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Camping with your dog in UK

The holiday where your whole family comes. Including the four-legged one.

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Camping with your dog in UK - pet-friendly campervan hire | Camplify

You shouldn’t have to choose between a getaway and your dog

You shouldn’t have to choose between a getaway and your dog

Every holiday planning session starts with the same question: Can we bring the dog? Most hotels have a strict "no pets" rule. The few dog-friendly cottages are often booked months in advance, and the cost of a local kennel can easily reach £400—not to mention the "dog-parent guilt" of leaving them behind.

Van life changes the conversation entirely. There’s no front desk to check in with and no hidden pet policies in the fine print. Your dog simply hops in and comes with you.

Every campsite/caravan park is a new playground

Every campsite/caravan park is a new playground

A run on a Cornish beach in the morning, a hike through the Lake District after lunch, and a cozy spot in the Cotswolds by evening.

Your dog doesn’t care about a "sea view" from a hotel window—they want the scent of the forest and the freedom of the open trail.

The UK is incredibly well-set for paws on the road. From the Highlands of Scotland to the South Coast, thousands of campsites and "off-grid" spots welcome dogs with open arms. When your home is on wheels, the Great British outdoors becomes your dog's back garden.

You hired a campervan. Your dog got a holiday.

You hired a campervan. Your dog got a holiday.

Imagine cooking dinner in your own kitchenette while your dog dozes by the sliding door, tired out from a day of exploring. You don’t have to worry about expensive hotel carpets—this is a shared space designed for adventure.

On Camplify, you hire directly from a community of UK owners who set their own pet rules. Many are dog lovers themselves. They’ll ask about your dog’s breed and personality because they genuinely want you to have a successful trip, not because they’re looking for a reason to say no.

Top pet-friendly campervans, motorhomes and caravans

This is what Camplify makes possible

This is what Camplify makes possible

Camplify is the UK’s fastest-growing community of campervan, motorhome, and caravan owners. With hundreds of pet-friendly listings across the country, you can find the perfect van and hire directly from a local owner. Every booking includes comprehensive breakdown cover and hire insurance for total peace of mind.

On collection day, the owner will walk you through the van’s features. Because you’re hiring from a person rather than a faceless rental company, the experience is personal. Don't be surprised if you find a spare dog bowl or a pack of treats waiting for your furry co-pilot!

See pet-friendly vans

Why camping is the best pet-friendly holiday

  • Dog looking sadly through a hotel window

    Hotels restrict pets to a room

    Most UK hotels ban them entirely. The "dog-friendly" ones often charge a premium per night and confine you to a single room—hardly a holiday for an active dog. Your best friend deserves the run of the countryside, not just four walls in a Premier Inn.

  • Dog waiting outside a locked holiday apartment

    Dog-friendly Airbnbs are scarce

    In the UK, truly pet-friendly holiday lets are a rare breed. They’re often the first to be snapped up for peak summer weeks, and when you do find one, the prices are sky-high. Plus, you’re stuck in one village for the whole trip, constantly worrying about the dog’s paws on the expensive rental furniture.

  • Dog watching family leave for the airport

    Flying means the dog stays home

    Whether it’s the Algarve, Ibiza, or a city break in Europe, your dog ends up in a kennel at £30–£50 a day. You spend your time poolside feeling guilty, and they spend their week wondering where you are. There’s a better way to do a British summer.

Why pet owners choose Camplify

  • Thousands of pet-friendly trips

    Pet owners travel with Camplify every year. You're in good company.

  • Owner-set pet policies

    Every owner decides their own pet rules. Many are pet lovers themselves.

  • Clear pet fees

    Owners set their own pet cleaning fee - typically £30-£80. Visible before you book.

  • From £100/night

    Up to 50% less than fleet companies. And your pet is welcome. Protection included.

Your van could be earning while you sleep

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Camping with your dog - FAQ

Why travel with your dog instead of staying in a hotel?

You have more options than you think — but many come with trade-offs. Most hotels either don’t allow dogs or charge extra, and pet-friendly rooms are limited. Airbnb has some options, but they get booked up quickly.

Travelling abroad often means putting your dog in kennels (£25–£50 per day), plus the stress of leaving them behind.

An campervan, motorhome or caravan holiday changes everything. Your dog comes with you, every stop is outdoors, and there’s no need to ask permission. Thousands of UK dog owners have made the switch — and most don’t go back to hotels.

My dog has never been camping. Will they be okay?

Most dogs take to it straight away — the fresh air, new smells, and space to explore. They don’t know it’s “camping”, they just know they’re with you.

Start with a short weekend trip close to home. Bring their bed or blanket so the space feels familiar. If your dog sleeps well at home, they’ll usually settle just as easily in the van.

Where can I stay with a dog in the UK?

More places than you might expect. Many caravan parks across the UK welcome dogs, including major groups like Haven, Parkdean Resorts, and Camping and Caravanning Club sites.

There are also hundreds of smaller campsites, farm stays, and wild camping spots (where permitted) that are dog-friendly.

One thing to note: most National Parks have restrictions on dogs in certain areas, particularly around livestock. However, nearby campsites, coastal areas, and countryside locations are often very accommodating.

What happens if it rains?

In a tent, it can be a challenge — especially with a wet dog. But in a campervan, you’ve got a dry, warm space with a proper bed and shelter.

You can make a cup of tea, relax inside, and your dog can stay comfortable on their bed. It’s one of the biggest advantages over tent camping.

Will I get charged if my dog makes a mess?

Most pet-friendly owners know exactly what to expect. A seat cover, a dog bed, and a towel for muddy paws usually does the trick.

Some owners charge a small pet cleaning fee (typically £25–£75), which covers the extra clean after your trip. For anything beyond normal use, standard protection applies.

In reality, most dog owners leave vans in great condition — and owners appreciate having responsible pet travellers.

Is camping with a van actually cheaper than a pet-friendly hotel?

Generally, yes.

Campervans typically start from around £80–£120 per night, and campsites range from £15–£40 per night.

A week away with your dog could cost roughly £600–£900 total, depending on your route and fuel.

Compare that to:

  • Pet-friendly hotels: £120–£250+ per night

  • Kennels: £25–£50 per day

It’s often more affordable — and your dog gets to come along.

What should I pack for my dog?

Keep it simple:

  • Bed or blanket (for familiar smells)

  • Food and bowls

  • Lead and poo bags

  • Towel for muddy paws

  • Any medication

If you’re heading into rural areas, consider tick prevention.

The van already includes the essentials — kitchen, fridge, bedding, and shelter — so you’re packing less than you would for a typical stay.

Is camping safe for dogs?

Yes, with a few simple precautions.

  • Keep dogs on a lead around livestock and wildlife

  • Bring plenty of water

  • Never leave your dog in a closed van on a warm day

  • Check for ticks after countryside walks

A campervan provides proper shelter — warmth in colder months and shade in summer.

Spring and autumn are ideal times to travel with dogs in the UK — mild temperatures and fewer crowds.

Why choose a campervan over a cabin?

Cabins are great, but you’re fixed in one place — and availability can be limited, especially during school holidays.

A campervan gives you the same comforts (bed, kitchen, storage), but with the freedom to move.

For your dog, it’s even better — they’re outdoors during the day, exploring new places, then sleeping comfortably in the van at night.

How do I book a pet-friendly campervan?

You can find all pet-friendly campervans via this landing page.

Alternatively, head to camplify.co.uk and use the filters to search for pet-friendly vans.

Once you find a van you like, you can message the owner with details about your dog and book securely through Camplify. The owner will walk you through everything on collection day.

Ready to camp with your dog?

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