“They charge five euros per dog at the campsite. I think that’s pretty expensive.” When I read this the other day in a camping group, my first reaction was to agree. After all, I’m traveling with two dogs and a fee like that quickly adds up. But then I thought about it some more and asked myself whether there was anything in return? Or am I basically only paying the amount for the fact that my four-legged friends are allowed to be there? In the end, I was faced with the question of what actually characterizes a dog-friendly campsite.
In this article, you will find out what features such a campsite should have and how to find a dog-friendly campsite.
What does dog-friendliness mean?
When it comes to the definition of dog-friendliness, dog owners sometimes have very different ideas and expectations. For a multi-dog owner, it will be important that not only one dog is allowed and that the fee per dog is as low as possible.
Someone with a difficult dog will want to be allowed to fence in their plot. And the next person may want their four-legged friend to accompany them everywhere on the campsite, including to the restaurant. It is therefore difficult to find a universal description that covers everything. Nevertheless, there are some criteria that speak for a dog-friendly campsite – one where dogs are really welcome and not just allowed:
- The operator explicitly points out on its website that dogs are welcome guests and does not come up with a long list of prohibitions from the outset.
- Several dogs are also allowed.
- There are poop bags and garbage cans for the disposal of the big business.
- You will find exercise areas, dog meadows and/or walking paths in the immediate vicinity of the campsite
- There is a dog shower available
- There are bathing facilities for the four-legged friends and/or an extra bathing beach for humans and dogs
- The plots are fenced or the erection of a fence is permitted
- Fences can be rented for erection
- Dogs are permitted in rental properties
- The operator organizes “leisure activities” (dog training, agility, joint walks, etc.) or care options for dogs
- A vet and/or a groomer come by regularly to look after the four-legged guests if necessary.
As you can see, the range of dog-friendly features is quite wide. Depending on what is on offer, I think it is absolutely justified to charge a corresponding fee. After all, this also involves an expense for the site operator.
For me, dog-friendliness does not necessarily mean that dogs have to be allowed free of charge. If an attractive service is offered in return, a fee is completely justified for me. By the way, we have put together a list of useful accessories for four-legged friends when traveling. If you’re going camping with your dog for the first time, take a look at our checklist with preparation tips.
In addition to this article, you can get more information and tips on camping with dogs from our experts Nele and Sebastian in this podcast episode:
How to find a dog-friendly campsite
If you are looking for a dog-friendly campsite, the experiences of other visitors are usually helpful. On platforms such as PiNCAMP or camping.info, for example, you can filter specifically for sites where dogs are allowed or explicitly welcome. In addition, many campers with dogs share their personal impressions and tips on social media. This is how I became aware of the following campsites, which have received very good ratings. The list will be continuously expanded as soon as we find out about other great places for four-legged friends.
Dog-friendly campsites in Germany
- Wohnmobilpark Schwarzach – www.wohnmobilpark-schwarzach.de
Dogs included in the price. Dog sitting is available on request. Dog walking facilities are available. Please ask the campsite if more than one dog is allowed. - Camping Kühlungsborn – www.topcamping.de
Here you will find, for example, two dog baths and a nearby dog beach. Please enquire whether more than one dog is allowed. - Camping Sippelmühle – www.sippelmuehle.de
A campsite in Bavaria where multi-dog owners are also welcome. There is a dog meadow, walking and bathing opportunities and much more. The cost per dog is €2 and up to three quiet animals are allowed. - Naturcamping Springsee – www.springsee.de
Multi-dog owners are welcome and mobile fences can be hired to fence off the site. Adventure walks are offered on certain dates. Dog training is also possible. Four-legged guests receive a small gift on arrival. - Campingpark Sanssouci zu Potsdam – www.camping-potsdam.de
In addition to free poop bags and dog showers, a dog walking service is also offered. Bathing facilities are also available. BThe fee for a dog is €7. Ask before your arrival whether more than one dog is welcome. - Campingplatz Höpkens – www.moinurlaub.de
Quietly situated on the Jade Bay, all four-legged friends are welcome at this campsite, regardless of their breed. A dog is charged €3 per night. In return, you are offered fenced-in pitches and a dog playground, and mobile fences may be erected on the pitch. There is no limit to the number of dogs. Click here for the FAQ. - Campingplatz Peene Marina – www.peene-marina-demmin.de
On 15,000 square meters, there is plenty of space for visitors to relax here in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. There is a large selection of hiking and cycling trails in the immediate vicinity. Each pitch has direct access to the River Peene. Dogs are very welcome. You should ask in advance how many dogs are allowed. - Camping Beachclub Fachbach on the Lahn www.camping-beachclub.de
Located directly on the River Lahn with swimming opportunities for two and four-legged friends. There is also a dog playground and a dog shower for our animal guests. There is a charge of €3 per dog. Please enquire whether you can arrive with more than one dog. - My camping park www.mein-campingpark.de/
The 100,000 square meter site in the Bergisches Land region offers 250 permanent pitches and 30 for tourists. There is a fenced-in play area and a dog shower for dogs. An external dog trainer also offers educational walks and agility. You should ask in advance whether more than one dog is allowed.
Dog-friendly campsites in Italy
- Camping al Lago & Camping al Sole – www.campingalsole.it
On the pitches, but also in the bungalow or mobile home, your dog can accompany you for a fee. In the beach area, there is a section where you can take your dog and go into the water with you. You can also let him jump around freely in a fenced-in area. Ask how many animals are allowed before you arrive. - Camping Marina di Venezia – www.marinadivenezia.it
For dog owners, there are pitches with shade and a specially fenced area in a pine forest where they can go for a relaxed walk. Dog showers are also available. If your pet has a medical emergency, a vet service can be arranged to come to the site. Other services include dog training, agility and dog care. Depending on the season, the cost per animal varies between €2.70 and €8.30. A maximum of three dogs are allowed per pitch. You can find a detailed description of the dog area here.
You can find more information about camping with dogs in Italy here.
Dog-friendly campsites in France
- La Sousta, Pont du Gard – www.lasousta.com
You can spend a dog-friendly vacation right by the Pont du Gard. Dog waste bags are available free of charge and agility courses are offered several times a season. Numerous hiking trails start directly at the site. The cost for a dog varies depending on the season. A maximum of three dogs are allowed per unit. - Camping La Forêt – www.hpa-laforet.com
On the Côte de Lumière, you will find a small, clean 4-star campsite with dog showers and its own dog beach in the immediate vicinity. The nearby forest is also ideal for long walks. The fees for dogs depend on the season. You should ask in advance how many animals you are allowed to bring. - Camping des Abers – www.camping-des-abers.com
On the Sainte-Marguerite peninsula directly by the sea. Dogs are welcome, but are not allowed on the beach at high tide between May 15 and September 15. At low tide, they can let off steam and splash around. The site is surrounded by 80 hectares of dunes – ideal for long walks. The cost is between €2.20 and €2.50 depending on the season. If you have more than one dog, find out in advance how many animals are allowed.
You can find more information about camping with dogs in France here.
Dog-friendly campsites in the Netherlands
- Strandpark De Zeeuwse Kust – www.strandparkdezeeuwsekust.nl
Dogs are allowed on the beach on a lead. There is a dog walking path around the campsite. Dog showers are available and your four-legged friend is also a welcome guest in the restaurant. There is no information on the website about the costs per dog or the number of animals allowed. - Erkemederstrand (Netherlands) – www.erkemederstrand.nl
There is a dog beach, walking facilities, free poop bags and more. Dog food and toys can be purchased in the park store. You are also welcome with several dogs. Contact the campsite before you arrive to find out the exact conditions.
You can find more tips in our article specifically on dog-friendly campsites in the Netherlands.
Dog-friendly campsites in Austria
- Camping Rosental Rož – www.camping.rozweb.eu
Two fenced dog meadows, dog showers, an outdoor dog pool and many walking opportunities characterize this campsite. Several dogs are allowed. In the main tourist season and for very large animals, the number of dogs is limited to three. However, the site is also very flexible if you are traveling with several dogs. Depending on the season, you pay between €4 and €5 per animal. - Camping Plörz – www.camping-ploerz.at
A really pet-friendly site where your dog is very welcome. There is a dog play area, dog showers and plenty of walking opportunities in the immediate vicinity. There is no charge for your four-legged friend in the low season, otherwise the prices vary depending on the season. Please enquire how many dogs are allowed. - Active Camping Prutz – www.aktiv-camping.at
A free dog shower and free poop bags are included at this site. It is located right next to a river where your four-legged friend can have fun. There are many walking paths in the surrounding area where your dog can run free. A fee of between €3 and €5 is charged for your pet. The number of dogs allowed must be requested. - Sonnencamp am Gösseldsdorfer See – www.rundumservice.at
An idyllic family campsite on a small lake surrounded by nature. The facilities for four-legged friends include a dog-free zone on the site, a dog shower and a dog bathing area. The cost per animal is between €4 and €5.50. A maximum of two dogs are allowed per pitch.
I have compiled detailed information on traveling with dogs in Austria in this article.
Dog-friendly campsites in Spain
- Camping Castell Mar – www.camping-castellmar.com
In addition to dog showers, this campsite also has its own dog beach. And the restaurant even has its own menu for four-legged friends. Your dog is welcome on this site free of charge. If you have more than one dog, please find out in advance how many dogs are allowed. - Camping Rubina Resort – www.rubinaresort.com
In Catalonia near Empuriabrava, Camping Rubina Resort offers dog showers and there is an official dog beach just two kilometers away where your four-legged friend can run around and swim. There is no information on the website about the costs and the number of dogs allowed. It is therefore best to ask in advance.
You can find more information about dog beaches in Spain in this article.
In addition to these campsites, there are of course many more. Helpful sites to find a suitable one are dog-friendly campsites, the overviews on Camping in Germany or PiNCAMP as well as the Rudelurlaub site.
Conclusion
Where it says dog-friendly, it is not always dog-friendly. It makes a big difference whether you and your four-legged friend only feel tolerated or really welcome as guests. Whether with just one dog or a whole gang of rascals: a pet-friendly atmosphere is the be-all and end-all for a successful camping vacation together.
We share even more experiences on the topic of “Traveling with a dog in a motorhome or caravan” in this podcast episode. Have a listen:
Which place can you recommend as particularly dog-friendly?
