10 campsites for your motorhome as well as your dog

Planning a trip around your beloved pet pooch can be costly and time consuming. Kennelling is an expensive option, and many dogs aren’t too keen on it. Finding dog-friendly hotels isn’t easy, either, and you may feel restricted by your dog’s needs – midnight run down to a nearby patch of grass, anyone?

The good news is that if you’re a motorhome owner, you don’t need to leave your four-legged friend behind.

Dogs love new sights, sounds and smells, so a camping holiday is the perfect pick for a pooch. It’s wallet-friendly, and the great outdoors will be right on your doorstep – very convenient.

You and your canine can enjoy all that nature has to offer, while getting some much-needed rest and relaxation at the same time.

Motorhome Protect is here to help. A mobile home is an investment, which is why we offer specialist motorhome insurance, making your holiday as headache-free as possible.

We’re dog-lovers too, so we’ve come up with a list of the best campsites for you and your pooch to enjoy. Take a look!

 

10 campsites for dog lovers

When picking a campsite suited to you and your dog, you’ll want to factor in both of your needs. We’ve selected these 10 campsites for their natural beauty and great facilities – holiday heaven.

 

Sands – Gairloch, Scotland

Fancy a trip to the stunning west coast of the Highlands of Scotland? If you pick the Sands campsite, you’ll be met with breath-taking views of the Outer Hebrides and the Isle of Skye.

At 55 acres in size, you’ll have plenty of choice when parking your recreational vehicle. Pick a raised pitch for a sensational vista or go for a cosy spot by the sand dunes.

This campsite has everything you could possibly need, including a café, 70 electric hook-ups and a mobile home service point.

You’ll find a grocery shop located next to the reception, where you can buy newspapers, groceries, freshly baked bread and camping/campervan supplies. If you’ve brought the kids along, you can also purchase toys, books and kites, should you wish.

Your dog will be right at home, able to enjoy a dog exercise area and a host of beautiful nearby walks.

There’s something for all the family to do, with an award-winning beach nearby, games room, play area, bike/kayak hire and fishing available.

 

Normans Bay – Pevensey, East Sussex

History buff or beach lover? Normans Bay was made for you. With a pooch-friendly shingle and sand beach right on your doorstep, you’ll be right on the East Sussex coast, able to enjoy the sun and sea with your furry friend by your side.

It’s a spacious campsite, offering 200 pitches, so you’ll have no problem finding the ideal spot for your house trailer. The facilities include a new play area for kids and a shop offering a wide range of choices.

You can enjoy a wide expanse of beach perfect for playing, running and swimming.

Immerse yourself in history, walking the 1066 Way, which takes you on a fascinating tour of Battle, Hastings and one of Britain’s historic fortresses, Pevensey Castle.

Better yet, there are various canine-friendly pubs within walking distance – ideal for a hearty meal or refreshing drink after a long walk.

The wonderful South Downs are also within reach, as is the lively entertainment of Brighton and Eastbourne. Take the 10-minute walk to the train station and enjoy handy travel links to the surrounding hotspots.

While theft or damage is unlikely, make sure your motorhome is protected while you’re away by reliable motorhome insurance.

 

Keswick - Cumbria

If you’re keen on exploring the Lake District’s stunning northern Lakes, the beautiful Keswick campsite on the shores of Derwentwater is a prime location.

Offering wonderful views reaching out over Derwentwater Lake and across the hills, you and your pooch can relax in the serenity of nature.

The campsite is well organised, offering facilities such as a laundry, washing up area, showers and toilets. The town of Keswick is a stone’s throw on foot, perfect when you need to stock up on supplies.

The Keswick site is ideal for mobile home owners who enjoy trail-walking. If you’re an avid rambler, beautiful hillside and lake trails are directly accessible from this spot.

Water-sports lovers can enjoy all Derwentwater has to offer, including kayaking and canoeing. You can even launch from the site’s shoreline, for a small fee.

Consider renting a boat and trying your luck fishing for trout, pike and bream, or enjoy a boat tour of nearby sights such as the valley of Borrowdale and the Neolithic Castlerigg Stone Circle.

 

California Cross - Devon

Don’t let the name fool you, this jaw-dropping campsite only requires you to motor over to the South Devon Heritage Coast.

Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, South Hams, this dog-friendly site is one of the most beautiful places to park your house trailer.

The campsite itself is bordered by unspoilt countryside, sitting between sandy beaches and Dartmoor National Park. Facilities include the California Inn and a shop, both of which offer locally sourced food.

If huge sandy beaches appeal, Bigbury on Sea is home to the biggest in South Devon - the kids will love the adventure of catching the sea tractor to Burgh Island.

If you’re an active bunch, head to Wonwell beach for windsurfing, canoeing and more.

Nearby Ivybridge offers plenty of fun for you and your energetic furry friend, as the Two Moors Way begins here.

This is a stunning walk, crossing the National Park, then stopping off at Lynmouth, situated on the North Devon coast.

If you fancy a beachside walk, take the Erme-Plym Way south to Wembury, which boasts a beach celebrated for its rock pooling and surfing.

 

 

 

Long Meadow - Hampshire

When you park your recreational vehicle at Long Meadow, you’ll see one happy pooch.

Nestled in the heart of the New Forest, there are tons of beautiful trails for you and your dog to enjoy in rural bliss, with a diverse offering of ancient woodland, extensive coastlines and heathland.

The site is a 19-acre meadow, which allows for 100 roomy pitches.

Whether you’re renting a house trailer, or bringing your own recreational vehicle, don’t overlook risks, even if you’re camping in a rural site such as this – protect your investment with quality motorhome insurance.

The location is truly canine-friendly, with an array of dog-friendly attractions and pubs available within the National Park.

Even the grounds of Exbury Gardens and Beaulieu National Motor Museum are open to furry friends.

If you’re a horse lover, the campsite is handily located near a 230-acre showground, where various equine events take place throughout the year.

Daisy Bank - Powys

If you’d prefer an adult-only retreat for you and your dog, Daisy Bank is a great choice.

Located in seven acres of gorgeous countryside, your canine can enjoy ‘Archie’s Trails’ – the walks enjoyed by the resident dog, Archie, detailed in a leaflet provided at reception.

There’s even a fully fenced trail available, for those who are nervous letting their dog off the lead.

The campsite is open all year, so you can roam the surrounding scenery and Shropshire hills whenever you wish. Take advantage of award-winning facilities, electric hook-ups, bike hire and a free putting green.

Welshpool, the ancient Welsh market town, is nearby, as is Bishops Castle, should you fancy a day or two out.

Make sure you have peace of mind when leaving your motorhome, whether it’s a rental or purchase – check you have motorhome insurance before heading out.

 

Meadows - Cornwall

The Meadows Campsite is another fantastic adults-only pick. If you’re travelling with an older or nervous dog in tow, sometimes children can be a little too much. So, if you want a scenic, pooch-friendly setting, this should suit you well.

Situated in an appealing valley in South Cornwall, campers can enjoy the simple life here. A pleasant stream and wooded area border the site, drawing in plenty of interesting wildlife.

Rent a Smokey Joes BBQ or fire-pit, and grill up a delicious BBQ – a certain furry friend will be licking his lips. The site can provide wood, so you can cook your feast with minimal effort.

A small shop on-site offers fresh eggs, local Cornish milk and organic ice-cream – and dog bandanas! Electric hook-ups are available, as is wi-fi.

The site is directly connected to the Pentewan Valley Trail, so you can venture far and wide, enjoying attractions such as Pentewan Sands, Mevagissey, the Eden Project and The Lost Gardens of Heligan.

Your dog will love the South West Coast Path, which connects to the trail.

Barnard Castle - County Durham

If you and your canine are keen on exploring the Yorkshire Dales, this campsite is the perfect place to park your mobile home.

Sublimely tranquil, the Barnard Castle site is situated amidst true rural beauty, on the north eastern border of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Well appointed, with modern facilities, 90 pitches and a nearby shop selling local meat plus Cotherstone cheese, you’ll be perfectly content parked here.

Tuck into a tasty treat when the popular fish and chip van visits.

There’s so much to do in this neck of the woods. Barnard Castle is within walking distance, as are a range of wonderful walks.

Head to the Balderhead or Hury reservoirs to fish, or visit attractions such as the Wensleydale Creamery Visitor Centre, the Bowes Museum and the highest unbroken waterfall in England, High Force.

Culzean Castle - Scotland

Make like royalty and take your recreational vehicle to Culzean Castle campsite, set in the grounds of a magical Scottish castle situated on the South Ayrshire coast.

Enjoy exquisite views from this cliff-top campsite, stretching across the Firth of Clyde and on to the islands of Ailsa Craig and Arran.

You’ll have plenty of room to park in this spacious 90 pitch site, plus a good range of facilities for your house trailer.

You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to walks, with the Castle and Country Park – managed by the National Trust for Scotland – within easy reach.

The park incorporates a five kilometre stretch of coastline with sand and shingle beaches, caves, sand dunes and rock pools.

If you venture North, you’ll find Ayr, a sweet coastal town with a great selection of bars, restaurants and shops. Avid anglers should seek out Mochrum Loch, a 24-acre stretch filled with blue, brown and rainbow trout.

 

 

 

Appuldurcombe Gardens, Isle of Wight

Last but definitely not least, what could be a better adventure than packing up and venturing to award-winning 5-star holiday park, Appuldurcombe Gardens, in the Isle of Wight?

While it’s essential to keep your property safe with reliable motorhome insurance, especially when hopping on a ferry, this beautiful site is well worth the trip.

As an added perk, most beaches in the Isle of Wight are pooch-friendly all through the year, and your dog qualifies for free ferry travel.

It’s an eye-catching site, set within 14 acres of grounds which were previously part of a historic house.

Enjoy facilities such as a seasonal café, bar, shop and takeaway. There are 130 pitches available here, hardstanding or on grass.

There’s something for everyone in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

You’ll have direct access to wonderful walking trails and cycle routes, as well as the luxury of the campsite’s outdoor heated swimming pool.

Don’t miss nearby Ventor, a quaint town with a great selection of local eateries.

Happy holidays!

We hope you’ve been inspired to take a motorhome holiday with your furry friend. We want you to have the best possible time, so before you get on the road, make sure you’re covered.

Mobile homes are larger than the average car, making them more susceptible to accidental damage in transit.

We know looking for the right motorhome insurance can be a headache, so let us help.

We’ll find a policy that suits you and your budget - get a quote today.