Ophir Reserve Campground

Ophir Reserve Campground is rustic bush camping beside Lewis Ponds Creek, on the site of Australia's first payable gold rush, about 30 minutes north of Orange. Camping costs $10 per site per night, it runs first-come first-served, and dogs are permitted, which makes it a rare cheap-and-dog-friendly bush weekend within reach of a major regional town.

Dogs at the reserve

Dogs are allowed in the camping areas, which are open, generally unpowered sites along the creek. There are no enclosed runs or indoor options, so your dog lives at your campsite with you. Keep them under control and cleaned up after to protect the wildlife along the waterway, and leashed around other campers and the amenities. This is bush camping, not a holiday park: plan around a tent or small van footprint.

The setup

Facilities are basic: toilets, fireplaces and picnic tables, with gold panning in Summer Hill Creek, walking trails and historic mine tunnels to explore. Bring your own drinking water and firewood; creek water is not safe to drink. A warm-weather dip in the creek is genuinely on the table for water-loving dogs, though check it looks calm and clear first, especially after rain.

Getting there and parking

Access is via Lower Lewis Ponds Road, Ophir. The road suits cars, rooftop tents and smaller van setups, but is generally not suitable for large caravans or big motorhomes, so check conditions before towing anything substantial. Pay at the on-site honesty box or in advance at the Orange Visitor Information Centre.

Close by with the dogs

Orange, 30 to 40 minutes away, covers what the reserve lacks: a coffee at Harley and Hem Coffee Brewers, a run at Bloomfield Reserve dog park, or a relaxed cellar door at Cargo Road Wines. If bush camping proves too rough, Ophir Valley Cabins offers a softer bed in the same valley. The New South Wales dog friendly stays guide and the Ophir destination guide list more.