Camping is a family affair and your dog is very much part of your family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most dogs enjoy being outdoors, so it\u2019s natural to want to take them camping with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Days out on the trail, a crackling campfire and dog cuddles in bed \u2013 nothing beats a weekend away with your furry best friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether your dog is a seasoned camper or has never ventured out of the city, follow our guide to make sure your camping adventure is fun and memorable for all the right reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What to Consider Before Camping With Dogs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
While many campgrounds are doggy friendly, it\u2019s always worth checking the rules before you turn up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/how-to-camp-with-a-dog.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nAre Dogs Allowed?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Campgrounds may have specific rules for dog owners or only allow a certain number of dogs per site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re camping at more remote sites or in the backcountry, then you\u2019ll need to check if dogs are permitted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rules and regulations vary depending on who owns and manages the park or land you\u2019re on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In many places, you may be able to take dogs on trails but not take them camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re in the US, there\u2019s a handy guide to which national parks you can take your pet to on the National Park Service website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Like humans, dogs have their own idea of what\u2019s fun and what\u2019s not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The good news is that most of our four-legged friends love the great outdoors as much as we do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But like children, if you drag them off on an activity they don\u2019t enjoy, they\u2019ll make their displeasure clear!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some dogs are fit enough to run around all day, but if your idea of fun is a 20-mile hike and your dog refuses to walk more than 5 miles, you\u2019re going to run into problems. While you may be able to carry small dogs, if your dog is larger or doesn\u2019t enjoy being carried, then you may need to temper your expectations for the trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember, camping is supposed to be fun for you AND your furry friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Likewise, if your dog is nervous in crowds or around other dogs, you may want to choose a small, secluded campground over a big, popular site or go wild camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You don\u2019t want to travel to the middle of nowhere only to find you\u2019ve left the dog food behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure you add the essentials your dog needs (plus a few treats) to your camping checklist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We could write a whole article on this \u2013 and we have!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Check out our dog camping essentials<\/a> list for a detailed guide to your canine camping kit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To get you started though, here are some of the must-haves…<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ve never camped with your dog before, then a bit of preparation can make the experience more enjoyable for you and your fur baby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do a trial run in your backyard where you set up your tent and let your dog have a good sniff around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Throw in some of her toys or a treat to encourage her to explore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your dog is particularly nervous, you may want to do this a few times before going camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s also worth testing out your sleeping arrangements at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your pooch is as wriggly as a worm in springtime and you don\u2019t sleep a wink, then at least you\u2019ve got a bit of time to rethink your camping set up before going on your first trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The great outdoors may be heaven for you, but if your dog is used to a more urban environment, then the sights, smells, and noises can be overwhelming and scary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Think about this when choosing a campsite for your first trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your pup tends to bark at every slight sound, it\u2019s probably worth avoiding a packed campground on a holiday weekend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most campgrounds will require your dog to sleep with you, either in your tent or your vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s how to make sure you and your dog get a great night\u2019s sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unless you have a very small tent, you\u2019ll probably have your dog in with you. This keeps them close to hand and they have the reassurance of your presence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You also get a four-legged hot water bottle for your feet \u2013 win!<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can buy a sleeping bag for your pooch, but many dogs will be happy sleeping on a familiar blanket, or an old foam sleeping mat cut to size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just remember when you\u2019re buying a tent to make sure you leave enough space for your furball to fit in with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bringing your dog\u2019s crate from home can help reassure nervous pooches and give them a safe space to retreat to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If it\u2019s not practical to pack your usual crate, you can buy foldable ones designed for camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just make sure you get it out at home first to let your pup get used to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have an RV or large campervan, there\u2019s likely to be plenty of space for your dog to sleep on the floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat’s Your Dog’s Camping Personality?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Related:\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>How Do I Prepare My Dog for Hiking?<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat to Pack When Camping With Dogs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to Camp with a Dog for the First Time<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Dog](\"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/dog-laying-in-front-of-camping-tent.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nWhere Do Dogs Sleep When You’re Camping?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In Your Tent<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Dog Crate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
RV and Campervan Camping<\/h3>\n\n\n\n