Camping With Dogs: Expert Tips for Safety and Fun

If your dog is comfortable in new environments, has no noise phobia, is in good health, and does well around new people and animals, they are likely a solid candidate for a camping trip, says Carly Fox, DVM, a veterinarian at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in New York City.  

It’s also helpful if you’re a seasoned camper, too. The more you’re accustomed to camping, the more you know what to expect and the better you can help show your pup the outdoorsy ropes.  

“I would be concerned if your dog does not know basic commands—sit, stay, and drop it—has a tendency to run off, can be aggressive, or if they have separation anxiety,” Dr. Fox adds.  

If you’re still unsure, walk yourself through every component you’ll likely experience when camping with dogs, suggests Amanda Farah, MSc, CSB-D, CPDT-KA, national training and behavior coordinate for for Best Friends Animal Society. That includes the drive, unpacking, setting up the space, activities you’ll do during the day, and sleeping arrangements.  

“What will your dog be doing and feeling at those times?” Farah says. “Most dogs love the outdoors, but will they love sleeping in a strange place around unfamiliar people and other animals? Are they fit enough for the weather and exercise involved?”  

If your confident dog loves adventure and will be all-in—or that you’re willing to make compromises to help build some confidence in a nervous pup—go for it. 

You’ve likely got the camping checklist basics covered: a tent, sleeping bag, headlamps, and food. In addition to your own gear, you’ll want the following items on hand when camping with dogs. 

• Pet first aid kit: This is critical for adventuring with your dog. Farah recommends the Kurgo RSG First Aid Kit for Dogs, which is jam-packed with 49 items that help with minor accidents to larger emergencies.  

• Safety gear: A reflective collar ensures you and others can see your dog in the dark. If you’re hiking to your camping spot, consider a rescue sling like the Ruffwear BackTrak Evacuation Kit Dog Harness. “It’s one of those things that makes you feel over prepared until the moment you need it,” Farah says. 

• Medications: If your dog’s on any prescribed medication, make sure to pack these and administer them at their usual time.  
• Pest prevention: Ticks and fleas are a nuisance, especially when you’ll be spending so much time outdoors. Make sure your dog is up to date on flea and tick prevention before you go camping. The Zenpet Tick Tornado Removal Tool may come in handy, too.  

• Water: Bring more water than you think you’ll need. You and your pup may be more active than usual during the camping trip, and if the weather’s warm you’ll be extra thirsty. A good rule of thumb is to bring 1 ounce of water per pound of your dog’s body weight per day.  
• Dog food and treats: Pack enough food for all your dog’s meals, plus a couple days’ extra (just in case). You can also bring some treats along for games and good behavior. Farah recommends long-lasting treats, like the Dog Treat Naturals Chicken & Cranberry Superfood Sticks.  

• Dog cot: Your pup could sleep on the ground, but if you want to give them more of a glamping experience, Dr. Fox suggests the Trixie Camping Dog Cot. At the very least, she says to provide them with a blanket to lie on.  

From dog camping etiquette to important safety tips, follow this expert advice.  

Always double-check the campsite allows pets. (Not every campsite does!)  

Dr. Fox says to also consider whether the location itself is safe or introduces additional safety risks, like extreme weather, abundant wildlife, or very remote places far from animal care in case of emergency.  

Also consider your dog. “You would want to think twice about camping at a fireworks-friendly campground over the July holiday with a noise phobia dog, for example,” Farah says. “And if your dog is prone to overheating, a shaded campsite or access to air conditioning might be critical.”  

If you’ve never been to a particular location before, it’s not a bad idea to do a dog-free trip first. This ensures you’ll know what to expect from beginning to end, providing peace of mind. It may even help you determine whether it’s a good spot to take your dog camping. 

At the very least, do a deep dive online to find some experiences other dog parents have had.  

“Sometimes it’s hard to know what the hazards in an unfamiliar area might be and how to avoid or prepare for them without some firsthand reports,” Farah says. “From parasites to weeds that get embedded in paws to bacteria in lakes, there are things locals and other travelers know that we might not.”  

Your schedule may naturally deviate some, but when camping with dogs it’s best to stay as close to routine as possible.  

“Familiar smells and keeping some routines consistent—like feeding times and play times—will help create a sense of security when everything else feels different,” Farah explains.   

Some dogs may be better trained than others, but Dr. Fox strongly recommends keeping your dog leashed at all times. The only exception would be for highly experienced campers (dog and human) who are very familiar with the location, and even then your pup should be highly supervised.  

“This prevents them from injury, animal encounter, or ingesting something that they should not,” Dr. Fox says.  

Over-preparing is wise advice for yourself and your dog. Dr. Fox says, “Pack more food, potable water, and medications than you think you need for your dog. You do not want to be in the middle of the woods without access to their basic necessities.”  

A dog first aid kit that covers all emergencies is recommended, as well. Hopefully you’ll never touch it, but it’s peace of mind—and potentially lifesaving—in case you do.  

Healthy, well-trained dogs who are comfortable in new environments, around new people, and around other animals can do very well on a camping trip. Dogs who don’t meet these requirements may not be suited to camping.  

This depends on your dog’s personality, preferences, and experiences. If your dog generally doesn’t travel well or tends to feel anxious around a lot of strangers or in new environments, then a busy campground can be stressful. Other dogs may thrive in this environment. 

Your dog should sleep in the tent with you, ideally on a cot or blanket. Keeping them safe inside the tent protects them from bad weather, wandering, and potentially dangerous interactions with wildlife.