I love camping with dogs. My family owns some land up north, so my dog, Mabel, and I go up there to camp a few times every summer. My aunts and uncles all have dogs too and I have brought my foster dogs along before, so I’m always surrounded by dogs while camping. For me, camping wouldn’t be the same without them.
However, I know there are many dog lovers out there who have never camped with a dog before. If that’s the case for you, keep reading to find out how to camp with a dog. Camping with dogs looks different for every person, but I hope these tips can give you an idea of what to expect.
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Where to Go Camping with Dogs
I’m very fortunate to have a free place to camp with my dog, but I know most dog lovers don’t have that option. So, how do you find a good camping place for you and your furry friend?
Since campgrounds are outdoors, it might seem like dogs are always welcome, but that might not be the case. Every campground is different when it comes to pets. While most allow them, some may charge a pet fee, have certain areas where dogs can’t go, or restrict certain breeds. Search for campgrounds near you, but make sure to check the location’s pet policy before planning your trip.
While it doesn’t specifically have a campground category, BringFido is a great resource for finding dog-friendly places in a specific area. Plus, you can see what other dog-friendly places and events are near the campground.
One specific campground that I recommend is 4 Paws Kingdom in North Carolina. I’ve never been there, but I wrote an article about it years ago and I have wanted to visit ever since. It’s a campground designed specifically with dogs in mind, so there are fenced-in dog parks, dog swimming areas, and dog grooming stations.
How to Tent Camp with a Dog
Camping varies so much for every person, but no matter how you do it, your dog’s safety and comfort should be a priority. Below are a few of my tips for how to camp with a dog.
Use Monthly Flea & Tick Preventatives
Your dog should be getting flea & tick preventatives every month, regardless of if you camp or not. However, if you are planning a camping trip, these products are extra important. While getting a flea collar at the last minute can work, it’s usually not as effective as topical or oral preventatives. Plus, flea collars tend to smell and feel weird in my opinion.
Topical flea & tick medications can be bought without a prescription. I use Frontline Plus for my dog, but you can ask your vet for other recommendations too. If you live somewhere that’s warm year-round, you should consider getting a prescription for an oral preventative from your vet. When I lived in Florida, fleas and ticks were more abundant, so my vet recommended an oral preventative there because it’s stronger than topical options.
Before you go camping, make sure your dog has been using a flea & tick preventative regularly. Even if you decide not to go camping, it’s still a good idea to use these products because pests can be anywhere.
Pack Thoroughly
Camping requires more packing than a normal trip because you’ll need to bring everything, including food, first aid kits, clothes, and everything you need to stay overnight somewhere. It’s not like a hotel where you’re provided many items and have easy access to restaurants and shops.
So, when packing for your dog, pack more stuff than you need. Bring everything that your dog needs on a regular basis, including food, medications, leashes, and beds. If there’s something you think you might need but aren’t sure, such as a dog life jacket or dog sunscreen, bring it just in case.
One thing that you should never forget to bring is your dog’s collar with up-to-date ID tags. Even the best-behaved dogs can get lost when camping, so having a collar can help them get home. A microchip is also necessary in case their collar slips off.
I will discuss dog camping products in more detail toward the end of this article, where I will also give examples of some awesome products to buy.
Choose a Spacious Campsite
When trying to decide where to stay, choose a campsite that has lots of space. The first time camping can be stressful for many dogs, so if you’re in an area that’s not too close to nearby campers, it will likely be more relaxing for your pup.
As much as most people like to be near the bathroom, that’s where a lot of foot traffic is, so it might be better to set your tent up further away.
Always Keep an Eye on Your Dog
I know some people use camping as an excuse to let their dog roam free. Since I camp on private land, our dogs are often off-leash, but at a public campground, that’s usually not allowed.
So, make sure you pack long leashes, hands-free leashes, and outdoor tethers so you can keep your dog secure if the campground requires dogs to be leashed. While camping is definitely a dog-friendly trip, it’s still a public place, so other people and dogs might not want your dog approaching them off-leash.
Even if your dog is leashed, you should still keep them in your sight at all times. If they somehow escape their leash and run off, they could easily get lost. Smaller dogs can also be attacked by wildlife if you’re not careful.
I’d even advise against leaving your dog alone in the tent. It can get hot inside and it can stress some dogs out. My dog sometimes goes into the tent for a nap, but I leave all the windows open (there’s still a screen) and check on her frequently to make sure it’s not too hot.
Plan Dog-Friendly Activities
Camping is a dog-friendly trip, so make sure you plan activities that your dog can be a part of. Since everything is outside, this shouldn’t be an issue. Go hiking, go swimming, play some games at the campsite, etc. Just make sure your dog can tag along for all your adventures.
If you know that there are times where you won’t be able to keep your dog by you, such as if the bathrooms don’t allow dogs inside, you should travel with someone else. That way, someone can watch your dog when you're not able to.
Take Breaks Between Active Events
Outdoor activities often involve a lot of exercise, such as walking and swimming. Even though those activities are exciting for most dogs, don’t push your dog too much. Frequently take breaks and offer your dog water to keep them healthy and prevent them from overheating.
If you don’t have a shady spot at your campsite, you should bring something like a canopy or large umbrella so your dog can retreat to the shade when needed.
Keep Their Schedule Somewhat Consistent
Camping can be stressful for dogs the first time around. Even if they enjoy being outside and going on long walks, they might still be confused about why they’re there. So, to make the transition easy for them, try to keep some parts of their routine consistent.
Feed them at the same times and go to bed around the same time if possible. Make sure you have some items that smell like home like their favorite bed, blankets, and toys. Keeping some things consistent can help your dog enjoy camping more.
Check for Ticks
Check your dog for ticks during the camping trip and when you get home. Look at every inch of their skin and if you find any ticks, remove them immediately. This can be a tedious process if your dog has a thick coat, but catching ticks early on is the best way to keep your dog safe.
Even if your dog has been taking a flea & tick preventative, they could still have ticks on them. It’s just less likely.
What About RV Camping?
I personally haven’t gone RV camping with dogs, but I’ve been in RVs and campers before. If you have access to an RV or camper, it may be a more comfortable option for you since it’s a home on wheels. Plus, it’s safer to leave your dog alone in an RV or camper than a tent (although you should still leave them alone minimally when camping).
RV camping is similar to tent camping with dogs, but your packing list might be a little different. For example, you’ll probably already have bedding inside the RV, so you may not need to pack dog beds and sleeping bags. For food, you may have an oven and/or microwave inside, which could allow you to cook a wider variety of foods rather than only using the fire pit outside.
If you don’t have an RV or camper but want something nicer than a tent, I suggest cabin camping. I camped in a cabin once with my dog and it was a lot more spacious than a tent and saved us time with setting up.
Essential Dog Camping Products
There’s a lot of packing involved with camping, but if you’re camping with dogs, there are extra things you need to get. Below are a few important products that I think dog parents could benefit from when camping.
Bowls
Of course, your dog needs more than enough food and water for your trip. Yet, they also need bowls to store their food and water in. Some dog parents like to just bring their dog’s regular bowls, but those can sometimes be bulky and hard to fit into your bag.
I prefer to bring travel bowls whenever possible, such as ones that collapse. Here are a few awesome dog bowls for on the go:
Leashes and Tethers
Even if the campground allows dogs off-leash, you should always have ways to restrain your dog just in case. Thus, it’s always good to have a leash with you. I recommend bringing a regular leash and a tether so you can tie your dog up to a stake or another object rather than having to hold the leash. If you like long hikes or jogs, a hands-free leash could be a good idea too.
Here are some leashes I recommend for camping:
Beds
You can certainly bring your dog’s favorite bed along on your trip, but you need to accept that it will probably get dirty. If you don’t have any beds that you want to expose to the conditions of camping, I’d suggest getting a type of bed that’s made for the outdoors, such as an elevated bed or a waterproof bed.
Here are some great dog camping beds:
Swimming Supplies
If you plan to swim with your dog while camping, you may want to bring some water supplies, such as life jackets, floaties, and water toys.
Here are some water-related products you might want:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Leave Your Dog in a Tent?
No, it’s not recommended to leave a dog unattended in a tent. They could overheat or find a way to escape and get lost. It’s safest to keep an eye on your dog at all times when camping.
Where Should Dogs Sleep When Camping?
Your dog should sleep with you while camping, whether that’s in a tent, camper, cabin, etc. A dog bed will likely be most comfortable for them, but a crate can keep them secure if you’re worried about them trying to escape at night. If your dog is loose in your tent at night, make sure the zippers of the tent door are up high if possible so your dog can’t squeeze out.
Is Camping Stressful for Dogs?
It depends on the dog. Some dogs love camping while others get stressed in unfamiliar situations. If you suspect that your dog won’t enjoy camping, it’s best to leave them behind with a dog sitter instead.
Camping with Dogs is a Fun Vacation Idea
I love camping with dogs. It’s the perfect dog-friendly trip because everything is outside, so I can always have my dog by my side. Yet, like with any trip, camping requires a lot of planning and packing beforehand. So, make sure you’ve considered everything before bringing your dog along.
If you want to go places with your dog but don’t want to commit to a whole camping trip, try visiting parks or dog-friendly stores for the day to keep your dog entertained and help them socialize.