One of the great drawbacks for grey nomads travelling with pets is the fact they are prevented from accessing the stunning country – and camping – in Australia’s national parks.
However, there are options, including many state forests, and dog-loving travellers are being encouraged to make the most of them this summer.
The NSW Forestry Corporation, for example, says the state’s State Forests offer great camping where visitors can enjoy the great outdoors without worrying about crowds, booking fees and pet accommodation.
NSW has almost 500 State Forests spread across every corner of the state and many offer camping facilities where dogs, under their owner’s control, are welcome and campfires are permitted, outside of fire bans.
What's not to like about camping for free in some stunning locations?
“State forests are a fabulous resource for the community – they are free to use, offer an array of facilities and ‘back to nature’ camping. Visitors can even bring their family dog along to join the holiday,” Manager Tourism and Partnerships, Louise Faulkner, said. “We love seeing people enjoying an ‘unplugged’ experience in State Forests …. all we ask is that people respect these special, natural environments, so that visitors can keep on enjoying them year on year.”
Among the most popular family and dog-friendly campgrounds are Mogo State Forest, Blowering Dam, Bago and Tumut State forests in southern NSW; Strickland, Chichester and Heaton State forests in central NSW and Coopernook, Wild Cattle Creek and Styx River State Forests in the state’s north.
Forestry Corporation reminds campers to check for forest and road closures before setting out and to stay up to date with fire bans on the RFS website.
With the start of the Bushfire Danger Period, solid fuel fire bans are currently in place across southern NSW, western NSW and Riverina State forests.
Campfires are prohibited in these forests and campers are urged to use gas appliances.
Click here to see some of the picks of State Forest campgrounds, with GPS locations and a list of what facilities are available.
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Maybe promoting this might reduce the number of irresponsible owners aking their pets into national parks regardless of the regulations. it is time we upped regulation of this, introduced large fines and bans from national parks for transgressors…
hope that also means ferral pigs, goats, horses and humans. As a bypass, most pet owners are responsible, just a few who make it difficult for others.
Any pet owner who brings their pet into an area it is not allowed is by definition irresponsible. The what-about-ism isn’t helping your cause.
I’ve been camping in the forest for ages looks like the secret is out so don’t abuse it u don’t need a camp fire all the time just sit back and enjoy it
I have been camping in State parks for sixty four years in various States.
It is great to camp for free, and there are so many places.
Our main camp spot is Cobram, right on the Murray river, with sandy beaches.
We don’t go to places where we can’t take our dog….that also means the state and surrounding communities don’t get our money….simples!