8 Essential Tips for Stress‑Free Camping with Your Dog

If you love camping and your dog, it can be hard to leave them behind at home when you go on a camping adventure. However, most dogs love camping just as much as people do!

By Guest Blogger, Tim Fox

So, if you want to take your dog along with you on your next camping trip, you can! There are some important tips for camping with dogs that you’ll want to keep in mind before planning your next trip.

Instead of choosing to board your dog at a kennel or leaving them with family or friends, let them come camping with you! Let’s get started:

1) Prepare Ahead of Time

Make sure that where you are camping is dog-friendly. Not all parks, private or public, allow dogs, so it’s essential to call ahead first and make sure your furry family member will be welcome. Some parks and campgrounds also require that your dog’s vaccination records are up-to-date and may require proof. Make sure you have that paperwork in order, too, if it’s needed. Plus, it’s always a good idea to have your dog’s vaccinations up-to-date before traveling in the great outdoors, you never know what you might come across, and it’s just good pet parent health care.

2) Pack the Right Items for Your Dog

When taking your dog with you on a camping trip, make sure you have packed the right items they might need. Here is a quick packing list that should help and cover all of your dog’s needs for what to bring:

• Collar and leash • Dog food • Water and food bowls (a collapsible bowl is an excellent camping product choice!) • Dog bed or kennel • Favorite toys • Treats • Any medications • A stake and cables, if you want your dog to be outside able to roam without being able to roam off

3) Make Safety a Priority

When camping with dogs, safety is always a priority. When using a tie-out, make sure you don’t leave your dog unattended. Many dangers could happen, such as wild animals. If your dog is tied up and attacked by a wild animal, it makes it much harder for them to defend themselves.

4) Choose the Right Camping Tent

Ensure you have a camping tent with enough space for you and your dog (learn more). When purchasing or using a tent, consider your dog a person when looking at the size/people a tent will fit. You want something large enough that will be comfortable enough for both of you!

5) Be Aware That Emergencies Can Happen

No matter where you are, pet emergencies can happen at any time and anywhere. Make sure your dog’s microchip information is up-to-date with your correct contact information, and make sure your dog is always wearing a dog collar with a phone number tag on it. Emergencies aren’t likely, but it’s still better to be over-prepared than under-prepared, especially when it comes to the safety and care of your best friend.

6) Keep Your Pet’s Food Secure

You don’t want wild animals to be attracted to campgrounds as a source of food. It’s important to keep your dog’s food away and out of sight, except at feeding times. Your fellow campers will thank you for this one, too!

7) Use Flea and Tick Repellents

Dogs are always attracting fleas and ticks out in the country, so it’s important to do what you can to keep them safe. Using repellents or collars can help deter these insects from attaching themselves to your pooch. The risk that ticks can carry is high, so even if you use a repellent or collar, make sure to check your dog for ticks each day to be sure.

8) Use Eco-Friendly Poop Bags

Don’t forget to bring enough poop bags for the duration of your trip! There are many environmentally friendly dog poop bag options on the market now, and these are perfect for use when camping. It’s always essential and courteous to pick up after your dog, no matter how far into the woods or trails you are.

Final Thoughts

If you make sure you are prepared by following these tips and your dog is enjoying him or herself, then have fun! Getting back to nature and exploring the backcountry with your dog can be an enjoyable bonding experience. After a few camping trips, your dog will be more comfortable and confident with navigating camping life, too.

about the Author

Since the age of 10, Tim, a writer at Outdoor With Junkies, has enjoyed camping in the great outdoors. Although he loves the peace and quiet of the outdoors, he also likes his creature comforts. Tim’s mission is to make camping a fun and comfortable experience for all.