Best UK Dog Friendly Camping Spots Worth a Wag (Plus Handy Tips!)
Picture this: your boots hit the trail, your dog bounds ahead with ears flying, and the open countryside stretches out in front of you. That’s the joy of dog friendly camping. More of us are choosing to bring our furry friends on outdoor breaks, and it’s easy to see why. They make everything more fun!
Still, a great getaway takes a little planning. This guide will walk you through the best dog friendly campsites in 2025, plus easy tips to ensure everyone, especially your four-legged explorer, has a “pawsitive” experience.
7 Best Dog-Friendly Camps in 2025
Ready for roomy pitches and easy walkies? Below are 7 top-rated UK dog friendly camping sites that offer great trails, clear policies, and handy on-site facilities:
1. Polmanter Touring Park, St Ives (Cornwall)
Perched just outside St Ives, Polmanter makes camping dog friendly and fun. You’ve got a huge exercise field, a proper dog wash to rinse sandy paws, and direct access to countryside walks.
In summer, a shuttle bus runs into town so you can enjoy the harbour and the Cornish coast path without stressing about parking. The site itself feels polished but never stuffy, with a well-stocked shop, playgrounds for kids, and plenty of space between pitches.
Why it’s worth a visit:
Dedicated exercise field where dogs can run off lead and handy dog shower.
Shuttle bus into St Ives (dogs can ride too).
Shop on site and trails starting from the park.
Spacious, well-managed pitches with good facilities.
2. Milarrochy Bay Camping & Caravanning Club Site, Loch Lomond
Have dogs that love long walks? Set right on the quieter east shore of Loch Lomond, Milarrochy Bay is one of those simple and scenic dog friendly campgrounds. The site has a clear dog-walk area and sits directly on the famous West Highland Way, so you can step out of your tent and straight onto a world-class trail.
The lochside setting means there’s always somewhere calm to stretch your legs, whether it’s a quick morning stroll or a day exploring the hills. Evenings bring big skies, loch views, and a sense of proper escape.
Why it’s worth a visit:
Designated dog-walk area right on site.
Direct access to the West Highland Way.
Scenic lochside setting with quieter surroundings. Wake up to sunrise over the water and easy access to gentle shoreline strolls.
Straightforward facilities, welcoming atmosphere, and peaceful vibes.
3. Glenmore Caravan & Camping Site, Aviemore (Cairngorms)
If you fancy camping among pines with a sandy beach a short walk away, Glenmore is a gem. Dogs are welcome (up to three per pitch), and you’ll find plenty of trails leaving directly from the site.
Loch Morlich is the star, perfect for a morning paddle or a lazy stroll along its shoreline. Facilities include showers, dishwashing, and laundry, so muddy paws and boots are easy to handle. With Aviemore close by for bike hire and cafés, it’s one of the best dog friendly camping areas that balance wild scenery with just enough convenience.
Why it’s worth a visit:
Direct access to Loch Morlich for walks, paddles, and easy dog-friendly swims.
Forest paths and bike routes start from camp.
Up to three dogs per pitch with clear on-lead guidance.
Showers, dishwashing, and laundry on site.
Close to Aviemore for shops, hire, and cafés.
4. Caerfai Bay Caravan & Tent Park, St Davids (Pembrokeshire)
Perched above a golden sandy cove, Caerfai Bay is a favourite for campers who want sea views and easy coast path access. A footpath leads straight to Caerfai Beach, which is dog-friendly year-round, so morning dips and sandy walks are always on the cards.
The site has clearly marked dog and non-dog areas, which helps keep things calm in summer. With St Davids a short stroll away, you can mix days on the path with evenings exploring Britain’s smallest city. Sunsets here are something else.
Why it’s worth a visit:
Direct footpath to Caerfai Beach (dog-friendly all year).
Clearly signed dog and non-dog camping areas.
On-lead policy keeps the site relaxed.
Easy access to St Davids and the Coast Path.
5. Clippesby Hall, Norfolk Broads (Norfolk)
Right in the heart of the Norfolk Broads, Clippesby Hall is a spacious, woodland campsite with something for everyone, including dogs. Most areas are dog-friendly, and there’s even a cycle hire centre with pet trailers so your dog can join longer adventures.
Flat lanes and waymarked trails start nearby, perfect for low-effort exploring. Back at camp, Basecamp bar and café serve hearty food and drinks, while kids’ play areas and sports courts keep families happy. It’s a well-run park that makes getting into the Broads simple and stress-free.
Why it’s worth a visit:
On-site dog walk and woodland pitches.
Cycle hire with pet trailers available.
Flat, easy trails into the Broads.
Bar, café, and family facilities on site.
6. Herding Hill Farm, Haltwhistle (Northumberland)
Tucked a mile from Hadrian’s Wall, Herding Hill Farm is big on peace, views, and dark skies. Dogs are welcome, and the dog-friendly AD122 bus stops right outside, making linear walks along the Wall easy.
The site itself has a laid-back, family-friendly feel with roomy pitches and modern facilities. Nights here are extra special: Northumberland is a Dark Sky Park, so stargazing is part of the fun. It’s a relaxed base that lets you mix history hikes, country pubs, and quiet nights under the stars.
Why it’s worth a visit:
Dog-friendly AD122 bus at the entrance.
Spacious pitches and family-friendly vibe.
Superb stargazing in a Dark Sky Park.
Close to Hadrian’s Wall and countryside walks.
7. The Quiet Site, Ullswater (Lake District)
Eco-friendly and award-winning, The Quiet Site overlooks Ullswater and welcomes dogs across most camping and glamping options. Pitches come with big views, and the fellside location means walks start the moment you step outside.
Dogs must stay on leads on site, but lakeside paths and surrounding fells give plenty of room to roam. The Quiet Bar, open all year, and The Quiet Bite café add to the relaxed feel, so you can enjoy a pint or bite to eat without leaving camp.
Why it’s worth a visit:
Dog-friendly camping and selected glamping.
Lead rules keep things calm on site.
Year-round Quiet Bar and on-site café.
Immediate access to Ullswater and the fells.
How to Choose the Right Dog-Friendly Campsite
Campsites that allow dogs are not all the same. Finding the right spot for both you and your dog is easier when you know what to look for:
Dog policy: Some campsites welcome dogs with open arms, while others set limits, often one or two dogs per pitch. A few also have seasonal or breed restrictions, so check the small print.
Facilities for dogs: Dedicated dog-walk fields, waste bins, and even showers for muddy paws can make life easier.
Location and surroundings: Campsites near woodland trails, national parks, or dog-friendly beaches save you driving and give your dog safe, stimulating places to explore.
Site rules: Look out for lead requirements, quiet hours, and whether dogs are allowed inside shared spaces like cafés or pubs. Clear rules often mean a calmer, friendlier atmosphere for everyone.
Overall vibe: Some parks buzz with families and kids, while others lean towards peace and quiet. Think about your dog’s personality. Nervous dogs may prefer wide, quiet spaces, while sociable pups might enjoy a busier site.
What to Pack When Camping with Your Dog?
You’ve probably had your own camping essentials figured out: a sturdy tent, comfy sleeping bags, stove, torch, snacks, power bank, and so on. But when your dog comes along, it’s easy to forget the little things that keep them safe and comfortable.
Here’s a checklist to make sure your four-legged camper is as prepared as you are:
Everyday Essentials
Lead and harness: Bring a strong lead and a harness your dog can wear for hours without rubbing. A harness is safer than a collar on trails, and a long training line lets them roam in open fields while staying under control.
ID tag and microchip info: By law in the UK, dogs must wear a collar and tag with your name and address. Adding your mobile number is smart for quick contact.
Food and water bowls: Collapsible silicone bowls are lightweight and easy to stash in a rucksack for day walks.
Plenty of food and treats: Stick with their regular diet to avoid tummy upsets and pack a little extra in case of delays or longer-than-expected hikes.
Fresh water supply: Not every site has taps nearby, and streams aren’t always safe to drink. A refillable bottle or hydration bladder makes life easier.
Toys and chews: A ball or tug toy keeps energy in check during downtime, while chews are a calming way to settle in the evenings.
If you’re bringing fresh food, frozen meat, or dog pouches that need chilling, a compact, battery-ready mini fridge takes the hassle out of keeping things safe and cool.
The EcoFlow GLACIER Classic Portable Fridge Freezer comes in 35/45/55L sizes. The larger models are dual zone, so you have fridge and freezer side by side, with precise control down to ±1°C. You can run it on shore power at the campsite, plug it into your car while driving, or pair it with the 298Wh plug-in battery.
With the battery, you’ll get up to 43 hours of steady 4°C cooling on the 35L model, or 39 hours on the 45/55L models, all without a hookup. That’s peace of mind for opened wet food, your own groceries, or just keeping the beers cold without soggy ice packs.
EcoFlow GLACIER Classic Portable Fridge Freezer
Comfort and Sleep
Dog bed or mat: A familiar bed helps your dog relax at night and insulates them from damp or cold ground. Roll-up travel mats work well if you’re short on space.
Blankets: Great for warmth, but also for protecting sleeping bags or camp chairs from muddy paws.
Crate or travel pen (optional): Ideal for nervous dogs or young pups who need their own space to settle. A crate also stops midnight wandering when you’re half-asleep.
Hot tent, restless dog? Cold, damp evening? The EcoFlow WAVE 3 Portable Air Conditioner gives you cooling (6100 BTU) and heating (6800 BTU) in one compact unit, so you can take the edge off heatwaves or knock the chill out of shoulder-season nights.
App control makes tweaks from your sleeping bag easy. Pair it with the 1024Wh add-on battery and you’ll get up to 8 hours of cordless comfort in Eco mode. That’s ideal if you’re away from hook-up or want a quiet night without extension leads. It’s the comfort you and your pup both appreciate after a long day on the trail.
Health and Safety
Poop bags: Take more than you think. You’ll get through them faster on campsites with multiple daily walks.
First aid kit: Useful extras for dogs include tick removers, antiseptic wipes, paw balm for rough ground, and vet-wrap style bandages.
Towels: Microfibre towels dry fast, don’t take up much space, and are great for muddy paws, rainy hikes, or a quick swim.
Medication: Bring enough for the whole trip plus a spare day or two, just in case plans change. Keep it in a waterproof pouch with instructions handy.
Going Off-Grid? Think about Power
If your trip takes you away from serviced pitches, it pays to think about electricity. Instead of noisy gas generators, a portable power station is a quieter and cleaner way to stay powered off-grid. It keeps LED dog lights, GPS trackers, or cooling fans running for your pup. For you, it means charged phones for maps, cameras, a fresh brew from a travel kettle, and more.
The EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Portable Power Station has a 2048Wh capacity with 2400W AC output (boosts up to 3100W), so it can handle campsite basics and more demanding gear, like an electric grill. It runs on durable LFP batteries built for years of use, and you can expand it to 6144Wh with extra units if you’re staying away from hook-up longer.
Pair it with the EcoFlow 400W Portable Solar Panel and you can top up straight from the sun. The weatherproof panel folds flat for travel, sets up quickly, and works at around up to 25% efficiency, so even a few hours of daylight can stretch your power.
EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Portable Power Station
Rules and Courtesies for Camping with Your Dog
Camping with dogs is great fun, but a few courtesies and rules make things easy for everyone and keep the countryside open for canine visitors.
Check ID tags and microchips: UK law requires microchipping for dogs, so make sure your contact details are up to date before you travel. If an emergency happens, quick access to records speeds up reunions.
Keep leads short on site: Campsites can be busy, with kids, bikes, and other dogs about. And not every camper loves surprise greetings. A short lead keeps your dog safe and avoids tangles. Most organised campsites (holiday parks, Club sites, large touring parks) clearly require dogs to be on a lead at all times.
Never leave dogs unattended: Never leave your dog shut in a tent, van, or car. Those spaces heat up fast and can be unsafe.
Pick up every time: Carry plenty of poo bags and use the bins provided. If your dog digs, fill holes before you leave. It keeps the grounds clean for future campers.
Respect quiet hours: Settle dogs in the evening with a good walk, chew, or a cosy crate so barking doesn’t disturb neighbours.
Follow the Countryside Code: Follow the Countryside Code. Keep dogs on a lead around livestock and on Open Access land from 1 March to 31 July to protect ground-nesting birds.
Watch for local signs: Many beaches and reserves have seasonal dog bans between Easter and September, with fines for non-compliance. Check signage and the site’s guidance before heading out.
Stick to marked paths: It protects wildlife and makes life easier if landowners are nearby.
Conclusion
Dog friendly camping in the UK is all about freedom, fresh air, and time together. With the right campsite, smart packing, and a few simple courtesies, you and your four-legged friend can enjoy adventures that feel effortless. From starry nights in the Highlands to sandy mornings on the Cornish coast, there’s a pitch out there that will suit you both. So, grab the lead, load up the car, and head out.
FAQs
Where to sleep dogs when camping?
The safest option is for your dog to sleep right inside your tent, campervan, or caravan. Bring their usual bed or crate so they have something familiar to settle on and don’t wander. While some owners use outdoor kennels or mats, these increase risks such as wildlife encounters or escaping.
Many UK club sites also ask that dogs are kept inside overnight and always on a lead around the grounds, so it’s polite and practical. Pack a blanket in cooler months or a cooling mat if it’s warm. Fresh water nearby and a chew toy help them relax.
How to sleep with a dog while camping?
The trick is to keep things familiar and cosy. Give your dog a last walk and toilet break, then settle them down in their own bed or crate inside the tent or van. Pop a roll mat or extra blanket underneath to keep the chill off the ground.
Keep a bowl of water and their toys nearby, and make sure your tent is ventilated on warmer nights. If your pup wakes up, a short lead by your side makes midnight trips simple. With familiar smells and a calm routine, most dogs will nod off quickly under canvas.
Can you sleep in a tent with a dog?
Yes, you can. In fact, many dog-friendly clubs ask that dogs sleep inside the tent for safety and courtesy to others. Choose a tent with enough space and good ventilation so your dog doesn’t feel cramped.
Bring along their usual bed, blanket, or favourite toy to give them a sense of home and let them practice spending time in the tent before the trip to ease any nerves. Keep water close by, and make sure they get a good walk and toilet break before bedtime. With a little planning, sharing a tent with your dog is safe, cosy, and enjoyable.