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Enjoy sleeping under the stars and want to take your four-legged best friend with you? If you’re new to the exercise, there are some things to keep in mind as you plan your adventure—like whether or not your pup is ready for camping, how to find dog-friendly campsites, how to keep your dog safe in the wilds, and the proper etiquette for traversing the campsite with pup in tow.
We’ve compiled a list of things to know before you hit the campsite or trail, plus what to bring to make camping with your dog safer, easier, and more fun for everyone.
Can I Bring My Dog Camping?
Before you embark on a wilderness adventure with your pup, it’s important to consider if they’ll even enjoy camping with you. While many pups love spending time outdoors with their guardians, some might not find it very appealing to be outside overnight, preferring the comfort of the couch over sleeping in a tent.
Other dogs might be older, have health and mobility issues, or aren’t yet trained enough to be calm at a campground that has lots of new faces, sights, and sounds. If that’s the case, you might want to leave your dog with a trusted pet sitter instead.
Dogs who may not be ready for camping:
- Puppies and very young dogs
- Senior dogs with health or mobility issues
- Dogs who haven’t completed basic training
If your dog is on board to go camping with you, then you’ll want to assess their overall personality, physicality, and comfort levels, and plan your trip accordingly. Do you have a lounge hound? A relaxed car camping trip might be the best choice. Do you have a daring doggy athlete with plenty of outdoor experience? A weeklong backpacking trip together might be on the table.
It’s important to be realistic about what your dog prefers and what they need to feel safe and comfortable. If your pup is bold and adventurous in new surroundings, you’ll likely plan a very different trip than if you have a cautious dog who needs some encouragement to try new activities.
If you’re uncertain about how your dog will adapt to camp life, plan a few day trips or picnics prior to booking a campsite. See how your pup responds to being outside in a new environment. This will help you determine whether they’re ready for an overnight camping trip.
monicore via Pixabay
How To Find a Dog-Friendly Campsite
There’s nothing worse than hitting the road with your dog only to arrive at your destination and find a sign that reads “No Pets Allowed.” No matter what kind of trip you have in mind, be sure to call ahead or research online to make sure the trails and campgrounds are dog-friendly.
In the United States, national parks generally welcome dogs (your dog can even take the pledge to become a B.A.R.K. Ranger). But some, like Mount Rainier National Park, limit dogs to certain areas like campgrounds, parking lots, and paved roads.
You’ll want to check on leash laws, too. Some campsites only welcome restrained pets, while others are okay with your dog being off-leash as long as they reliably come when called. It’s also a good idea to find out all the specific rules in advance, like the number of pets permitted and whether they can be left unattended at a campsite.
You may find that many campgrounds have rules that change seasonally and are more dog-friendly in the off-season than during peak summer months. Doing your research beforehand will help you to know what to expect and prevent any unwanted surprises.
Is It Safe to Camp With Dogs?
As you prepare for your camping trip, establish some best practices to help keep you and your dog safe outdoors. Nature can be unpredictable, and so can dogs, so it’s important to be ready for anything.
First, make sure your dog’s microchip info and tags are up-to-date. If you have a dog GPS collar tracker, bringing it along could add some extra peace of mind. You’ll also want to pack a dog first aid kit for emergencies. (There’s more on what to bring below.)
When at the campsite, make sure to keep your dog near you and never unsupervised, since weather conditions can change in an instant and wildlife can suddenly appear. A tie-out cable or crate can be handy for the times you need to keep your dog safely confined while you’re occupied doing other things like roasting food over the fire or pitching your tent.
Johann/Pexels
Respecting leash laws is also imperative for keeping not only you and your dog safe but everyone else at the campsite and on the trail. Even when areas are designated off-leash, you’ll want to make your own judgment call, taking into consideration trail/campsite conditions, terrain, nearby wildlife, and your dog’s training and personality. For example, if your pup doesn’t have a reliable recall, consider putting them on a long line instead.
Etiquette for Camping With Dogs
No matter where you’re exploring or staying, it’s important to be courteous to your fellow campers and hikers.
In addition to respecting leash laws and others’ space, you’ll want to pick up and properly dispose of your dog’s waste. Depending on how close your campsite is to others, it may be best to have your dog go to the bathroom farther away from people (or in the area designated by the campground). When camping in the backcountry, follow the “leave no trace” principles and pack everything that you bring in (including poop bags and treat bags) out.
If you’re in close proximity to others, be mindful of your dog’s barking—both the frequency and loudness—particularly early in the morning and late at night when campers are sleeping. Whether it’s your dog’s favorite toy or a tasty treat, come prepared with some distractions and training tactics to help minimize their barking.
And, if you’re planning to swim with your dog, keep them close and consider a dog life jacket. While your pup might want to make friends with everyone else in the water, first confirm with fellow swimmers that it’s okay for them to paddle over and say hello.
Spencer Gurley Films via Pexels
What To Bring Camping With Dogs
Camping with dogs means being prepared for anything. Here are some of the basics.
Essential Dog Camping Gear
- Dog food and treats in a sealed container that wild animals can’t access, with extra in case of emergencies
- Water and a way to share it with your dog—dog water bottles are especially handy when you’re hiking, and some even let you share a single large bottle hygienically
- A collapsible food and water bowl—ideally one that’s lightweight and easy to clean on the go
- Poop bags—and don’t forget a way to store poop bags when you’re on the trail so you can responsibly pack out full loads
- Pet wipes or dry shampoo—a way to clean up mud and grime before your dog joins you in the tent
- Your usual leash and harness, plus an extra for your bag—it’s important to have a backup in case anything happens to the first one (we especially like waterproof and hands-free options for the trail)
- A dog first aid kit—you can make one yourself or buy one pre-made for the wilderness
Ruffwear makes some impressive outdoor gear for dogs, like this cooling vest and collapsible bowl.
Optional Dog Camping Gear
There’s also a set of dog camping gear that’s not required but can be nice to have, especially if camping is something you plan to do with your pup on a regular basis.
- A filter—If reliable clean water isn’t available where you’re camping, consider investing in one to keep human and pet water safe for consumption
- A tether for the campsite—this can make an evening at camp a lot more relaxing, especially if you need to keep your dog away from the fire or the food supply
- A dog tent or soft-sided crate—while your dog can certainly join you in your tent, it can be nice to give them their own place to chill out of the sun or rain, particularly if they’re a restless sleeper
- A dog sleeping bag—if your pup is sharing your tent, consider giving them a cozy (and very washable, dirt-proof) snooze spot of their own
- A dog backpack—if you’re exploring the wilderness with a small or senior friend, a dog-safe backpack-style carrier is a good way to transport them over rougher terrain and give their shorter legs a break
- A backpack for your dog to carry—some working breeds derive a lot of satisfaction from having a job to do on the trail, like packing a bit of their own gear with a saddlebag-style dog backpack
- A weatherproof light-up collar or harness—if you plan to be out after dark, consider a light-up collar to help you keep an eye on your pup
- A cooling vest—these easy-to-use vests offer cooling comfort in hot weather, though you’ll want to keep an eye on the temperature to make sure your outing stays dog-safe
- Dog boots—if you plan to hike over rocky stream beds, hot pavement, or snowy terrain, consider a pair of dog boots; we’ve been surprised by the number of pups who appreciate them
How We Chose
The products featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing and a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms. We prioritized necessity, comfort, safety, and usefulness. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.
