To a dog, camping is like the longest, bestest walk in the world.
Ask for some company on your next camping trip, and we doubt you’ll find a taker as keen as Fido. To a dog, camping is like the longest, bestest walk in the world. And they seriously ‘dig’ that.
Camping with your dog has to be one of the very best experiences to share with your four-legged friend. All that beautiful space outdoors to explore, sniff, run around in, mark out some territory. And the dog is sure to have fun too! Solo campers get some great company and a night watchman to keep things safe, while families will have an almost inexhaustible playmate for the kids. A dog’s joy at being let loose to play in a field is unparalleled, with exciting, places to discover and a chance to run themselves ragged.
If you’re about to go camping or glamping with your dog for the first time, it’s good to be properly prepared. It goes without saying that your dog needs to be healthy (vaccinated), socialised (good with other people and other pooches) and very obedient, and must be cleaned up after. The majority of campsites that do allow dogs ask that they be kept on leads at all times, especially those on farms with livestock. It’s important to keep to any such rules, as one misbehaving pup could bring an end to camping with dogs at that particular campsite. It’s also a good idea to gen up on any dog restrictions in the area; many beaches ban dogs on certain sections at the height of summer, for example, so you’ll want to be clued up on exactly where you can go together.
Another challenge is the sleeping arrangement, particularly if your dog has enjoyed a wonderful walk but now has a muddy-brown coat instead of the usual Snowy-white. So, along with a stash of poop-bags, remember to bring plenty of towels and water to give your dog a clean up before they’re allowed anywhere near the tent.
Ideally, you’ll have a tent with a large porch or a separate compartment to sleep Fido (along with an adequate means of keeping him or her securely in the tent at night), but if you only have a small tent, it’s a good idea to invest in a dog tent to take to the campsite. This will keep the inner sanctum of your tent fur- and mud-free without leaving your dog out in the cold.
Some campsites are so dog friendly that they even offer dog-walking areas or dog runs so you can exercise your pet away from the other campers. But the best present you can give your four-legged companion is a wonderful long walk in the beautiful surroundings that any Cool Campsite has to offer.
So, without further ado, see below for a list of what to take with you to keep man’s best friend happy, plus a handy list of dog-friendly campsites in England, Scotland and Wales only too happy to welcome dogs.
Each Cool Camping guide comes with a list of dog-friendly sites, or you can click to view our full list of dog-friendly UK campsites there are also dog-friendly glamping sites too. In the meantime, here are a few of our favourites:
Bircham Windmill, Norfolk: This East Anglian gem is a pooch paradise, with access to quiet roads and the marshes and coastal path of North Norfolk just a short drive away. There are horses in the adjacent meadow, though, so doggies should be well behaved.
Riversidelakes, Dorset: Space? Check. Campfires? Check. You and your dog can enjoy the 12 acres of dreamy natural meadow and woodland dotted by lakes. The camping area is car-free (you leave your car at reception), too.
Painswick Camping, Gloucestershire: This tiny, campfire-encouraging site has a dog-friendly pub just a short walk away. Choose a pitch on the grassy field before exploring the Cotswolds countryside on walks aplenty.
Cuckoo Camping, Brecon Beacons: A lovingly maintained adult-only campsite with footpaths aplenty on your tent-step. It makes a top place to pitch among the epic scenery of the Beacons.
Celtic Camping, Pembrokeshire: This rambling site covering a coveted area of Pembrokeshire’s coast has direct access to the coastal path (186 miles long – so plenty of walking opportunities, as dogs are most welcome). Pembrokeshire National Park has even been busy replacing stiles with dog gates wherever possible.
Muasdale, Mull of Kintyre: Sitting above the purest white shore and calm coastal waters of the Mull of Kintyre, Muasdale offers direct beach access so you can make footprints (and paw prints) in the sand.
North Rhinns Camping, Dumfries & Galloway: A blissfully quiet spot with just 10 individually located pitches and easy access to the coastal paths. After a day’s tramping across the Scottish countryside, you can relax beside the glowing embers of your own campfire.
Skye Shepherd Huts, Skye: Two romantic shepherd’s huts with breathtaking views across this wild Scottish isle are surrounded by dog-friendly walking routes and welcoming pubs. Owner Janet loves pets and is more than happy to dog-sit if you want a break.
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