Dog-Friendly Camping: Essential Tips for First-Timers

Camping with your dog can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it requires preparation. Here’s what you need to know for a safe and enjoyable trip:

Choose the right campsite: Use sites like BringFido.com to find dog-friendly campgrounds with amenities like off-leash parks, pet-friendly trails, and waste disposal areas. Always check rules, fees, and restrictions beforehand.
Pack the essentials: Bring a leash, food, water, bowls, a first-aid kit, weather protection (like coats or cooling vests), and comforts like a portable dog bed.
Prioritize safety: Ensure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date, bring their records, and use flea and tick prevention. Keep your dog leashed, avoid leaving them unattended, and research local wildlife hazards.
Make it fun: Practice camping at home, set up a cozy sleeping area, and plan activities like hikes, swimming, or training games.

With the right preparation, you and your dog can enjoy the outdoors together while staying safe and comfortable.

Expert Tips for Camping With Your Dog

Finding Pet-Friendly Campsites

Choosing the right campground for you and your dog is key, as policies and amenities can vary quite a bit.

Finding Dog-Friendly Campgrounds

Websites like BringFido.com make it easier to compare pet policies, read reviews from other pet owners, and find contact details for hosts.

For example, Gulf State Park Campground in Alabama has 496 dog-friendly sites, plenty of pet-friendly trails, and even an off-leash pond at Lake Shelby.

What to Look For

When picking a campground, consider places that offer amenities like:

Off-leash parks
Dog wash stations
Pet-friendly trails
Waste disposal areas
Fenced play zones

Four Paws Kingdom Campground in North Carolina is a great example. It features a fenced pond, several off-leash parks, and trails designed for dogs and their owners.

Understanding Costs and Rules

Most campgrounds have some basic rules, such as:

Dogs must be on a leash (6 feet or shorter)
Pets shouldn’t be left unattended outside
Owners must clean up after their dogs
Excessive barking should be avoided

Pet fees can range from $3 to $35 per night, or there may be a flat rate for the entire stay. Always check with the campground for up-to-date rates, weight restrictions, and designated dog-friendly areas.

Once you’ve chosen your campsite, make sure to pack everything your dog will need for a safe and comfortable adventure.

What to Pack for Your Dog

Once you’ve picked your campsite, make sure to pack these essentials to keep your dog comfortable and safe during your trip.

Basic Camping Gear

Here are the must-haves:

Wild One Walk Kit: A secure leash and collar set ($74).
Yeti Boomer Stainless Steel Bowl or Ruffwear Quencher Collapsible Bowl: Perfect for meals and water ($19–$60).
Ruffwear Approach Dog Pack: A lightweight pack so your dog can carry small supplies ($59.95).
Adventure Dog Series Me & My Dog Medical Kit: A first-aid kit tailored for pets ($47.89).
Nite Ize PetLit LED Collar Light: Keeps your dog visible at night ($7.84).

"When camping with your dog, bring everything they need for food and water, bowls, their own food, leashes, and crates or dog carriers", says Lindsay Butzer, DVM, Veterinarian and PetMeds Partner.

After packing the basics, make sure your dog is ready for any weather conditions.

Weather Protection Essentials

Be prepared for temperature changes and rough terrain with these items:

Carhartt Insulated Dog Chore Coat: Keeps your dog warm in cold weather ($37.11).
Sgoda Dog Cooling Vest: Helps your dog stay cool in the heat ($37.95).
Ruffwear Grip Trex Dog Boots: Protects your dog’s paws from rough or hot surfaces ($44.95).
NTK MyPet Lightweight Pop-Up Pet Tent: A portable shelter for unpredictable weather ($39.99).

Now that your dog is ready for the elements, don’t forget to bring along some comforts from home.

Home Comforts for the Campsite

Familiar items can help your dog feel at ease:

NobleCamper 2-in-1 Ultralight Travel Dog Bed: A cozy, portable bed for a good night’s sleep ($179).
Jiminy’s Original Cricket Cookie Dog Treats: Tasty rewards to keep your pup happy ($9.99).
Springer Dog Travel Water Bottle: Makes hydration on the go easy ($24.99).
The Foggy Dog Canvas Waste Bag Holder: A stylish way to manage waste responsibly ($24).

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Keeping Your Dog Safe

Pre-Camp Health Check

Schedule a vet visit to ensure your dog’s core vaccinations are up to date and flea and tick prevention is active. Don’t forget to bring a copy of their vaccination records – many campsites require them.

Once your dog gets the all-clear, follow these safety tips while camping.

Campsite Safety Rules

After packing the essentials, stick to these campsite rules to keep your dog safe and comfortable:

Always use a six-foot leash to keep your dog secure.
Never leave your dog alone outside your tent or RV.
Keep barking to a minimum during quiet hours.
Provide plenty of fresh water and prevent access to standing water.

Dealing with Ticks and Wildlife

Stay on top of flea and tick prevention, and steer clear of tall grass and leaf piles.
Research local plants and potential wildlife dangers before your trip to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Making Camping Fun for Dogs

Once you’ve got safety covered, it’s time to focus on making camping an enjoyable adventure for your dog.

Practice Camping at Home

Start by setting up a mini camping experience in your backyard. Pitch your tent and let your dog explore it. Keep the sessions short and practice commands inside the tent. Use treats to reward calm behavior and help your dog associate camping gear with positive experiences.

"It’s important to be realistic about what your dog prefers and what they need to feel safe and comfortable." – Nia Martin, Author

Setting Up a Cozy Sleeping Spot

Pick a corner in the tent for your dog’s sleeping area. Lay down a waterproof barrier, add an insulated sleeping pad, and top it off with a dog sleeping bag or fleece blanket. For chilly nights, you can place a covered hot water bottle underneath the bedding (but make sure it doesn’t touch your dog directly).

Dog-Friendly Camp Activities

Plan activities that your dog will enjoy while respecting the campground’s rules and other campers:

Morning Nature Walks
Take your dog on a leashed hike along designated trails. Keep them supervised and stick to marked paths for safety.
Swimming Sessions
If there’s a dog-friendly water source, let your dog splash around. Bring a dog life jacket for extra safety, and check with others nearby before letting your dog join in.
Training Games
Use downtime to practice commands or teach new tricks. It’s a great way to mentally engage your dog, tire them out, and strengthen your bond.

Conclusion

Planning ahead, from selecting a great campsite to organizing activities for your dog, can help ensure a memorable camping trip with your furry friend. With proper gear, safety precautions, and a sense of adventure, you and your dog can enjoy the outdoors and create special moments together.

Looking for more tips? Check out Rejuveway‘s Travel Tips for additional dog-friendly camping advice.

Joshua Okapes

April 18, 2025