Guide to Camping with Your Dog

This article was made in collaboration with AlpacaCamping.

Four-Legged Adventures – The Ultimate Guide to Camping with a Dog

Birds chirping in the morning, fresh air, and endless open spaces: camping is arguably the best way to enjoy nature, especially when man’s best friend is along for the ride. However, to ensure the trip in a motorhome, van, or tent is equally relaxing for both humans and four-legged companions, proper preparation is key.

Together with AlpacaCamping, we’ll show you how to make your next outdoor adventure unforgettable.

1. The Perfect Pitch and Relaxing On-Site

Not every campsite is ideal for dogs. Large, crowded sites can quickly lead to sensory overload and stress for your pet.

Tips from AlpacaCamping:

• Opt for pitches surrounded by nature - such as in meadows, at wineries, on farms, or directly on the edge of a forest. Through AlpacaCamping's booking platform, you can find over 3,900 dog-friendly nature pitches across Germany and Europe.

• Looking for specific routes, dog beach recommendations, or regional advice? Be sure to check out AlpacaCamping's comprehensive Camping with Dogs Guide. There, alongside valuable checklists, you'll also find the Camping with Dogs Travel Guide Bundle to make your trip planning even easier.

• Peace and space - the pitches are often completely secluded or accommodate a maximum of 2–3 vehicles. This allows your dog to relax without being distracted by constant hustle and bustle.

How to Keep Your Dog Relaxed at the Pitch:

• Create a safe haven: Set up the dog blanket in a shady, quiet spot (e.g., behind the van or under the awning) where people aren't constantly walking past.

• Use chews and lick mats: Chewing calms the nervous system. A filled lick mat or a long-lasting chew treat like our Yonks Bar helps them settle into the new environment.

• Maintain consistent routines: Stick to your regular feeding and walking schedules—structure provides security in unfamiliar surroundings.

2. The Ultimate Packing List for Your Dog

To ensure you have everything you need on the road, the right outdoor gear should go into your luggage alongside the basics:

Safety and freedom of movement:

• Long tracking lead and ground stake/anchor, safety harness, as well as a safety light/blinker for late evening walks in unlit areas.

Sleep and comfort:

• Their familiar dog bed or an insulating thermal blanket, microfibre towels, and a paw cleaner for wet and cold days.

Health and First Aid:

• Tick tweezers, wound-healing ointment, bandaging material, disinfectant, medication, as well as the EU Pet Passport and vaccination records.

3. Feeding on the Go: Freshly Cooked Meal Plans on Your Camping Trip

Sudden dietary changes right before a trip should be avoided to prevent stomach issues during your holiday. With Butternut Box, you don't have to miss out on freshly cooked meals even when camping in the middle of nature.

How Do I Travel with Butternut Box?

Many of our customers simply repack the frozen meals back into the shipping box along with the WoolCool insulation and ice packs. This keeps the food chilled on the road for up to 48 hours—provided the meals were fully frozen beforehand and the ambient temperature remains moderate.

Cooling at the Campsite and in Cool Boxes:

• Standard cool box: If you use a regular cool box without a power connection, frozen pouches will usually stay cool for 1 to 2 days when packed with enough ice packs.

• Electric / compressor cool boxes: With constant cooling in your camper (1–4 °C), unopened pouches will easily last up to 7 days.

• Shelf life without cooling: If a pouch completely thaws on the way and no cooling options are available, that's no problem—simply feed the meal within 24 hours.

• Thawed in the Fridge: Opened pouches should be used within 2 days.

❄️ Important: If the food thaws on the way, it must not be refrozen.

Serving made easy. No cooking, no tedious measuring, just tear open the pouch, pour it into the bowl, and your freshly cooked meal for the adventure is ready.

On Your Marks, Get Set, Camp!