If you’re planning a camping holiday with your dog in Dorset, but don’t know where to start, take a look at our handy camping guide. We’ve compiled a list of top tips to help you plan an unforgettable staycation on the Dorset coast. You’ll enjoy your trip so much you’ll want to return with your canine companion year on year!
Book a dog friendly campsite
Step one is to research and book pet friendly accommodation for the duration of your stay. Ulwell Holiday Park is one of the best dog friendly campsites in Dorset and the perfect base for a camping holiday with your four-legged friend. Our award-winning camping and caravan site has much to offer, including a spacious recreational field and dog friendly bar and restaurant. There are plenty of scenic walks surrounding the park as well as a wide range of dog friendly beaches nearby.
Practice at home
Camping with your dog for the first time can be daunting, so we recommend having a trial run at home. Pop your tent up in the garden and encourage your dog to spend time under canvas before heading to the campsite. This will give your dog plenty of time to familiarise themselves with new noises and smells. If any problems arise, you’ll be able to implement the necessary training prior to your trip.
Pack essentials
Having a dog is like having a child – they come with a lot of stuff! In the days leading up to your holiday make sure make a note of everything your dog uses at home set it to one side. Dedicating a single bag to your dog will help you locate things quickly and easily during your camping holiday. If you do forget something though, there’s no need to worry, we stock a range of dog essentials in our on-site shop.
Things to pack:
- Collar/harness and lead
- Toys and treats
- Bedding and/or crate
- Food and bowls
- Medication, flea & worming treatment
- Blankets and towels
- Poo bags
Plan your arrival on park
Pitching your tent can be stressful, especially if you’re going camping for the first time! Make sure your dog is safe and secure whilst setting up your things. We suggest investing in a cork screw stake to ensure your pup doesn’t wander whilst you’re distracted. Some tasty treats are sure to keep them occupied! Alternatively, task one of your party with taking the dog for walk whilst you set up camp. They can enjoy the beautiful countryside surrounding our park and get to miss out on the hard work!
Establish a sleeping routine
Establishing a good sleeping routine is vital during a camping trip. If your dog won’t settle, none of the family are going to get a good night’s sleep. Some dogs will be happy to sleep in the main compartment, whilst others may prefer to sleep with you in the bedroom pod. Every dog is different, so trial and error will probably be needed to find an optimal regime. If your dog is crate trained and you have the space, you should bring their crate with you. Likewise, bringing your dogs bed from home might make them feel more comfortable. Regardless of where your dog sleeps, make sure you bring lots of blankets for them to lay on. It can get cold even in the summer.
Plan for medical emergencies
When holidaying away from home you should always make sure your dog’s microchip details are up to date and that they have an ID tag on their collar. This will give you the best chance of locating your four-legged friend should they get lost at any point during your stay. Make sure your dog has had their flea and tick treatment prior to your trip as you’ll be spending more time outdoors. As an extra precaution it might be a good idea to bring a small first aid kit and research the nearest vets in case of an emergency. If you get caught out our friendly reception team will be more than happy to recommend a vets in Swanage.
Pick dog friendly days out
Holidays are about spending quality time with the family and doing things you enjoy. Research dog friendly activities in the area well in advance, so you can be sure there are plenty of things to keep the whole family entertained. We’re fortunate to have a number of dog friendly attractions within easy reach of Ulwell Holiday Park. Some of our favourites include Swanage Railway, Corfe Castle and Swanage Pier.
There’s also a fantastic selection of dog friendly cafes, restaurants and pubs within walking distance of the park.
Be mindful of other guests
We encourage dog owners to read our holiday park rules prior to arriving on site. It’s really important to be courteous to other guests so that everyone can enjoy a well-earned break by the coast. We kindly ask dogs are kept on lead at all times on our park. Please dispose of dog poo in the bins provided.
We hope our guide has encouraged you to try a camping holiday in Dorset with your dog. A camping holiday is one of life’s simple pleasures and we guarantee you’ll have a memorable stay at our Swanage holiday park. We do understand that camping might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but don’t let that put you off. If you’d prefer the comfort of a holiday home, we have a selection of dog friendly static caravans available to hire at Ulwell Holiday Park!
