When we’re choosing a site that meets our touring requirements, considerations are likely to include the amenities provided, the location, and whether or not you want a family-friendly or adults-only experience. However, for some, the facilities offered for our canine companions – or the possibility of pitching up at a dog-free campsite – could be just as important a factor.

A quick glance at the results of our Top 100 Sites Guide 2026, where our readers vote for the best motorhome sites in the UK, will show you all but four of the final 100 were dog-friendly destinations. Many campsites are ensuring those who are motorhoming with a dog have their canine touring companions well catered to, with dog walks, dog washes, and more. However, not everyone is as fond of a dog on tour as others can be. There’s a reason some sites do not welcome dogs, after all.

With that in mind, we asked Practical Motorhome’s editor, Sarah, Reviews editor, Peter Baber, and Content Editor, Peter Byrne, “How do you feel about dogs on a campsite?” This is what they said.

As a dog owner, editor Sarah is a fan of allowing dogs on campsites. “Our big, bouncy and daft golden retriever is a regular companion on our tours, so we always look for sites that welcome him. This not only means that dogs are allowed, but well-catered for, too.”

“One of the best I’ve found in this regard is our current Top 100 Sites Guide winner, Old Oaks Touring Parks in Somerset: not only does it have a three-acre dog exercise field, it also has a dog walking area, swimming pond, dog shower and much more.”

For Sarah, it’s also important to think about how you allow your dog to behave on-site, and ensuring you follow acceptable campsite etiquette. “While I think dogs should be allowed on sites, I don’t think bad dog owners should be. Allowing your dog to bark for lengthy periods, or letting them run loose onsite, are all anti-social behaviours and give good dog owners a bad reputation. With a bit more care and consideration for others, they could really help improve the experience of everyone, meaning dogs are less likely to be restricted on sites in future.”

Reviews editor Peter Baber is very much a cat person, having at some point in his life been responsible for seven different felines, as opposed to zero dogs. He doesn’t mind dogs, necessarily – at least not big dogs. “A great big thing like a boxer or a greyhound bounding up to you can be fun,” he says.

“But I am less partial to dogs of a smaller stature, especially Jack Russells and, worst of all, westies. Many an otherwise serene, clear sunny morning I have been enjoying on a caravan park has been completely destroyed by the yap, yap, yapping of a tiny dog, sometimes from right on the other side of the caravan park. They go on for so long that I often wonder how their owners can get a conversation in around them.”

While the risk of walking in dog dirt could be an issue for some, it isn’t for Peter, who said: “I am not as bothered by dog poo as some are, as most caravanning dog owners I have seen seem to be very responsible there. You often see them heading out to the dog walking area with dog poo bags at the ready.

“But even still, it is nice to come across, as I did recently on a caravan park that shall remain nameless, a beautiful lake you could relax by with a large notice that said, ‘NO DOGS ALLOWED – PLEASE USE DOG WALK PROVIDED’.”

For Content editor, Peter Byrne, it’s quite simple. He said: “I’m a huge dog fan – my dog was very much part of the family, so why would I not have wanted him to enjoy my holiday with me? Sadly, he had to be put to sleep last year, but I still love seeing our four-legged friends when I’m out and about – I fall into the category of pointing them out to friends and family.”

“However, without sounding like a buzzkill, that doesn’t mean I want a dog bounding over to me, jumping up and getting muddy paw prints on me, or even worse, realise I’ve accidentally stood in dog dirt which could then be walked into a ‘van…”

“So yes, I love seeing dogs on campsites – so long as they’re well-behaved and their owners are responsible, as the majority are.”

“You also want to ensure you don’t leave your dog in your ‘van barking away – use your common sense, follow any campsite rules with regards to your pet, and remember to be mindful of others, so you, your pet, and everyone else can focus on making great memories”.

Don’t miss the other two topics we considered recently too, as we answered “how important is it to have an oven in a motorhome?” and “which do you prefer to use, campsite washblocks or on-board facilities?“.

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