I have always loved to travel across Europe with my furry best friend. We seek new sights together every year. Dog Friendly Campsites in Belgium offer some of the best spots for a holiday. You might wonder, is belgium dog friendly? I can tell you from my many trips that it certainly is. However, you must know the rules before you pack your bags.
Ready for an adventure? You bet.
First of All: The Nitty-Gritty Requirements
You must prepare your pet for travel before you cross any borders. Dog Friendly Campsites in Belgium – Outdoor Adventures with Your pet start with the right paperwork. First of all, your dog needs an EU pet passport. This document is for life. It shows when your pet received the rabies vaccine. Additionally, an electronic microchip is mandatory. A licensed vet must scan the chip before they give any shots.
I learned the hard way that timing is everything. A rabies vaccine is only valid after twenty-one days have passed. If you travel from the United States, you need a USDA-accredited vet to sign a health certificate. Later, the USDA must endorse it.
On top of that, your pet must be at least fifteen weeks old to enter. Belgium allows most breeds, but specific campsites may have their own bans. For example, some sites do not accept breeds that the law deems dangerous. Plus, you can usually only bring up to five pets on a private trip.
Once you have your papers in order, you can start to look for a place to sleep.
Can You Wild Camp in Belgium?
I often get asked this question. Can you wild camp in belgium? In most places, the answer is a firm no. It is forbidden on most public lands. However, the country has a wonderful secret called Bivakzones. These are areas where pole camping is legal.
I stayed at Hornebos recently. It is a tiny forest in the Haspengouw region. Agriculture and orchards surround this green patch. At that time, I found the forest beautiful with its fall colors. You can camp there legally on wooden platforms. There is even a toilet. However, you must make a reservation first.
The rules for these zones are simple. You must Leave No Trace. Therefore, you must take all your trash with you. Also, you should be quiet to respect nature. I enjoyed a small fire on my stove, but I kept it tiny. Large fires attract too much attention and are often not allowed.
If the wild life is too rough for you, the coast might be a better choice.
Seaside Fun: The Belgian Coast
A beach holiday with a dog is a treat. The North Sea coast has many seaside resorts with dog-friendly zones. I used the blue and white signs to know where to go.
- De Panne: This is one of the most dog-friendly spots. It has four different zones. In Zone 4, dogs can run off-leash from October to mid-May. During the summer, they can play free early in the morning or late at night.
- Koksijde and Oostduinkerke: These towns have three official dog zones. Between June 1 and September 15, dogs can only visit these spots from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Outside of those hours, they can walk the whole beach on a leash.
- Ostend: This city is very flexible. From October to March, dogs are allowed on the whole beach with no restrictions. Oosteroever is a great spot that allows dogs all year long.
- Knokke-Heist: Here, dogs can run free on the whole beach from October 16 to March 14. During the summer, they must stay off the beach during the day but can run free after 8:00 p.m.
Similarly, Blankenberge has areas for four-legged friends. From western breakwater towards Wenduine, they can run free all year. You must carry a waste bag. This is a strict rule.
The salt air is great, but the forests of the Ardennes offer a different kind of magic.
Forest Adventures in the Ardennes
The Ardennes is a paradise for hikers. Camping La Douane is a top choice for me. It sits right on the banks of the Semois river. I took long walks in the woods near the village of Bohan.
Dogs are very welcome here. However, you must keep them on a leash at all times. You can swim in the river or go fishing if you have a license. On top of that, you can rent a fire pit for the night. Nothing beats the crackle of wood while your dog rests at your feet.
Ardennen Camping Bertrix also won an award as the best campsite. It is a great base for exploring. If you prefer something smaller, Camping Relaxi is a lovely little spot.
Gradually, you might find that you prefer a bit more luxury.
Luxury and Glamping
You do not have to sleep on the ground. Glamping is a huge trend in Belgium now. I found over 130 spots that allow pets.
Les Cabanes d’Ostende is a fantastic place. It is only 500 meters from the beach. The cabins are very stylish and some even have a private hot tub. Camping de Boomgaard in Limburg is another favorite. It sits next to a vineyard along the Meuse river. It is very quiet and peaceful.
Similarly, EuroParcs offers high-quality stays. EuroParcs Zilverstrand is famous for being the most dog-friendly park in the country. Many of their cottages have fenced gardens. Therefore, your dog can romp around without a leash. At the park shop, they even have racks for leashes.
On the contrary, some people prefer to stay near the big cities.
City Camping and Park Life
If you visit Gent, you must stay at Camping Blaarmeersen. It is open almost all year. High season runs from May to August.
- Rates: A tent pitch costs about 5.30 to 7.00 euros depending on the season. Adults pay between 7.00 and 8.50 euros.
- Dog Rules: Dogs are allowed if they stay on a leash. You must pick up all poop.
- Facilities: They have free Wi-Fi and a shop. Plus, there is a launderette if you need to wash your clothes.
Brussels is a bit different. I noticed a lot of people let their dogs off-leash in parks like Bois de la Cambre. However, this is not technically allowed. Many owners find it disrespectful or dangerous. I prefer to follow the rules and keep my dog on a lead.
If you need a break from camping, you can find a dog friendly hotel belgium in many cities. East Belgium has a long list of hotels and B&Bs that love animals.
After all that walking, you will want to know about the best trails.
Hiking in the High Fens
The High Fens nature reserve is a place you cannot miss. It has moors and peat bogs that look like nowhere else in Europe. I went for a seven-kilometer walk starting at Baraque Michel.
However, you must be careful. Dogs are strictly forbidden in the heart of the Nature Reserve. This is to protect the rare plants and animals. You can still walk the nearby forests with your dog. They must stay on a leash.
I recommend the La Polleur walk. It is only four kilometers long. It is very easy and educational. If you want something longer, try the trail to the Croix des Fiancés. It tells a sad story about an engaged couple from 1871. On top of that, you get a superb view of the landscape.
Finally, I have a few tips to make your trip perfect.
Pro Tips for the Road
I have traveled far and wide. I have seen dog friendly campsites in benidorm, but the green hills of Belgium are special. To keep your dog happy, follow these simple steps:
- Leash Length: Most campsites require a leash no longer than 1.5 meters.
- Dog Showers: Look for sites with dog showers. It is a life saver after a muddy hike.
- Poop Bags: Always carry them. In some places, a fine for not picking up waste can be 150 euros.
- Vaccinations: Keep your EU passport handy. You will need it at check-in.
- Safety: Use LED lights on the dog harness at night. This helps you see them in the dark forest.
- Food: Dogs need more energy in the cold. I carry high-calorie food for winter trips.
Belgium is a hidden gem for pet owners. From the windy dunes of De Panne to the deep woods of the Ardennes, the variety is huge.
Frequently Asked Questions
You likely have more questions about your journey. Here are some answers to help you prepare.
Where can my dog sleep while camping?
Your pet can sleep in bed with you if the night is very cold. However, you should use a specialized dog bed that blocks the cold from the ground if space is limited. Additionally, you might use a cuddle sack or a fleece coat for extra warmth. Some campsites even offer fenced gardens on the pitch where dogs can rest safely.
Where to go in Belgium with a dog?
You have many beautiful options. First of all, the Belgian coast has dog-friendly zones in De Panne, Ostend, and Knokke-Heist. Additionally, the Ardennes forest is perfect for long walks in nature. If you visit the city, Schaveyspark contains the largest official dog park in the country. Plus, areas like Hofstade and Gerhagen offer large meadows for exercise.
Is free camping allowed in Belgium?
General wild camping is not legal on public land. However, you can find Bivakzones where pole camping is permitted. You must make a reservation to use these specific platforms. Later, ensure you leave the spot exactly as you found it to respect nature.
Is Belgium pet friendly?
Yes, it is. The country offers over one hundred glamping results and numerous campsites that welcome animals. Most nature parks allow dogs on a lead, and many seaside resorts have specific zones for pets.
How do I choose a good campsite?
You should look for sites that offer dog showers and waste bags. Check if they have a waste disposal site and allow you to put a fence around your pitch. Similarly, look for proximity to water like a river, lake, or the sea for your dog to swim.
What are four famous attractions in Belgium?
Reinhardstein Castle in Waimes is a stunning historic site. Additionally, you can visit the Weser Dam in Eupen or the Brauerei Eifel Domaine in Büllingen. The city of Brussels also hosts large cultural events like the Expo Amazonia at Tour et Taxis.
Concluding words
Belgium is a fantastic destination for any traveler with a pet. You will find a perfect balance of structure and freedom across the sandy beaches and deep forests. Just follow the local leash laws and carry your waste bags to keep the trails clean. Your next outdoor adventure will be a memory that both you and your dog will treasure for a lifetime.
