentials to take: Long line for your dog.
Dog Friendly: Yes, on-lead.
Overall Rating: 10/10
Power Options: Available, either powered or non-powered.

Overview: Mary Beach Campground is one of our absolute favorites, and we find ourselves returning frequently. With beachfront campsites and a slightly more affordable option a few spaces back, the campground caters to various preferences. The highlight is its dog-friendly policy and allowance of fire pits at all spots.

Facilities: For the price, you get top-notch facilities. The campground boasts two large and well-maintained toilet blocks, providing excellent hot showers. A huge communal kitchen and BBQ area are also available, enhancing the overall camping experience.

Location: Situated right on Mary Beach, the campground offers a serene environment. The beach is dog-friendly, not usually crowded, and ideal for exploring rocks or letting your dog run freely. A fantastic loop walk adds to the outdoor activities, providing a great option for hikers.

Nearby Amenities: For those seeking a meal out, Mary Street Restaurant and Bar is conveniently located nearby. Booking in advance is recommended due to its popularity. The restaurant serves home-cooked meals, and it's an excellent choice for campers looking for a break from cooking.

Wildlife Encounters: Keep an eye out for the resident kangaroos that roam the area. They are numerous, curious, and provide a unique opportunity for your dog to observe kangaroos if they haven't encountered them before. Ensure your dog is on a long line for their safety and the kangaroos'.

Cabin Option: If camping isn't your preference, there are two dog-friendly cabins. When booking, opt for the cabin with the sea view, as the other is smaller and tucked away.

Mary Beach Campground earns a solid 10/10 for its combination of beachfront beauty, dog-friendliness, excellent facilities, and proximity to both nature and amenities. It's well worth the slightly higher price for the overall camping experience it provides.

Mount York Campground

Price: Free
Facilities: Drop toilets
Essentials to take: Drinking water, shower, toilet paper
Dog Friendly: Yes, on-lead
Overall Rating: 8/10
Power Options: Not powered

Overview: Mount York Campground, located at the top of Mount York in the Blue Mountains, offers a unique camping experience. While it's free, it operates on a first-come, first-served basis with ample space for campers and tents. The standout feature of this campground is its breathtaking views, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a mountain-top camping adventure.

Facilities: The campground has limited facilities, providing only drop toilets. There are no showers or drinking water sources available. Campers should be prepared to bring their own essentials, including water and shower supplies.

Location: Perched at the summit of Mount York, the campground promises unparalleled views. Waking up to the stunning scenery of the Blue Mountains is a unique and memorable experience. The location also serves as a starting point for a beautiful walk into the valley and back up the mountain, detailed in the 'Hiking in the Blue Mountains' section.

Outdoor Activities: Beyond camping, Mount York offers opportunities for exploration and hiking. The beautiful walk into the valley and back up the mountain provides a rewarding experience for nature enthusiasts. Details of this hike can be found in the dedicated 'Hiking in the Blue Mountains' section.

Overall Rating: With an overall rating of 8/10, Mount York Campground earns its score based on the extraordinary setting and the sense of tranquility it provides. The lack of extensive facilities is compensated by the unique experience of camping atop a mountain, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Blue Mountains.

Note: As always, when camping in a location with limited facilities, proper preparation and bringing essential supplies are crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Riverside Caravan Park Mudgee

Price: $15 Per Person
Facilities: Toilets, Showers, Laundry, Power
Essentials to Take: Not specified
Dog Friendly: Yes, On-lead
Overall Rating: 6/10

Overview: Nestled in the heart of Mudgee, the Mudgee Caravan Park offers a reasonably priced camping experience at $15 per person. Boasting comprehensive facilities, including toilets, showers, laundry, and power, the campground provides a convenient base for exploration.

Facilities: Impressively, the caravan park features excellent facilities, highlighted by a spacious and impeccably clean shower block. These amenities, encompassing toilets, a laundry, and power connections, enhance the overall camping experience.

Campsite Setup: The camping area is situated on solid, flat ground surrounded by grass. While the site offers a comfortable foundation, those seeking privacy or hidden spots might find it lacking. Campsites are in close proximity, limiting seclusion.

Dog-Friendly Atmosphere: Catering to pet owners, the campground is dog-friendly, permitting dogs on-lead. This accommodation is ideal for those wanting to share their camping experience with their furry companions.

Considerations: Campers should be mindful of the check-out time, as the management may contact individuals who exceed the designated departure time. Additionally, those seeking more secluded or private campsites might need to adjust their expectations.

Overall Rating: With an overall rating of 6/10, Mudgee Caravan Park provides a well-priced option with commendable facilities for visitors exploring Mudgee and its surroundings. The close proximity of campsites may impact the experience for those valuing privacy, making it better suited for campers who prioritise convenience and essential amenities over seclusion.

NRMA Shell Harbour, Beachside

Price: $40-$50 ( depending on the time of year)( also if you are a NRMA member you get discount)

Facilities: everything you need

Essentials to take:

Dog Friendly: yes, on-lead

Only Powered

Our overall rating: 6/10

We stayed at this campground because it was nice and close to the Kiama way costal walk ( see our hiking tab for the walk), and even though it was hugely overpriced it wasn't a bad campsite. The plots were quite large and it didn't feel like you were on top of your neighbours. It was also really close to the beach, but it was not dog friendly! It was good though to go to sleep to the sound of the ocean! The town was super close by with take out options and lots of pubs to pick from.

Glenmack Park, Kangaroo Valley

Price: $40

Facilities: All necessary amenities provided

Dog Friendly: Yes, on-lead

Overall Rating: 10/10

Powered or Unpowered Sites

Nestled amidst the beauty of Kangaroo Valley, this campsite offers a stunning landscape surrounded by rolling hills and expansive fields. Opting for an unpowered site grants you the freedom to camp freely in their large field. Simply pick your favorite spot, set up a fire, and unwind while soaking in the mesmerizing sunset over the valley. The recent upgrade to their facilities is noteworthy, featuring a vast and aesthetically pleasing block that rivals the quality of amenities found at Merry Beach!

The site is welcoming to dogs, but be mindful of the adjacent field hosting farm animals. If your dog isn't accustomed to such creatures, consider it a valuable training opportunity.

Price: $40-$50 (depending on the time of year; NRMA members receive a discount)

Facilities: Comprehensive amenities provided

Essentials to Take: Shower, shade on hot days

Dog Friendly: Yes, on-lead

Site Type: Only powered sites

Overall Rating: 6/10

Conveniently located near the Kiama coastal walk, we chose this campground despite its relatively high cost. The plots were generously sized, providing a sense of space and privacy among fellow campers. Although the beach proximity was a plus, it's worth noting that the site itself is not dog-friendly. However, falling asleep to the soothing sounds of the ocean was a definite highlight.

While the campground was generally satisfactory, the pricing seemed a bit steep for what it offered. On the positive side, the town was in close proximity, offering various takeout options and a selection of pubs to choose from, adding to the overall convenience of the stay.

Cranky Rock Campsite

Adventure with Alma

Dog friendly adventures around Australia