Pet-friendly camping around Newcastle: 7 best spots

Nearly 69% of Australian households have pets, and for many of us, leaving our four-legged family members behind isn't an option. The good news? Newcastle and Lake Macquarie have embraced pet-friendly camping in a big way, with coastal caravan parks, lakeside sites, and bush retreats that welcome well-behaved dogs. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway with your border collie or a month-long coastal adventure with your labrador, this stretch of the NSW coastline offers some of the most accommodating camping spots in the country.

The Newcastle region's mild climate makes it ideal for camping with pets year-round, though spring and autumn offer the perfect conditions for both humans and animals. Summer can be warm for furry companions, while winter brings cooler evenings perfect for campfire cuddles. Our community of local owners consistently recommends travelling outside school holidays when caravan parks are quieter and beaches are less crowded — giving your dog more space to explore safely.

Hiring a campervan or caravan through Camplify means you can bring your own familiar setup for your pet, complete with their bed, bowls, and favourite toys. Many owners specifically welcome pets in their vans, and with both pickup from Newcastle or delivery to your doorstep, getting started is straightforward. Let's explore the best spots where your tail-wagging companion will be just as welcome as you are.

Where dogs are welcome: Newcastle's best pet-friendly caravan parks

The Newcastle region offers exceptional variety for pet-friendly camping, from beachside parks where morning walks involve sand between your toes to lakeside retreats perfect for water-loving breeds. Here are the standout locations where your furry friend will be genuinely welcomed.

Stockton Beach Tourist Park

Located just across the harbour from Newcastle's CBD, Stockton Beach Tourist Park sits adjacent to one of Australia's longest beaches. Dogs are permitted in powered and unpowered sites, with direct beach access for early morning and evening walks. The park provides dog waste stations and designated pet exercise areas.

Powered sites start from $55 per night during off-peak periods, rising to $75-95 during summer and long weekends. The facilities include modern amenities blocks, camp kitchens, and a small convenience store. Your dog will appreciate the proximity to Stockton Beach, where they can run off-leash in designated areas during permitted hours (typically before 9am and after 4pm in summer).

Book at least six weeks ahead for summer stays, particularly if you want a beachfront site. The park's location makes it perfect for exploring Newcastle's road trips and camping spots while keeping the city within easy reach.

Reflections Holiday Parks Norah Head

About 45 minutes south of Newcastle, Reflections Holiday Parks Norah Head welcomes pets in designated cabin and camping areas. This coastal location offers grassed camping areas perfect for setting up with shade for your pet, plus walking tracks that wind through native bushland.

Pet-friendly powered sites range from $45-70 per night depending on season. Selected cabins also accept pets for $60-110 per night, though a pet fee of $10 per night applies. The park sits near Soldiers Beach, where dogs are allowed off-leash before 9am and after 4pm year-round.

What makes Norah Head special is the combination of coastal walks and the nearby Wyrrabalong National Park, where dogs on leash can explore certain trails. The lighthouse walk (dogs on leash) offers stunning coastal views and whale watching opportunities between May and November.

Caves Beach Resort

Set beside Lake Macquarie just 20 minutes south of Newcastle, Caves Beach Resort is a hidden gem for pet owners. The resort-style park offers spacious sites with plenty of grass for your dog, and the adjacent beach welcomes leashed dogs year-round.

Sites start from $48 per night off-peak and reach $85 during peak summer periods. A $10 per night pet fee applies. The facilities are excellent, with a pool complex (no pets, obviously), modern amenities, and a general store. What sets this location apart is Lake Macquarie's calm waters — perfect for dogs who love swimming without the ocean's rough waves.

Camplify owners recommend Caves Beach for first-time campers with pets, as the combination of lake and ocean access means you'll always find a suitable spot regardless of weather conditions. The nearby cafe strip at Catherine Hill Bay (a five-minute drive) is dog-friendly, with several establishments offering water bowls and shade.

North Coast Holiday Park Scotts Head

For those willing to venture further north (about 90 minutes from Newcastle), North Coast Holiday Park Scotts Head offers one of the most dog-friendly experiences on the NSW coast. This quiet, family-run park actively welcomes responsible pet owners and provides excellent facilities specifically for four-legged guests.

Powered sites cost $40-65 per night with a $5 per night pet fee. The park includes designated dog exercise areas, plenty of shade, and direct access to beaches with generous off-leash hours. The surrounding area offers numerous dog-friendly walks, including the Scotts Head to Grassy Head coastal track.

This location particularly suits longer stays, as the quieter atmosphere and genuine pet-friendly culture mean you and your dog can truly relax. The local community here understands camping with pets — you'll find water bowls outside shops and cafes throughout the small town.

Wallis Lake Holiday Park Forster

Roughly two hours north of Newcastle, Wallis Lake Holiday Park deserves inclusion for its exceptional pet facilities and location beside calm lake waters. The park designates specific pet-friendly zones and provides washing stations for sandy paws.

Sites range from $45-75 per night with a $10 per night pet charge (maximum $30 per stay). The lake foreshore offers safe, shallow water perfect for dogs who love swimming, and the town of Forster provides dog-friendly dining options and walks. If you're planning a longer trip and considering the Newcastle 500 Supercars camping experience, this makes an excellent base for the weeks before or after the event.

Jimmys Beach Holiday Park

Located in Port Stephens, about 40 minutes north of Newcastle, Jimmys Beach Holiday Park sits on the calm bay side with direct beach access. Dogs are welcome on-leash throughout the park and on the beach during specific hours.

Powered sites cost $45-80 per night depending on season and position. The shallow, calm waters make this location ideal for nervous swimmers or older dogs who enjoy gentle paddling. The surrounding Port Stephens area offers numerous dog-friendly walks, including the Tomaree Head Summit Walk (dogs on leash), which provides spectacular 360-degree views.

Our community of local owners particularly recommends Jimmys Beach for autumn and spring camping, when the weather is perfect for all-day exploring with your pet and the holiday crowds have dispersed.

Mungo Brush Campground, Myall Lakes National Park

For a genuine bush camping experience with your dog, Mungo Brush Campground in Myall Lakes National Park offers something different. Located about 90 minutes north of Newcastle, this NSW National Parks site welcomes dogs in the camping area (on-leash at all times).

Sites cost $17-28 per person per night for NSW residents ($22-35 for non-residents), with no additional pet fees. It's a more basic setup — unpowered sites with drop toilets and tank water — but the trade-off is camping beside pristine bushland with direct lake access. Dogs can swim in designated areas of Myall Lakes, and the dark sky conditions make it perfect for stargazing while your dog snoozes beside the campfire.

Book well ahead for long weekends and school holidays. This location suits experienced campers comfortable with basic facilities, and it's worth noting mobile reception is limited — perfect for a proper digital detox with your best friend.

Understanding pet regulations and beach access around Newcastle

Newcastle City Council and surrounding shires maintain specific regulations about where and when dogs can access beaches and public areas. Understanding these rules ensures you and your pet have a safe, legal, and enjoyable experience.

Beach access times and off-leash areas

Most Newcastle-area beaches operate on a seasonal timetable. During summer (typically September to April), dogs are usually allowed on beaches before 9am and after 4pm. Winter access is more generous, often extending to all-day off-leash at designated beaches. Stockton Beach, Redhead Beach, and Nobbys Beach all have specific zones where dogs can run off-leash during permitted hours.

Some beaches prohibit dogs entirely year-round, including Newcastle Beach and portions of Merewether Beach during patrolled hours. Always check signage at beach access points, and remember that on-leash means your dog must be controlled by a maximum 2-metre lead.

National park regulations

NSW National Parks maintains specific rules about dogs in natural areas. While dogs are prohibited from most walking tracks and wilderness areas to protect native wildlife, certain campgrounds like Mungo Brush specifically accommodate pets. Always check current regulations before entering national parks, and keep your dog on-leash in permitted areas.

Responsible pet ownership while camping

Caravan parks require proof of current vaccinations for your dog, including C5 coverage. Bring documentation with you. Most parks also require dogs to be kept on-leash within the park boundaries and quiet during night hours (typically 10pm-7am). Clean up after your pet immediately — parks provide waste bags and bins throughout.

Camplify owners often mention that demonstrating responsible pet ownership helps ensure parks remain pet-friendly. If your dog barks excessively or shows aggression, you may be asked to leave, and it impacts other pet owners' future access.

Seasonal considerations for camping with pets

Summer (December-February)

Summer brings warm to hot conditions that require extra care for your pet. Early morning and late evening are best for beach walks, with midday hours kept quiet and cool. Ensure your campervan or caravan has adequate ventilation and never leave pets inside during the day — temperatures can become dangerous quickly.

Many experienced pet-camping families invest in cooling mats, portable shade structures, and collapsible water bowls. The favourite kids camping accessories guide includes several items equally useful for pets. Beach camping during summer means sand management becomes essential — a portable paw-washing station and towels specifically for your dog will keep your van cleaner.

Autumn (March-May)

Many locals consider autumn the perfect season for camping with dogs. Temperatures moderate to comfortable levels (18-24°C typically), beaches become less crowded, and your pet can enjoy longer walks without heat stress. The ocean remains warm enough for swimming well into April, and the morning light creates stunning conditions for beach photography with your four-legged model.

Winter (June-August)

Winter camping suits certain breeds perfectly, particularly those with thick coats who struggle in summer heat. Nights become chilly (5-12°C), so pack bedding for your pet — a warm sleeping bag or extra blankets. Many dogs appreciate sleeping inside the campervan during winter rather than in an awning or tent.

Winter offers the advantage of all-day beach access at most locations, and the cooler conditions mean longer walking possibilities. Just pack waterproof gear for both yourself and your dog, as winter brings occasional rainy periods.

Spring (September-November)

Spring shares autumn's perfect conditions, with the added bonus of wildflowers in national parks and longer daylight hours. This season sees many grey nomads beginning their annual migrations north, so book caravan parks early if you're planning September or October stays.

Preparing your pet for campervan travel

Not every dog naturally takes to campervan life, but most adjust quickly with proper preparation. Start with short day trips in your hired campervan before attempting overnight stays. Let your pet explore the van while parked, creating positive associations with treats and favourite toys.

Essential pet camping gear

Bedding and comfort items: Bring your dog's regular bed or blankets from home. Familiar scents help pets settle in new environments. A crate or designated sleeping area gives anxious dogs a safe space.

Food and water supplies: Pack more food than you think necessary — some dogs eat more when active outdoors. Collapsible bowls save space, and a dedicated water container prevents contamination of your drinking supply. The backyard camping family recipes guide includes tips on meal planning that can extend to preparing pet food for camping trips.

Lead, harness, and restraints: Australian law requires pets to be restrained while vehicles are in motion. Purpose-built dog harnesses that connect to seatbelts or cargo barriers ensure safety. Bring multiple leads of different lengths — a long lead for campsite use and shorter leads for beach walks.

First aid and medications: A pet first aid kit should include bandages, antiseptic, tick removal tools, and any regular medications your dog requires. Research the nearest 24-hour veterinary clinic to your camping location before departure.

Identification and paperwork: Ensure your dog wears a collar with current contact details and microchip registration updated with your mobile number. Bring vaccination records, as caravan parks will request them on arrival.

Managing pet behaviour in shared spaces

Caravan parks are shared community spaces, and not everyone shares your enthusiasm for dogs. Keep your pet on-leash within the park, clean up waste immediately, and manage barking — particularly during quiet hours. If your dog struggles with other animals, choose campsites further from high-traffic areas.

Many Camplify owners recommend establishing a routine quickly — morning walks, feeding times, and evening settle-down periods help dogs adjust to camping life. Regular exercise is essential; a tired dog is a quiet, well-behaved dog. Consider incorporating camping games for all ages that involve your pet, like fetch or hide-and-seek with toys.

Newcastle's dog-friendly attractions and activities

Beyond the caravan parks and beaches, the Newcastle region offers numerous pet-friendly experiences that make camping trips more enjoyable for everyone.

Dog-friendly cafes and dining

Newcastle's cafe culture extends to four-legged friends. The Honeysuckle precinct welcomes leashed dogs at most outdoor dining areas, with several establishments providing water bowls and occasional treats. The Junction's Darby Street has multiple dog-friendly cafes with outdoor seating.

Merewether Beach's cafe strip allows dogs in outdoor areas, perfect for post-surf breakfast with your pup. Always call ahead to confirm current policies, particularly during busy periods.

Walking trails and exercise areas

The Bathers Way coastal walk allows leashed dogs and stretches 6km from Nobby's Beach to Merewether Beach, offering spectacular ocean views. The Fernleigh Track, a 15km shared path from Belmont to Adamstown, provides an excellent car-free walk for energetic dogs, though keep them leashed.

Glenrock State Conservation Area permits leashed dogs on fire trails, offering bushland walking as an alternative to beach environments. The area provides shaded trails perfect for summer exercise when beaches become too hot.

Off-leash dog parks

While camping, you'll want to supplement beach time with proper off-leash exercise. Blackbutt Reserve includes a designated dog park near Carnley Avenue, offering fenced areas where dogs can socialise safely. Speers Point Park on Lake Macquarie provides large off-leash areas with lake access.

These dedicated spaces let your dog burn energy and interact with other animals, usually resulting in calmer evenings at the caravan park.

Practical tips from Newcastle's camping community

Our community of local owners who regularly camp with pets share these insights:

Sand management: Keep a plastic tub with water near your van entrance for paw-washing. Sand tracks through campervans quickly, and regular paw cleaning prevents buildup. Old towels specifically for dog-drying prevent your good linen from becoming sandy and damp.

Tick prevention: The Newcastle region has paralysis ticks, particularly in bushland and long grass. Use veterinary-approved tick prevention, and check your dog thoroughly each evening, paying attention to ears, between toes, and around the collar area.

Heat awareness: Dogs overheat more easily than humans. If you wouldn't stand barefoot on the sand, it's too hot for your dog. Early morning and late evening walks prevent burnt paws and heat stress. Always provide shade and fresh water at your campsite.

Neighbouring considerations: Brief hellos to neighbouring campers, introducing your dog, helps establish goodwill. If your dog barks at passers-by, position your van so they're less stimulated by through-traffic.

Wildlife encounters: Newcastle's coastal areas host abundant wildlife including snakes, possums, and birds. Keep your dog leashed and controlled to protect both them and native animals. Teach a reliable recall command before attempting any off-leash beach time.

Emergency preparedness: Know your nearest vet. The Animal Emergency Centre at Kotara operates 24/7 for serious situations. The Belmont Veterinary Hospital also provides after-hours emergency care.

Sustainability and responsible camping with pets

Camping with pets carries extra responsibility for environmental care. The eco-friendly camping tips guide provides excellent principles that extend to pet ownership. Always bag and properly dispose of dog waste — never bury it or leave it on beaches or trails. Dog faeces can contaminate waterways and spread disease to wildlife.

Stick to designated paths and beaches to prevent habitat damage. Dogs roaming off-trail disturb native wildlife and can damage sensitive vegetation. Consider biodegradable poo bags as a more sustainable option than standard plastic.

Support pet-friendly businesses that actively maintain facilities for animals — water bowls, waste stations, and designated areas. These establishments make pet-friendly travel possible, and supporting them ensures they continue welcoming our furry friends.

Planning your pet-friendly Newcastle camping adventure

With the right preparation and knowledge of these fantastic pet-friendly locations around Newcastle, your camping trip with your dog can be relaxed and rewarding. The combination of beautiful beaches, welcoming caravan parks, and a genuinely pet-friendly local culture makes this region one of Australia's best destinations for camping with four-legged family members.

Whether you're choosing the calm waters of Lake Macquarie, the expansive sands of Stockton Beach, or the bush camping experience at Myall Lakes, Newcastle's variety means you'll find the perfect spot for your pet's personality and your camping style. Remember to book ahead during peak periods, bring all necessary documentation, and pack with your pet's comfort and safety as priority considerations.

Ready to explore Newcastle's pet-friendly camping options? Browse hundreds of campervans and caravans from local owners, many specifically welcoming pets, at Camplify. With convenient pickup around Newcastle or delivery right to your door, your next adventure with your best friend starts here.