I have traveled across many countries with my furry best friend by my side. People often ask me for the Best Pet Friendly Campgrounds in the Czech Republic. My answer is always the same. This country is a paradise for dog owners. It is one of the most dog-friendly places in all of Europe. You can find dog friendly campsites almost everywhere, from the deep forests to the shores of the “Czech Sea”.
Preparing Your Furry Friend for the Trip
First of all, you must handle the legal paperwork. Your dog needs an ISO-compliant microchip. This chip must meet ISO standards 11784 and 11785. Additionally, a rabies vaccination is mandatory. You must wait at least 21 days after the first shot before you can cross the border. However, the rules are easier if your pet already has a booster shot.
You must also carry a European pet animal passport. This document is a uniform record for all EU states. On top of that, your vet should record every shot in this passport. It makes travel smooth. No stress. Simple as that.
Getting Around: Paws on Public Transport
Public transport in this country is very open to pets. Small dogs in a carrier often travel for free on trains and buses. Larger dogs are welcome too, but they must follow a few rules. You must use a short leash. Also, a muzzle is required for larger dogs.
Fees are very low for our four-legged friends. For domestic trains, you might pay only 30 CZK to 50 CZK. Similarly, Prague local transport charges around 20 CZK for a dog ticket if you do not have a long-term pass. Plus, you should look for the dog pictogram on the doors of buses and trams. These signs show where you can board.
Shandos Cleaver, a travel expert, noted that dogs are allowed inside many cafes and restaurants here. It is quite common to see a bowl of water brought to your table without even asking.
The Top Pet Friendly Camping Resorts
I have stayed in many places, but a few really stand out. These are the best dog friendly campsites that I recommend to everyone.
1. Srubový Kemp Zvíkov Village
This spot was the overall winner and Campsite of the Year 2024. It also won the award for the Best Campsite for Pets. It is near the meeting point of the Vltava and Otava rivers. You can stay in cozy log cabins or park your caravan in a peaceful natural setting. It is perfect for solo travelers and families alike.
2. Autocamp Oase – Lipno Reservoir
Located right on the shore of the Lipno Reservoir, this pet friendly camp is a dream. It offers shady spots and a dedicated dog beach. There are even special dog showers to keep your pup clean after a swim. The reservoir is massive. Fresh air. Blue water. Total bliss.
3. Autocamp Sedmihorky
This site is in the heart of the Bohemian Paradise. It won the award for Best Family Caravan Site in 2024. It is a natural camp among rocks and forests. They offer water fountains and dog showers. Additionally, a mini-farm with animals makes it great for kids. You can easily reach nearby landmarks like the Hrubá Skála Château.
4. Camp Karolina
Nestled in the Imperial Forest, this place is for those who seek peace. It has a free-run area right next to the forest. Your dog will love the hiking trails along the Mže River. It is a hidden gem for nature lovers.
5. Kemp Brodský
This camp is near the Broumovsko Mountains. It has a large natural area and a feeding station for dogs. You can even take your dog into the restaurant area. It is very relaxed.
Dog Friendly Places Prague: Urban Adventures
Prague is more than just old buildings. It is full of green spaces for your pet. About 49 percent of hotels and guesthouses in the city allow dogs.
If you look for a dog friendly camp near the city, check out Camping Oase Praha. They have an amazing agility area. Your dog can try jumping barriers, slaloms, and tunnels. There are even “dog urinals” and bags to keep the area clean. On top of that, a 1-hectare meadow is available for walking.
For park lovers, Stromovka and Letna are top choices. Some areas allow dogs to be off-leash, but you must check the official maps. maxis2bored mentions that many parks are unofficially off-leash, but you must be respectful. Always pick up after your pet.
Rules in the Wild: National Parks
National parks have stricter rules to protect wildlife. You must keep your dog under control at all times.
In Krkonoše National Park, dogs do not strictly need to be on a leash. However, they must be within reach and under your command. I highly recommend a leash near grazing livestock. Later, if you cross to the Polish side, a leash becomes mandatory.
In Šumava National Park, your pet must not disturb wild animals or destroy ski tracks. Only assistance dogs can use the treated cross-country skiing tracks. Therefore, you must be careful where you walk in winter.
South Bohemia: A Camper’s Paradise
This region has at least 22 campsites listed on major travel guides. The Lipno Reservoir is the star here. People call it the “Czech Sea”.
Camping Resort Frymburk is very well-maintained and highly rated. It has modern sanitary facilities and is dog-friendly. Similarly, Camping Olsina offers a great restaurant and a beautiful view of the lake.
Wild Camping and Bivouacking
Can you just set up a tent anywhere? The short answer is no. Wild camping in a tent is officially illegal in the Czech Republic. However, the law allows for something called bivouacking.
Bivouacking means you sleep under the stars or with a simple shelter like a hammock or tarp. You can stay for only one night in the same place. You must arrive at sunset and leave at sunrise. No fires are allowed.
In Šumava, there are emergency night shelters (Nouzová nocoviště). These spots are free and allow you to stay for one night from 6 pm to 9 am. On the contrary, Krkonoše does not have these shelters because there are many mountain huts nearby.
Camp Active: A Personal Favorite
During one trip, I found a small place called Camp Active. A lovely older couple runs it. It is very private because they do not crowd the area with too many people. Each guest gets their own corner among the trees.
The facilities are squeaky clean. They even sell handmade wool slippers. Plus, the Wi-Fi works perfectly if you need to do some work while you travel. It is a simple, beautiful place for any nature lover.
Essential Rules for Every Camper
- Leave no trace. Always take your garbage back to civilization. Krkonoše does not have trash cans on trails for this reason.
- Respect the quiet. Be silent to avoid disturbing birds and animals.
- Watch the water. In the Czech side of Krkonoše, you can swim in rivers as long as you do not destroy plants. However, swimming in waterfalls is banned on the Polish side.
- No drones. Flying drones is prohibited in national parks to keep the peace for animals.
Statistical Insights for Travelers
- About 40% of Czech households own at least one dog.
- There are 22 popular campsites in the South Bohemia region alone.
- Train travel for dogs over 150km costs about 50 CZK.
- Non-commercial health certificates are valid for 30 days after they are issued.
- The Lipno Reservoir sits about 700 meters above sea level.
FAQ
Is the Czech Republic dog friendly?
Yes, the Czech Republic is considered one of the most dog-friendly countries in Europe. Dogs are widely accepted in many public spaces, including restaurants, cafes, and most forms of public transport.
Why are dogs in Prague so well behaved?
Dogs in Prague are often well-mannered because they are socialized from a young age. Because they are permitted in many public establishments, they are frequently exposed to different environments and people, which helps them become better socialized than dogs in countries with more restrictions.
Is Prague a dog friendly city?
Prague is highly dog-friendly, offering many parks where dogs can be off-leash (provided they are under control) and allowing dogs in the grounds of major landmarks like Prague Castle, provided they are leashed and muzzled. Dogs are also a common sight in cafes and on the city’s trams and buses.
Can I bring my dog to Prague?
Yes, you can bring your dog to Prague by following standard EU pet travel rules, which include ensuring the dog is microchipped, has a valid rabies vaccination, and possesses an EU pet passport or health certificate.
What to beware of in Prague?
Owners should be cautious at locations like Vyšehrad, where steep cliffs can be dangerous for dogs if they are not properly restrained. Additionally, while the city is generally welcoming, it is important to be mindful of local “tourist scams” and specific park regulations regarding leashes.
Can a dog sleep outside while camping?
While “bivouacking” (sleeping with minimal shelter) is allowed for one night in most backcountry areas, dogs should remain under the owner’s permanent control. Most campsites prefer pets to stay within the owner’s designated pitch or cabin.
Where can I leave my dog if I’m going on holiday?
Because nearly 50% of hotels and guesthouses in the Czech Republic allow pets, many travelers choose to take their dogs with them rather than leaving them behind.
How to sleep with a dog while camping?
For backcountry “bivouacking,” travelers often use minimalist equipment such as a sleeping bag, a sleeping pad, or a tarp to protect themselves and their dogs from the elements.
What is the Czech attitude toward foreigners?
While Czechs may sometimes appear unfriendly to foreigners, having a dog often bridges the gap, prompting locals to smile and initiate conversations.
Concluding words
The Czech Republic is a premier destination for pet owners, offering some of Europe’s most accommodating camping environments. Award-winning sites like Srubový Kemp Zvíkov Village and Autocamp Sedmihorky provide specialized amenities including dog showers, off-leash areas, and even dedicated dog beaches.
Whether you prefer the scenic shores of the Lipno Reservoir or the quiet forests of West Bohemia, these campsites ensure that traveling with a four-legged friend is both simple and enjoyable. With a culture that welcomes dogs in restaurants and on public transport, a camping holiday in the Czech Republic offers a seamless experience for the whole family.
