Camping With Dog Essentials

Camping With Your Dog: The 5 Essentials For A Stress-Free & Fun Adventure

Posted by WagMode LLC on

As the days grow shorter and the leaves begin to turn golden, fall camping offers the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures. There's nothing quite like enjoying the fresh air, the crackle of a campfire, and the joy of exploring the wilderness with your four-legged companion. But before hitting the trail, there are important preparations to make to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip for both you and your dog. Camping with your dog requires special attention to detail, but the rewards are worth it.

Camping surged in popularity in recent years, with an estimated 10.1 million households taking their first camping trip in 2020 alone. A growing number of campers are bringing their furry family members along for the experience, with more than 60% of first-time campers planning to make camping a regular activity. If you're thinking of camping with your dog this fall, here’s everything to know, from personal experiences to the essential gear that will help make your trip a success.

French Bulldog Around The Campfire

A Personal Journey of Camping With Dogs

Camping with a dog is a journey that often starts with uncertainty. For more than 25 years, tent camping was a beloved activity, and recently, the transition to an off-road camper with a rooftop tent has opened up even more opportunities for adventure. Through it all, one constant has been the presence of dogs, whether it was in a quiet campground or during an overlanding trip in more remote areas.

In the beginning, things didn’t always go smoothly. The dogs were understandably nervous, barking at other campers or reacting to unfamiliar surroundings. Sleep was a luxury on those early trips, as any sound outside the tent would set off a chain reaction of barking. It took four or five trips before the dogs started to settle into the routine, eventually realizing that camping was something to be excited about, not feared.

This experience highlights an important truth: patience is key when camping with dogs. Just as people need time to adjust to new environments, dogs also need consistency and time to feel comfortable in the wild. Now, as soon as the camper gets packed, the dogs’ excitement is unmistakable—they know an adventure is about to begin.

But preparation is crucial, and over the years, several essentials have been learned to make each camping trip easier for everyone.

5 Essentials for Camping With Your Dog

To create a positive and enjoyable camping experience, it’s important to pack the right gear and follow a few essential guidelines. Here are five essentials for making your camping trip with your dog successful:

1. Food and Water
While it may seem obvious, it’s surprisingly common for pet parents to forget to pack their dog’s food or water bowls in the rush of getting ready for a camping trip. To avoid this, consider putting together a dedicated dog camping bag. Collapsible silicone bowls are lightweight and portable, perfect for packing away, and they stay in the camping bag, ready for every trip.

Another helpful tip is to pre-pack food in ziplock bags, labeling each portion to make it easier to manage during the trip. Doing so ensures that you don’t run into the embarrassing moment of realizing you forgot your dog’s food while deep in the woods.
Dachshund With Portable Dog Water Bottle
2. Medications and Vitamins
If your dog is on any medications or daily vitamins, these are just as important to pack as food and water. Whether it’s allergy meds, ear drops, or life-saving prescriptions, forgetting your dog's medication could turn your camping adventure into a stressful ordeal. Keep a list of medications on hand and check it twice while packing to avoid any mishaps.
3. Leash, Restraints, and Shade Options
Most campgrounds require dogs to be restrained at all times, and many do not allow retractable leashes for safety reasons. Instead, bring a washable, durable leash and ensure it’s no longer than six feet—most campgrounds list this length as part of their regulations. When hiking, a well-fitting harness and leash are essential, especially if your dog loves to explore and tends to pull.
Cattle Dog Wearing Denim No Pull Dog Harness
At the campsite, dogs should be safely contained while still allowing them some room to relax. A portable pet playpen or play yard is an excellent solution. These portable fences provide your dog with space to stretch out while ensuring they stay contained, respecting campground rules.
Additionally, having an elevated pet cot with a canopy is ideal for keeping your dog off the ground and providing shade, especially if you’re camping in an area with little natural cover.
French Bulldog Laying On Dog Bed At Campground
4. Protection from Pests and Cold
Since camping means spending a lot of time outdoors, dogs need protection from pesky pests such as fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. Make sure your dog is up-to-date on flea and tick prevention and consider additional steps to minimize bug bites, such as applying pet-safe bug repellents. In cooler weather, pack a dog coat, warm hoodie or blanket to keep them warm, especially if temperatures drop in the evening while sitting by the campfire.
Little Dog Wearing 'Good Life' Dog Hoodie With Tents In The Background
5. Toys, Treats, and Comfort Items
Don’t forget the fun stuff! Bring along your dog’s favorite toys and treats to keep them occupied and happy at the campsite. A chew toy or a ball can offer much-needed entertainment, especially while you’re setting up camp or cooking. You might also consider a backpack to carry your dog or a backpack for your dog so they can carry their own water or gear on hikes.

Important Rules and Guidelines

Before heading out, always check the campground’s pet policies. Many campgrounds have specific rules about where dogs are allowed, and as mentioned earlier, retractable leashes are often banned due to safety concerns. Having the proper leash and understanding the campground’s rules ahead of time will prevent any unnecessary stress upon arrival.

Extra Tips for a Successful Trip

Here are a few extra items and tips that can enhance the experience of camping with your dog:

  • First Aid Kit: A pet-specific first aid kit can be a lifesaver in case of accidents.
  • Portable Water Bottle: A portable dog water bottle with a built-in dish is convenient for long hikes.
  • Dog Waste Bags: Always bring plenty of waste bags and clean up after your dog to ensure campgrounds stay dog-friendly.
  • Towels and Wipes: Wet or muddy paws are inevitable—having towels and wipes on hand will keep your tent or camper clean.
  • Camping Mat or Cot: Give your dog a cozy spot to rest by packing a portable dog bed, mat, or elevated cot.
  • Dog Cooling Vest: If the day heats up, a cooling vest can help keep your dog comfortable during hikes or time at the campsite.

Download your free PDF Dog Camping Checklist for your next adventure.

French Bulldog Looking At The Mountains Wearing H Dog Harness


Strengthening the Bond Through Outdoor Adventures

Camping with your dog is more than just a fun outing; it’s a chance to strengthen the bond between you and your dog through shared experiences. If it’s your first time camping with a dog, try a test run with a short day trip or weekend campout before embarking on a longer adventure. This allows both you and your dog to get comfortable with the process.

As the leaves start to fall and the beauty of autumn unfolds, take advantage of the perfect weather to embark on a camping trip with your dog. With the right preparation, gear, and mindset, you’ll create lasting memories of adventure, companionship, and the great outdoors.

Frenchie and Chihuahua Wearing 'Happy Camper' Dog Hoodies At A Campground

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