The best pet friendly campsites and holiday parks in NSW
Planning a road trip with your furry friend? You're not alone! More Australians are choosing to bring their pets along for the ride, especially when exploring New South Wales by campervan. The good news? There are plenty of pet-friendly campsites and holiday parks in NSW that welcome your four-legged companions, so long as you're prepared and know the rules.
In this guide, we’ll answer some of the most common questions around travelling with pets in NSW, including whether dogs are allowed in caravan parks and campsites, how to hire a pet-friendly campervan, and essential tips for keeping your pet safe and comfortable on the road.
Are Pets Allowed in Caravan Parks and Campsites in NSW?
Yes, many caravan parks and camping grounds in NSW are pet-friendly, especially in rural and coastal areas. However, policies vary by provider, so it’s crucial to check with the individual campground or holiday park in advance. Some may only allow pets during off-peak seasons, while others may have breed restrictions or require pets to remain on a leash at all times.
Are Dogs Allowed in Australian National Parks?
Dogs are not permitted in Australian national parks, but they are allowed in many state forests and designated camping areas adjacent to park boundaries. This makes state forests a great alternative for dog-loving travellers keen to explore nature without breaking the rules. Again, check online for any restrictions, before you plan your road trip.
Planning Your Pet-Friendly Campervan Hire Adventure
Thinking of renting a campervan for your NSW getaway? Good news, we offer pet-friendly campervan hire options across Australia, including New South Wales. Dogs and cats are welcome aboard most of our vehicles, but there are a few conditions:
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Advance approval is required before travelling with a pet.
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An additional cleaning fee applies for all pet-friendly rentals.
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Only well-behaved and toilet-trained pets will be accepted.
When booking your campervan hire with pets, be sure to let us know upfront so we can allocate a vehicle that suits your needs—and ensure a smooth ride for you and your companion.
Are Dogs Allowed in Rental Campervans?
Yes, we allow dogs (and cats!) in selected rental campervans—but only with prior approval. This helps us prepare the van appropriately and ensure it's clean and safe for the next guest. All pets must be kept under control while inside the vehicle, and any damage caused by your pet is the renter’s responsibility.
To keep everyone safe on the road, pets must be appropriately restrained while travelling. In most states, including NSW, it’s an offence to drive with an unrestrained dog in a moving vehicle. For campervans and motorhomes, this means your dog should be in a pet travel crate, secured with a seatbelt harness, or confined to a designated pet area.
How to Prepare for a Campervan Road Trip With Your Dog
Before you hit the road, take a few key steps to ensure your pet’s health, safety, and comfort:
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Update vaccinations, flea/tick prevention, and worming treatments.
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Check and update microchip details in case your pet gets lost.
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Pack essentials like leads, bedding, food, water bowls, and waste bags.
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Plan your route with frequent toilet and water stops (every 2–3 hours is ideal).
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Never leave your pet unattended in a hot motorhome—temperatures can rise quickly, especially in Australia.
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Research dog-friendly campsites, trails, and local authority pet rules before you arrive.
With a little prep and planning, your campervan adventure through NSW can be a fun and stress-free experience for both you and your furry travel buddy.
Best pet friendly road trips in NSW
Looking for the best road trips in NSW as well as tips and ideas for your upcoming campervan hire? Here are a few of our most loved travel itineraries and travel guides for NSW to get you started on planning your pet-friendly campervan hire adventure in New South Wales:
The top 14 Pet-friendly Campsites in NSW
Travelling through New South Wales with your four-legged friend? From coastal escapes to rural hideaways, there are plenty of incredible pet-friendly campsites and dog-friendly holiday parks to discover. Whether you're road tripping in a campervan with pets or planning a weekend by the beach, these top-rated spots make it easy to explore NSW without leaving your furry mate behind.
Here’s your guide to the best pet-friendly camping in NSW, including nearby dog-friendly beaches and outdoor adventures to add to your road trip itinerary.
1. Red Rock Holiday Park – Coffs Coast
Distance from Sydney: 540 km. Drive time: 6.5 hours
Set between the Corindi River and the Pacific Ocean, Red Rock Holiday Park offers a tranquil waterside escape perfect for both pets and their humans. This dog-friendly holiday park is equipped with great facilities including BBQ areas, a laundry, and direct access to waterfront walks.
Located about 30 minutes north of Coffs Harbour, it’s a prime base for exploring dog-friendly beaches like Corindi Beach (off-leash) and the scenic Surf Coast Track. Before setting off, check the Coffs Harbour City Council’s list of off-leash dog areas to ensure a tail-wagging good time.
2. Horseshoe Bay Holiday Park – South West Rocks
Distance from Sydney: 460 km. Drive time: 5.5 hours
If you love a coastal getaway, Horseshoe Bay Holiday Park in South West Rocks delivers stunning ocean views and pet-friendly camping comfort. While the main Horseshoe Bay beach isn’t dog-friendly, nearby Trial Bay and Back Beach welcome canine companions and are perfect for long leash-free walks.
The park provides easy access to shaded picnic spots and beachside strolls, making it a popular stop for travellers on a pet-friendly campervan hire road trip along the Mid-North Coast.
3. Old Bara Campsite – Near Mudgee
Distance from Sydney: 270 km. Drive time: 3.5 hours
Looking for wide-open spaces? Old Bara Campsite is a peaceful bushland retreat located on a working cattle station near Mudgee—just a few hours inland from Sydney. The expansive grounds are ideal for off-leash dog camping with plenty of room to explore, run, and relax.
A perfect addition to your journey if you’re also touring dog-friendly wineries in the Hunter Valley. Just be mindful of wildlife like kangaroos and wallabies—keep pets close and under control to avoid disturbing the locals.
4. Lake Mac Holiday Parks – Lake Macquarie
Distance from Sydney: 135 km. Drive time: 2 hours
Lake Macquarie is a dog-lovers’ dream, and Lake Mac Holiday Parks make pet-friendly camping a breeze. Three of the six parks in this region welcome pets, with Blacksmiths Beachside Holiday Park being a standout for beach lovers.
Enjoy morning fetch sessions on the sand or lazy lakeside walks—there’s no shortage of dog-friendly activities near Sydney in this lakeside escape.
5. Shoal Bay Holiday Park – Port Stephens
Distance from Sydney: 210 km. Drive time: 2.5–3 hours
Just steps from the beautiful beaches of Port Stephens, Shoal Bay Holiday Park is a favourite for pet owners seeking a coastal break. With spacious sites and family-friendly amenities, this holiday park offers access to several dog-friendly beaches, including Marrungbanga Reserve.
It’s also conveniently located near towns like Nelson Bay and Anna Bay, ideal for day trips with your furry friend.
6. Discovery Parks Burrill Lake - Ulladulla
Distance from Sydney: 230 km. Drive time: 3 hours
Tucked beside the peaceful waters of Burrill Lake near Ulladulla, this pet-welcoming holiday park offers the best of lakeside camping and coastal convenience. Discovery Parks Burrill Lake features a relaxed atmosphere, excellent facilities, and access to local dog-friendly beaches like Collers Beach, Mollymook, and Narrawallee (note: time restrictions may apply).
7. Ingenia Holidays Merry Beach – Kioloa
Distance from Sydney: 270 km. Drive time: 3.5 hours
For a front-row seat to the ocean, Ingenia Holidays Merry Beach is a must-visit. Located in Kioloa on the NSW South Coast, this pet-friendly campsite is known for its beachfront sites and access to Cormorant Beach, a popular dog-friendly location.
Wake up to the sound of waves, enjoy sunset walks with your pet, and turn your campervan into a seaside sanctuary.
8. Reflections Grabine Lakeside Holiday & Caravan Park - Bigga
Distance from Sydney: 290 km. Drive time: 4 hours
Escape the crowds and unwind by the lake at Reflections Grabine Lakeside Holiday & Caravan Park, near Crookwell in the NSW hinterlands. With sweeping bushland views and direct access to Grabine Lakeside State Park, this spot is perfect for dogs that love to roam, sniff, and splash.
It’s a peaceful detour on any NSW pet-friendly road trip, offering freedom and nature in equal measure.
9. NRMA South West Rocks Holiday Resort - South West Rocks
Distance from Sydney: 460 km. Drive time: 5.5 hours
A family favourite on the Mid-North Coast, NRMA South West Rocks Holiday Resort combines beachside bliss with dog-friendly convenience. Expect leafy grounds, resort-style amenities, and easy access to Trial Bay and Back Creek Beach—two of the region’s most welcoming dog beaches.
Great for longer stays in your campervan with pets, especially if you’re looking to mix relaxation with adventure.
10. Two Shores Holiday Village – The Entrance
Distance from Sydney: 110 km. Drive time: 1.5 hours
Located on the shores of Tuggerah Lake, just north of Sydney, Two Shores Holiday Village is a relaxing coastal stopover for you and your pet. This holiday park is within walking distance of The Entrance Beach, where you’ll find dog-friendly beach zones perfect for off-leash fun.
Its convenient location and easy access make it a great weekend option for pet travellers from Sydney.
11. Forbes Holiday Park – Forbes
Distance from Sydney: 380 km. Drive time: 5 hours
Head inland and you’ll find the lush, well-maintained grounds of Forbes Holiday Park, a pet-friendly gem in the Central West. With dedicated dog wash stations, leash-free areas, and ample space, your pup can stretch their legs while you enjoy the peaceful town of Forbes.
It’s a great stopover for those en route to the NSW Outback or looping back toward Sydney.
12. Wellington Riverside Caravan Park – Montefiores
Distance from Sydney: 360 km. Drive time: 4.5 hours
Right on the banks of the Macquarie River, Wellington Riverside Caravan Park offers a serene setting to park your campervan and let your dog roam riverside trails. Pet-friendly features and great proximity to Dubbo Zoo and Lake Burrendong make this a fantastic inland detour.
It’s ideal for a slower-paced leg of your pet-friendly camping adventure.
13. NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort – Merimbula
Distance from Sydney: 470 km. Drive time: 6 hours
Perched atop coastal cliffs, NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort delivers panoramic ocean views and top-tier facilities for every member of the family—including the furry ones. Merimbula is a highlight along the Sydney to Melbourne coastal road trip, with Bar Beach and other nearby dog-friendly beaches to explore.
Enjoy morning beach runs, café stops, and cliffside relaxation all in one destination.
14. Reflections Wee Jasper Campground - Wee Jasper
Distance from Sydney: 335 km. Drive time: 4.5 hours
Last but not least, Reflections Wee Jasper Campground is a rustic and remote escape into southern NSW’s hinterland. Ideal for travellers heading to or from Canberra, this sprawling park offers pet-friendly camping across several peaceful bushland sites. The nearby Micalong Creek is a favourite among canine campers for splashing and adventuring.
Expect laid-back vibes, wide-open spaces, and true wilderness appeal—perfect for a peaceful digital detox.
Ready for a trip with your furry friend to New South Wales?
Ready to discover the charm of NSW's pet-friendly campsites and holiday parks with your four-legged companion? Start your adventure by booking an Apollo pet-friendly campervan hire online today. You can pick up your campervan from our Sydney branch and hit the road with the whole family - canine or regular!