Last updated on 16 June, 2023
For anyone looking for Blue Mountains dog friendly camping spots, you’re in luck! Pet friendly caravan parks and campgrounds means no family member gets left behind.
For those yearning to embark on a Blue Mountains dog friendly camping trip, dog friendly caravan parks and campgrounds provide the perfect opportunity to camp with your pets. Explore Genuine Dog Friendly Walks in the Blue Mountains and bask in the serenity of nature becomes even more enjoyable when your four-legged friend is by your side.
As locals in the Blue Mountains for many years, we now have family and friends to stay within the area. This means we have not camped in this beautiful region other than at Lake Wallace. The material gathered below uses reviews, available information and visiting campgrounds even though we did not camp.
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Visiting Blue Mountains
Visiting Blue Mountains with a Dog
Can You Take Your dog to the Blue Mountains?
Yes, visitors can take their dogs to the Blue Mountains. Dogs are not allowed in the national parks within the region. Otherwise, there are many Blue Mountains dog friendly campgrounds, trails, cafes and other spaces to enjoy.
Keep dogs on a leash and under control at all times unless in specific off leash dog parks.
Related read: What Does a Dog Need When Camping?
General Information
Best Time To Visit the Blue Mountains NSW
The Blue Mountains are beautiful to visit all year, but each season has a unique appeal.
Autumn (March, April and May) brings a breathtaking display of colours as the leaves of oak trees transform from gold to red and copper. With milder temperatures and less rain compared to other seasons, it’s a great time to appreciate the stunning foliage and enjoy outdoor activities.
Winter (June, July and August) is an enchanting time to visit, with the possibility of snow in the upper mountains .creating a picturesque winter wonderland. Visitors can also enjoy the festive Yulefest celebrations during this time. Moreover, colder temperatures mean fewer crowds. Crisp cold morning air and clear winter days provide ideal conditions for invigorating walks and exploration, although occasional rain showers may occur.
Spring (September, October and November) brings vibrant flowers, creating a colourful tapestry across the landscape. The season is perfect for leisurely walks and camping as the weather becomes milder and more inviting.
Summer (December, January and February) offers a pleasant escape from the heat, as the Blue Mountains generally remain cooler. Enjoy swimming in the lakes and waterholes, providing a refreshing respite.
How many days do you need in the Blue Mountains?
The ideal duration for a visit to the Blue Mountains varies depending on individual preferences and the desired activities. Generally, one to two days will allow time for sightseeing, a scenic walk and a meander in a few mountain villages.
However, there is plenty to do for anyone wanting to explore the region more extensively. Ideally, three to five days is a reasonable time to stay in the Blue Mountains.
Blue Mountains NSW Distances
When driving across the Blue Mountains, travellers have two main road options. The Great Western Highway, stretching from Penrith to Lithgow, connects the most populated towns and popular tourist sites. On the other hand, Bells Line of Road, running from North Richmond to Bell near Mount Victoria, offers a scenic route through smaller mountain villages. Both roads provide unique experiences.
The Blue Mountains cover an area of approximately 100 kilometres so it is necessary to know the driving distances when planning your journey and itinerary.
- Sydney to Penrith | 58 kilometres or 1 hour 20 minutes
- Penrith to Katoomba | 100 kilometres or 1 hour
- Katoomba to Blackheath | 11 kilometres or 15 minutes
- Katoomba to Mount Victoria | 18 kilometres or 20 minutes
- Penrith to Lithgow | 98 kilometres or 1 hour 30 minutes
- Katoomba to Lithgow | 40 kilometres or 45 minutes
- Richmond to Mount Victoria | 70 kilometres or 1 hour 10 minutes
- Lithgow to Sydney | 143 kilometres or 2 hours 20 minutes
Related read: 7 Simple Ways to Improve Fuel Efficiency of Cars Towing a Caravan
Blue Mountains Dog Friendly Camping
Blue Mountains Dog Friendly Caravan Parks
Ingenia Holidays Nepean River (Penrith)
Situated along the scenic Nepean River in Emu Plains near Penrith, Ingenia Holidays Nepean River is a delightful caravan park. It is also in a central location to enjoy everything in the Blue Mountains and Penrith areas.
For You: Apart from its dog friendly facilities, Ingenia Holidays Nepean River offers a range of amenities such as a playground, pool, BBQs, and a modern camp kitchen.
For Your Dog: Ingenia Holidays Nepean River has pet-friendly sites to accommodate all size rigs and cabins. However, during peak periods, there may be blackout periods for pets.
Blackheath Glen Tourist Park
Discover the convenience and variety offered at Blackheath Glen Tourist Park. Whether you prefer a powered, ensuite, or unpowered site, this park has options to suit your needs.
If you choose an unpowered site, you’ll find yourself in a quieter area of the park, with a 100 metre walk to access the amenities.
For You: While, there is no pool onsite, you can still enjoy the convenience of a laundry, camp kitchen, and BBQ facilities.
For Your Dog: It’s important to note that pets are only welcome on sites during off-peak periods and never in the cabins.
Venice Caravan Park
Located in Hartley, dog friendly, Venice Caravan Park offers a peaceful retreat for campers. Accommodating all types of setups, grass and slab campsites provide comfortable options for a relaxing stay.
With charges based per person, it’s an ideal option for solo travellers.
For You: While it may be a smaller caravan park, the older amenities are well-maintained and clean. There is a laundry but no camp kitchen available.
For Your Dog: Lots of grassy areas and a dog friendly attitude from management.
Related read: Where Should My Dog Sleep when Camping in a Caravan? 10 Great Ideas
Blue Mountains Dog Friendly Campgrounds (Paid)
Blue Mountains Grass Tree Bush Camp (Our Top Pick)
A bushland private property offering only seven (7) camping sites close to Katoomba, this is our top pick for camping with your dog in the Blue Mountains. Katoomba is central to the Blue Mountains’ main attractions, so this campground is ideal for your getaway with your dog.
Caravans, motorhomes, campervans, camper trailers and tents are welcome here. Some sites allow for multiple setups or rigs. Bookings are made through Hipcamp here.
For You: Blue Mountains Grass Tree Bush Camp has grassy, spacious campsites with gorgeous bushland and mountain views to relish while sitting by a campfire. There is a clean composting toilet and a bring your own water shower.
Please note that it is necessary to bring your water.
For Your Dog: Plenty of space on your campsite to chill and room to walk around the campground on a lead. There are also friendly resident goats to meet.
Megalong Valley Farm Camping
Experience the ultimate dog friendly getaway at Megalong Valley Farm Camping. Megalong Valley Farm Camping is the ideal destination for nature lovers seeking a peaceful escape.
Located just 15km from Blackheath, it is a short drive to the Blue Mountains dog friendly walks, cafes and other attractions.
For You: With the convenience of Telstra reception, you can stay connected while enjoying the serene surroundings. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking views and unwind by the crackling campfire. There are also toilets and showers.
Bookings for an allocated campsite are through Hipcamp.
For Your Dog: Megalong Valley Farm Camping welcomes furry friends to enjoy the idyllic setting and beautiful setting of the private property.
Lake Lyell Recreational Park
Lake Lyell Recreational Park is dog friendly, paid campground and day use area. Built in 1982 for the Mount Piper and Wallerawang Power Stations, it has since transformed into a recreational area.
Powered and non-powered camping sites cater to vans, tents, camping trailers, caravans, and motorhomes. Some sites even offer stunning views overlooking the lake. It is advisable to make a booking, especially during peak periods.
Campfires are permitted, adding to the camping experience. You must BYO firewood or buy it from the onsite kiosk. Additionally, you need to bring your drinking water as well.
For You: At Lake Lyell, you can partake in fishing, water skiing, 4WDing, swimming and canoeing. There is a super fun inflatable water park, a playground, a kiosk (sells hot food and other items), BBQs and amenities (toilets and showers).
For Your Dog: Plenty of space for walks and exploring, all while on a lead. Also, the chance to go out on a boat or kayak if your owner brings theirs.
Blue Mountains Dog Friendly Free Camps
Blackheath Glen Reserve
Blackheath Glen Reserve, managed by the Blue Mountains City Council (BMCC), is a popular dog friendly campground for those seeking a cost-effective and nature-filled camping with a creek and bushland. Also, for sightseers, it is only 15 minutes from Blackheath and 25 minutes from Katoomba.
The campground has (about) 8 unallocated “sites”. It is possible to fit a small caravan in some of the spots. Most are best suited to campervans and tents. There is a large walk in grass area for tents.
This campground is operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no bookings are available. The campground can get crowded and cramped due to its popularity. Additionally, there is no drinking water available.
For You: Situated amidst the stunning Blue Mountains scenery, this campground has a toilet, picnic tables, bins and allows campfires.
For Your Dog: The stream is fantastic for your dog to frolic and explore, all while on lead.
Old Ford Reserve
Escape to the natural beauty of Old Ford Reserve in the Megalong Valley, where you can enjoy a secluded camping experience along the banks of Megalong Creek. A hidden gem, this dog friendly campground is free, with a medium-sized grassy area perfect for setting up tents, camper trailers, campervans, or small motorhomes and caravans.
The terrain is uneven, so it is best to bring levelling ramps.
For You: The reserve has drop toilets (byo toilet paper), bins and firepits (byo wood).
For Your Dog: There is space to wander on a lead to explore the surroundings.
Mount York Campground and Lookout
Mount York Campground, located in the picturesque Mount York Heritage Reserve and nestled in bushland with awe-inspiring views, boasts dog friendly camping.
The small campground is most suitable for tents and campervans, with campsites marked as parking bays and walk in spots. There are a few bays that would fit a small caravan or camper trailer but fill up quickly, even in winter.
There is no water available.
For You: Mount York Campground has drop toilets (byo toilet paper), bins, fire pits (byo firewood) and picnic tables.
For Your Dog: The campground is the starting point for some of the better dog friendly bushwalks in the Blue Mountains.
Lockyer’s Track Campground
Lockyer’s Track Campground is a free small dog friendly camping spot in the beautiful Blue Mountains.
It welcomes motorbikes, motorhomes, camper trailers, caravans, and tent campers but only has space for three setups. It is worth noting that the campground is situated next to a road. The road into the campground is bumpy.
For You: Facilities include drop toilets. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the abundance of native birds in the area.
For Your Dog: The peaceful great outdoors.
Hartley Reserve
Hartley Reserve is a rustic and rugged camping spot best accessed by a 4WD vehicle. Not maintained, with no toilets or other amenities and unsuitable for caravans or motorhomes, it is okay for an overnighter.
For You: Back to basics camping.
For Your Dog: The great outdoors.
Cathedral Reserve
The picturesque Cathedral Reserve is a hidden gem along the Bells Line of Road in Mount Wilson. Just a 10-minute drive from the main highway, this free large campground welcomes camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, and tents.
The reserve offers a serene setting surrounded by towering trees and lush ferns. With no booking required, Cathedral Reserve is the perfect destination for nature lovers seeking a peaceful and rustic camping experience. Just be prepared for potential snow in winter.
For You: While there is no phone service, composting toilets (remember to bring your toilet paper), bins, firepits (don’t forget to bring your wood), BBQs and picnic tables are provided.
For Your Dog: Lots of grass and trees to walk, play and explore, all while on a lead.
Wanderest The Richmond Club
Wanderest Richmond Club offers a maximum 4-night stay (with a limit of 8 nights per month) for members (you can join when booking). The dog friendly camping area is the old overflow carpark at the club with powered and non-powered sites with some overlooking a sports field.
Self-contained vehicles only, so no tents, camper trailers and campervans.
For You: As guests, you will have access to clean, modern toilets and showers, a dump point and picnic tables. The club also has meals and entertainment.
For Your Dog: Your dog can walk around Richmond with you to local shops and cafes.
Lake Wallace Camping
Located in Wallerawang near Lithgow at Lake Wallace Camping, visitors can enjoy the picturesque lake views and with plenty of space, campers can spread out in the massive camping areas.
Whether you have a caravan, camper trailer, tent or any other setup, camping is permitted for up to 48 hours.
For You: Immerse yourself in activities such as fishing, kayaking (no powered boats) and the playground. The campground provides free showers and toilets, although they may be on the older side and in our experience are not always clean. Additional amenities include bins, picnic tables, and a dump point.
For Your Dog: The campground is dog-friendly, with a designated off-leash park for furry friends. There is also a mammoth amount of space for a walk, to explore and play.
Interactive Map
Click on the link to see our Dog Friendly Blue Mountains Walk and Camping Map. The map is interactive and can be downloaded.