7 Must Know Tips On How Do You Camp With A Dog? In 2023

Taking your pet dog for camping? and wondering How do you camp with a dog? Everyone Loves to Hike and do Hammock camping with their pooch, Having a pet dog means more playtime and less stress in life. And since dog loves spending time outdoors, the best way to have fun with them is through ‘Camping.’

Camping with a dog is an extremely fun and joyful experience. Especially when you both spend more time within four-walled homes, a trip into the wilderness away from the urban settlement is much needed. However, the process for the same is not always as easy as it sounds.

While some dogs might make the experience difficult, there are circumstances as well that comes in between. But whatever it is, nothing must stop you from enjoying your outdoor time with your canine buddy. And for that, here is a complete guide on “Camping with a dog in 2022”. Have a look before you actually head into the wilderness.

How do you first camp with a dog?

Here is everything you need to know if you are camping with your dog for the first time:

Begin practicing at home first.

Camping generally means spending time outdoors with strangers all around. And camping with dogs means there are going to be several other dogs and pets as well. Now since your dog can be sensitive to several of these camping circumstances, prepare him well at home first.

Set up a tent at home and train your dog to sleep inside it. Or, if you are planning to let your dog sleep in a crate during Camping, prepare for the same. Slowly, set up the tent/crate in your garden or backyard. Once you feel your dog is determined, you can head up for Camping in a real campground.

Practice good campsite etiquette.

The campsite is a public space, and thus your dog needs to behave accordingly. Here are a few things you must train your dog with,

For Dogs,

• Teach to be calm around strangers and other dogs.
• Train your dog not to invade others’ privacy uninvited.
• Teach your dog to stay on the trail.

For People,

• Have control of your dog and do not allow him to enter or roam around other’s tents.
• Command train your dog with all the basic commands, including sit, stop, come back, No, Yes, etc.
• Pick up and properly dispose of dog waste.
• Be quiet and calm amongst others.
• Respect local wildlife and flora.

Understand local camping regulations.

While camping with your dog, do check for a dog-friendly campsite. Respect rules and regulations and refrain from planning for campgrounds that have restrictions on pet animals.

Also, do check the local lease rules. While some campgrounds allow dogs only with lease-on, others allow them off-lease as well.

According to what you and your pet dog will feel comfortable with, choose the campground accordingly. You can find all this information on online websites.

Identify the best time of the year (depending upon the dog breed you own). It may depend upon the region you stay in or are planning to go camping in.  

If summers at the campground are not very harsh, it is the best time to be there. Whereas if you are naturally born to survive in the cold, you can go for winter and snow camping as well.

Choose the best tent for you and your dog.

A dog tent should be spacious enough, must last long, and provide the required protection outdoors. Besides that, the tent must be waterproof, rainproof, windproof, and bugproof. And while you are camping with your dog, the tent must be fit enough for housing him as well.

Best tents for Campers (with dogs)

CAMPROS Tent-8-Person-Camping-Tents (Overall best)

Coleman Cabin Tent (Available in 3 different sizes, depending upon individuals)

KTT Extra Large Tent 12 Person

Coleman Dome Tent with Screen Room

Best tents for Dogs

OLizee Breathable Washable Pet Tent

SUPERJARE XLarge Outdoor Dog Bed

Horing Pop Up Tent

Furhaven Indoor-Outdoor Pop Up Exercise Playpen Pet Tent

Prepare for Emergencies.

Because it is your first time Camping with a dog, you have no idea about emergencies you can face. But still, there are some suggestions from camping experts. These will help you cope with uncertainties easily. Here are a few things you can do to prepare:

• Carry all essential medications for your dog (and your own as well).
• Carry along a first aid kit.
• A muzzle, since you never know how a pet can behave in public.
• Your Vet’s mobile number in case you need some quick advice.
• Search online for a vet nearest to your campground.
• Carry along with your dog’s identification information, vaccine cards, and health history documents.
• Also, do keep your dog’s microchip information.
• Ensure with your Vet whether your dog is fit enough to do for Camping.
• Protect Your Dog’s paws. Invest in some good dog shoes that must keep their feet comfortable and safe.
• Along with that, also keep a dog paw balm in case you need it later on.

Camping with a dog checklist

If you are taking your dog camping for the first time, here are all the things you might need,

Checklist A

• Dog’s food and water bowl
• Dog’s food and water. (Check with the campground prior to knowing if they have fresh drinking water or not. If yes, it will save you from carrying at least water along).
• Your dog’s favorite toys and treats. They will come in extremely handy when you feel it is difficult to manage the pet.
• Plenty of dog wipes and a few towels.
• Dog poop pickers and poop bags.
• Collar and harness.
• A small dog lead that can fit in your dog’s collar.
• A medicine kit.
• A first-aid kit.
• Pet clothes in case the weather might ask for them.
• A small grooming kit.
• Pet blanket and sleeping essentials.

Checklist B

• It includes things a pet’s first aid kit must include. Have a look before you plan,
• Vaccination & medical records and emergency phone numbers
• Hydrogen peroxide for cleaning minor wounds.
• Gauze, scissors, tape, rubber gloves
• Basic and essential medications
• Sterile eye solution
• Plastic syringe
• Tweezers
• Digital thermometer
• Antibiotic ointment
• Cotton balls
• Magnifying glass

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I protect my dog while camping?

1. With a few precautions here and there and you can keep your dog happy and safe while Camping.
2. Watch the temperature before you go.
3. Get your dog groomed for a better experience.
4. Ensure travel safety while you are driving towards the campsite.
5. Protect your dog’s paws.
6. Use flea and ticks’ protection.
7. Visit the Vet for a pre-trip check-up.
8. Always keep the dog on lease until you feel the environment around is safe to let him free.
9. Check the campground’s surrounding for wildlife (both online and personal).
10. Observe your fellow campers and their pets.
11. Choose a safe sleeping spot
12. Stay cautious on trails.
13. Look out for poisonous plants and vegetation and keep the dog away from them.
14. Always keep an eye on your dog.
15. Keep your dog cool/ warm during the Camping, as and when required.
16. After coming back, go for a quick vet and grooming appointment again.

Camping with multiple dogs- Is it possible?

Camping with multiple dogs takes planning and a hell lot of planning. However, since you are living with them already at home and managing things well, you can do that outdoors at Camping as well.

1. Since you are camping with multiple dogs, plan sleeping and resting space for them all. This means you might need a bigger tent and more blankets.
2. Pack more food or research in the campground locality for a pet shop. Contact them beforehand, ensuring they have pet food that your dogs prefer.
3. Talk with the campground owner for freshwater since you cannot carry liters along.
4. Take all the dogs for pre-vet and grooming appointments.
5. Pack all the necessary double or multiple times for each dog.
6. And at last, be extra cautious and always keep your eyes wide open, rotating 360 degrees.

How to go camping with a puppy?

Your new canine family member is easy-going when it comes to Camping. It is also one of the most rewarding ways to bond with your new dog. And since you are taking him for adventures early, he will get used to it quite better with time. However, camping with a puppy requires pre-planning. Here are a few tips for the same,

1. Begin with determining your puppy’s right age. If he/she is old enough to leave his mother, the time is absolutely right to start with. Or precisely, wait for your puppy to turn 8 to 9 weeks before his/her first Camping.
2. Puppies in public are more prone to infection and diseases. Thus, unless your pet is fully vaccinated, avoid Camping.
3. Pack a dog first aid kit and learn necessary dog first aid skills. Especially if you are a new pet parent, learning skills are quite necessary for you.
4. Train your pup for basic commands.
5. Be attentive and cautious with your puppy’s energy levels.
6. Give the little canine plenty of time to rest and recover. Take multiple breaks in between, especially during a hike.
7. Before leaving home, introduce your puppy to the tent.
8. And, do not forget to pack all the essentials.

How to go camping with an anxious dog? Important tips

When camping with an anxious and aggressive dog, here are a few tips that might help you. Have a look:

1. Choose to camp at a low-traffic campsite.
2. Go for RVing (preferably) rather than Camping.
3. Bring plenty of treats and toys, especially the ones that your dog likes.
4. Keep the dog on lease for most of the time.
5. Bring Puzzle Toys or Chews. Such things will help your dog settle.
6. Never leave your dog’s side.
7. Stay aware of your dog’s anxious behavior. If it is due to some past trauma, stay tuned that it doesn’t appear ever again. Some dogs get anxious in public, especially with strangers around. And with that dog, drop the idea of Camping until they are really comfortable.
8. Never push your dog’s limit.
9. Look out for your campsite’s privacy.
10. Create an escape plan in case your dog isn’t taking Camping very well.

Truck camping with dog- Is it a better option?

Truck camping and RVing with a dog are easier and better than camping for most. Since your dog is already habitual of staying inside the moving home, all you need to think about is your new destination. Thus, beyond and before anything, always choose a safe, dog-friendly campground.

Common camping options with your Dog

Noosa Camping with dog

The lovely parks and campgrounds of Noosa are ideal for a pleasing day of outdoor adventure. With local riverfront, beachfront, and hinterland, this is the holiday you can your dog needs. This popular outdoor destination in Australia has several dog-friendly camping parks. Here are some of the finest amongst them:

• Noosa Caravan Park

Address: 143 Moorindil St, Tewantin QLD 4565

Phone: (07) 5449 8060

• Noosa North Shore Retreat Tourist Park

Address: 1 Beach Rd, Noosa North Shore QLD 4565

 Phone: (07) 5447 1225

Byron bay camping with a dog

Byron Bay is another friendly town in Australia known for its camping approach. Since it is a beach town, your every morning views are truly spectacular each day. Here are some of the finest dog-friendly campgrounds in Byron Bay:

• Byron Holiday Park: Address: 5-37 Broken Head Road, Byron Bay NSW 2481

• Wollondilly River Station: Address: 4650 Wombeyan Caves Road, via MittagongGoodmans Ford, NSW 2580

• Bright Holiday Park: Address: Cherry Lane, Bright VIC 3741

California camping with a dog

Ten dog-friendly campgrounds in California- The most awesome ones:

1. Furnace Creek Campground – Death Valley National Park
2. Serrano Campground – Big Bear Lake
3. Circle X Ranch – Santa Monica Mountains
4. Plaskett Creek Campground – Big Sur
5. Dogwood Campground, San Bernardino Mountains
6. Girard Ridge Lookout, Shasta-Trinity National Forest
7. Pineknot, Big Bear Lake
8. Twin Lakes Campground
9. Liberty Glen Campground
10. Fremont Campground – Los Padres National Forest

• 10 best small dogs for hiking

UK camping with a dog

1. Cofton Country Holidays, Devon
2. Wolverley Campsite, Kidderminster
3. Headiton Holidays, Banff
4. Setthorns Campsite, New Forest
5. The Meadows, Cornwall

Wrapping Up…

Whether you are a casual explorer or a seasoned adventure enthusiast, the above ‘Camping with a dog’ guide will bring you immense help.

We hope it has helped you prepare for the ultimate camping experience whether you and your canine buddy both can enjoy. If you’re planning a camping trip anytime soon, may you have the best time?