Introduction

There’s a secret to Europe’s camping boom—one that doesn’t show up in the glossy brochures. It’s the quiet click of a dog’s paws on a forest trail, the way their ears perk up at the scent of a new adventure, the warmth of them curled against your sleeping bag as the campfire fades. This isn’t just a trend; it’s a rebellion against the idea that holidays mean leaving family behind.

The numbers tell us: 47% of UK adults now choose camping getaways (Mintel, 2024), while pet boarding services—projected to hit $1.2 billion by 2030 (Grand View Research)—are being snubbed by owners who refuse to adventure without their dogs. Because what’s a sunrise over the Alps if your terrier isn’t there to bark at it? What’s a lakeside camp if your retriever can’t plunge into the water after sticks?

But here’s the truth no one talks about: camping with your dog isn’t just about bringing them along—it’s about rewriting the rules of travel. It’s knowing their comfort is as vital as your tent pegs, their safety as crucial as your first-aid kit. This guide is for those who see the wilderness not as a challenge, but as a playground for two (or three, or four—we don’t judge your pack size). From hidden pet-friendly campsites with paw spas to the portable power that keeps their gear (and yours) running, we’ll show you how to turn “roughing it” into tail-wagging luxury.

 

Finding Your Paws-itively Perfect Pitch: Navigating Pet-Friendly Campsites in Europe

Planning a camping trip with your dog starts with one crucial question: What does “dog-friendly” really mean here?

Too often, it’s a vague label—somewhere between “we won’t say no” and “we’ve actually thought about your dog’s needs.” The difference matters. A truly dog-welcoming campsite doesn’t just allow pets; it enhances their experience—and yours.

 

What to Look For:

Beyond the Basics: Does the site offer more than just a patch of grass? Look for dedicated dog exercise areas, waste stations, or even on-site washing facilities.

Local Terrain: Are there secure, dog-safe trails nearby? A lakeside pitch might be idyllic, but if the shoreline is steep or the water’s edge is unsafe, it’s a risk.

Rules That Make Sense: Some sites restrict off-lead freedom—understand why. Is it due to livestock, wildlife, or simply poor fencing?

Community Vibe: Read reviews from fellow dog owners. A site that attracts responsible pet lovers will feel more relaxed and enjoyable.

 

Gone are the days of endless phone calls to ask “Are dogs really welcome?” Today’s savvy pet owners turn to specialized platforms that do the legwork:

Top Tools for Sniffing Out the Perfect Spot:

• Pitchup.com & Campsites.co.uk: Filter by dog-friendly amenities like enclosed runs or beach access
• Camping.info: Pan-European search with honest reviews from pet owners (“The off-leash woodland trail made our lab’s week!”)

These digital treasure maps reveal Europe’s best-kept secrets – whether your pup dreams of Cornwall’s salty surf or Croatia’s pine-fringed lakeshores. The best part? Real owner photos show you exactly what “dog-friendly” means before you book.

In the UK, sites in the Lake District and Peak District are renowned for their welcoming attitude. In mainland Europe, many campsites in Denmark, Germany, and France not only allow dogs but also provide amenities like dog showers and easy access to dog-friendly beaches or trails.

 

The Essential Dog-Camping Checklist: Packing for Your Four-Legged Friend

Your dog’s gear is just as critical as your own—but unlike you, they can’t improvise if something’s forgotten. A well-planned packing system transforms your trip from stressful to seamless, keeping tail swagging from trailhead to tent.

Food & Water: Pack their regular food to avoid digestive upset. Bring more than you think you’ll need to account for increased activity levels. Collapsible bowls are lightweight and space-saving. Always carry a plentiful supply of fresh water, especially when hiking.

• Durable Lead and Harness: A standard lead is essential for on-site rules. Along-line lead can offer more freedom in open spaces while maintaining control. A well-fitting harness is often more comfortable and safer than a collar for hiking.
• ID and Records: Ensure their collar has a tag with your mobile number. It’s also wise to have their microchip details up-to-date. When travelling in Europe, an Animal Health
• Certificate (AHC) or a valid EU pet passport is required.
• Poo Bags: Pack more than you can imagine. Adhering to the ‘Leave No Trace’ principle is paramount for responsible dog ownership and ensures campsites remain welcoming to pets.

Safety First: Health, Identification, and First-Aid

•  Pet First-Aid Kit: You can buy pre-made kits or assemble your own. Essential items include antiseptic wipes, saline solution for washing wounds, bandages, self-adhesive tape, tick removers, and any specific medication your dog needs.
• Flea and Tick Prevention: Ensure their treatment is up-to-date before you leave. Ticks are common in long grass and woodland areas across Europe.
• Emergency Contacts: Before you set off, look up the contact details for the nearest vet to your campsite. Save the number in your phone.

 

Comfort and Fun: Bedding, Toys, and Gear

• Bedding: A familiar bed or blanket will help your dog settle in an unfamiliar environment. For colder nights, a dog-specific sleeping bag or an insulated mat can make a huge difference.
• Towels: Pack at least one old towel specifically for your dog. You’ll be grateful for it after a rainy walk or an impromptu swim.
• Toys: A few favourite toys can provide comfort and entertainment, especially during downtime at the campsite.
• Safety Light/LED Collar: A light-up collar or a clip-on safety light is invaluable for keeping track of your dog in low-light conditions around the campsite.

 

Beyond the Basics: The Modern Camper’s Power Problem

The list above lists only the main points of the tradition. But modern camping has changed. We are happy to record our journeys with cameras and drones, navigate with GPS, and stay connected with the outside world through our smartphones. For our pets, technology offers greater comfort and safety: heating pads for cold nights, automatic feeders, and even GPS trackers for peace of mind. This convenience also has higher requirements: the need for reliable, accessible electricity.

Many idyllic remote campsites offer only limited or no power connections, which is undoubtedly inconvenient. And another option is a traditional gasoline generator. They are noisy and disturb the tranquility of nature. They emit smoke that contradicts the eco-conscious spirit of enjoying nature. As a result, many campsites in Europe now have strict regulations that restrict or outright ban its use.

 

The Silent Guardian: Powering Your Adventure with a Portable Power Station

At this point, does the silent, clean, and powerful technology of a portable power station sound tempting? The large smart battery is equipped with a variety of ports, from laptops to heated beds for dogs, through which everything can be charged. Brands like Jackery have become pioneers in this space, and power banks are as important as a good tent for modern camper gear.

Think of your phone’s solar charger like a dog bowl—fine for a quick sip, but useless for a weekend in the wild. A proper portable power station? That’s the automatic water dispenser of energy: big enough to keep all your (and your pup’s) gadgets running for days.

The Paw-tential of Real Off-Grid Power:

•  Capacity That Matters: Measured in Watt-hours (Wh)—like choosing between a snack (phone charger) and a full kibble bag (power station). A 300Wh unit can juice a dog’s heated pad for 15+ nights.
•  Muscle for  Multi-Tasking:  Output in  Watts  (W)  determines what you can run simultaneously—like charging your drone while powering a GPS collar and blending a post-hike smoothie (priorities).
• Recharge Like a Boss: Plug in at home (pre-trip), trickle-charge from your car (en route), or go full solar with panels that unfold like a picnic blanket.

 

Why LiFePO4 is the Superior Choice for Campers

The battery chemistry at their core is a critical differentiator. For years, the choice was between heavy, inefficient lead-acid batteries and earlier lithium-ion (NMC) cells. Today, the gold standard for camping applications is Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4), a technology that Jackery has embraced in its latest models.

Compared to its predecessor, LiFePO4 offers advantages that make it more suitable for camping. They are safer, have a more stable chemical structure, and are less prone to overheating with long-term use. The service life is significantly extended, and thousands of charging cycles are not a problem. They are lighter and do not add to the luggage burden.

While the initial cost may be higher, the cost per cycle is much lower, making them a more economical and sustainable investment in the long run.

Choosing Your Jackery: A Guide for Every Pet-Loving Camper

With a clear understanding of the benefits, the next step is selecting the right model. Jackery offers a range of power stations tailored to different needs, from short weekend trips to extended off-grid expeditions. The key is to match the unit’s capacity and output to your specific requirements.

 

For the Weekend Wanderer: The Explorer Series

The week’s rush feels like a fast-forwarded tape, with fatigue from the concrete jungle quietly creeping over your shoulders—right now, you need a spontaneous camping trip, letting nature be the best healer.

If you have a few little power needs: your phone needs to stay online to record the scenery, LED lights to brighten your little nest at night, a camera fully charged to capture star trails, and even your fur baby’s heating mat can’t be compromised … then the Jackery Explorer series is definitely a thoughtful partner. Whether it’s the 518Wh Explorer 500 or the new 1070Wh Explorer 1000 v2, they’re like “energy stations” in your bag, balancing portability and battery life perfectly.

Especially the Explorer 1000 v2, weighing less than 11kg, yet capable of powering a mini fridge and repeatedly “reviving” your laptop with ease. What’s even better is its array of ports—just the fast-charging USB-C port is enough to solve the little awkwardness of “charging queues”, so everyone’s devices can be fully powered at any time. All you have to do is relax and immerse yourself in the slow pace of the mountains and wilderness.

 

For the Off-Grid Adventurer & Van-Lifer: The Explorer Plus Series

 

If your  adventures are more ambitious—think van  life, extended cabin camping, or professional use like outdoor photography—you’ll need more grunt. The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus is a formidable unit. Boasting a 2042Wh LiFePO4 battery and a 2200W output, it can handle demanding appliances like a microwave, coffee maker, or even power tools. One of its standout features is expandability. You can add extra battery packs to increase the total capacity up to a massive 12kWh, ensuring you have power for a week or more. This makes it a perfect, silent alternative to a built-in leisure battery system for van conversions, offering a plug-and-play solution without complex installation. For niche professionals, like a mobile dog groomer, it provides the clean, reliable power needed to run clippers and dryers anywhere.

Harnessing the Sun: The Magic of Camping Solar Panels

The true charm of a portable power station is unleashed when paired with solar panels. This combination transforms you from a consumer of stored energy to your own producer of clean electricity. Jackery’s SolarSaga panels are designed to be as portable and user-friendly as their power stations. They are foldable, lightweight, and have a built-in stand that positions the best angle towards sunlight. With high-efficiency monocrystalline batteries, they can charge power stations even on days when clouds are scattered. For the Explorer 1000 Pro, a set of four 200W panels can achieve a full charge in two hours under ideal conditions. This setup helps you achieve true energy independence outdoors. Whether it’s a sunny day or a cloudy day, your devices will be powered.

Real-World Scenarios: How Jackery Powers Pet Adventures

Picture this: You and your energetic Border Collie are three days into a breathtaking trek through the Scottish Highlands. As the sun dips behind the peaks, you set up camp knowing your Jackery Explorer 500 is already hard at work – silently charging your camera for tomorrow’s golden-hour shots, keeping your GPS live for safety, and ensuring you won’t miss capturing your pup’s joyful leaps across mountain streams. All while your four-legged explorer snoozes contentedly, warmed by a heated pad powered through the night.

Now imagine this: You’re a retired couple cruising through the French countryside in your campervan with your aging Golden Retriever. Thanks to your Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro, every rustic farm stay becomes a five-star experience. Solar panels keep it charged by day, so by evening it’s powering your dog’s therapeutic memory-foam bed, keeping their medication chilled, and even running the projector for your nightly movie under the stars. No compromises – just priceless moments with your loyal companion, wherever the road takes you.

This isn’t just power. It’s the freedom to create perfect memories with your pet, without ever worrying about “what if we run out of juice?” Jackery keeps the adventure going – for every wag, woof, and wonderful sunset you’ll share together.

These scenarios highlight the core benefit: escape the confines of the city and feel the call of nature with every family member by your side, experiencing every adventure together.

Your Questions Answered: Jackery for European Campers

Q: Where can I buy Jackery products in Europe?

A: Jackery has a strong presence in Europe. You can purchase directly from their official regional websites, which offer benefits like free delivery and warranty extensions. They are also available through major online retailers like Amazon and high-street stores such as Currys in the UK.

Q: Are Jackery power stations and solar panels waterproof?

A: This is a crucial point for European weather! The power stations themselves are not

waterproof and should be protected from rain. However, many of the newer SolarSaga panels,  like the 80W, 200W, and bifacial models, boast an IP67 or IP68 rating, meaning they are highly water-resistant and can withstand being caught in a downpour. It’s always best to check the

specific rating of your model and bring it inside during heavy, prolonged rain to maximize its lifespan.

Q: Do I need to buy extra cables?

A: Generally, no. Jackery solar generators and power stations come with all the necessary cables for AC and car charging. If you purchase a solar generator bundle, the solar connection cables are included. Adapters for specific connections, like USB-C to DC, are also available if needed.

 

Conclusion: Leave No Trace, Only Paw Prints and Memories

The landscape of outdoor camping is richer and more accessible than ever before. The desire to share these experiences with our dogs is a natural extension of the love we have for them. It requires planning, respect for nature, and the right equipment. By choosing pet-friendly sites, packing thoughtfully, and embracing clean energy solutions, we can ensure our adventures are sustainable and comfortable.

A portable power station, like the Jackery, is more than just a gadget; it’s an enabler. It’s the silent hum that keeps a senior dog’s bed warm, the reliable charge that captures a priceless photo, and the clean energy that powers a remote workspace. It removes the final barrier to true off-grid freedom, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: the crackle of the campfire, the breathtaking view from the summit, and the happy, tired sigh of your best friend curled up at your feet.