How To Choose Dog Friendly Caravan Holidays

A holiday just isn’t quite the same without the whole family – waggy tails included.

More of us than ever are bringing dogs along on caravan breaks: recent research found 62% owners now take their pet on holiday with them, with 40% specifically choosing pet-friendly accommodation as a result (Direct Line pet insurance). 

It’s easy to see why: a caravan or lodge gives your dog room to settle in, without losing any of the home comforts either of you are used to. Here’s what to look for when choosing a dog friendly caravan holiday, and everything else worth knowing before you go.

Key takeaways:

1. Caravans and lodges tend to suit dogs, thanks to the extra space, easy-clean floors and somewhere quiet for them to settle.
2. A pet friendly caravan holiday should offer more than ‘dogs allowed’ – think dog showers, welcome packs and walks right on the doorstep.
3. Norfolk, Cornwall, the New Forest and Lake District are fabulous, dog-friendly locations for a doggy caravan holiday.

Why caravan holidays suit dogs so well

Caravan holidays with pets work for a simple reason: there’s room to spread out and relax. Static caravans and lodges give your dog space to curl up after a walk, while you get to unwind too, without either of you feeling cooped up the way you might in a single hotel room. Think open decks with outdoor seating and cosy hot tubs, where your dog can sprawl while you soak.

It helps that our parks are set in properly good dog territory – sandy Cornish and Norfolk coastlines, New Forest woodland, and Lake District fells all within easy reach. Add in the little touches – treat stations, marked walking areas, the odd bit of doggy ice cream on a hot day – and it starts to feel less like ‘dogs are allowed here’ and more like dogs are part of the plan.

Two pups sniff out a Lovat Parks’ doggy snack bar.

What makes a caravan park properly dog friendly?

Not all caravan holidays for dogs are created equal. Here’s what separates a park that tolerates dogs from one that’s built with them in mind:

Comfortable, dog-ready accommodation. Enclosed decking, open-plan living space with room for a crate and easy-to-clean interiors all make a real difference – as does a welcome pack with a snuggly blanket for the sofa.

On-site dog showers. After a muddy woodland walk or a salty splash in the sea, a proper wash-down station means muddy paws don’t have to follow you back inside.

Walks and beaches right on the doorstep. The best dog friendly caravan holidays put good walking straight outside your door, rather than requiring a drive to reach anywhere decent. Take a look at our 10 tips for taking your dog on holiday before you set off.

Dog friendly food and drink nearby. Nobody should have to skip dinner out because the dog can’t come. A good caravan park will be close to plenty of options – see our guide to the best dog friendly pubs in the New Forest if this UK destination interests you.

After a muddy woodland stomp or a salty seaside splash, our handy dog showers at every park help your pooch freshen up before heading back inside.

We’ve added those extra touches to make your stay special. From dog treat stations to walking areas, we’re proud to be a place where all family members are looked after. Whether it’s poop bags on hand or doggy ice cream to cool down, it’s the little Lovat details that make all the difference for doggies.

Choosing the right location for your dog

Different dogs (and different owners) want different things from a caravan break:

Seaside escapes. For a dog who lives for the beach, Cornwall and Norfolk are hard to beat, both close to some of the best dog friendly coastline in the country. If you’re heading to Cornwall, our guide to dog friendly beaches in Newquay is worth a look, and our St Ives with dogs guide covers another favourite stretch of coast.

Woodland and countryside retreats. If your dog would rather sniff every hedgerow in sight, the New Forest offers acres of ancient woodland and heathland to explore, much of it directly accessible from the park itself.

Big skies and quiet trails. For wide, uncrowded walks and a slower pace, Norfolk delivers, especially around Waxham and Horsey – our guide to dog walking routes with pubs around Waxham, Horsey and Sea Palling has some lovely options.

Fells and fresh air. For dogs who’d rather climb than paddle, the Lake District is a brilliant choice, with proper hill walking practically on the doorstep.

When’s the best time to book?

Spring and summer bring longer days and better weather for exploring, though it’s worth booking early for the best pick of pet friendly accommodation – and being extra mindful of the heat (more on that below).

Autumn has its own appeal: quieter parks, better value and a good coastal or forest walk under golden leaves that most dogs seem to love just as much as we do.

Winter is also on the cards at Herdwick Croft in the Lake District, select Cornwall Lovat Parks and Green Hill Farm in the New Forest. After crunching along muddy or snowy woodland paths, hearty pub dinners and roaring fires with your dog at your side can’t be beat.

FAQs: Planning dog friendly caravan breaks

Is it okay to leave a dog in a caravan or lodge?

Ideally, no – and especially not in warm weather. Caravans can heat up quickly, even on a cloudy day, and a dog left alone can also become anxious or distressed in unfamiliar surroundings. If you need to head out, either take your dog with you or make sure someone stays behind with them, unless it is for a very short trip and your dog is comfortable and settled.

Where do dogs sleep when caravanning?

Wherever they’re most comfortable and it works for your space – a dog bed on the floor, a crate, a spare bunk or even the sofa if that’s the house rule at home. Bringing their own bed or blanket from home helps them settle faster in an unfamiliar caravan or lodge, since the familiar scent does a lot of the reassuring for you.

What do you need to bring for a caravan holiday with a dog?

Beyond the obvious (food, water bowls, lead, poo bags), it’s worth packing their usual bed or blanket, any medication, a basic pet first aid kit and enough food portioned out for the trip. Our 10 tips for taking your dog on holiday covers the fuller list.

What dog breeds are best for caravan trips?

Smaller, adaptable, even-tempered breeds – think Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Shih Tzus, or Miniature Schnauzers – tend to settle into caravan life particularly easily thanks to their size and calm nature. That said, plenty of larger, well-trained dogs do just as well; temperament and familiarity with new environments matter more than breed alone. One thing worth flagging: flat-faced breeds like French Bulldogs and Pugs need extra care in warm weather, since they’re more prone to overheating than most.

Up to two well-behaved dogs of all breeds are welcome at our Parks.

Are caravans too hot for dogs?

They can be. Caravans trap heat quickly, much like cars, so ventilation, shade and fresh water are essential on warmer days – and a dog should never be left alone inside one when the temperature rises. For a full breakdown of the warning signs of overheating and how to keep dogs cool, take a look at our guide on how to keep dogs cool in caravans in hot weather.

You might also like…

• Packing for the trip? 10 tips for taking your dog on holiday covers the essentials.
• Heading to the New Forest? Our favourite dog walking spots and doggy days out has plenty of routes to try.
• Cornwall-bound? Dog friendly beaches in Newquay is a great place to start planning.
• Norfolk trip on the cards? Dog walking routes with pubs around Waxham, Horsey and Sea Palling combines a walk with a well-earned pint.
• Visiting St Ives? Our guide to St Ives with dogs covers beaches, walks and where to eat.
• Looking for somewhere to eat out together? The best dog friendly pubs has you covered.

Ready to book? Explore dog friendly caravan holidays across all of our Parks in the UK.