Exploring the Best Dog-Friendly Camping Experiences

Camping is one of the most beloved pastimes for people across the United Kingdom. Getting out into nature, breathing fresh country air, staring up at the stars on clear nights – it’s a profoundly rejuvenating experience. For dog owners, bringing your furry best friend along can make it even more special. However, finding dog friendly campsites that actually welcome pets is not always straightforward.

Some campgrounds still have outdated rules prohibiting pets entirely. Other sites may allow dogs but have significant restrictions. As a dog lover, you want to feel fully comfortable bringing your pup along, without worrying about creating issues for other campers. 

This comprehensive guide aims to highlight the best dog friendly camping destinations across the UK. We’ve researched and curated a list of campgrounds, touring parks, glamping sites, and more that roll out the red carpet for you and your four-legged companions. 

From the shores of Scotland to the coasts of Cornwall, and everywhere in between, you’ll find dog-friendly camping options for every region. Whether you prefer pitching a tent or parking your campervan, we’ve got you covered. Lean back, relax, and keep reading to start planning your next idyllic camping with dogs getaway.

Southdown Way Caravan & Camping Park – Sussex

Nestled amid the gently rolling hills of England’s scenic South Downs National Park, the Southdown Way Caravan & Camping Park is a dog-friendly haven for campers and caravanners seeking fresh air and outdoor adventure. With the historic town of Lewes located just a short drive away, the campground strikes an ideal balance – it feels peacefully secluded yet remains within easy reach of shops, restaurants, and other useful amenities.

The campsite has 75 spacious grassy pitches where you can set up your tent or park your campervan, along with a handful of hard standing sites for increased stability. Dogs are warmly welcomed throughout the entire park. You’re free to bring your furry pal into the games room, TV lounge, children’s play area, and anywhere else on site.

Southdown Way truly becomes a dog paradise thanks to its location along the iconic South Downs Way. This national walking trail stretches 100 miles from Winchester to Eastbourne, following the grassy ridgelines of the Downs. You can pick up the trail right at the campsite entrance and enjoy invigorating hikes with your trusty dog by your side.

In addition to the South Downs Way, there are dozens of footpaths and bridleways that criss-cross the campground’s immediate surroundings. Let your dog lead the way as you embark on wooded walks through Long Wood and Otherton Wood – both perfect for unleashing your pup to explore safely off-leash.

With ample opportunities to tire out your energetic dog, Southdown Way Caravan & Camping Park makes an outstanding base for an active dog-friendly camping holiday in scenic Sussex.

Burnbake Campsite – Dorset

Situated a short drive from Bournemouth on England’s southern coast, Burnbake Campsite provides a peaceful setting for memorable camping holidays with your faithful dog. The spacious campground is set within woodlands and rolling fields, where your canine companion will love roaming and playing fetch.

Burnbake welcomes both tent campers and RVs. Pitches are thoughtfully spaced out, ensuring privacy even at peak capacity. Many sites are grassy and surrounded by hedgerows, while others have gravel terraces offering firm footing and accessibility.

One of Burnbake’s standout dog-friendly features is its Agility Course. This purpose-built obstacle course lets you train and play with your pup, reinforcing obedience commands through jumps, ramps, tunnels and more. Dogs must be kept on-leash when using the Agility Course, but it’s an invaluable amenity for active pets.

Beyond the Agility Course, there are nearly 100 acres of fields and woodlands to explore on long walks, jogs or bike rides with your dog. The campsite’s central location also provides easy access to sandy beaches, scenic nature reserves, and miles of trails along the coast for adventurous days out.

With thoughtful amenities for dogs and families alike, Burnbake Campsite has something for every type of camping crew.

Hoseasons Golden Sands Holiday Park – Lincolnshire 

On the east coast of England bordering The Wash, Golden Sands Holiday Park is a top choice for a seaside camping trip with your dog. Operated by Hoseasons, the spacious site has a range of accommodation options including campsites for tents and tourers, as well as pet-friendly lodges.

Tent camping pitches are spread across three small fields, each with its own amenities block providing toilets, hot showers, and dish washing facilities. Many of the sites are grassy and partially shaded, providing privacy. Dogs are allowed at the tent sites, giving you the flexibility to bring your pup on a camping adventure.

For those seeking extra comfort, Golden Sands has a variety of luxury lodges that welcome up to 2 dogs per lodge. The lodges have enclosed decking areas – perfect for keeping your pet safe while soaking up seaside views. The park also has an on-site restaurant, an amusement arcade, and an outdoor splash pool.

The adjoining sandy beach provides endless space for energetic dogs to zoom in and play. At low tide, huge expanses of sand open up for beachcombing, playing fetch, and tiring out your pooch. The park is also just 2.5 miles from the seaside town of Skegness, offering shops, cafes, and seaside strolls.

Parkdean Resorts Camber Sands Holiday Park – East Sussex

Renowned for its sweeping sandy beach and tranquil coastal setting, Camber Sands on the south coast is a wonderful destination for dog owners. Parkdean Resorts Camber Sands Holiday Park gives you comfortable accommodation right next to the beach, along with plenty of amenities and activities to keep your four-legged friend happy.

The holiday park welcomes dogs in many of their rental accommodations, including luxury lodges with hot tubs and pet-friendly decks. There are also campsites open to tents, tourers, and motorhomes if you’d prefer to pitch up and camp.

Camber Sands really shines when it comes to dog-friendly amenities and access. The park has an enclosed Agility Course where you can train your pup and burn off energy. Just outside the gates, miles of sandy beaches and the famous sand dunes await. The sand and sea provide endless running room for playful pooches to zoom, sniff, and explore.

With plenty of opportunities for long walks on the beach at Camber Sands, your dog will sleep soundly after days filled with seaside adventures. The holiday park makes for an unforgettable dog-friendly vacation right alongside one of England’s most breathtaking beaches.

Three Cliffs Bay – Swansea

Boasting one of the most breathtaking shorelines in Wales’ scenic Gower Peninsula, Three Cliffs Bay is a must-visit destination for memorable camping adventures with your furry best friend. This stunning sweep of coastline features a golden sand beach cradled by rolling grassy dunes and dramatic limestone cliffs.

Three Cliffs Bay Holiday Park provides an ideal base for exploring this beautiful area with your dog, offering a relaxed campground right next to the beach. Tent and tourer campers are welcomed, with electric hook-up sites and modern amenities blocks supplying hot showers and laundry facilities. The holiday park also has a limited number of pet-friendly cottages available to rent upon request.

One of the major perks of Three Cliffs Bay for dog owners is the access it provides to the Wales Coast Path. This epic 870-mile trail hugs the entirety of the Welsh shoreline – the perfect route for scenic coastal rambles with your pup. Head west from Three Cliffs to take in views of secluded coves and stroll above scenic Mewslade Bay. Going east leads to the sweeping sands of Oxwich Bay flanked by sand dunes, with the medieval Oxwich Castle as an unmissable landmark.

Of course, the namesake Three Cliffs beach right on the holiday park’s doorstep offers plenty of space for dogs to get their zoomies out. The vast beach has soft sand for running, gentle waves for swimming, and headlands of limestone to scramble and explore. Make sure to have your camera ready, as the sweeping panoramas from Three Cliffs Bay are postcard-perfect.

With its breathtaking natural scenery yet relatively laidback, tranquil atmosphere compared to bustling resort towns, Three Cliffs Bay makes for an idyllic dog-friendly camping retreat on the gorgeous Gower Peninsula.

Wowo Campsite – Sussex

Nestled on England’s scenic south coast between Brighton and Eastbourne, Wowo Campsite delivers a luxury glamping experience in a stunning natural setting. This adults-only campground overlooks the rolling South Downs, providing a peaceful escape. With spacious bell tents furnished with real beds, Wowo gives you a comfortable basecamp for exploring the area with your furry companion.

Wowo warmly welcomes dogs, as the owners are dedicated dog lovers themselves. Each pre-pitched bell tent comes equipped with bowls, poo bags, and treats so you can pamper your pup. The campsite’s off-leash policy means dogs can freely explore without restraints, and even join you inside the communal Tipis.

The real highlight for canines is the surrounding South Downs National Park. Right from your tent, you can access the South Downs Way walking trail and its boundless opportunities for hikes, bikes, and adventure. Let your dog lead as you discover Iron Age hill forts, sleepy villages, and hidden coves along England’s spine.

Don’t miss the nearby beaches as well. You and your four-legged friend can ramble over the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs, splash through the tidal pools at Birling Gap, and zoom across the golden sands at Cuckmere Haven. The historic town of Lewes also makes for a fun day out, with independent shops and cafes that cater to dogs.

Campfires and shared meals in the Tipis help create a warm community vibe at Wowo. You and your loyal camping buddy can relax under the stars after action-packed days exploring the South Downs. The campsite’s unique setup and dog-friendly ethos make it a wonderful homebase for an unforgettable escape.

Llanberis Campsite – Wales

Based at the foot of Snowdon – the highest peak south of Scotland – Llanberis Campsite is a top choice for adventurous camping with your energetic dog. This expansive campground features mountain views from every pitch, along with direct access to trails leading up to Snowdon and throughout Snowdonia National Park.

Llanberis Campsite welcomes both tents and RVs, with a large designated area just for tourers and motorhomes. Facilities are excellent, with hot showers, electric hook-ups, and a well-stocked shop on-site. Dogs are allowed throughout and will love joining you on the campsite’s scenic nature trails when they need a quick walk.

Of course, the main attraction is the landscape surrounding Llanberis. The campsite sits alongside crystalline Llyn Padarn Lake, with the rocky peak of Snowdon dominating the skyline. Eager dogs will be raring to join you hiking the mountain – and you can ride the railway back down afterwards. The Watkin Path and Llanberis Path are two popular but steep routes to the 1,085 meter summit.

For easier walks with your pup, Llanberis is surrounded by green valleys, lively streams, and thundering waterfalls. Hike up to Llyn Llydaw Lake or explore the Victorian Dinorwig slate quarry. The historic castle Dolbadarn is right next to the campsite as well – perfect for a quick stroll along its scenic lakeshore setting.

With its incredible location nestled among some of Wales’ most iconic scenery, plus great facilities and a welcoming atmosphere for dogs, Llanberis Campsite is a fantastic choice for active camping holidays with your faithful four-legged friend.

Baysbrown Farm Campsite – Cumbria

Surrounded by the picture-perfect countryside of the Lake District National Park, Baysbrown Farm Campsite offers a peaceful base for exploring with your dog. This family-run farm welcomes both tents and motorhomes, with scenic grass pitches and electric hook-up sites available.

Dogs are more than welcome at Baysbrown – they even provide free poo bags around the site for your convenience. Your furry friend can join you on walks through the farms riverside fields, or sniff and explore the woodlands and trails surrounding the site. The campground’s quiet, secluded atmosphere also means you can let your dog roam off-leash without bothering others.

The campsite’s proximity to Lake Windermere makes it easy to enjoy the area’s natural splendor. Take your pup on the trails through School Knott Forest for panoramic views over England’s longest lake. Or walk portions of the “Wonders of Windermere” trail, stopping to admire local landmarks like the waterfall at Lindeth Fell.

Venture farther into the Lake District to soak up more quintessential sights. Climb Gummers How hill for sweeping vistas over Windermere’s glittering waters, then refresh yourself back in the village of Hawkshead. Challenge your adventurous dog to a hike up Loughrigg Fell for breathtaking scenery in every direction.

At the end of an active day exploring Lake District’s trails, rivers, and peaks, Baysbrown Farm’s cozy campground gives you and your loyal companion a quiet retreat. Relax around the campfire and appreciate the simple pleasures of camping with your best furry friend by your side.

Camping in the Forest Holgates – North Yorkshire

Situated in Dalby Forest along North Yorkshire’s scenic northeast coast, Camping in the Forest Holgates offers a woodland escape perfect for camping with dogs. The campground has tent and tourer sites available, many surrounded by pine trees for increased privacy and shade.

As part of the Camping in the Forest network operated by the Forestry Commission, Holgates provides excellent facilities for campers. Expect clean and spacious amenity blocks, electric hook-ups, camper service points, and a well-stocked shop on-site. Dogs are allowed at Holgates and will love exploring the surrounding forest trails.

Holgates’ biggest perk is its proximity to the sprawling Dalby Forest. The campground sits right on the edge of this nearly 8,000-acre wooded expanse crisscrossed by walking trails and mountain bike paths. You and your energetic pup can spend days immersed in the forest, following scenic trails past trickling streams and curious wildlife.

The winding pathways through Dalby Forest cater to all activity levels as well. Take your dog on leisurely ambles around Saintaindale Lake, or challenge yourself on the more strenuous route to Dalby Rocks for panoramic views. The variety of trails means you’ll never run out of new sights to explore with your four-legged companion.

After full days of forest adventures, return to your wooded pitch for relaxation and comfort. Let your worn-out dog unwind next to your tent before drifting off under the pine trees. With its enviable setting and top-notch facilities, Camping in the Forest Holgates creates an unforgettable atmosphere for camping escapes with your canine best friend.

To Sum It Up

Taking a camping trip with your faithful four-legged companion can create some of the most memorable and enjoyable outdoor adventures. However, finding dog-friendly campsites that truly roll out the red carpet for canine campers is not always easy. Some campgrounds still have restrictive pet policies, while others offer limited amenities for our furry friends.

This comprehensive guide has spotlighted numerous premier dog friendly camping destinations located across the diverse landscapes of the United Kingdom. From the craggy peaks of Snowdonia to the sandy shores of Sussex, we’ve handpicked campsites perfect for camping with dogs.

Whether you prefer pitching a tent or parking your campervan, you’ll find excellent dog friendly campsites catering to every style of camper. Reconnect with nature as you and your pup stroll wooded trails, roam open fields, and comb pristine beaches together. Many campgrounds highlighted also have purpose-built amenities like agility courses and dog washes that make camping with canines even more enjoyable.

As you plan your next great British camping adventure, refer back to this roundup anytime you need dog-friendly camping inspiration. With endless trails to hike, forests to explore, beaches to ramble, and countryside to discover, the UK abounds with remarkable destinations for camping with dogs.

Bring your faithful companion along to share unforgettable moments together under the stars. From rustic campfires to breezy oceanside tents, some of life’s simple pleasures are enhanced exponentially when experienced alongside your furry best friend. With this guide leading the way, your next idyllic escape culminates in tale-wagging memories to last a lifetime.