Dogs can't come into NSW national parks, but plenty of state forests welcome them. Here are four free campgrounds where your dog can join in, and the kit that makes it easy.
Room for the people and one muddy dog.
Room to lounge, light at night and water on hand.
Chairs and picnic blankets for lazy afternoons with the dog.
Lanterns and torches for evening strolls around camp.
Refillable bottles to keep you hydrated on dog walks.
Our full ranges for forest tracks, camp kitchens and pitching.
Boots, shoes, sandals and socks for muddy forest tracks.
Folding tables and camp kitchen units to keep food up.
Pegs, groundsheets and guy ropes for forest pitches.
Four state forests, from the Central Coast to the high country.
Shady sites under big slash pines in the Watagans, with three walking tracks nearby, including one to a small swimming hole.
Good to knowFree, with toilets and wood barbecues, but no drinking water. Casuarina camping area, a short walk away, suits caravans and trailers.
View Campground DetailsA free campground on the banks of the Clyde River, popular for bass fishing.
Good to knowToilets, fireplaces and barbecues, but no drinking water. Dogs are allowed at Yadboro Flat only, not in the national park next door.
View Campground DetailsA grassy family spot beside the Tall Trees Walk and a nature playground, with room for caravans.
Good to knowFree electric barbecues in the picnic shelter, plus toilets. Sites are unpowered and there's no dump station.
View Campground DetailsA peaceful dam in tall alpine ash forest, in the Bago State Forest near Batlow and Tumbarumba.
Good to knowFree, with toilets and fireplaces in the forest. Only passive water activities like kayaking and fishing are allowed, so no swimming.
View Campground DetailsA few good habits keep forests open to dogs.
Many state forests sit right next to national parks, where dogs aren't allowed. Check your map before you head off on a walk.
Forestry Corporation asks that your dog is under your control at all times. A lead or tether around camp keeps the peace with neighbours and wildlife.
Olney and Yadboro Flat have no drinking water. Pack enough for yourself, plus plenty for the dog on warm days.
Find a Water BottleThese free campgrounds don't take bookings, so it's first in, best dressed. A weekday or an early start on Friday gives you the pick of sites.
A tent with spare floor space fits a dog bed without anyone sleeping in the doorway. A tough ground sheet protects the floor from claws.
Find Your TentForest campgrounds get properly dark. A head torch makes the last toilet stop easier for you and the dog.
Get a Head TorchEverything for you, plus a few things for them.
Gear grouped by how you live and move.
No. Pets and domestic animals, other than certified assistance animals, aren't allowed in NSW national parks. State forests are the go-to instead, and many of their campgrounds welcome dogs that are kept under control.
Olney State Forest in the Watagans, Yadboro Flat near Ulladulla, Coopernook Forest HQ near Taree and Paddys River Dam in Bago State Forest all allow dogs. Rules vary between forests, and some don't allow dogs at all, so check the Forestry Corporation page for each one before you go.
No. Camping in dog-friendly state forest campgrounds is free and there's no online booking, so sites go to whoever arrives first. Weekends and school holidays get busy, so an early start helps.
Don't count on it. Olney and Yadboro State Forests have no drinking water, and facilities across state forests are basic. Bring enough for drinking, cooking and washing up, plus a big bottle and a bowl for the dog.
Your dog must be under your control at all times, and a lead is the simplest way to manage that around camp. Some forests go further: in Cumberland State Forest, for example, dogs must be on a lead at all times. Always pick up after your dog and keep noise down for other campers.
Our tents and camp gear come from a team of campers, and every piece is tested outdoors before it goes on sale.
Free delivery on orders over $150. Members get our lifetime warranty.
