Camping with a Dog

Camping is right on trend – including among dog owners

The chance to stay overnight surrounded by unspoilt nature, breathe in plenty of fresh air and enjoy a real sense of freedom – many dog owners don’t want to miss out on that either.

And rightly so, because for our furry friends there’s hardly anything better than spending the whole day outdoors with us, splashing about at the beach and feeling the sand beneath their paws. And owners, too, hardly have to go without anything when camping these days.

And if you don’t fancy sleeping in a tent, you can hire comfortable motorhomes or small bungalows (mobile homes) on site.

Tips for a camping holiday with your dog

To make sure a camping holiday with your dog is a dream break for everyone involved, there are a few things to keep in mind when planning your trip, travelling there and staying on the campsite.

1. Your dog should be used to longer car journeys

Simply throwing the tent in the boot and heading south on a whim isn’t advisable when travelling with a dog. Many dogs first need to get used to long car journeys.

2. Choosing the right campsite

First of all, you should be clear about what you expect from a campsite. For example, there’s a difference between dog-friendly campsites and campsites where dogs are merely “allowed”.

Campsites where dogs are allowed usually offer little more than a pitch for a motorhome or tent. Dog-friendly campsites, on the other hand, attract dog owners with a range of dog-focused facilities: poo bag stations, dog food in the campsite shop, water bowls outside washrooms and restaurants, dog showers, fenced dog exercise areas or dog play parks to let off steam – campsite operators really go the extra mile for their four-legged guests.

Some campsite complexes even have dog training schools with their own courses and trainers on site.

3. What do you need for camping with your dog? A checklist

• Your dog’s usual dog food: Take the food your four-legged friend is used to at home.
• Leads, harness, collar and more: It’s definitely worth packing a spare set in case something breaks or gets dirty.
• EU pet passport and vaccination record
• Dog bed or blanket
• Toys
• Treats
• A towel to clean or dry your dog
• Travel first-aid kit including parasite protection as well as any medication your dog may need
• Food and water bowls
• Water bottle for on the go
• Travel crate for car journeys
• Accessories such as a life jacket, dog coat, cooling mat (depending on your destination)
• Poo bags

Where can you find dog-friendly campsites? Three tips

At the start of any holiday planning, there’s the obvious question of where you actually want to go. Mountains or beach? Sunny southern Europe, the cooler north of Scandinavia, or staying closer to home – for example near a dog beach on the German North Sea or Baltic coast?

North Sea or Baltic coast

Fancy long, flat sandy beaches where your dog can run around freely? Then campsites along the German, Dutch or Danish coast are a great choice. There are plenty of dog-friendly campsites here with direct access to dog beaches and excellent connections to well-developed cycling and hiking trails.

When it comes to cleanliness, these campsites and natural beaches – where poo bag stations are often available – are also among the best. However, it’s important to check not only the campsite in advance, but also the nearby beach. Some parts of the North Sea and Baltic coast are off-limits to dogs in high summer, or require dogs to be kept on a lead.

Fortunately, there are plenty of dog beaches along the coast where your four-legged friend can let off steam.

In our magazine, we’ve listed the 10 most beautiful dog beaches for you.

Southern Europe – Italy, France and Croatia

If you’re looking for plenty of sunshine on holiday, want to dive into warm sea water and discover new regions, you’ll also find many dog-friendly campsites along the Adriatic and the Mediterranean coast.

Particularly noteworthy are the campsites in Veneto, Italy. Here you’ll find everything to make dogs’ and owners’ hearts beat faster: dedicated campsite courses, exercise areas, walking zones, as well as dog trainers, dog sitters or even dog clinics should your four-legged friend fall ill while on holiday.

But there are also several campsites in Croatia, especially in Istria, as well as in southern France – for example on the Côte d’Azur or in the Languedoc-Roussillon region – that have tailored their facilities specifically to the needs of dog owners.

Note: Before travelling to any of the southern regions, be sure to find out about Mediterranean diseases in dogs and protect your four-legged friend accordingly if necessary. You can also speak to your vet about this in advance.

Mountains and lakes in the Alpine region

If you’d rather lace up your walking boots than slip into flip-flops on holiday, Austria, South Tyrol, Switzerland or the German Alpine region are well worth considering. You’ll find not only stunning mountain peaks, cosy huts, refreshing lakes and lush alpine meadows, but also plenty of dog-friendly campsites.

If your dog loves water, it’s a good idea to choose accommodation near a lake where dogs are allowed to swim. Dog beaches can be found, for example, at Lake Constance, the Bavarian Forggensee or Austrian lakes such as Wolfgangsee, Achensee, Saissersee or Traunsee.

© Eva / stock.adobe.com

Checklist for choosing the right campsite

These questions will help you choose a dog-friendly campsite:

• Are dogs allowed on the campsite, or are they explicitly welcomed?
• Does the campsite offer special facilities for dogs, such as agility courses, exercise areas, dog showers or dog trainers?
• Are there enough exercise options nearby for your dog? (Dog beaches, forest paths or large meadows)
• Are the pitches separated by hedges, so that you and your dog have a bit more privacy and can, if necessary, keep some distance from neighbouring dogs?
• Is there a lead requirement on the campsite? (This is also the case on many dog-friendly sites.)
• What additional costs are charged for staying with a dog, and are these costs reasonable in relation to the facilities and services offered?
• Are dogs only allowed to sleep in a motorhome or caravan, or is overnighting in a tent also permitted? Some campsites make a distinction here too.

© annaav / stock.adobe.com

What to bear in mind on the campsite when camping with a dog

Finally arrived! Experienced campers know what that means: finding the right parking position on the pitch, pitching the tent, setting up the camping table and chairs, rolling out the awning or putting up the sun sail.

Before you get started, however, you should first focus on your dog. Put them on a lead and take a calm walk around the site, explore the exercise areas and show your four-legged companion where their “spot” will be during the next few days of your holiday.

Where do dogs sleep when camping?

To help them settle in, it’s a good idea to bring your dog’s familiar blanket or bed from home. Space is naturally limited in a caravan or motorhome. Suitable sleeping spots for your dog and a fixed place for their blanket or bed could be under the table, on a driver’s seat or even on the bed.

As much of campsite life takes place outdoors, in front of the caravan or motorhome, you should also set up a cosy spot for your dog there.

Even when sleeping in a tent, you can give your dog their own place with their blanket.

Camping with your dog: how to avoid stress

Campsites can be very busy – especially during peak season. Children are playing, neighbouring dogs are barking, and tempting food smells drift over from nearby cooking areas. Some dogs find this stressful and therefore need places to retreat.

If your dog is very restless or barks a lot, it may be necessary to take them into the motorhome or caravan. For many dogs, however, a simple portable privacy screen that shields them from the hustle and bustle can already help.

Be considerate of your camping neighbours

Not only at home, but also when camping with a dog, mutual consideration is essential for a harmonious stay. After all, it’s not just you – other campsite guests want to enjoy a lovely holiday too.

For example, when your four-legged friend needs a wee, don’t head for the nearest tree. Instead, leave the campsite or use the designated area if one is available. And of course, you should always clear up any mess your dog leaves behind on the site immediately.

Staying on a dog-friendly campsite doesn’t mean your neighbouring pitches will love having your dog around as much as you do. Perhaps they don’t appreciate your dog constantly wandering over to their table and begging for food? So keep your dog under control at all times and call them back straight away if they stray too far from your pitch.

Find out about the local rules

Check in advance where your dog is allowed to run free and where leads are required to avoid any trouble. Be sure to comply with the lead rules in place on many campsites. A long training lead is ideal – you can attach it to a tree or use a special ground anchor, giving your dog plenty of freedom of movement despite the lead requirement.

A metal plate with hooks or eyelets for the lead, placed under the wheels of your motorhome, has also proven to be a reliable anchoring option.

And now it’s time to relax!

With all the consideration for others and following campsite rules, there’s one thing you mustn’t forget: to relax! You’re on holiday, and above all you should use this time to switch off and enjoy spending time with your dog.

Whether you do this best on a hike, sightseeing, swimming at the beach or simply on the campsite is up to you. What matters is that you unwind and don’t let small “mishaps” by your dog get to you.

A dog isn’t a machine that always behaves exactly as we might wish. But the more relaxed you are when camping with your dog, the quicker your beloved pet will settle into the new surroundings and enjoy the camping trip with you all the more.