The Best UK Dog-Friendly Campsites in Stunning Locations

There’s nothing better than heading off on an adventure with your four-legged best friend. Watching the sunset on top of a hill, paddling in the cold but refreshing British sea and exploring the many incredible footpaths our country has to offer makes exploring the UK’s best dog-friendly campsites totally worth it.

And when it comes to the ultimate dog-friendly holiday, camping is hard to beat. There are no tiny hotel rooms with muddy paw panic and no “sorry, no dogs allowed” signs. Just open skies, fresh air, and the freedom to roam. Camping gives you space to breathe with nature right on your doorstep, and a more relaxed pace of life where the only schedule you need to stick to is walk, snack, nap, repeat.

While loads of UK campsites are dog-friendly these days, not all are created equal. There are some out there that really take the cake; we’re talking dog-friendly campsites that are simply stunning with jaw-dropping views, fantastic dog walks right on your doorstep (or tent flap), and maybe a a good pub lunch or two down the road.

So to help you plan your next dog-friendly camping trip, we’ve sniffed out the best dog-friendly campsites in the UK so you don’t have to. 

Before we dive into our list of the best dog-friendly campsites in the UK, here are a few things to keep an eye out for, especially if you’ve already got a campsite or two in mind but aren’t sure if it’s the right fit for you and your pup.

Just because dogs are allowed doesn’t always mean your pooch will be welcomed with open arms and wagging tails. A truly dog-friendly campsite should offer green space for playing and sniffing, safe walking areas, and even dog-specific facilities like secure off-lead zones or on-site trails. Bonus points for doggy showers, dog waste bins, and pubs nearby that welcome muddy paws and happy tails.

You’ll also want to check how close the site is to walking routes, beaches, or nature reserves. Direct access to footpaths is a huge plus since no one likes starting every walk with a car ride!

If your dog’s never been camping before, the whole “sleeping in a flappy fabric pod” thing can feel a bit strange. Try pitching the tent in your garden first and let them explore it at their own pace. Use treats and positive encouragement to get them used to being inside and always bring their favourite bed or blanket for comfort and familiarity.

Set up short sessions where you hang out together in the tent during the day as this will help them settle once you’re out in the wild.

Camping means being a bit further from your usual vet, so it’s a good idea to pack a basic dog first aid kit. Include any medication they need, tick removers, and details of the nearest vet to your chosen campsite. Check your dog’s vaccinations are up to date, and give them a once-over each day, especially after walks, to check for ticks or scrapes.

It's also worth keeping your dogs on leads around bonfires or BBQs, and don’t forget the coals stay dangerously hot long after the fire’s out. And as tempting as it may be, don’t share BBQ leftovers or bones. The last thing you want is a poorly pup while you’re trying to enjoy your dog-friendly campsite - so stick to their usual food to avoid upset tummies.

You should also make sure their ID tag is secure and your contact info, on the tag and microchip, is current just in case your furry friend wanders off a little further from your tent than you’d like!

While we all love sunny camping weekends, dogs can struggle in the heat. Always set up camp in a shaded spot and never leave your dog in the tent alone as it can heat up like a greenhouse in minutes. Keep water accessible at all times, avoid walking during the hottest part of the day, and brush up on the signs of heatstroke in dogs (we’ve written a blog on that!)

It might also be worth considering a cooling mat for dogs if you're camping during a warm spell as it can make a world of difference to their comfort.

Many dog-friendly campsites in the UK are on or near working farms so it’s essential to keep your dog on a lead around livestock and to make sure they won’t harass wildlife or other campers. Solid recall is key if they’ll be off-lead at any point, or if recall isn’t your pup’s strong suit, considering investing in a long lead so they can still have some freedom around the campsite but they’re still safe and secure.

Now that you’re prepped and ready for a paw-some adventure, it’s time to pick the perfect spot. We’ve handpicked these dog-friendly campsites not just for their fantastic facilities for pups, but because they’re set in some of the most breathtaking locations the UK has to offer.

South Lytchett Manor is a brilliant dog-friendly campsite for anyone wanting to enjoy the Dorset countryside without leaving their dog behind. It’s located just outside Poole, close to beaches, woodlands, and scenic footpaths, making it easy to explore the area together on foot and paw!

What makes this campsite really stand out is how genuinely dog-friendly it is. There’s a huge 2.5-acre off-lead field where dogs can run free, sniff to their heart’s content, and burn off some energy. You’ll also find handy touches like free poo bags, hand sanitiser stations, and even a proper doggy shower with brushes which is ideal after a muddy coastal walk.

They can join you in the shop and café, and there are treats including dog ice cream available on-site. The team also keeps a folder full of suggested walks, and you can download circular walking routes directly from their website. Nearby, you’ve got easy access to Hamworthy Park and Lake Pier, two year-round dog-friendly beaches just a few miles away. There’s also a local dog-welcoming pub, St Peter’s Finger, just down the road.

If your idea of the perfect camping trip involves sandy paws, salty air, and jaw-dropping scenery, Camusdarach Campsite might just be your new favourite place. Tucked between Arisaig and Mallaig on Scotland’s famous Road to the Isles, this family-run dog-friendly camp site offers spacious pitches, a laid-back vibe, and direct access to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country.

The campsite sits just behind the dunes, with a short walk taking you to white sand and turquoise sea, looking out across the water to the Isles of Eigg, Rùm and Skye. The beach is dog-friendly all year round, so your pup can enjoy a good splash in the shallows, chase sticks along the sand, or explore the rock pools. There’s plenty of space for dogs to roam, and the peaceful setting means you won’t feel crowded, even in summer.

Love2Stay isn’t your average dog-friendly campsite but more like a mini resort with a focus on outdoor living, well-being, and making sure everyone, including your pup, has a good time. Set just outside Shrewsbury in the heart of the Shropshire countryside, it’s got touring pitches, luxury glamping pods, and a seriously impressive list of dog-friendly facilities.

For starters, this site has a dedicated dog agility course for blowing off steam as well as loads of scenic walks straight from the park. You can also find plenty of dog-friendly pubs dotted along nearby trails. You’ll find water bowls around the site, and dogs are welcome in the café’s outdoor seating area.

You can probably tell from the name but this one’s set in a seriously stunning spot. Nantcol Waterfalls Campsite sits right at the foot of the Rhinog mountains in Snowdonia, with the river and waterfalls running right through the site. Wherever you pitch up, you’ll fall asleep to the sound of running water and wake up to wild, rugged beauty all around you.

There’s seven acres of flat camping ground, perfect for tents, campervans or caravans, with the added option of cosy glamping pods and bell tents. Campfires are allowed and there’s a modern wash block with everything you need including hot showers and a dishwashing area.

Dogs are welcome, but there’s an important note: the campsite is part of a working farm, so dogs must be kept on a lead (try a long lead for more freedom) or tethered at all times (Zee.Dog's hands-free leashes make tethering a breeze with their E.Zee Lock). It’s for everyone’s safety including the sheep!

Nestled on the edge of the Blackdown Hills near Axminster, Andrewshayes Caravan Park is a family-run, award-winning campsite that’s been welcoming visitors and their dogs for nearly 90 years. This 12-acre dog-friendly campsite offers a peaceful mix of woodland and open space, with modern touches like a heated swimming pool, a cosy bar, and newly refreshed play areas for kids.

Dogs are genuinely welcome here, as long as they’re kept on leads around the park. There’s a dedicated dog exercise area with plenty of room for fetching and running free, plus a beautiful woodland walk just opposite the park entrance which is perfect for daily strolls and sniffing adventures.

Beyond the campsite, the stunning Jurassic Coast is just a short drive away, with plenty of dog-friendly beaches and coastal walks to explore. If you want to stretch your legs inland, spots like Shute Woods and Lambert’s Castle offer scenic trails that are great for dogs and humans alike. Plus, many local pubs happily welcome four-legged visitors, so you can add a pub lunch or two to your itinerary.

Orcaber Farm sits right in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, close to the famous Three Peaks: Whernside, Ingleborough, and Pen-y-Ghent so you just know this is a stunning dog-friendly campsite. It’s also just a stone’s throw from the Forest of Bowland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty packed with trails and open space.

This peaceful, family-run campsite near the village of Austwick offers spacious, flat pitches surrounded by rolling hills and grazing horses and sheep. Dogs are very welcome here, just keep them on leads on-site. But there is a generous dog walking field with a stream for them to splash around in off-lead when some steam needs running off. Another perk? On Saturday evenings, you can pre-order homemade pizzas – yes please.

Another dog-friendly campsite in Yorkshire is Ash Keys Caravan Park, a peaceful retreat with just 14 well-spaced, fully serviced hardstanding pitches. Dogs are made especially welcome here with its large, fenced dog exercise area where your pup can run freely, plus a handy dog wash station with a doggie hair dryer. This is perfect for after those muddy walks on the nearby trails.

Location-wise, it couldn’t be better for outdoor enthusiasts. The famous Pennine Way starts just a short stroll from the park, and popular spots like Malham Cove, Gordale Scar, and Janet’s Foss are a quick 15-minute drive away. You’re also close to Skipton for any essentials, with its lovely shops, pubs, and dog-friendly restaurants.

Set on an 18th-century farm in the heart of the Lake District, Kestrel Lodge Campsite is a must-see dog-friendly campsite for those that love hiking and wild swimming. Run by Louise and Andrea, both dog lovers themselves, the site offers a warm welcome to campers and their four-legged friends.

There’s a dedicated dog walking field which means pups can stretch their legs safely close to the tent, and of course, there’s easy access to a network of footpaths including routes leading up Skiddaw, down to the serene Bassenthwaite Lake, and countless fell walks. You’re literally surrounded by a walker’s paradise, with 24 Wainwright’s peaks within reach of your tent flap.

After a day of adventures, you can stroll to the dog-friendly Sun Inn pub for a well-earned pint and some local hospitality and for water lovers, the Lake District offers over 200 tarns perfect for wild swimming, many are dog-friendly spots, too, giving your pup the chance to paddle or splash about in nature’s own pools

Parke Farm is a charming campsite nestled near the National Trust’s Stackpole Estate, centred around a quaint thatched cottage housing reception and a handy campsite shop. Recent upgrades include outdoor hoses which are perfect for rinsing off muddy paws and campfires are welcome, making it easy to unwind with a firepit under Pembrokeshire’s starry skies.

This site is ideally located for exploring Pembrokeshire’s spectacular coastline and award-winning beaches. Barafundle Bay, a stunning beach accessible only on foot, welcomes dogs year-round, while sandy Broadhaven South, just under four miles away, attracts swimmers, kite surfers, anglers, and families alike.

And finally, if you’re after a relaxed, back-to-basics camping break with space to breathe and plenty for kids and dogs to explore, Cuckoo Farm in Rutland might be just the dog-friendly campsite you’re looking for. Set on a working farm beside a stream, this tent-and-campervan-only site is all about reconnecting with nature. Expect farm animals, fresh air, wide-open space and evenings round the campfire under starry skies.

Dogs are welcome, just ask staff for the best local walks or grab an OS map from the shop to plan your route. We suggest exploring the nearby village of Ketton, stopping off at The Railway Inn for a dog-friendly pint, and maybe a stroll over to Rutland Vineyard for nature trails, wine tasting and valley views. And if you’re up for a day out, you’re only 10 minutes from Rutland Water which is perfect for walks, water sports, cycling and birdwatching.

So now you’ve decided on which dog-friendly campsite you’re escaping to with your pup, it’s time to make sure you have everything you need to ensure they’re safe, happy and comfortable on the trip. Here’s a handy checklist of dog essentials you won’t want to leave behind.

Dog First Aid Kit: Just like us, dogs can get scrapes, insect bites or sore paws in the outdoors, so a basic dog first aid kit is a must-have, especially if you’re hiking or in a remote area.

Food & Water Bowls: Collapsible dog bowls are ideal for travel. Pack one for food, one for water plus a portable bottle-and-bowl combo for easy hydration on walks.

Dog Food & Treats: Don’t forget their usual food, and stock up on high-value treats for recall training, campsite rewards or bribery when you need them in the tent for bedtime.

Poo Bags: Obvious, but always worth extra, poo bags are a must when visiting dog-friendly campsites as the area should be left as lovely as you found it.

Toys for Fetch & Play: Keep them entertained with a favourite fetch toy like a ball launcher or tug toy. These are great for burning energy and helping them settle later.

Enrichment Toys: Puzzle toys and treat dispensers for dogs are perfect for quiet time in the tent and helpful if you’re trying to keep them busy while you cook or relax.

Blanket & Soft Toy: Bring something that smells like home for comfort, especially if it’s their first time camping.

Cooling Mat: If you’re travelling in summer, a dog cooling mat can help regulate your dog’s temperature during hot afternoons.

Microfibre Towel: Another must for your dog-friendly campsite trip, microfibre dog towels are lightweight, quick-drying and perfect for drying off after muddy walks or a swim in the lake.

Durable Lead & Harness: A sturdy, escape-proof harness and long-line lead are ideal for campsite strolls or beach runs. The Zee.Dog Hands-Free Leads are great for this!

Car Seat Cover & Safety Belt: Keep your car clean and your pup safe with a non-slip seat cover and travel harness or belt attachment.

Hopefully we’ve convinced you of the benefits of taking your dog camping. It’s a chance to share new adventures, explore beautiful hiking trails and create memories together. And from beachside sites to woodland spots, the UK is packed with stunning dog-friendly campsites that welcome muddy paws with open arms. Many even go the extra mile by offering off-lead areas, dog showers, and nearby trails so your pup can enjoy the trip just as much as you do.

At WOOOF, we’ve got everything you need to make your dog’s camping trip safe, comfortable, and exciting, from first aid kits and microfibre towels to durable leads, harnesses, enrichment toys, treats, and more. So, whether you’re heading for the mountains, coast, or countryside, get you and your pup will be fully prepared for the ultimate camping adventure!

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