Camping with Dogs
Camping is perfect for a relaxed holiday with your furry friend!
Camping is perfect for a relaxed holiday with your furry friend!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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:
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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