Distant view of a small family and their dog during sunset at their campsite in a pine forest

Tents and Treats: Learning to Camp with your Dog

Rachel Wagner

5 min read

If you’re anything like us, the sight of a dog rocking a lifejacket, curled up in its own sleeping bag, or just trotting along the trail totally makes your day. And if you’ve ever spotted one and thought, “Man, I wish my pup was here,” this one's for you.

As a dog-owner, you likely want your dog to go wherever you go – including camping trips. Who wouldn’t want to spend more time with their dog? Time outside together builds stronger bonds, helps your pup learn new social skills, and gives them a fresh environment to explore and be mentally stimulated. Plus, let’s be real, camping trips are always better with a dog by your side.

Golden Retriever held on leash by a man leading it down a beach through shallow water

Be Prepared:

Before you pack your bags, ask yourself a few questions about your pet. How is their recall? Do they do well on car rides? Do they socialize well with other pets and people? Will they behave during quiet hours or howl through the night? You’ll want to be prepared for anything, for your dog’s sake and for the sake of your neighbors, too. We want to help you feel comfortable enough to have a successful outing with your pooch, but still be respectful of your fellow campers. Everyone’s comfort and safety is of utmost importance.

Young woman and her husky sitting on a log against a boulder in the forest

Do Your Research:

Not all campgrounds are pet-friendly, but there are many places that will allow your pet to tag along. Each campground will have their own information regarding their specific pet policies and rules so it’s important to read through these prior to booking.

Leashes: Most campgrounds will still require you to keep your dog on a leash, usually no longer than six feet. If the campground allows your pup a bit more freedom, we recommend running a lead between two trees. Tether one end of your dog’s leash to let them easily move about the campsite while still being safe and secure.
Barking: Dogs bark, it’s just what they do, and most campgrounds understand this. However, if your dog barks constantly into the night, that’s a different story. Be sure that you and your pet are respecting quiet hours, especially late at night, otherwise you might be asked to check-out early.
Behaviour: At a campground, people want to be able to relax safely, and this goes for their pets too. If you’re unsure of how your dog will respond to an unfamiliar environment, or they tend to show aggression towards people or other dogs, it may be best to leave your pet at home this time.

Test Runs:

One of the best ways to get your pup camping-ready? Practice! New places can be overwhelming, so a little trial-run beforehand can make a big difference.

Backyard Set-Up: Pitch your tent at home before your trip and allow your dog to explore it. Use their favourite treats to coax them in and reinforce good behaviour. Hanging out together in the tent prior to the real deal will hopefully help your pet be comfortable in the tent and allow them to settle better at nighttime.
Trail Walks: If saying “walk” makes your pooch’s ears perk, try taking them for a hike! Practicing leash behaviour and commands as well as learning to stay alert for wildlife and trail traffic can go a long way. You’ll want to know what behaviours to expect in those circumstances as a successful campout will be dependent on your ability to keep your dog safe and under control.
Trial Campout: If you can swing it, set up a mock campsite. Pitch your tent, get a fire going and invite some guests. Keep your dog tethered like they would be at the campsite and watch how they behave. Seeing their reaction to this ‘trial’ is great for prep and provides insight to how they’ll act during the real deal.

Black Collie sticking out it's tongue at it's owners, a dad and daughter, sitting in lawn chairs at a campsite

What to Pack:

When it comes to packing for a camping trip, you know the drill – you’ve got the essentials locked in. In addition to the standard list of supplies, here are a few extras to take along so your dog feels just as safe and comfortable:

Food and Water Bowls - We recommend our Snapfold Bowls – compact, lightweight, easy to pack in and out
Dog Food and Treats
Toys
Dog Bed
Leash
Extra Rope - Get up to 50 ft. with our Paracord
Extra Towels – Our Microfiber Towel is perfect for humans and pets alike with it's antimicrobial treatment and fast-drying capabilities
Any Prescriptions or Medications
Extra Carabiners – to prevent your pup's nose from nudging your tent door open
Tick Collar
Tick Remover
Dog Waste Bags
Bear Bell – be alert for wildlife on the trails!
Collar with ID tag
Pet Friendly First-Aid Kit – gauze, non-stick bandages and adhesive tape

A black Schnauzer standing at a campsite with a red bear bell attached to its collar

Safety:

Being outside does wonders for both of you — as long as you keep safety in mind.

Overheating: Same as people, dogs can get overheated as well. If you spend a lot of time in the sun, monitor your pet for panting, heavy breathing, weakness, disorientation or restlessness. Always keep water on hand and make sure to find shade or cooler areas to provide shelter from the sun and high temperatures.
Paws: Be mindful of the temperature of the pavement or sand on hotter days to ensure your dog’s paws don’t get injured. Keep an eye out for burrs, thorns and sharp rocks when you hit the trails.
Plants: A good rule of thumb is that if it’s a plant you wouldn’t touch, your dog probably shouldn’t either. Think poison ivy, oak, or even sketchy water sources with blue-green algae — all stuff that can irritate or harm your pup.

Camping with your dog can be one of the best parts of getting outside – and just a little planning goes a long way. With the right prep, some test runs and a good checklist, you and your four-legged friend will be all set to make some pretty great memories around the campfire. So pack the treats, grab the leash and hit the road! (And tell your pup we say "Hi!")

Item added to your bag