Tips for Camping with Dogs

Want to bring your four-legged friend on your next camping trip but not sure where to start or what you need to bring?! You’ve come to the right place! Camping with dogs can be so much fun and allow them to experience new environments, scents, and people! But preparedness is key to making sure it’s a positive experience for both you and your dog. So let’s review some ways you can prepare for a camping trip with your dog!

Know your dog

Make sure they would be comfortable and relaxed in a campground environment where there is going to be loud noises, families, wild animals, other dogs, etc. If this sounds like your dog’s worst nightmare then it’s best to leave them home. It’s also important to consider that certain dogs, like puppies, senior dogs, anxious dogs, and dogs with mobility issues might not be a good fit for camping. Also, dogs that haven’t completed basic training and/or have bad recall may not a good fit for camping. It’s super important to assess what your dog likes and what they need in order to be safe and comfortable camping in the outdoors.

Find a campsite 

Research multiple different campgrounds or camp sites near where you want to go, call and ask them about their dog policy, whether or not they have dog-friendly trails, and what their local leash law is. It’s also a good idea to ask other dog owners for dog camping experience and recommendations. Keep in mind that some campgrounds allow dogs in the off seasons (spring/fall) but not in the summer. The website bringfido.com has a lot of great information on finding places to stay with your dog. The more effort you put into planning your camping trip, the better chance you have of creating a positive camping experience.

Preparation 

After you book your site, it’s time to make sure your dog is up to date on their vaccines, microchipped (if not already), and protected against fleas and ticks. 

Gear

You’ll want to bring various gear items to keep your dog safe and comfortable while camping. First and foremost, a first aid kit is a must have (specifically one made for dogs). You’ll also need food bowls, pre-portioned food (I usually put it in a plastic bag), treats, toys, a short leash, a long leash (check leash laws before you use one of these), poop bags, a towel, wipes, a clip-on collar light or a reflective collar (so you can see your dog at night), a bed or blanket to sleep on, and a life jacket (if you’re going to be camping near a body of water). 

Camping Etiquette 

It’s important to be considerate of fellow campers while camping, or you could receive complaints and be asked to cut your stay short. 

When at your campsite, be sure to keep your dog under control and supervised by using a leash, a lead, or voice control (if leashes are not required by the campground). Don’t assume that anybody camping, or their pets, are friendly and want to say hi to your dog. Being cautious is better than having to apologize or being asked to leave because your dog is wandering or chasing after people. 

When it comes to dog pee and dog poop, be respectful. Pick it up right after they go and don’t let them pee or poop on anyone else’s site. Follow leave no trace principles whenever possible. 

Be mindful of your dog’s barking, especially around bedtime and early in the morning. Bring a treat or toy to occupy their mind, take them for a walk, or find an open area where you can play fetch and get some of their energy out. 

If you’re swimming, consider putting a life jacket on your dog. If you’re taking them on a boat, they should definitely wear a life jacket in case they fall off the boat or get thrown from the boat and get injured.

Now that you know the ins and outs of camping with a dog, it’s time to plan your trip! Your camping adventure will be full of new, special memories that will bring the two of you closer together, so be sure to treasure each moment and take plenty of videos and pictures!

Happy camping, friends!

MyMaine