Do campsites accept pets?
Many campsites accept pets on their premises. Note that some campsites will accept dogs on pitches, but not in the rental accommodation, or vice versa. Finally, some campsites will not accept pets in high season.
To find campsites that accept pets in rentals or on pitches, use the "Pets allowed" search filter when you're looking for a campsite: you'll get all the campsites in France that accept your furry friend...
Dogs, cats, rabbits: what are the restrictions on bringing your pet camping?
- Certain specific breeds of dog are generally prohibited, such as Category 1 and 2 dogs, i.e. "dangerous" animals.
- There is a limit to the number of pets you can bring with you: most campsites allow one or two pets per pitch or accommodation.
- Very few campsites will let you bring your cat! Even though they're considered to have less impact than dogs in terms of nuisance, it's often more difficult to find a campsite that will accept your cat...
- Some campsites accept small pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs or birds in their cages, but this is more rare.
- On the other hand, exotic or non-domesticated animals are generally prohibited on campsites.
Pet-friendly campsites: conditions and rules to be respected
The rules governing pets at the campsite are quite natural, but they can be restrictive, especially if you choose to rent a mobile home or other accommodation. Find out more:
- Some will accept your pet on condition that it does not enter the mobil-home and sleeps in the car, for example. Others will accept your pet, but will not allow it to stay alone (without your presence). These prohibitions are justified for reasons of hygiene or to prevent hypothetical damage to the mobile home, chalet, etc. So before choosing your campsite, check that dogs are allowed and that you can park your car there. Most campsites allow you to park your car on your pitch, but this is not always the case.
- Your dog must be kept on a leash inside the campsite.
- An up-to-date vaccination certificate will be required on arrival. Don't forget it. Your dog's identification is also a legal requirement, so it must be tattooed or chipped.
- Naturally, you are required to pick up after your pet (as in any public space... so you're used to it).
There may also be local restrictions: in certain regions or near protected beaches, pets may be banned for ecological or safety reasons, especially in high season. So it's a good idea to check local rules in advance, so you can make the most of your camping vacation with your pet.
How much does a dog cost on a campsite?
If you're wondering how much it's going to cost to bring your pet, you should know that pet fees at a campsite depend on the policies of each establishment. Here are some general guidelines based on common practice:
On a pitch (tent, camper...) :
Daily rate: expect to pay between €2 and €5 per night for a pet.
Package deals: some campsites offer a package deal for the duration of your stay (e.g. €15 to €30 for a week).
In a rental (mobile home, chalet, bungalow) :
Daily rate: Generally a little higher than a pitch, between €5 and €10 per night.
Package stay: Between €20 and €50 for a week, sometimes more depending on rental category and services offered.
In some cases, a special pet deposit (approx. €50-100) may be required to cover any damage or cleaning costs.
However, there are some special cases:
- Small pets: some campsites offer reduced rates for small pets.
- Free pets: in very pet-friendly campsites, there are sometimes no extra charges, but this is rare.
Pet-friendly services at truly pet-friendly campsites
Some campsites offer special services for pets, such as dog showers, poop bag dispensers, dedicated - and fenced - play areas or pet daycare.
There are also top-of-the-range or eco-responsible campsites, which emphasize their pet-friendliness with premium pet-friendly services.
The Domaine de la Dragonnière campsite ***** in Vias, in the Hérault region of France, offers a number of dog-friendly facilities, including:
- A fun dog run for your pet's enjoyment
- Shower for dogs (canidouche)
- Self-service hygiene bags throughout the campsite
At La Garangeoire***** campsite in Saint-Julien-des-Landes, Vendée, your pet is welcome in almost all accommodation, and can enjoy the campsite's public areas such as the restaurant and bar. On arrival, the campsite provides a welcome kit for your dog, with treats and surprises. The campsite has a "cani-parc" (enclosed area with doggie bar and games) and a canidouche, and even goes so far as to offer supervised activities... So it's not your pet that accompanies you on your camping vacation - it's the other way around!