Our guide to stress-free camping with a dog

Holidaying in a camper van means freedom and adventure – surrounded by the beauty of nature. It’s a particularly great option for dog owners as it is easy to bring your four-legged friends along for the ride. However, you need to plan and prepare carefully if you want to enjoy a unforgettable and relaxing camper van holiday with your dog. This handy guide provides you with valuable tips and practical advice on how to have an amazing camping trip with your furry friend.

Planning and preparing for camping with your dog

The right way to prepare

As we mentioned already, thorough planning is an essential part of any safe and stress-free camper van holiday with your dog. This includes:

Vaccinations and healthcare: make sure your dog has had all of the necessary vaccinations. Particularly if you are travelling abroad, it is important to check the vaccination requirements for your destination. One thing you must do before you leave is visit the vet to ensure that your dog is fit and healthy enough for the journey. Also ask them about any additional healthcare precautions, such as protecting your dog against ticks, fleas and worms.
Get them used to your camper van: start getting your dog used to your camper van as early as possible. Let them inspect the van so they can familiarise themselves with their new surroundings. Take a few short practice trips so they can get used to the way the vehicle moves. Familiar objects, like their favourite toy, blanket or dog bed, will help your furry friend to feel safe in your camper van.
Health insurance: it is good to have pet health insurance that will also cover any treatment in another country. Make sure you have the contact details for your pet insurance provider close to hand in case you need to go to the vet while you’re away.
Travel regulations: if you’re travelling between EU countries, you need to get a valid EU pet passport for your dog. You can get one from your vet. Since 2011, dogs have also been required to be micro-chipped in the skin in their necks. This chip contains important information about where your four-legged friend comes from.

The ideal car for people and animals

Comfort: both humans and dogs need plenty of space. Good job the California is so spacious. You can easily adapt the living area to your pet’s needs, for instance by bringing their blanket or dog bed.
Safety: while you are travelling, use a special safety belt for dogs, which can be connected to the seat belt system in your camper van. Otherwise, you can use a sturdy transport basket that can be anchored safely in the van. This will ensure your dog is well protected in the event of sudden braking or an accident. Good to know: the California camper van is equipped with modern safety features.
Equipment: from the kitchen cupboards, to the fridge, to the spacious storage areas – the California has plenty of space for safely storing dog food and accessories.

A doggy packing list: Everything you need for camping

Food and water: make sure you pack enough dog food for the entire trip, ideally in lockable containers. And don’t forget travel water bowls and drink bottles.
Somewhere to sleep: their dog bed from home or a familiar blanket will help your four-legged friend to feel safe and at home in the camper van.
Care products: remember to pack dog shampoo, brushes and towels for your trip.
Toys and entertainment: fun, games and action – keep your dog occupied during the journey with their favourite toys, chew toys and other forms of entertainment.
Documents and papers: essential when you are holidaying with your pet: vaccination passport, EU pet passport (if needed), copies of important healthcare documents and vet contact details.

Lead and collar: bring at least one robust leash and collar. An extra harness may also be handy, particularly for longer walks or hikes.
Food and water bowls: food and water bowls that are easy to clean and don’t tip over will make life on the road easier for you.
First aid kit: classic items such as a tick remover, bandages, nail clippers, disinfectant or diarrhoea medication are also must-have items for your camper van.
Dog poo bags

Where is the best place to go camping with your dog?

The right campsite

Not every campsite is well suited to hosting four-legged friends. Of course, natural surroundings are always great when you’re holidaying with a dog as you can go on lovely long walks and your dog will have plenty of space to run around. Dog-friendly campsites are often located close to forests or huge fields where your furry friend can run and play without any hassle.

Sites close to beaches or bathing lakes with special areas for dogs are particularly great as you can let your dog run and swim freely. Always check in advance whether there are any dog-friendly beaches near your destination and whether dogs are allowed at beaches and lakes. Campsites in city or town centres are less than ideal when you’re with a dog. However, if you’re keen to camp in a more urban area, you can find lots of animal-friendly options. Campsites often have plenty of space and contained areas for dogs to roam freely.

When choosing your campsite, pay particular attention to any special facilities – from doggy play parks and special dog areas through to showers for dogs. Also check what rules are in place for dogs on the campsite. For instance, some sites require dogs to be kept on a leash or restrict the areas where animals are allowed.

Choosing your destination

Camping with dogs in Germany: Germany is home to a number of dog-friendly campsites – 58 in total according to the German Automobile Association, the ADAC – particularly in areas like Bavaria, the Black Forest or Mecklenburg Lakeland. A highlight: camping at a lake where your dog can splash around in the water while you soak up the natural surroundings. Campsites near the North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts are also popular.

Camping with dogs in Austria: Austria is known for incredible natural landscapes and dog-friendly campsites. Popular regions include the Alps and Carinthia, with their countless walking trails and lakes.

Camping with dogs in the Netherlands: the Netherlands is an ideal destination for dog owners with a huge number of dog-friendly beaches and campsites, particularly in the Zeeland and Friesland regions. These areas are perfect for long walks along the coast.

Camping with dogs in Italy: Italy is also home to a number of dog-friendly campsites, particularly in the areas of South Tirol and Lake Garda, neither of which are too far from Germany.

Camping with dogs in France: France is a paradise for camping dog-owners with an array of campsites in Provence and Brittany. Lots of sites even have special facilities for animals, such as dog showers and doggy play parks.

Camping with dogs in Croatia: Croatia is becoming an increasingly popular destination for dog owners. The Adriatic coast and its many dog-friendly campsites, particularly in Istria and Dalmatia, are particularly great for summer holiday at the beach. Here your dog can play in the crystal blue waters or chill out with you on the beach.

Camping with dogs in Spain: Spain, too, has a lot of campsites that are suitable for dogs, particularly on the Costa Brava and in Andalusia. However, make sure you check in advance whether dogs are allowed on the beach you have in mind – lots of beaches ban dogs during the summer.

Camping with dogs in Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark: Scandinavian countries are well known for their affinity with nature and dog-friendly campsites. Here you will find pristine landscapes and plenty of space for long walks and hikes.

On the road with your dog in a camper van

So, there are a lot of things to think about if you want to have an amazing camper van holiday with your dog. These include the following:

Regular breaks: take a break every two to three hours. Your dog needs exercise, water and the chance to relieve themselves. Make sure you pick a rest spot that is safe and dog-friendly.
Time to run around: while you are stopped, give your dog plenty of chance to run around. A short walk or some play time will help them to burn off excess energy and get rid of any stress.
Keep them cool in the heat: in hot weather, it is particularly important that your dog has enough to drink and does not overheat. Never leave them alone in the vehicle as it gets hot very quickly. Sun protection accessories and good ventilation in the car will also help them to keep cool.
Meal times: try and stick to your pet’s normal meal times so you don’t disturb their digestive cycle. Ideally, pick a particular spot in the camper van to put their bowl.

Plenty of fluids: make sure your dog always has access to fresh water. Use easily accessible and sturdy water bowls. If you’re on a long walk, make sure you have a portable water bottle and bowl with you.
Create a safe haven: set up a cosy spot inside the camper van or outside where your furry friend can retreat for some quiet time.
Local walks and trails: check if there are any dog-friendly walks or trails near your campsite. Lots of regions have special maps and information on this topic.