For many of us, our dogs are our best friends, which makes leaving them during a vacation difficult, no matter the exciting adventure ahead. That is unless you’re planning a camping trip, in which case the only right answer is to bring them along!
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Canines love exploring just as much as we do, plus, they benefit from spending time outdoors in similar ways to humans. Camping with a dog is an awesome way to strengthen your bond, get them much-needed exercise, and stimulate their senses with a unique change in their daily routine.
There’s a lot to love about bringing your pets camping, but it can go sideways fast without proper preparation. From securing a dog-friendly campground to packing the right gear, here are all the essential tips you need to ensure a fun camping trip for you and your furry friend. Let’s dive in!
Finding a Dog-Friendly Campground
Whether or not your dog is allowed at your campground can quickly make or break your camping trip. Finding this information out before booking is crucial to a seamless experience outdoors. The last thing you want to do is plan an entire trip around your pet and pack all of their gear, only to find out once you pull up to camp that your canine isn’t welcome.
Some campgrounds outright prohibit dogs, while others are perfectly pet-friendly. Most pet-friendly campgrounds will have rules however, like what areas they’re allowed in, leash requirements, and more. Look at the campground website and FAQ page, or call them directly, to understand these rules before booking.
You should also keep in mind the activities you plan to bring your dog along to. Many national and state parks don’t allow pets on trails in an effort to preserve natural ecosystems, for example. While it’s always important to plan and research your itinerary before embarking outdoors, it’s especially pertinent when traveling with pets to get a full understanding of what they’re able to participate in.
What To Look for in a Camping Tent Suitable for Dogs
There are two main factors to consider when picking a camping tent suitable for you and your furry friend. First and foremost: space. A small 2 person tent likely won’t cut it for a canine on a camping trip. Dogs take up just as much space as human campers, if not more. Aside from their physical presence, you also need to account for all of their gear and supplies that are separate from your own. If you plan to use a crate inside your tent, think about how much more space you’ll need and where it will go in your tent.
The second thing you should consider is the durability of your shelter. The reality is that dogs don’t understand what it means to take care of outdoor gear, like camping tents, the same way we do. Your tent should be strong enough to endure the unpredictability of your pet, from scratching and clawing to midnight zoomies. While no tent will be bulletproof from your pet, the higher the quality of your shelter is, the better its performance will be against this type of wear and tear.
In addition to choosing a durable tent, you can also utilize camping tarps to further protect your equipment. Placing a heavy-duty canvas tarp on the interior floor of your tent can help protect it from your pet, whether it’s their sharp claws or the excess dirt they’ll inevitably track in. On the note of tracking in dirt, it’s always a good idea to clean their paws with pet wipes before they head into the shelter.
Create a Comfortable Space
Taking your dog out of a space they’re familiar with and disrupting their normal routine can create anxiety for them. Creating a comfortable space just for them inside your tent will be crucial to them adapting to their new temporary abode. If your pet is crate trained, bringing their crate along can help ease anxiety by giving them a safe, familiar place to retreat to. Crate or not, invest in an outdoor dog bed to maximize their comfort. Not only is it more comfortable than sleeping on the hard floor, but a dog bed will also keep them warmer by providing an insulation layer. Throw on a few extra blankets and complete it with one or two of their favorite toys from home.
Follow a Packing Checklist
Packing for yourself on a camping trip can be overwhelming already. Throw in an animal that can’t pack for themselves, and you’ve added another layer of stress. Following a checklist can minimize the amount of work you need to do and make packing easier. Check out the following list of dog camping essentials to get started:
- A collar with dog tags complete with your contact information
- A primary leash and harness as well as a spare leash
- A long lead for tying your dog up outside
- Collar lights for safety at night
- A canine first-aid kit
- Any necessary medications
- Vaccination and medication records if required by the campground
- A crate or doggy playpen
- A dog bed
- Throw blankets
- A dedicated dog towel
- Pet wipes
- Their favorite toys, balls, and enrichment activities
- Collapsible food and water bowls
- Dog food, treats, and filtered water
- Proper food storage
- Poop bags
- Pet clothing layers if the weather calls for it
- A doggy backpack
Prep Your Pet
Before packing the car and hitting the road, prep your pet for their outdoor adventure. Start by consulting their vet to make sure they’re up-to-date on all of their vaccinations. This is also a good time to let your vet know your travel plans so they can advise you on any additional medications or vaccinations they need to be safe outdoors, like rabies vaccines and flea and tick medications.
If your pet isn’t already microchipped, it’s a smart idea to consider it. Accidents happen, and microchips make it easier for you to reunite with your canine in worst-case scenarios.
On a more simple note, don’t forget to trim your dog’s nails to avoid any unnecessary snagging, tearing, or ripping of your gear. While it’s not the end of the world if something like your tent screen rips, it is an inconvenient bummer if you know you could have prevented it with a simple nail clipping.
More Useful Tips
The basics are covered, but here are a few more useful tips to keep in mind while camping with your canine:
- Be mindful and respectful of your campground neighbors. Not everyone is a dog lover, and even if they are, they may not always be in the mood for random visits from your pet. Do your part as a good camper to keep them secure on a leash and their barking to a minimum.
- Stay alert to local wildlife. Small dogs can be easy targets for predators like bears and coyotes, making it crucial that you stay aware of your surroundings and know where your pup is at all times.
- When planning your itinerary, be sure to plan dog-friendly activities. Not only is it important that they’re included, but wearing them out helps them sleep better at night – a win-win for everyone.
- Know your dog! The outdoors are full of exciting things to do, but you never want to push your pet beyond their limits. Having a good understanding of what your dog is capable of helps keep them safe and happy in the wilderness.
- Use a doggy backpack. While it’s not an essential piece of gear, it’s an awesome hack to make sure your dog has all of the supplies they need when away from camp, without putting the load on your own shoulders. Plus, they’re undeniably cute!
The Bottom Line
Camping is the perfect vacation for dog lovers, offering unmatched opportunities for bonding, exercise, and exploration in the great outdoors. Booking a dog-friendly campground is the first order of business, as well as understanding the rules around having your pets at camp. From there, choosing a tent that’s suitable for dogs, creating a comfortable space inside the shelter for them, packing all of the necessary gear, and preparing them for the wilderness will ensure your camping trip is as frictionless as it is fun. Above all else, keep their comfort and safety at the forefront of your mind and you’ll be set to enjoy the wonders of nature with your furry best friend.
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