Dog-friendly campsites

A dog-friendly campsite is one where your dog is explicitly welcome: on the camping pitches, often at the accommodation, and frequently at dedicated facilities such as a dog run or a dog shower. Unlike many hotels or holiday parks, camping is ideally suited to travelling with a dog: you are outdoors, you have direct access to walking trails, and you never have to leave your loyal companion at home or in kennels. For many owners that is the single biggest reason to choose a campsite. Dogs settle quickly into the open space, the rhythm of outdoor life and the scent of forest, dune or mountain meadow. On Ovisola you can spot these places using the 'dogs allowed' filter, so you can see at a glance which campsites across Europe welcome both you and your dog, from a quiet nature campsite to a larger family spot by the sea.

When choosing, pay close attention to the house rules. Almost everywhere dogs must be kept on a lead on the grounds, there may be a maximum number of dogs per pitch, and many sites charge a small surcharge per dog per night. Look too at the facilities that make a real difference: a dog shower to rinse off sandy or muddy paws, a fenced dog run, direct access to walking paths and a dog beach nearby. Some campsites exclude dogs in peak season or in certain rental accommodations, so always check the seasonal and accommodation rules before you book. On Ovisola you simply filter by dogs allowed and combine that with themes such as nature, forest or close to the sea. That way you find not just a campsite that accepts dogs, but a place genuinely set up for a holiday with your dog, in exactly the region you have in mind.

Across Europe several regions are particularly well suited to a holiday with a dog. In Germany, the Eifel and the Sauerland are loved for their vast forests, hills and waymarked walking routes right from the campsite. In the Netherlands, the Veluwe and Drenthe offer quiet nature campsites, spacious off-lead trails and miles of forest and heathland walks, ideal if you want to stay closer to home. The Belgian Ardennes pair wooded hills and river valleys with a relaxed, dog-friendly atmosphere. Scandinavia stands out thanks to the 'right to roam' principle and its sheer space: in Sweden, Norway and Denmark you will find peaceful nature campsites where your dog can roam freely. The French Vosges, the Austrian Alps and the Danish North Sea coast with its dog beaches are also well worth considering. On the Ovisola map you can see at once, per country and region, which campsites allow dogs.

For most dog destinations late spring and early autumn make the best travel time: pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds and no risk of overheating for your dog. Do not forget the paperwork: for travel within the EU your dog needs a valid EU pet passport, with an up-to-date rabies vaccination and a microchip; some countries also require a deworming treatment, so check the rules for each destination well in advance. When booking, always state that you are bringing a dog and how many, so the campsite can allocate you a suitable pitch. The surcharge is usually modest: as a guide, expect a few euros per dog per night, depending on country and season; exact rates are shown by the campsite in question. Ready to search? Use the 'dogs allowed' filter on the map and plan your route.