Pup tents

Find out about what pup tents are, why people use them and the rules that apply with this short guide.

What is a pup tent?

A pup tent is a small tent pitched alongside another tent or a caravan/motorhome. Despite the name, you don’t have to use a pup tent for pets – other common uses include storing equipment and providing somewhere for children to sleep.

Pup tent rules

• Not all sites accept pup tents. Those that do may accept them for free or charge an extra fee. 

• Because pup tents aren’t a specific type of tent but rather a way of using small tents, you will not always be given specific rules about their dimensions. However, pup tents are generally understood to be the size of a one or two-person tent. 

• If you are planning on bringing a pup tent, make sure that you can comfortably fit it within the dimensions of your pitch alongside the main unit. 

• Toilet tents, kids’ tents, storage tents, bicycle tents and tents for pets are all generally classed as pup tents. However, the term ‘pup tent’ is not generally used for gazebos and awnings, for which different rules apply. 

• Some sites that allow pup tents will allow you to bring more than one. Information about this can be found on the booking page. 

• Some sites that do not usually allow tents may allow a pup tent to be pitched beside the main unit. If this is the case, it will be explicitly stated in the terms and conditions of the listing. 

• Some sites may have rules about pitching tents at a minimum distance from each other for fire safety reasons, which may include tents that are part of the same pitch. Ask site staff if you are unsure.

Why use a pup tent?

• Pup tents are great for giving your kids an extra degree of independence without being too far away from the rest of the family. 

• Storing your sports gear, boots, clothes, cooking equipment or other non-valuable items in a pup tent makes it easier to keep your main tent clean and tidy throughout your stay.

• Bringing a pup tent for your bikes will help keep them safe and dry. 

• Buying a small pup tent for occasional use may well be cheaper than upgrading your main tent to a bigger model.

What to look out for when buying a pup tent

• Size: Pup tents should be small and certainly no bigger than a two-person tent. Whether or not they are included in the price of the pitch, they will need to fit within the space allocated to your main unit. 

• Kid-friendliness: If the kids are going to be sleeping in their own tent, why not find one that they can easily pitch themselves to add to the adventure and teach them the importance of looking after their equipment? Pop-up tents are great for this as they can be pitched in seconds. 

• Weight: Pup tents should make your camping experience easier, so don’t burden yourself with a tent that’s heavier than it has to be. Choose a lightweight tent to put minimum strain on your arms while carrying it on site and help you maintain good fuel efficiency when travelling.

Still got questions? For comprehensive information about the features and functions you might want to look out for, explore our longer guide to buying a tent.