Spending the best time of the year without your four-legged best friend? For most dog owners, that’s simply out of the question. This immediately rules out some forms of travel. Flying can be extremely stressful for larger dogs that can’t travel in the cabin, and a cruise with a dog is also not the best idea. Camping, however, is almost tailor-made for a relaxing holiday with your furry companion! Traveling by motorhome or camper allows both humans and dogs to fully enjoy the experience. Dogs love the extra time spent in nature with their favorite humans and often find the cozy space of a camper just as delightful.

That said, if it’s your first time camping with your dog, there are a few important things to consider. Good planning is half the battle for an enjoyable trip together. That’s why we’ve compiled some general tips for you, along with recommendations for the most popular holiday destinations. Whether it’s camping with your dog in Denmark or along Germany’s North and Baltic Sea coasts, we’ve got you covered!

Planning Ahead for Camping with Your Dog

Before you even hit the road, there are a few key things to keep in mind during your trip planning:

Start by considering the best time to travel. If you’re not tied to peak season, we highly recommend heading out in spring, autumn, or even winter. These off-peak times are generally much quieter, giving you and your dog more space and freedom to enjoy your surroundings. In many places, dogs are welcome not just at designated dog beaches during the off-season, but you might even find leash requirements are more relaxed.

Winter Camping with Your Dog: A Stress-Free Experience

If you give winter camping with your dog in Scandinavia a try, you’ll be rewarded with endless beach walks where you won’t encounter another soul. Additionally, the high summer temperatures in Southern Europe can be far from enjoyable for many dogs, often becoming a real strain. This can also limit the types of activities you can comfortably enjoy together.

Choosing the Perfect Destination for You and Your Dog

And that brings us to the next big topic: picking the right destination. In addition to the climate, the “dog-friendliness” of a country is a crucial factor, and it’s worth researching in advance. For instance, not all countries allow dogs in restaurants, and in some, they may be required to wear a muzzle on public transport. Knowing these rules beforehand is essential to help prepare your dog if needed.

You should also familiarize yourself with the current entry requirements for dogs. Most European countries require an EU pet passport and a valid rabies vaccination, but additional regulations may apply. Since different countries also have different parasites, it’s wise to consult your vet well ahead of your trip for advice and to ensure your pet is protected.

Finding Dog-Friendly Campgrounds

Once you’ve settled on the timing and location, it’s time to choose the perfect campground for you and your dog. Since many campers are dog owners, there are plenty of campgrounds where dogs are welcome – but not all. And even if dogs are generally allowed, that doesn’t necessarily mean the site is truly dog-friendly.

What Makes a Campground Truly Dog-Friendly?

Look for the following features when selecting a genuinely dog-friendly campground:

  • The website explicitly states that dogs are welcome.
  • There’s a designated dog exercise area or dog park on-site.
  • Especially in summer: there’s a place where dogs can swim.
  • Fenced pitches or rental fences are available for added security.
  • The campground offers special activities for dogs and owners, such as guided hikes.
  • A dog shower is available for cleaning up after adventures.

Tip:

We also recommend checking if there are great walking or hiking routes accessible directly from the campground for enjoyable and extended outings with your dog.

If you’re looking for a bit more tranquility on your holiday, we’ve also got tips on alternatives to traditional campgrounds and everything you need to know about wild camping with your dog.

If you’re planning to rent a camper with your dog, make sure to check not only if dogs are allowed but also whether there are any additional costs for bringing your furry companion. With us, for example, you can bring your four-legged friend along completely free of charge!

Packing List for a Holiday with Your Dog

To ensure your four-legged friend has everything they need for a great vacation, it’s important to pack thoughtfully.

Depending on your destination, you might not be able to buy your dog’s usual food locally. To avoid any digestive issues while traveling, be sure to pack enough of their regular food, treats, and chew snacks

Essential: A Travel First Aid Kit for Your Dog

In case your dog gets sick or injured during the trip, it’s crucial to bring along a well-stocked travel first aid kit. In addition to any regular medications your dog may need, make sure to include the following essentials:

  • Eye wash to rinse eyes or wounds
  • Antiseptic for wound disinfection (e.g., iodine ointment)
  • Wound and healing ointment (e.g., Bepanthen)
  • A (natural) calming remedy in case your dog gets overwhelmed by stress
  • Medication for vomiting and diarrhea
  • Electrolyte solution for diarrhea
  • Materials for bandaging (gauze pads, adhesive tape, and, if needed, an elastic bandage for pressure bandages)
  • Cold compress
  • Tick remover (tweezer or tick card)

Spare Collar and Leash

We also recommend packing a spare collar and leash. If you lose the leash or the collar breaks, it might take some time to find the nearest pet supply store – or worse, it could happen on a Sunday when shops are closed. Being without them can be really frustrating, so it’s always good to have a backup!

The Journey in the Camper Van

It’s best to get your dog accustomed to car rides well before your trip. If your dog isn’t used to traveling, plan shorter journeys for the first few days. Regardless of the trip’s length, your dog should always be safely secured in the vehicle and not left to roam freely inside the camper van.

You can either transport your dog in a dog crate, which can be placed in the trunk (e.g., in a VW bus or other camper vans with a rear bench seat) or secured with a tension strap. Alternatively, you can use a dog seatbelt. These attach directly to the seatbelt buckle on one of the seats and protect your dog from being thrown around the vehicle – or even through the windshield – in the event of an accident.

Please ensure that if you use a seatbelt, your dog wears a well-fitting, padded harness to ensure both comfort and safety!

Plenty of Breaks and Exercise for Your Dog

Before a long drive, it’s a good idea to take your dog on a long walk to burn off some energy. This helps them relax during the journey. Even so, it’s important to plan regular breaks during the trip (every 2–3 hours) to let your dog relieve themselves and stretch their legs.

Avoid highway rest stops whenever possible, as they are often noisy, hazardous, and littered with trash and food scraps. Instead, take a short detour off the highway and look for a quiet country road or a forest parking area.

During every break, be sure to offer your furry friend fresh water to keep them hydrated.

Arriving at the Campsite

Once you’ve arrived at the campsite, there are a few important things to keep in mind to ensure that both you and the other guests have an enjoyable stay. Naturally, you’ll need to pick up after your dog and dispose of their waste properly. Make sure your dog only relieves themselves in public areas or, ideally, outside the campsite, rather than on someone else’s pitch.

On the campsite, always keep your dog on a leash (unless you’re in a designated off-leash area), and be mindful of other campers. Ensure your dog doesn’t approach anyone who might not be comfortable with dogs – after all, not everyone sees them as their best friends.

Securing Your Dog: Long Leash or Enclosure

At most campsites, your dog will need to be securely tethered near your camper. To give them some freedom of movement, you can use a long leash (always with a harness, not a collar) attached to your vehicle or a ground anchor. When attaching the leash to your vehicle, ensure you select a sturdy part that can handle the force of your dog suddenly pulling on it—side mirrors or awning supports, for example, are not suitable for this purpose.

For even more freedom, consider choosing a campsite that offers fenced pitches or rental fences for setup. In Germany, you’ll find such options at campsites like Natur Campingplatz am Springsee in Brandenburg or Höpkens Hof & Campingplatz in Friesland.

Regardless of your setup, always provide your dog with a comfortable shaded spot to relax and ensure they have constant access to fresh water within their reach.

Warning: Danger in Warmer Temperatures

If there’s ever a situation where you can’t take your dog with you, never leave them alone in the camper during warmer temperatures – even for a short moment! Just like in a car, the camper can heat up incredibly fast, turning into a death trap for your dog within minutes, especially in the sun.

For more information on this critical issue, visit resources like www.tasso.net/hund-im-backofen. Instead, consider asking your campsite neighbors if they’d be willing to help out as temporary dog sitters.

Camper Van Rentals for Dog Owners – No Extra Fees

Even if camping with your dog is a new adventure for both of you, our tips will help you prepare and ensure a stress-free experience. With the right mix of consideration and a relaxed attitude, your camping trip is sure to become a wonderful shared memory that strengthens your bond!

You can rent a camper van with your dog right here with us – at no extra cost! For larger dogs, our spacious camper van Traveler is the perfect choice. And if you’re traveling with a smaller dog, our VW bus Dreamer has everything you need for an unforgettable camping experience.

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