Dog-Friendly Motorhome & Campervan Holidays UK

Dog-friendly campervan holiday UK scenic viewpoint touring motorhome adventure

Motorhome and campervan holidays with dogs offer ultimate freedom. Your accommodation travels with you, your dog has their familiar space wherever you go, and you can explore at your own pace without worrying about pet policies or check-out times. The UK's diverse landscapes become accessible on spontaneous adventures.

This guide covers everything you need to know about touring with your dog.

Why Motorhomes Work for Dogs

The Advantages

For Dogs:

Consistent environment (same "home" throughout)
No adjustment to new accommodation nightly
Their bed travels with them
Familiar smells and space
No separation at check-in

For You:

No pet policy worries
Ultimate flexibility
No accommodation booking needed (mostly)
Cost-effective for longer trips
Freedom to explore

For Both:

Spontaneous itineraries
Stay longer where you love it
Move on if somewhere doesn't work
Closer to nature

The Considerations

Think About:

Initial cost (buy or hire)
Driving larger vehicle
Finding overnight spots
Weather dependency
Limited indoor space
Fuel costs

Getting Started

Buying vs Hiring

Hiring:

Try before committing
No maintenance worries
Latest models
One-off cost
Confirm dog policy with hire company

Buying:

Long-term investment
Customise for dogs
Available whenever you want
Build up equipment
Depreciation and maintenance

Dog-Friendly Hire Companies

What to Check:

Explicit dog policy
Any breed/size restrictions
Cleaning requirements
Deposits or charges
Number of dogs allowed

Many Companies Accept Dogs: Research carefully. Policies vary. Book early as dog-friendly vans in demand.

Vehicle Types

Campervans:

Smaller, easier to drive
More limited space
Suits 1-2 dogs
More parking options
Lower fuel costs

Motorhomes:

More living space
Better for multiple dogs
Bathroom facilities
More storage
Larger to manoeuvre

Converted Vans:

Often customised
Variable quality
Can be very dog-friendly
Check conversion quality

Setting Up for Dogs

Essential Modifications/Equipment

Sleeping Area:

Dog bed that fits
Crash-tested crate if possible
Familiar bedding
Cool/ventilated spot

Feeding Station:

Non-slip bowls
Storage for food
Water always available
Easy clean area

Entry/Exit:

Non-slip step
Ramp for older dogs
Easy access for toilet breaks

Safety While Driving

Securing Your Dog:

Crate (most secure)
Travel harness attached to seatbelt
Dog guard (minimum)
Never loose in cab area

Legal Requirements: Dogs must be properly restrained when vehicle is moving.

Ventilation

Critical Issue:

Vehicles heat up extremely fast
Dogs die in hot vehicles
Ventilation systems essential
Never leave dogs unattended in heat

Solutions:

Roof vents
Fan systems
Window vents
Air conditioning

Finding Overnight Spots

Campsites

Most Reliable Option:

Dog-Friendly Campsites:

Most UK campsites accept dogs
Check specific rules
Some restrict numbers
Some have breed restrictions
Book ahead in peak season

What to Look For:

Dog exercise area
Near walking
Dog waste facilities
Understanding of dogs

Camping Club Sites: Generally excellent for dogs. Good facilities. Bookable.

See our Camping guide for more campsite information.

Aires and Stopovers

Informal Parking:

Brit Stops: Network of pubs/farms offering overnight parking. Often very dog-friendly.

Farm Stopovers: Informal arrangements. Usually welcoming.

Pub Car Parks: With permission. Support the pub.

Wild Camping

The Reality:

Not legal in England/Wales on private land
Scotland more relaxed (but still rules)
Some tolerance in certain areas
Discretion essential
Leave no trace

Dog Considerations:

Ensure dog won't disturb wildlife
Early morning walks before moving
Secure area for dog
Respect environment

Park-Ups and Parking

For Day Stops:

Beach car parks (check overnight rules)
National Trust car parks (some allow overnight)
Service areas (emergency only)
Always check local rules

Life on the Road

Daily Routine

Typical Day:

Morning dog walk from wherever you are
Drive to next destination
Stop for lunch walk
Afternoon activities
Find overnight spot
Evening walk
Settle for night

Managing Your Dog

In Vehicle:

Regular stops (every 2 hours)
Water available
Cool temperature maintained
Familiar items visible

At Sites:

Exercise before settling
Introduce to area
Supervise initially
Be considerate of others

Weather Considerations

Hot Weather:

Ventilation critical
Don't leave dog in vehicle
Park in shade
Air con if available
Consider not travelling mid-summer

Cold Weather:

Heating systems
Insulation
Warm bedding
Draft-free sleeping

Rain:

Drying wet dogs in small space
Awning helpful
Towels essential
Accept some wet

Best Regions for Touring

Scotland

Excellent for Motorhomes:

Wild camping more accepted
Stunning scenery
Dog-friendly throughout
Good site network
Emptier roads

See our Highlands guide and Isle of Skye guide.

Wales

Great Touring:

Beautiful landscapes
Dog-friendly beaches
Good site network
Quieter roads
Varied scenery

See our Snowdonia guide and Pembrokeshire guide.

Southwest England

Popular Choice:

Coastal routes
Established touring culture
Many sites
Beautiful scenery
Busy in summer

See our Cornwall guide and Devon guide.

Lake District

Compact Touring:

Stunning scenery
Good sites
Narrower roads (careful with larger vehicles)
Excellent walking

See our Lake District guide.

Norfolk

Easy Touring:

Flat, easy driving
Coastal access
Dog-friendly beaches
Relaxed atmosphere

See our Norfolk guide.

Practical Tips

Essential Kit

For Dog:

Familiar bed
Bowls (non-tip)
Sufficient food
Lead and harness
Towels
First aid kit
Poo bags
Crate or restraint

For Van Life:

Awning (outdoor space)
Outdoor mat
Collapsible water container
Good ventilation system
Levelling blocks

Etiquette

At Sites:

Clean up after dog
Keep on lead unless specified okay
Quiet at night
Don't let dog approach other pitches
Be considerate of neighbours

Health and Safety

Vet Access:

Know locations en route
Emergency vet numbers
Carry records
Medications sufficient

Vehicle Safety:

Never leave dog in hot vehicle
Secure while driving
Safe area when doors open
Check for hazards at stops

Costs

Budget Considerations

Hire Costs:

Per day/week rates
Insurance excess
Fuel
Dog cleaning fee possibly

Site Costs:

Campsite fees (£15-40+ per night)
Electric hookup often extra
Peak season premiums

Running Costs:

Fuel (significant)
Gas
Site fees
Maintenance (if owned)

Saving Money

Budget Tips:

Mix paid sites with free stopovers
Cook in van
Travel off-peak
Longer stays reduce per-night cost
Brit Stops network

Frequently Asked Questions

Do hire companies allow dogs?

Many do. Check policy carefully. Book early as dog-friendly vehicles popular. Expect cleaning fee or requirements.

Is wild camping legal?

Not in England/Wales on private land. Scotland more relaxed with responsible access. Always be discreet and respectful.

Can I leave my dog in the motorhome?

Very briefly in cool weather with ventilation. Never in warm weather. Better to take dog with you always.

What's the best vehicle size for dogs?

Depends on dog size and number. Campervans work for 1-2 smaller dogs. Motorhomes better for larger or multiple dogs.

Are all campsites dog-friendly?

Most accept dogs but check. Some restrict numbers or breeds. Some have excellent dog facilities.

Is touring suitable for anxious dogs?

Can work well - consistent environment travels with them. Or can be stressful - new places daily. Know your dog.

The Road Awaits

Motorhome and campervan holidays offer unmatched freedom with your dog. No accommodation hunting, no pet policy worries, just the open road and adventures together.

Pack the essentials, plan loosely, and let the journey unfold.

Luke dreams of extended touring with Charlie, Buster, Ember, Simba, Max, and Molly. The pack would need a substantial motorhome, but the freedom to explore at their own pace makes it an appealing future adventure.