How To Go Camping With Dogs, 100% Stress-Free

As the weather gets nicer, you might’ve considered taking your buddies out on runs, hikes – or even camps out in the wild. What better company than when exploring the woods, splashing through mountain creeks, enjoying starry nights around the campfire, or sleeping bundled up together in a tent? Makes camping with dogs one of the funnest, most fulfilling experiences you could have.

But even with all this fun, all it takes is a few second’s negligence from your side to have your buddy (or buddies) run off from your campsite and end up injured, poisoned – or just lost, way too far from safety.

So here are our top tips on how to go camping with dogs and return home with your sanity intact. (Including the best way to prevent a lost dog situation out in the woods or wilderness.)

What to consider if you’d like to go camping with dogs

For many of us humans, camping trips take us outside of our comfort zone. The same applies for camping with dogs – meaning your buddies’ personality, activity level, age, and how well-trained they are can all play a role in whether you’ll all enjoy yourselves…or come home swearing you’ll never take them out with you again!

Because, for example:

• Are your dogs likely to get a bit over-excited at the new sights, sounds, and smells at the campground?
• Can your dogs get along with other dogs?
• Do any of your dogs bark incessantly? (That’s a surefire way to annoy all the other campers!)
• Do your dogs respond to basic commands like Come, Sit, and Stay? These skills help maintain control of your pooch in the stimulating outdoor environment. 
• Are your buddies on the younger side? (You know how rambunctious puppies can get – and a litter of them together can be a nightmare.)
• Are your buddies on the older side? Senior dogs might be better off with gentle hiking trails and need more frequent breaks.

Read more: 4 Important Dog Commands & How To Teach ‘Em

You’ll also find it helpful to consider your dog’s level of activity and whether they’ve still got their hunting breed instincts.

Because as it turns out:

• High-energy active dog breeds just need that much more exercise to “chill out” by your side (and safety) at the end of the day. (Else they’re still likely to get hyperactive well into the night!)
• If your dog comes from a former hunting dog breed, you’ve got their prey drive to consider. Aka, their instinct to chase down “prey” – or smaller woodland animals.

⚠️All of which can lead your buddies to run off into the woods – away from you and too far for safety.

Read more: Why Do Dogs Run Away? 6 Reasons Behind It

💡Which is why dog parents around the world – just like you – are escape-proofing their camps by strapping GPS trackers to their buddies’ collars.

Because with just a glance at your phone, your trusty Tractive GPS helps you track your dog:

• In real-time,
• Over an unlimited range,
• While on vacation – or 175 countries if you’re on a Premium subscription

Which, like we’ve gathered from happy Tractive dog parents around the world, has been a lifesaver when out hiking or camping with dogs in the woods or wilderness.

Discover Tractive GPS

Besides, before you head out camping with dogs, we’d also recommend you…

Drop by your vet before the trip

Before your trip, make sure to get the green light from your vet first. It’s always a good idea to ensure your buddies are up to date on their vaccine shots – especially rabies.

• It’s always possible your dogs might encounter wild animals that could spread rabies.
• Camping with dogs means mosquitoes – which means they’re at risk for picking up heartworm.

Puppies aren’t fully vaccinated until they are 5-6 months old, so wait until then before taking a puppy camping.

Ensure your buddies are easy to identify

Camping with dogs means a billion opportunities for your buddies to dash off into unfamiliar territory – and likely end up:

• Lost,
• Injured,
• Or even poisoned from eating something they really shouldn’t! (Whether that’s out in nature or from a trash heap nearby.)

Which is why we’d always recommend you make your dogs easy to identify. A collar with an ID tag is always a good practice, especially if it includes your contact details.

But if you’re planning on camping off-grid where cell service isn’t the best, consider getting your dogs microchipped.

• In under 10 minutes, a vet can painlessly implant one beneath your dogs’ skin – where it contains all your contact details.
• Now if someone finds your lost dog, they can take them to a vet or shelter – where the staff can scan them for a microchip, find your contact details, and get in touch with you.

⚠️ Just make sure not to confuse microchips with GPS trackers!

A microchip is just like a permanent ID tag for your dog. It can’t help you track your dog’s location in real-time – or help you take an active role in a “lost dog” situation.

That’s where you just need to hit “LIVE” on your trusty Tractive device – and follow your dog’s every step as they make their every step.

Meaning peace of mind for you – and the ability to let your dog just…well, be a dog, and explore, sniff around, and investigate their new environment without you hovering over them 24/7!

Never Lose Your Dog Again

Do a practice camping trip in your backyard

The next step is to set up your tent in the backyard and hang out together inside.

• Feed your dogs in the tent, and place their beds and favorite toys inside to make it feel like home.
• If your dogs have never slept outdoors, acclimate them to snoozing outside. Take a few daytime naps together in a hammock. If your buddies can ignore all the distractions and stay by your side, they might do well when out camping with you.
• Socialize with people and other dogs while out on walks or at the dog park. Besides helping your buddies develop their own social skills and learn to behave, it can also help them get better prepared for camp life.

Once your dogs are comfortable in the tent, spend the night in the tent with them.

• See how they react to the experience. Some dogs may be unable to sleep, or may bark at all the nighttime sounds. (A few spritzes of calming spray inside the tent may help.)
• By slowly acclimating your dogs to the tent and offering verbal praise, your buddies may learn to love camping!

Get the lay of the land before camping with your dog

Before your camping trip, research your destination. Will you be mostly outdoors, sightseeing in town, or visiting family?

• If you plan to do lots of hiking, build up your dog’s stamina by taking longer walks each day. Hiking with dogs is another fun activity to help you both get used to it.
• If your dog is older or has health issues, plan to adjust your daily activities to accommodate them.

⚠️Another important detail to keep an eye out for: danger zones in the camping areas.

These could mean areas with:

• Dangerous wildlife, including snakes, bears, or coyotes
• Poisonous plants, including mushrooms – which can be toxic to dogs
• Poison bait
• Animal traps
• Trash, including food leftovers
• …and anything else you’d rather not have your buddies run into while out camping.

💡And if you’ve invested in a Tractive device, you can even mark out these danger zones on your mobile app – and broadcast your report to fellow dog parents in the area!

So you can both keep your dogs safe – and do your part as a responsible dog parent.

Camp Safely With Your Dogs

What to keep in mind when picking a dog-friendly camping spot

Camping has grown in popularity recently, so planning ahead isn’t just smart – it’s essential for a stress-free adventure. Not all campgrounds welcome dogs, so make sure to call ahead and reserve your dog friendly campsite early so you won’t be disappointed. 

• Private campgrounds, state or provincial parks, and national forests are most likely to be dog friendly.
• National parks in the United States do not allow pets in the backcountry, so you won’t be able to hike with your pup, but pets are allowed in some developed areas of national parks.
• Many natural areas prohibit pets in order to protect sensitive areas or endangered wildlife. Make sure to double-check these rules before you head off, so you can avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Keep in mind the “unwritten rules” when out camping with dogs

Your campground’s website may have a list of rules for camping with your pet. But there are unwritten rules and expectations for your dogs at a campground, especially when they’re crowded and busy – like in summer.

• Leash laws. Nearly all pet friendly camping sites require dogs to be on a dog leash at all times, and leashes can be no more than six feet long. No one wants their hamburgers or trail mix gobbled up by your roaming pooch! 
• Always ask before allowing your dog to approach other people or pets in the campground. As hard as it might be to believe, not everyone likes dogs – and not all dogs (or dog parents) like to be approached!
• Quiet hours at campgrounds are usually from 11 PM to 7 AM – which applies to your dogs too. If your buddies are prone to barking at strange movements or sounds, make sure to wean them off this behavior before going out camping!

Read more: Our Top Tips On How To Get Your Dog To Stop Barking

Don’t leave your dogs alone while out camping

Leaving your dog (or dogs) tethered alone in your campsite is a no-no.

• Your pup will be vulnerable to wildlife in the area.
• Small children could wander too close.
• Dogs tend to get tangled up, which could result in injury.

If you tether your dog while you relax or prepare food, ensure that your buddy can’t reach walking paths where people are likely to pass by.

⚠️You may also be tempted to leave your pup in the car or your RV while you enjoy a hike. But vehicles can become dangerously hot for pets, even when the windows are cracked open. It’s always better to have them accompany you while you’re out on the forest trails.

And if your buddy ends up yanking against their leash and bolting off into the distance…

Hit “LIVE” & Get Tracking

Be extra mindful of what your dogs eat while out camping

Whether it’s some extra snacks or nibbles from other campers – or something they’ve found in the woods, it’s always smart to monitor every morsel your buddy eats while you’re out camping.

• Common camping food items like Trail Mix, for example, might contain ingredients like chocolate or raisins – both of which can be fatally toxic to dogs.
• There’s always the chance one of your kids (or someone else’s) might palm off some unwanted veggies to your buddies. Which might land you at the vet’s clinic if it turns out to be onions, garlic, or mushrooms – or other vegetables that aren’t safe for dogs.
• If you’ve got a particularly food-motivated dog (or dogs), there’s nothing stopping them from invading a fellow camper’s grill – and making a nuisance of themselves begging for food.
• Your dogs might even sniff out roadkill or some other “forbidden” snacks out in the woods, which (if it’s spoiled) can also make them very sick.

💡So be extra mindful that you’re the only one feeding your dog – so you know exactly what they’re eating at all times.

Set some firm boundaries with other campers regarding feeding your dog (or dogs) any extra treats or snacks, especially if you aren’t 100% sure what ingredients they contain.

What gear do I need when out camping with dogs?

Planning ahead means bringing all the right gear for a safe and enjoyable camping trip with your dog. This includes figuring out:

• Where your dogs should sleep
• How to keep them safe while out on walks
• What steps to take if one or more of your dogs ends up getting hurt
• How to keep your dogs entertained while out camping

⚠️ And most importantly: how to find your dogs if they end up running off in the few seconds you stop to take a photo of your surroundings.

Where should my dog sleep? 

Your dog should sleep in your tent, camper, or RV – wherever you’re sleeping!

• If you sleep in a tent, you have to consider that dogs take up a lot of space. It’s not a bad idea to get a larger tent so that everyone will be comfortable.
• Do you want your dog to sleep next to you or in their crate? Some tents have a vestibule with no floor, which is a good spot for the crate.
• Bring your dog’s bed or a familiar-smelling rug to increase their comfort level.
• For camping in cold weather, try a dog sleeping bag. Some can attach to your sleeping bag for extra snuggles and warmth. 

Tie-outs, kennels & pens

You probably don’t want to hold your dog’s leash during your entire camping trip, so use a tie-out, crate, or pen at your campsite. After all, you’ll be busy maintaining your camp, prepping meals, or possibly napping after a long hike. 

Dogs often get tangled up in a tied-out line. Instead, string a line between two trees and attach the leash that can slide along the line. Place this in the shade so your dog can stay cool.

A pen or crate gives your dog a safe place to relax or sleep. When you need to visit the restroom or shower, keep your dog safely inside their crate in the tent. 

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Bring a good quality leash & harness for your dog

Harnesses are more comfortable than collars when you’re out camping with dogs, especially when you need to control an excited pooch on chipmunk patrol. They’re less likely to make your dogs choke against them and you can even attach LED lights to one easily – if you need help tracking down your dog in areas with poor visibility.

Read more: How to Put on a Dog Harness in 7 Simple Steps

💡Worried you’ll lose your dogs in the dark – or just somewhere you can’t find them at a glance?

Just trigger your trusty Tractive device’s:

• Light function, which uses a bright LED light against your dog’s collar or harness,
• Sound function, which lets out a high-pitched melody

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Pack a dog first-aid kit

Going out camping with dogs means being likely to not have a vet around you – for miles, at best. So make sure to plan ahead by carrying along a dog first aid kit.

• Print out your dog’s medical records and keep your vet’s phone number at hand.
• If your dogs take medication, bring enough for your expected stay plus a few extra days in case your return home is delayed. 
• Basic first aid items like gauze, wet wipes, and a pair of tweezers (for any thorns or burrs) can come in handy in a pinch.

Pack more dog food & water than you think you need

Camping is an active adventure, so your pup will burn more energy and need up to half of more dog food than they normally consume. Just make sure you carry some dog-friendly snacks and treats to keep your buddy full throughout. (And avoid giving them any “human” foods you aren’t sure about!)

Besides, we’d also recommend you always carry enough water for you and your pup on hikes. Collapsible dog bowls are a great way to serve dog food and give your pooch a refreshing drink on the trail and at the campsite. 

Bring along some of your dog’s favorite toys

Besides exploring, camping with dogs usually means enjoying a wide open space for them to run around and get some exercise in. Some campgrounds have fenced-in dog parks where your pup can run off leash or play a game of catch.

• So make sure to bring along their favorite balls, frisbees, or tug-of-war ropes to keep them occupied.
• Otherwise, if your campground has a pond, lake, or ocean access, you could always take your buddies for a refreshing swim.

Read more: Dog Park Etiquette: How to Follow Dog Park Rules And Make Your Visit Enjoyable

Our top safety tips for when you’re out camping with dogs

Keeping your buddies safe is essential for a successful (and stress-free) camping trip. Make sure to plan ahead for these steps before you head outdoors:

Protect your dog’s paws

Camping may expose your dog’s paws to rough or hot surfaces (like sand) that can irritate sensitive foot pads, so outfit your pup with dog booties. Hiking-style booties provide good traction.  

Read more: 8 Best Tips On How To Protect Dog Paws In Snow

Watch out for pesky critters like fleas, mites & ticks

At your pre-camping veterinary visit, ask about flea and tick protection for your dog. If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, this is probably already part of your dog’s health regimen, but your vet may have additional suggestions for your camping trip.

Every evening, do a tick check of your dog. Bring a tick removal device, called a tick key, and use it to safely disengage ticks. Use a comb to remove grass barbs from your dog’s fur, then give your pup a good brushing. 

💡You could also warn other dog parents about tick-riddled areas or pollen hotspots via your Tractive mobile app – especially those from where your buddy comes back extra itchy.

(So you can prevent them from infecting other dogs during playtime…and end up with something of a campsite epidemic.)

Mark Out A Danger Zone

Locate a vet near the campsite

Before you depart, locate a veterinarian or emergency animal clinic in the area you are visiting. Hopefully you won’t need it, but it’s better to be prepared should an emergency arise. 

Watch out for heat stroke in warm weather

During a summer camping trip, your dog could suffer from dangerous symptoms of heat stroke. So it’s smart to:

• Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day. Try hiking in the early morning to stay cool.
• Stop for frequent water breaks to avoid dehydration. Pour water from your water bottle into a collapsible dog bowl.
• If your pup is panting, stop and rest in a shady spot. Don’t restart the hike until your pup has cooled off.

If your dog begins panting excessively, becomes lethargic, vomits, or has diarrhea, these may be signs of worsening heat stroke. Immediately wrap your dog in a wet towel to cool them off and seek veterinary care. 

Escape-proof your camp perimeter

Now we know you’re probably looking forward to relaxing a bit while out camping yourself – not have to hover over your dogs 24/7 and constantly monitor them for an emergency. But it’s not like you can set up a physical fence while out camping with dogs, especially if you’re in a free range area a bit outside an established camping ground.

💡So why not try a Virtual Fence for a change – and let it do all the hard work monitoring your dogs for you?

In under 5 minutes of setup time, you can draw a “safe zone” around your tent and adjoining areas via your Tractive mobile app – and get an escape alert if your buddy tries sneaking past it.

So you can intervene right away and escape-proof your campsite without having to invest in an expensive, cumbersome physical fence.

Set Up A Safe Zone

Camping with dogs: FAQs we run into the most

What do I do with my dog while camping?

For your dog, just hanging out with you is the best part of a camping trip. But if you need enriching activities during your camping trip, here are a few ideas.

• Smell tour: Leash up your dog and take them on a “smell tour” of the campground. Let your dog lead the way and sniff everything – trees, car tires, fence posts…you get the idea. Just keep them away from people – and definitely meat on someone else’s grill!
• Go on a car ride: Give your pup’s paws a rest and take a short road trip. Many natural areas have scenic drives that offer sweeping views of the countryside. While you enjoy the vistas, let your dog stick their nose out the window and watch their ears flap in the breeze.
• Canoe or kayak: Let your pooch perch in the bow of your watercraft as you paddle a serene lake or creek, then take a swim break! Bring old towels to dry off your pup after your boating adventure.

⚠️ Just be sure not to let your buddy venture too far when out on a “sniffing” trail.

Some dogs are notoriously difficult to calm down when in prey drive – while still others might end up outrunning you with ease once they’ve sniffed out food, a female in heat, or something interesting miles away!

Read more: How Far Can Dogs Smell? Dog Sniffing Senses Explained

LIVE Track Your Dog

Do dogs get cold camping?

Depending on the breed and type of coat, dogs may need your help staying warm in cold weather.

• Small dogs and those with short hair are more likely to need a bit more layers.
• Bring booties to keep their feet warm during hikes.
• Offer a warm sleeping surface, such as a dog bed or rug, and a blanket if it’s really cold. 

Read more: Dogs And Cold Weather: How Cold Is Too Cold For Dogs?

Can dog sleep in tents?

Your tent or camper is the safest place for your dog to sleep on your camping trip. Unless you enjoy ceding the floor space to a sprawled-out dog, bring a crate for your dog to sleep in. Or, buy a larger tent for camping with your dog.

Do I need to pack out dog poop while camping?

Responsible campers subscribe to the “Leave No Trace” philosophy when on outdoor adventures. 

• If you are in a full-service campground, collect dog waste in poop bags and dispose of the poop bags in the proper trash container. 
• If you are camping in the wilderness or nature calls while your dog is on a day hike, collect the waste in a poop bag, pack it out, and dispose of it properly when you get to a trash bin.
• Do not bury a poop bag – the plastic bag will not decompose! Or, use an empty plastic jar with a screw-top lid, such as a peanut butter jar, to collect and store dog waste.  

If your dog goes on the trail while you are deep in the wilderness, it’s OK to bury unbagged poop at least 200 feet from a trail, creek, or any water source. If your dog poops right next to the trail, scoop up the waste and bury it at the proper distance from the trail.

What do I do if one of my dogs goes missing while out camping?

Nothing is worse than losing track of your pet, especially in a remote or unfamiliar area. Like we’ve covered, it only takes a few seconds of you turning the other way to get that perfect shot or selfie – and now your dog’s bounding away, a mile a minute.

So to avoid a “lost dog” situation out in the woods or wilderness, make sure you:

• Keep your buddies leashed at all times to minimize the chance of a runoff.
• Make sure your tent door is completely zipped up at night. If you do lose your dog while camping follow these tips on how to find a lost dog.

💡And if you’ve invested in a Tractive device…

• Just hit “LIVE” on your mobile app – and track down your dog as they move around in real-time.

And since you’ve got dogs that like to get up to the same rough and tumble adventures with you, the Tractive DOG XL Adventure edition comes equipped with:

• Bite-proof fiberglass-reinforced casing
• A 30-day battery life
• A 100% IPX7 waterproof build

So you can run, hike, camp, and explore the wilderness with your buddies – 100% stress-free.

Always know where your dog is

Follow every step in real-time with unlimited range. Get alerts if they wander too far. Keep them happy & healthy with Wellness Monitoring. And let others – like walkers or sitters – keep an eye on your dog too.

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Want to see the Tractive DOG XL Adventure edition in action? Here’s a short, sporty video to get you pumped for your next adventure!

And if you’ve liked this post, share it with a friend or a loved one – and let’s help build a safer, kinder world for our furry friends together. Happy trails!