Camping with a dog: An essential guide

There’s nothing better than heading out to the countryside with your four-legged friend. But when camping with a dog, it’s best to be prepared. The goal is to make the adventure exciting, not overwhelming. And knowing you’ve got everything under control, rather than flapping with a tent in gale-force winds, will help your dog feel confident and excited, not anxious. 

Pre-trip preparation 

Before heading off, here’s a few things to consider: 

How to camp with a dog 

Camping with a dog requires a combo of routine and flexibility. For example, you’ll want to try and keep meal times, walks, and bathroom breaks consistent, but be ready to adapt to campsite rules and the weather.  

Always supervise your dog in shared camping areas, and keep them on a lead where required. You may want to bring a long training line (10-15 metres) to allow your dog some freedom without losing control. This allows your dog to enjoy open spaces safely. 

Tent camping with a dog 

Tents can be very strange and intimidating to first-time doggy campers, so it can be a good idea to introduce them to your tent at home first. Pitch it in your garden, let your dog sniff around, and reward them for going inside. The more comfortable they feel with the space, the smoother your trip will be. 

Inside the tent: 

Dogs can become restless in unfamiliar surroundings, so tiring them out with a walk before bedtime is another tip to help them settle quickly. 

Dog friendly camping 

Finding the right campsite makes all the difference. Look for dog friendly caravan sites, dog friendly camping pods, and dog friendly camping sites that clearly advertise pet-friendly facilities. 

Good signs to look for can include: 

Not all “dog-friendly” sites are equal, so check reviews and call ahead to confirm what facilities are available. 

Dog camping safety tips 

Camping with a dog can be really fun, but it brings new risks too. To keep your dog, yourself and other campers safe, not to mention the local wildlife, here are a few things to consider: 

Dogs can’t regulate their body heat as effectively as humans, so camping in the summer requires some extra care. Avoid strenuous walks during the midday heat and provide plenty of shade. Cooling mats or damp towels can help keep your dog comfortable, and always have plenty of water available in collapsible bowls. Keep an eye out for signs of overheating, such as excessive drooling, lethargy, or heavy panting. Here are some more tips on how to take car of your dog in the heat. 

Dogs with thick coats, such as Huskies, tolerate cold much better than short-haired breeds. As a general guide, most dogs are comfortable with standard bedding when temperatures are above 10 degrees Celsius, while short-coated or small dogs may need jackets between 0 and 10 degrees. In freezing conditions, it’s best to limit time outdoors, provide extra insulation, or even consider whether it’s safe to go camping at all. In colder weather, insulated sleeping mats, waterproof blankets, and a raised dog bed can help keep your dog warm and off the ground. 

Many campsites are located near farmland, so it’s important to take precautions around sheep and other animals. Always keep your dog on a lead around sheep, cows, or horses, stick to marked footpaths, and avoid camping directly in fields with livestock. Be especially cautious during lambing or calving season.  

Dog camping equipment 

Packing the right equipment can make all the difference. Here’s a checklist of items to bring when camping with your dog: 

Dog friendly camp sites near me 

Looking for a dog friendly camping experience? These camp sites across the UK advertise themselves as either being pet-friendly and/or having facilities catered to dog owners.  

Note, most sites require dogs to be on leads in public areas and some places charge an extra fee for your pet. Before booking, it’s worth doing your own research to check out reviews etc. 

Dog friendly camping in England 

Gill Head Farm (Keswick): Offers dog-walking fields and easy access to nearby fells for adventurous pets and their owners. 

Lowther Holiday Park: Set along riverside paths and surrounded by forest, this site gives dogs room to explore in dog walking areas and/or in the woods. 

Rosebud Farm Touring Park: An adult-only, peaceful park with a dedicated dog play area and scenic countryside walks. 

Monkey Tree Holiday Park: Advertised as family-friendly, with multiple dog-walking fields and easy access to local coastal paths. Dogs are permitted on selected touring and camping pitches and in designated pet-friendly holiday homes. 

Setthorns Campsite: Spacious pitches surrounded by woodland, ideal for dogs (and owners) who love to explore trails. 

Green Hill Farm Holiday Village: Offers dog friendly accommodation options and direct access to forest walks for off-lead adventures. 

Lobb Fields Caravan & Camping Park (near Braunton): Advertised as dog-friendly and located near some dog-friendly beaches, making it easy to combine camping with seaside walks. 

Damage Barton Caravan Club Site: Dog-friendly spot featuring coastal walks with dramatic views, giving dogs plenty of exercise and fresh air. 

Haddon Grove Farm Campsite (near Bakewell): A working family farm and campsite offering spots for tents, caravans and motorhomes across five fields in the Peak District National Park. Advertised as welcome to dogs, but they must be kept on leads while on site. 

Dog friendly camping in Wales 

Kennexstone Camping & Touring Park: Close to dog-friendly beaches and walking trails. Site is dog friendly with a few rules, such as dogs must be kept on leads, and you must clean up after your pet. 

Pitton Cross Caravan & Camping Park: Provides year-round camping with direct access to Gower footpaths. Dog friendly with a few rules for owners. 

Drummohr Camping & Glamping Site (near Edinburgh): Provides a range of accommodation options and dog-friendly facilities for well-behaved pets, plus it’s close to beaches and coastal trails.  

Halladale Inn campsite: Up on the North Coast 500 (a scenic route around the north coast of Scotland), the campsite has space for tents, caravans, motorhomes and glamping pods, a dog-friendly cafe, and rugged coastline walks, perfect for exploring with your dog. 

More information 

For outdoor lovers, camping is just the beginning, here are some of the best dog breeds to go running with.