Six reasons you should take your dog camping

Thinking of going camping with your dog? Why would you ever go on holiday without them?!

If the old saying is to be believed, a dog is man’s best friend – so why would you want to go on holiday without him or her? With so many dog friendly campsites around there’s no need to even consider it. We can’t think of a better camping companion than a canine one. Here are six more reasons you should take your dog camping…

1. No need to find a dog-sitter or kennels

If you choose a holiday that’s not suitable for pets you’ll have to leave your dog behind. Unless you have a reliable dog-sitter, this can mean upset and upheaval for your dog – who will no doubt be missing you anyway. It may even mean a stay in kennels which doesn’t suit every dog and can be costly. Take your dog with you and, though there’s an adjustment to be made, he or she will have his or her best friend at the end of the lead and waggy tails will never be far away.

2. Camping is an inexpensive dog-friendly holiday

In fact, if the alternative of taking your dog on holiday with you is a kennel or paid-for sitter, the cost of taking your dog on holiday with you can actually be less than leaving him or her behind! Some campsites impose a small charge for a dog but often Fido is free of charge. And where charges apply, it’s usually under £10 – a bargain! The only exception to the rule is glamping accommodation where charge may be a little higher to reflect the extra cleaning involved.

3. Camping and walking are perfect partners

For most dogs and most dog owners, walking is a hobby that’s pretty high up the list of favourite things to do. Here at Cool Camping, we think that walking and camping go hand in hand. So many of our campsites are located in great spots for walks – near national parks, national trails and in outstanding areas of natural beauty. Choose the right campsite and you will have the chance to explore new areas on foot – which can be just as exciting for your dog as it is for you.

4. Camping with your dog is a healthy holiday

Taking your dog on holiday with you ensures that you remain active. Whether it’s going for long walks on well-trodden tracks or throwing a frisbee on a deserted beach, your dog will keep you exercised. Or is it the other way around? As a dog owner you’ll be well aware of the health benefits, for both body and mind, and the exercise and therapy continues when you’re away. All the more reason to allow yourself that extra scoop of ice cream! You are on holiday after all.

5. Plenty of dog-friendly campsites to choose from

Hotels which accept dogs are few and far between. Self-catering places are a little easier to find – but campsites are the go-to accommodation for dog owners. Although not every campsite allows dogs, there are plenty out there which do – which means there’s lots of choice and usually at least one dog-friendly campsite in every area. Many dog owners are converted to camping and caravanning through necessity – but (unsurprisingly) grow to love the freedom and fresh air that comes with it!

6. No need to rough it

These days, there’s plenty of dog-friendly glamping too. So there’s no need to (ahem) ruff it in your own tent, if you don’t want to. For dog-owners who don’t fancy camping, glamping is a great option. With places at the upper end of the luxury scale, it can be like staying in a hotel room with a garden. You can hire a pre-pitched tent, like a bell tent or yurt, or find a dog-friendly shepherd’s hut or cabin. There’s usually an extra charge for bringing a dog to cover any extra cleaning but it’s a small price to pay to have your best friend at your side.

Browse all dog-friendly campsites now