Lake Lyell Recreation Park

Lake Lyell Recreation Park is a camping and caravan park on the shore of Lake Lyell at South Bowenfels, about ten minutes south of Lithgow, and dogs are genuinely part of the setup rather than an afterthought. Set on bushland and hills around a freshwater lake, it is back-to-nature camping where your dog stays on lead beside you at your site.

Dogs at the Lake Lyell Recreation Park

Dogs are welcome on the powered and unpowered camping and caravan sites, including waterfront ones, as long as they are on a lead and under physical control at all times. They cannot be left unattended at your site, excessive barking is not tolerated, and restricted breeds are barred under the park's terms, with the NSW Companion Animals Act applying on site. Pick up after your dog immediately and bag the waste into the general waste skip bins at the entrance rather than the campsite bins. You can walk the shoreline with your dog, but keep them close and controlled near the designated swimming areas. No pet fee is published, and the cabin policy is not clearly documented, so confirm with management before booking if you need a cabin rather than a site.

The vibe

This is rustic lakeside camping, not a resort. Hot showers, flush toilets, barbecues and campfires on your site, with your own fire pit welcome. The lake covers boating, fishing and swimming, and there is a boat ramp. Expect company on weekends from water-skiers and fishers; the park runs quietly mid-week.

Getting there

The park is at 578 Magpie Hollow Road, South Bowenfels, roughly two hours from Sydney via the Great Western Highway or Bells Line of Road through Lithgow. Parking is on site, and many sites let you park directly at your camp.

Close by with the dogs

If your dog needs a legal run off lead, the Bowenfels off-leash dog park and the Lithgow dog park are both back towards town, and Lake Wallace camping at Wallerawang is a quieter lakeside alternative further up the valley. More options are listed at pet friendly stays across NSW and in our South Bowenfels guide.

Pepsi: Lakeside campsite, campfire on the site and the lead stays on but the smells are endless. Mind the swimmers near the beach area.