In writing about our personal experiences, we sometimes mention products or services that we use or recommend. This page may contain affiliate links for which we receive a commission.
Taking your dog camping can be a lot of fun.
However, if you are not prepared, it can become a nightmare.
When we go camping on weekends, both of my dogs love to go.
My First Time Camping With Dogs
The first time we went camping with dogs, we just had Nakita (a Min Pin).
She was around 5 months old. We didn’t know what to expect.
We were trying out my in-laws’ new camper at one of the local state parks.
From reading the state park brochure, we knew that we couldn’t have Nakita on a leash longer than 6 feet.
The same for a lead for tying her up outside. We didn’t have a lead, so we took her exercise pen.
Nakita did pretty good the first time she went camping.
When taking your dog camping, make sure that your dog can’t get out of your camper or tent!
The Second Time I Took My Dog Camping
The second time we went camping with dogs, Nakita was just over a year old. This time we took our pop-up camper.
Needless to say, Nakita could let herself out of the camper on her own. The camper door handle was knee-high, so she could hit it just right and let herself out.
Plus, this time she was a lot more vocal and we had to run a fan to help block out the noise so she would sleep at night. (Okay, maybe so she would let us sleep!) This was the last time we stayed at a state park with our dog Nakita.
We still go camping with both of our dogs (Nakita and Tosha, both Min Pins). But instead of using a pop-up camper, we’ve built a cabin! Now we like to stay on the river with the girls.
Here are the best tips for hiking with your dog: PART1, PART2, and PART3.
Packing Tips When Camping With Dogs
Each time we go camping with dogs (or to the cabin with them), we always make sure that we take everything the dogs will need.
Don’t worry if you overpack the first couple of times. This is bound to happen. When packing, it is better to be safe than sorry.
If you’re wondering what to pack, here are the bare necessities when camping with dogs:
- Plenty of food and snacks
- Bowels for food and water
- Tie out and lead
- Leash
- Dog bed
- Dog toys (just a couple)
- Pet first aid kit
- Poop bags
- Dog crate (if you have the space to take it)
- Exercise pen (if you have the space)
Plenty of water (especially if you’re going somewhere you have to take your own water)
Any Target, drug store or home improvement store should sell a standard glow stick (or light stick) that you can manually activate by bending the stick and mixing the chemicals inside. Once activated, the chemicals will emit a neon light that continues to glow for hours. These glow sticks, which are also a favorite around Halloween, are perfect for keeping track of your dog in a dark campground. Simply bend the stick to activate the light, tie the glow stick to your dog’s collar and let her run free (or on her long leash) around the campsite. You’ll be able to spot her easily because she’ll be producing an eerie green glow wherever she goes. Source
Also pack your dog’s vaccination records and any paper identification you may have for your dog. It’s important to have that with you, in case your dog gets lost.
Check out these 8 tips for camping with your dog.
Dog Friendly Camping Tips
- Your First Camping Trip With Your Dog
- U.S. Campgrounds That Are Dog Friendly
- Reserve America: U.S. Campground Reservations
- A Guy’s Perspective On Camping With Your Dog
- Pet Friendly Campgrounds Worldwide
- Tips For Hiking Or Backpacking With Your Dog
- Before You Take Your Dog Camping
- Camping & RVing With Dogs
I have 2 Miniature Pinschers. My husband and I consider them our 4-legged kids.
