Top tips for Pitching Up with Your Pooch on the South West Coast Path
If walking the South West Coast Path gets the bark of approval from your dog, why not think about extending daily walkies into time away with your pooch on the Path?
There’s lots of dog friendly options these days for overnight stays on the South West Coast Path – including sharing a tent or glamping pod with your best four-legged friend!
But what do you need to look out for when checking out dog-friendly campsites and what can you do to make sure your camping adventure is a success for both of you?
Choosing Your Location
Before you get going on choosing a campsite, make sure the area you’re planning to visit is right for your dog:
- How far away is the stretch of the Path you’re walking – can your dog cope with the journey?
- Is the site close to dog friendly beaches? Don’t forget quite a lot of beaches are closed to dogs in the summer months
- What variety and lengths of walk are there nearby – are they suitable for your dog? (see our walk finder)
- Are there dog friendly options for eating out nearby? (go to Find Places to Eat)
- Are there any other dog friendly activities nearby – some dogs love a paddleboard trip and swim
Check out the on-site dog-friendly facilities
- Pooches per pitch – check out what space you are allowed for your dog ( ie if you’re taking a cage) and whether you have to pay extra. Most places don’t allow you to leave dogs unattended in the tent, pod or caravan ( due to the risk of overheating)
- On-site dog walking field – useful for an early morning stretch or evening stroll
- Places to safely dispose of your dog’s poo – you don’t want to be carrying it around with you!
- Dog Washing Facilities – essential for those muddy paws, sandy fur or for a cool down
- Dog Friendly eating/social areas – check out if you can take your dog with you to the on-site restaurant, club house etc.
Before You Go
- Make sure you’re dog’s recall is up to scratch
- Have a dry run – if you’ve got a garden, see how your dog gets on sleeping in a tent!
- Make sure your dog’s microchip details are up to date
Camping in Comfort – what to take
- Food for the trip (stored in airtight containers) doggy first aid
- Lots of dog-friendly toys
- A waterproof bed you can wipe dirt and mud off easily
- A towel for any unexpected swimming or mud
- Some comfy blankets for those colder nights
- Collapsible food and water bowls
- Spare lead
- A tether – this is definitely a good one to consider if you’re on a busy campsite
- Cool mat or extra tarpaulin to create some shade
You can find dog friendly campsite along the South West Coast Path in our Complete Guide to the South West Coast Path
Alternatively check out places to stay in our Accommodation finder and head directly to each campsite’s website to see if it’s suitable for your dog.
Trying to decide which stretch of the Path to pitch up overnight on with your dog – check out our walk finder to see if there’s suitable walks for your dog in your chosen location
Find Dog Friendly Walks here
Check out our advice for walking your dog on the South West Coast Path
The South West Coast Path 