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Dog Owners Are Your Best Customers
Ask any campsite owner who their most loyal guests are, and chances are they'll say dog owners. People with dogs camp more frequently, stay longer, book earlier, and are more likely to return to a site they know is genuinely welcoming to their four-legged family members.
The UK camping market has seen a huge shift towards dog-friendly travel. Sites that actively cater to dogs — rather than just tolerating them — are seeing the benefits in bookings, reviews, and word-of-mouth recommendations.
What "Dog-Friendly" Actually Means
Saying "dogs welcome" on your listing is a start, but truly dog-friendly sites go further:
- Designated dog walk area — a fenced or clearly marked area where dogs can stretch their legs off-lead. This is the single most requested feature by dog-owning campers.
- Dog waste bins — placed at sensible points around the site. No bins means bags left in hedges, which nobody wants.
- Water bowls — outside reception, near the dog walk, and at water points. A tiny gesture that gets mentioned in reviews constantly.
- Dog-friendly pitches — ideally with a bit of space between neighbours, away from the playground, and with easy access to the dog walk.
- Clear rules — dogs on leads in certain areas, cleanup expectations, maximum number of dogs. Clear rules make everyone happier, including dog owners.
Show It on Your Map
Dog owners planning their stay want to see where the dog walk is, which pitches are dog-friendly, and where the nearest waste bin is. A site map that clearly marks these features gives them confidence before they book and convenience when they arrive.
Our 3D site maps can highlight dog-friendly areas, walking routes, waste stations, and designated off-lead zones — making it obvious at a glance that your site takes dogs seriously.
Market It Properly
Don't bury your dog-friendliness in the small print. Make it a headline feature:
- Add "dog-friendly" to your listing titles and meta descriptions
- Include photos of dogs enjoying your site (with permission from their owners)
- Create a dedicated "Dogs" section on your website explaining what you offer
- Share dog content on social media — it performs exceptionally well
- List on dog-specific directories like BringFido, DogFriendly.co.uk, and Pitchup's dog filter
The Little Extras
Some sites go the extra mile with touches that dog owners absolutely love:
- A "dog welcome pack" — a treat, a poop bag roll, and a local walks leaflet
- Dog towels available to borrow after muddy walks
- A dog washing station (even a simple outdoor tap with a hose attachment)
- Recommendations for dog-friendly pubs, beaches, and walks nearby
- A "dogs staying on site" notice board where guests can share photos of their pets
Make It Easy to See
A professional site map with your dog-friendly features clearly marked shows potential guests — at a glance — that your site is set up for them and their dog. It builds trust, answers their key questions, and helps them choose you over the site down the road that just says "dogs allowed."
Get a free quote for a custom site map that puts your dog-friendly credentials front and centre.
