There’s something special about sharing the road with your four legged friend. Whether you’re heading off in a small campervan or small motorhome for the weekend or travelling full-time in one of our luxury motorhomes, there are more and more dog friendly camping spots and caravan parks across Australia that make it easy to travel with your pet.
Travelling with your pet means bringing the whole family along for the ride, and not only adds joy to your road trip but means fewer goodbyes and kennel fees. With a bit of preparation, pet friendly camping is easy, enjoyable, and rewarding.
Here are a few helpful tips to help you make the most of your pet-friendly travels.
1. Find Pet-Friendly Parks Before You Go
Before you head off, research camping sites and parks that are genuinely pet-friendly and offer the facilities you need. Many will list pet policies on their website, including any breed restrictions, leash rules, or designated pet zones. Some pet-friendly holiday parks now welcome pets year-round, and even offer fenced dog parks, dog-washing stations, or off-lead zones nearby.
Some pet policies are left to the manager’s discretion, so it’s worth calling the park directly to confirm before you arrive, especially during school holidays. Some parks also cater for animals beyond dogs, so it’s worth checking their rules in advance.
If you’re travelling in a campervan with a shower and toilet, you’ll have the added freedom to stay in more remote or self-contained spots where pet-friendly camping is easier to come by.
2. Pack for Your Pet
Just like you pack your essentials, your dog needs its own travel kit too. Make sure your furry friend feels at home with their own bed, toys, and feeding gear. Some things to bring include:
- Pet food and water bowls
- A comfortable bed or blanket
- Leash and harness
- Poo bags
- Favourite toys
- Any medication or flea/tick preventatives
A familiar-smelling bed or toy can help reduce anxiety in new environments and signal to your pet that this new space is “home” for now. For small dogs, bringing a booster bed or raised perch can help them feel secure and part of the action.
3. Ease Into the Lifestyle
If this is your pet’s first time travelling, we recommend starting with a short trip to help them adjust. New sounds, movements, and environments can be overwhelming at first, so a gentle introduction goes a long way. Once you’re on the road, keeping a consistent routine helps your pet settle in. Stick to regular mealtimes, make time for daily walks, and set up a cosy sleeping spot they can return to each night. A bit of familiarity helps make pet friendly camping feel like home for both of you.
4. Keep Them Cool and Comfortable
Pets feel the heat just like we do, sometimes even more so. Always make sure there’s a cool, shaded spot for them to relax, whether you’re on the move or set up at camp. Pets should never be left unattended in your vehicle or at the campsite, as temperatures can rise quickly, even on cooler days. Ventilation is key, and many modern motorhomes and campervans come with rooftop vents, fans or air conditioning to help manage the temperature inside.
If you’re travelling in a solar motorhome, you’ll have more freedom to run cooling systems while off-grid, which is a huge advantage when camping in remote areas during summer. Park in the shade when you can, close your blinds during the hottest part of the day, and crack a window or roof hatch for airflow. A cooling mat on the floor and plenty of fresh water will help keep your pet comfortable on long, hot days.
And if you’re in a drop down bed motorhome, just be mindful that your pet can’t access the bed area while it’s being raised or lowered. A bit of extra care goes a long way when it comes to their safety and comfort.
5. Be a Good Neighbour
Not everyone is a dog lover, so it’s important to respect those around you. Being mindful of other guests means keeping your pet under control, quiet during rest hours, and cleaning up after them promptly. Keep your pet on a lead in public areas and avoid letting them wander into neighbouring caravan sites.
A tidy, well-behaved pet makes a better impression, guarantees happy guests, and helps ensure more parks continue welcoming dog owners.
6. Watch for Barking and Anxiety
New sounds, new smells, and a constantly changing environment can sometimes cause dogs to become vocal or unsettled. If your pet starts barking excessively, try calming them with a walk, some playtime, or a little company inside your van.
Some parks may have quiet hours in the evening, so it helps to be proactive. A well exercised dog is a happy dog, a tired dog, and most importantly, a quiet dog, which is why regular activity is one of the best tools for keeping your pet relaxed and content on the road. It’s also the best bet that you and nearby neighbours will get a decent night’s sleep.
7. Be Mindful of Where You Go
Some places simply aren’t dog friendly. Most national parks across Australia have strict no-pet policies, and some beaches or walking trails only allow dogs during set hours. It’s worth double-checking the rules before you arrive, especially if you’ve built your day around a particular spot.
Always confirm that your chosen stop is truly dog friendly and check for any on-site restrictions or rules. If your itinerary includes destinations that aren’t pet accessible, have a backup plan in place. A shady rest stop or a nearby walking trail that allows dogs might be a better fit. Planning around these restrictions helps keep your trip running smoothly and your fur baby safe and happy.
Travelling with Pets? We’ve Got You Covered
Whether you’re heading off on a short getaway or embracing life on the road full-time, bringing your pet along adds a whole new level of joy to the journey. With a bit of planning, some top tips, and the right setup, it’s easy to keep everyone — two- and four-legged — happy and safe.
If your next holiday includes your fur baby, we’ve got motorhomes for sale and campervans for sale that fit the bill. From compact small motorhomes to luxury motorhomes with space and easy access for pets and owners alike, our range has accommodation options to suit every traveller — and their best mate too.
We’re ready when you are.
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