Thinking of camping with a dog? As a pet parent, this can be a great opportunity to solidify your bond with your canine companion. You and your dog will get to enjoy fresh air, scenic trails, and shared experiences in nature.
With a little preparation and attention to your dog’s needs, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure for you and your dog. This Sploot Vets guide covers how to camp with a dog, what to bring, and how to ensure safety.
Is Camping Stressful for Dogs? Will my Dog Enjoy Camping?
In some cases, camping can be stressful for some dogs, especially if they’re not used to new environments, noises, or being away from home. Signs of stress may include the following:
- Restlessness and not being able to sleep
- Barking or whining
- Clinginess
- Pacing
However, many dogs love camping because of the new scents, trails, and time spent outdoors with their favorite person. Dogs that enjoy walks and hiking often thrive in a camping setting. Just be sure to match the experience to your dog’s energy level and comfort with nature.
Reducing Stress When Camping With a Dog
Generally, the key is gradual exposure; if you haven’t hiked with your dog before, you can try doing that first. In addition, you can first try glamping or RV camping with a dog before progressing to tent camping with a dog, depending on your camping preferences.
To reduce stress during camping, you can also bring familiar items like their bed or toys and stick to their usual dog care routine to help ease anxiety.
How to Camp With a Dog: What You Need to Know
1. Where is a Good Place to Camp with Dogs?
The first, most important decision to make is knowing where to go camping with a dog. When looking for dog-friendly campgrounds, here are the different kinds of campgrounds to consider:
a. Private Campgrounds
These are privately owned campgrounds, often with additional amenities like showers, pools, and/or organized activities. They may charge higher fees but offer more comfort and facilities than public options.
For dogs: Many private campgrounds have designated pet areas and possibly other amenities for pets.
b. Public Campgrounds
These are campgrounds managed by government agencies, such as national or state parks. They offer natural surroundings and a more rustic experience. These campgrounds are usually more affordable, though amenities can vary.
For dogs: Many public campgrounds are dog-friendly, with leash requirements and some trails where dogs are allowed.
c. RV Campgrounds & Tent Campgrounds
RV campgrounds can be separate or coexist with tent campgrounds. The key is to check if the campground you’re looking to stay in accommodates the style of camping you’d like to do.
For dogs: Both tent and RV campgrounds typically require dogs to be on a leash, with RV campgrounds generally offering more pet-friendly amenities. In contrast, tent campgrounds may have more rugged terrain, so dogs may need extra care.
d. Glamping Sites
A more luxurious form of camping, glamping combines outdoor experiences with the comfort of upscale accommodations (e.g., yurts, A-frames, cabins, safari tents). These typically offer modern amenities like beds, electricity, and sometimes even private bathrooms.
For dogs: Some glamping sites are dog-friendly, providing comfortable spaces for pets. These are like a home away from home, making it great for beginners.
2. Where Do Dogs Sleep When Camping?
Whichever style of camping you choose, it’s always recommended to let dogs sleep ‘indoors’–whether that means a tent, RV, or A-frame. Allowing dogs to sleep inside keeps them warm, less likely to wander, and protected from any wildlife.
3. How To Keep A Dog Clean When Camping?
Bring dog-friendly grooming wipes to clean dirt from your dog’s coat and paws. If there is a shower facility or dog wash where your dog can have a bath, you can bring a dog-friendly shampoo with you.
You can also regularly brush your dog and check for ticks, fleas, and burrs after hikes or playtime.
4. What Do You Need to Bring When Camping With a Dog?
When camping with a dog, here are some essentials to bring:
- Food & Water – Bring enough food and water for your dog’s entire stay, along with collapsible bowls for easy feeding.
- Leash & Harness – Essential for keeping your dog safe and under control while on trails or in public areas.
- Poop Bags – Always clean up after your dog with waste bags to keep the campsite clean. Bring some extras, just in case.
- Comfortable Bed & Blanket – Bring your dog’s favorite bed or a blanket for them to sleep on. The familiar scent will help keep them calm.
- Dog First Aid Kit – Include pet-safe supplies like bandages, tweezers, and any medications your dog may need.
- Vaccination Records, ID Tags, & Microchip – Vaccination records may be needed for verification. Meanwhile, ID tags and their pet microchip help ensure easy identification.
- Towels – Essential for drying your dog off after walks, swimming, or in wet conditions to keep them comfortable.
- Toys & Treats – These provide entertainment, stress relief, and positive reinforcement while camping with a dog.
Camping With a Dog: Additional Safety Tips
1. Keep Your Dog Leashed or Contained
Always keep your dog indoors or on a leash when outside. Don’t let your dog wander unsupervised. This puts them at risk of going to dangerous areas like cliffs, roads, or wildlife zones. Even well-trained dogs can get distracted or spooked in new environments. Containment also helps you comply with most campground rules and protect local wildlife.
2. Provide Safe Drinking Water
Always bring fresh water for your dog and avoid letting them drink from lakes, rivers, or puddles, which may contain harmful bacteria, parasites, or toxins. Keeping your dog hydrated with clean water helps prevent overheating and dehydration.
3. Bring a Canine First Aid Kit
Pack a dog-specific first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, tick removers, and any medications your dog may need. Knowing basic canine first aid and how to handle common injuries like wounds or cuts, bites, punctures, burnt paws, and heat exhaustion is essential.
To be completely prepared, save the contact information for urgent veterinary care clinics and emergency veterinary services
4. Protect Against Parasites
Camping (or even just spending time outdoors) can expose dogs to a variety of pathogens, parasites, and disease-carrying insects (e.g., ticks, mosquitoes). Protect your pup by ensuring they are up to date on the following:
Sploot Vets: Your All-in-One Vet for Every Adventure
Ready to plan your camping trip with your canine companion? We’re here to help you ensure that your dog is in optimal shape for camping! We can also recommend vaccines and other preventatives for your dog’s safety. If you have any questions, we’re here for you.
Sploot Veterinary Care offers all-in-one veterinary care, encompassing primary, urgent, and emergency vet services. Visit any one of our Fear Free vet clinics in Colorado Springs, Denver, and Chicago, offering next-level, Fear Free vet care that you can count on 365 days a year, including holidays!
Book an appointment online or call us for urgent concerns. ‘Till next time, we’re with you every pounce of the way!
