Top Tips For Camping With Dogs from a Fellow Camper Who's Learned the Hard Way

I’ve been camping with dogs for years. Sometimes car camping, sometimes deep in the backcountry. As any seasoned pet owner will tell you, bringing your four-legged friend on a camping trip can be a lot of fun... but it also takes way more prep than you’d think, especially the first time.

From gear that’s actually worth packing to keeping your dog safe, dry, and (somewhat) calm (I have herding breeds so iykyk), here’s everything I’ve learned the hard way.

Getting Ready Before the Trip

Vaccination Requirements

Before any camping trip, I always double-check that my dogs are up to date on their vaccinations. Most dog-friendly campsites (especially in national parks) require proof of rabies, and some even ask for documentation of Lyme, leptospirosis, and heartworm protection. I keep a photo of their records on my phone just in case a ranger or camp host asks.

Practice at Home

If it’s your first time tent camping with your pup, I really recommend doing a test run at home. Set up the tent in your backyard or living room and let your dog sniff around, hang out inside, and get used to the sound of the zipper and the feel of the floor. One of mine was spooked by the crinkling of the tent fabric at first, but I’m glad I figured that out at home instead of in the woods.

Practice Your Recall

For offleash adventures, you really need to spend a considerable amount of time practicing recall training. I’ve seen too many campers yelling into the dark because their four-legged friend bolted after a deer. One of mine decided it would be a ton of fun to wander off into the Moab desert past dark and given his black fur, it wasn’t a fun game of cat and mouse. He came back, but now I don’t take chances.

If your dog is going to be off-leash, be honest about how reliable their recall is.

Dog Camping Gear That’s Actually Worth Packing

After a few too many “why didn’t we bring that?” moments, I’ve got a solid go-to list of dog camping gear that actually earns its spot in the pack. Here are the things I wouldn’t camp without:

Sleeping & Comfort

First rule: bring extra bedding, even in warm weather. The ground can get surprisingly cold, and it drains body heat fast, especially from your dog’s paws and belly.

We bring a closed-cell foam pad like the Thermarest ZLite (ours is a 2/3 length one we used back when we were backpacking) or the Exped FlexMat Plus. They’re great for insulation and super lightweight. Bonus: your dog’s nails won’t puncture them like they might with inflatable options.

On top of that, I toss in a cheap down quilt throw (Costco sells some good ones) or you an substitute for a small dog sleeping bag, depending on the weather. For inside the tent, my dogs each have a comfy dog bed if we’re doing car camping and have space. Outside, they get a second “camp bed”— usually a Carhartt washable canvas bed or we recently upgraded to a raised cot to lounge on that keeps them from laying in mud or dirt.

One of my dogs is a light sleeper and barks at every twig snap, so we started bringing a little noise machine to help drown out campground sounds. This probably sounds way overkill, but it helps us all sleep soundly through the night, and to me, that’s worth every extra ounce of weight.

Also, zip your tent from the top. I learned the hard way that some dogs think zippers are a toy. Mine had a great time unzipping the door one morning at 6 a.m.

Safety & Visibility

At night, I always use light-up collars. USB rechargeable ones are easy to charge in the car. I also add a bell to my dog’s collar so I can hear them if they wander around camp. It’s saved me from way too many “Where’d you go?” moments in the dark.

If your site is near a road or if your dog tends to roam, a reflective vest or collar is smart for visibility, especially if you're using a headlamp or flashlight.

Also, if you're camping during hunting season, visibility matters. I put an orange collar or vest on my dogs, even if we’re just car camping near a trail. It’s a simple way to keep them safer if they wander or if we cross paths with hunters.

My dogs are also microchipped and they wear ID tags with my phone number on them any time we’re out. One also has a GPS collar, which I thankfully haven’t had to rely on yet, but it's reassuring to have.

Last tip: always pack a backup dog’s leash and tether. I keep a long line and a clip-on tie-down in the gear bin. Even if you think you won’t need it, odds are, you will.

Campsite Containment Solutions

Once we’re set up at camp, I like to give my dogs a bit of freedom, but I really don’t like running the risk of them wandering off or taking off after wildlife. One setup that’s worked really well for us is a long tether or pick line. I just string a ratchet strap or sometimes even just a rope between two trees and clip my dog’s leash to it with a carabiner. It gives them plenty of space to roam without free-running through the whole campground.

And honestly, if your dog’s a little dog-reactive like one of mine, hanging up a simple clothesline and towel barrier across the front of the campsite works really well for us to deter her from barking at everything that passes by.

Meals, Hydration, and Cleanup

When we’re out hiking or just hanging around camp, I always carry collapsible bowls and a water bottle just for the dogs. The water bowls weigh almost nothing and come in handy constantly.

For food, I portion their dog food into baggies before the trip and keep a stash of treats and chews handy for downtime around the fire. And of course, poop bags. Bring more than you think you need, and clean up every time to follow leave no trace principles.

If your dog ends up muddy (and let’s be honest, they will), the Mudbuster is a lifesaver. It scrubs their paws clean with way less effort than trying to hose or wipe them down. I also pack a small towel for drying off, and a brush or comb to get burrs and debris out of their coat at the end of the day. Makes a huge difference before they crawl into the tent.

Keeping Your Dog Safe Outdoors

Build a Lightweight Dog First Aid Kit

Even with flea and tick prevention meds, I’ve still had to pull ticks off my dog on the trail, so I never head out without a small, dog-specific first aid kit. Mine includes:

• Tweezers and a tick key
• Paw balm for cracked pads
• Vet wrap
• Basic antibiotic ointment

It’s lightweight, easy to pack, and offers serious peace of mind. After every hike, I also do a full tick check especially in high-risk zones like between the toes, under the collar, around the ears, and under the tail.

Watch for Algae Warnings Around Water

If we’re camping or hiking near lakes or rivers, I always check for algae bloom warnings before letting my dogs drink or swim. Some types of blue-green algae are toxic to pets and can be fatal even just with one sip. If there’s even a chance the water’s unsafe, we skip it and stick to the clean water I’ve packed.

Prevent Heat Stroke on Hot Hikes

Thick-coated dogs and summer hikes can be a dangerous mix. I plan hikes for early mornings or evenings to avoid the hottest part of the day, and I carry plenty of water for both of us. Dog booties also help protect their paws from scorching trails, hot rocks, or pavement.

Watch for signs of heat stress like excessive panting, slowing down, or glazed eyes, and take breaks often, even if your dog seems excited to keep going. I was genuinly shocked when my vet told me that dogs are at risk of heatstroke when the temperature outside hits a seemingly mild 75 degrees.

Pack for Rain and Cold Especially if Your Dog Gets Wet

Cold is one thing, but cold and wet is a different story. Even dogs who handle low temps well can get uncomfortable fast when they’re soaked. I pack a lightweight, waterproof jacket for each dog when there’s rain in the forecast. It helps them dry off faster, stay warmer around camp, and rest more comfortably at night.

Keeping Them Happy Around Camp

Here’s a rule I live by: Bored dogs = restless dogs.

Downtime can be hard for dogs, especially in a stimulating environment like a campground. If your dog’s not actively sniffing or exploring, they might default to pacing, barking, or trying to bolt after every critter. I always pack a favorite chew toy or long-lasting treat to give them something to focus on during quieter moments, especially when we’re hanging by the fire.

A frozen Kong stuffed with peanut butter, wet food, or even plain Greek yogurt is a camp favorite. If you’re worried about it getting messy, pack it in a Ziploc bag and freeze it ahead of time so it stays cold and contained until you’re ready to use it.

You can also DIY enrichment using what you’ve got. Toss kibble into a patch of grass or pine needles and let them sniff it out, or scatter a handful of treats around your tent area and let them do a slow search. My pups love what I call “treat towel.” I basically lay out a kitchen towel and sprinkle treats around. Then I roll it up, tie it in a knot, and it keeps them busy for at least half an hour. Enrichment burns mental energy in a calm, focused way which is perfect for helping your dog settle after a big day.

Train a “Place” Cue for Camp Life

If you do a lot of camping or backpacking, teaching your dog to settle on a mat or blanket with a “place” cue can help both of you settle in. It gives them a designated spot to rest, helps them feel more secure, and gives you a break from playing dog referee while you’re cooking or setting up camp.

Bring a lightweight ground mat, bed, or even an old towel they already associate with chill time. Practice at home first so the cue sticks once you're out in a new setting.

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