Camping with Dogs: Gear, Tips & Best Campgrounds

There is a particular magic to camping with your dog that non-dog-people simply cannot understand. The way your pup investigates every new smell with the intensity of a forensic scientist. The warmth of a furry body pressed against yours in a sleeping bag on a cold night. The look of pure joy on their face as they discover a stick that is somehow better than every other stick they have ever found.

Camping with dogs is one of the most rewarding outdoor experiences a pet parent can have. But it also requires more planning and preparation than a solo camping trip. From choosing the right gear to selecting dog-friendly campgrounds, from managing wildlife encounters to keeping your dog comfortable and safe in the wilderness, there is a lot to consider. This guide covers every aspect of camping with your canine companion, whether you are car camping at a developed campground or venturing into the backcountry for a multi-day adventure.

Essential Gear for Camping with Your Dog

Sleeping and Shelter

Dog Sleeping Pad or Bed ($20 to $80) Your dog needs insulation from the ground just like you do. Options include:

• Ruffwear Highlands Sleeping Bag ($90): A dedicated dog sleeping bag with synthetic insulation, perfect for cold-weather camping. Folds into a compact stuff sack.
• Klymit Moon Dog Pad ($50): A lightweight inflatable pad designed specifically for dogs. Provides excellent insulation and cushioning.
• Basic foam pad or blankets from home: The budget option that works perfectly well for car camping. Bring a blanket your dog already sleeps on for familiar comfort.

Pet Parent Tip: Many dogs will not sleep on unfamiliar bedding in an unfamiliar environment. Bring their favorite blanket from home, even if it is ratty and dog-smelling. Especially if it is ratty and dog-smelling.

Tent Considerations If your dog will sleep in your tent (and they probably should for warmth and safety), consider these factors:

• Choose a tent one size larger than you would for just humans. A dog takes up more space than you expect.
• Use a footprint or ground cloth to protect the tent floor from claws.
• Some tent brands offer dog-specific features. Big Agnes makes a tent insert called the “mtnGLO” with a dog door.
• Place your dog’s bed between the tent wall and your sleeping pad to keep them contained and warm.

Containment and Control

Campsite Tether System ($15 to $40) A tie-out cable strung between two trees gives your dog freedom to move around camp while staying secure. Look for a system rated for your dog’s weight with swivel clips to prevent tangling.

• Ruffwear Knot-a-Hitch ($40): A premium hitching system with a stretch section that absorbs shock. Can be strung between trees, posts, or vehicle hitch points.
• Standard spiral stake and cable ($15): A budget option for campgrounds where trees are distant. Screw the stake into the ground and attach the cable.

Leashes Bring at least two leashes:

• A standard six-foot leash for trail hiking and campground walks
• A longer training lead (15 to 30 feet) for swimming, fetch, and supervised exploration around camp

Portable Pen or X-Pen ($40 to $100) For dogs that are not reliable on a tether, a portable exercise pen creates a contained area at your campsite. These fold flat for transport and set up in minutes.

Food and Water

Collapsible Bowls ($5 to $15) Pack at least two: one for food and one for water. Silicone versions fold flat and weigh almost nothing.

Water Supply Bring enough water for your dog. Do not rely on natural water sources, which may contain giardia, leptospirosis, or blue-green algae. A general guideline is one ounce of water per pound of body weight per day, plus extra for activity.

Food Storage Store dog food in airtight containers or dry bags. In bear country, dog food must go in a bear canister or bear box, just like human food. The smell of kibble is just as attractive to bears as your trail mix.

Dog Backpack ($40 to $100) Let your dog carry their own supplies. A well-fitted dog backpack can hold water bottles, food, poop bags, and a collapsible bowl. Dogs should carry no more than 25 percent of their body weight, and you should build up to that gradually.

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Safety Equipment

Dog First Aid Kit ($20 to $50) Every camping trip with a dog requires a first aid kit. You can buy a pre-made kit or assemble your own. Essential items include:

• Gauze pads and rolls
• Adhesive tape (medical grade)
• Hydrogen peroxide (3%, to induce vomiting if instructed by a vet or poison control)
• Tweezers (for tick and thorn removal)
• Styptic powder (to stop bleeding from nail injuries)
• Benadryl (consult your vet for proper dosage)
• Antiseptic wipes
• Elastic bandage wrap
• Emergency blanket
• Digital thermometer
• Muzzle (even friendly dogs may bite when in pain)
• Vet wrap (self-adhering bandage)

Reflective Gear Campgrounds and trails can be dark. Equip your dog with:

• A reflective collar or harness
• An LED collar light (Nite Ize SpotLit or similar, $5 to $10)
• Reflective leash
• A glow stick attached to their collar as a backup

Dog Booties ($20 to $60) Not for fashion; for protection. Hot sand, sharp rocks, ice, and rough terrain can all damage paw pads. Products like Ruffwear Grip Trex ($80 for a set of four) or more affordable options from QUMY ($20 for four) provide excellent protection.

Cleanup Supplies

• Poop bags: Bring far more than you think you need. A 200-count roll is not overkill for a weekend trip.
• A small camp shovel: For burying waste in backcountry areas (dig a cathole six to eight inches deep, at least 200 feet from water sources).
• Wet wipes: For cleaning muddy paws before they enter the tent.
• A towel dedicated to your dog: For drying off after swims.
• Enzyme cleaner: A small spray bottle for accidents in the tent.

Choosing a Dog-Friendly Campground

Types of Campgrounds

Developed Campgrounds (National Parks, State Parks, KOA) These offer amenities like running water, flush toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Most developed campgrounds welcome dogs with standard leash rules. Fees typically range from $20 to $50 per night.

National Forest Campgrounds Generally more relaxed about pets and often more affordable ($10 to $25 per night). Many national forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served, which adds flexibility but also uncertainty.

Dispersed Camping (National Forests and BLM Land) Free camping on public land with no amenities. Maximum freedom for you and your dog, but requires more self-sufficiency. Check local regulations, as some dispersed camping areas have seasonal or fire restrictions.

Private Campgrounds and RV Parks Policies vary widely. Some are very dog-friendly with dedicated dog parks and wash stations. Others restrict breeds, sizes, or the number of pets per site.

Top Dog-Friendly Campgrounds Across America

East Coast:

• Acadia National Park Campgrounds, Maine: Blackwoods and Seawall both welcome dogs. Proximity to miles of dog-friendly trails makes this a top choice.
• Hungry Mother State Park, Virginia: Lakeside camping with dog-friendly trails and swimming.

Southeast:

• Cade’s Cove Campground, Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee: Dogs welcome in the campground even though most park trails are off-limits.
• Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, Florida: Rare dog-friendly beach camping in Florida’s Panhandle.

Midwest:

• Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan: Dog-friendly camping near Lake Michigan with beach access.
• Itasca State Park, Minnesota: Camp at the headwaters of the Mississippi River with your dog.

Mountain West:

• Moraine Park Campground, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado: Dogs welcome in the campground. Adjacent Roosevelt National Forest has dog-friendly trails.
• Colter Bay Campground, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming: Stunning Teton views from dog-friendly campsites.

Pacific Northwest:

• Deception Pass State Park, Washington: Camping on Whidbey Island with beach access and forest trails.
• Cape Lookout State Park, Oregon: Oceanside camping with dog-friendly beach access.

Southwest:

• Mather Campground, Grand Canyon, South Rim: Dogs welcome in the campground and on the South Rim Trail.
• Watchman Campground, Zion National Park, Utah: Dogs welcome in camp and on the Pa’rus Trail.

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Campsite Setup and Management

Setting Up Camp with Your Dog

1. Secure your dog first. Before unloading gear, set up the tether system or pen. An excited dog loose at a new campsite is a recipe for chaos.
2. Do a perimeter check. Walk the campsite with your dog on a leash, looking for hazards: ant hills, poisonous plants, broken glass, exposed nails on picnic tables, and neighboring campers with dogs.
3. Establish the sleeping area. Set up the tent and place your dog’s bed inside. Let them investigate and claim their spot.
4. Set up food and water stations. Place bowls in a consistent location your dog can find easily.
5. Create a bathroom area. Choose a spot at the edge of your campsite where you will consistently take your dog to relieve themselves.

Campfire Safety

• Create a barrier between your dog and the fire ring. A tether system that keeps your dog at least six feet from the fire is ideal.
• Watch for hot embers. Dogs are curious and may investigate embers that have popped out of the fire ring.
• Be mindful of cooking smells. A dog drawn to the smell of grilled burgers may get too close to hot surfaces.
• Extinguish completely before letting your dog off-tether, even briefly.

Managing Noise

Camping dogs encounter many unfamiliar sounds: other campers, wildlife, wind, and the creaks and pops of a cooling campfire. Some dogs respond by barking.

• Bring a white noise machine or play soft music in the tent to mask unfamiliar sounds.
• Exercise your dog thoroughly before bed. A tired dog sleeps through more disturbances.
• Practice “quiet” commands before the trip.
• Consider calming aids for anxiety-prone dogs.

Wildlife Safety

Bears

If you are camping in bear country:

• Store all food (including dog food and treats) in a bear canister or bear locker.
• Never feed your dog at the campsite without cleaning up immediately.
• Keep your dog on a leash at all times. A dog that chases a bear may lead the bear back to you.
• Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
• Make noise on trails to avoid surprising bears.

Snakes

• Keep your dog on-trail where you can see the ground ahead.
• Be especially cautious around rock piles, logs, and tall grass.
• If your dog is bitten, carry them to the car if possible to reduce circulation of venom. Get to a vet immediately. Do not apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, or try to suck out venom.
• Consider a rattlesnake avoidance training program if you camp frequently in snake country. These programs use safe, controlled encounters to teach dogs to avoid snakes.

Porcupines

• Quill encounters are common in forested campgrounds.
• If your dog gets quilled, do not attempt to remove more than a few shallow quills yourself. Deeply embedded quills require veterinary removal under sedation.
• Keep your dog leashed at night when porcupines are most active.

Skunks

• A sprayed dog is miserable for everyone. Keep your dog leashed and supervised.
• If sprayed, a mixture of one quart hydrogen peroxide, quarter cup baking soda, and one teaspoon dish soap is the most effective remedy. Apply immediately, let sit for five minutes, then rinse.

Backcountry Camping with Dogs

For experienced campers, backcountry adventures with dogs offer unparalleled freedom and solitude. But they also require advanced planning.

Permit Requirements

Many wilderness areas require backcountry permits. Check the National Park Service permit system or your local land management agency whether permits accommodate pets, as some wilderness areas restrict or prohibit dogs.

Leave No Trace with Dogs

• Pack out all waste. In the backcountry, use a cathole only if you cannot carry it out. Many popular backcountry areas now require packing out dog waste entirely.
• Camp at least 200 feet from water sources.
• Do not let your dog swim in alpine lakes or small ponds. Pet waste and the oils from dog fur can contaminate fragile water sources.

Weight and Distance Considerations

• Start with shorter overnight trips (3 to 5 miles in) before attempting multi-day expeditions.
• Monitor your dog’s endurance and adjust pace accordingly.
• Carry emergency gear including a first aid kit, emergency blanket, and enough water for an unexpected night out.

Campsite Etiquette

Being a considerate camping neighbor ensures dog-friendly policies continue:

• Keep your dog quiet during quiet hours (typically 10 PM to 6 AM).
• Never let your dog approach other campers’ sites, food, or pets without invitation.
• Clean up all waste including any your dog deposits in common areas.
• Respect leash rules. Even if your dog is perfectly behaved off-leash, rules exist for the comfort and safety of all campers.
• Be prepared to leave if your dog’s behavior is disruptive and you cannot manage it.

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The Complete Camping with Dogs Packing Checklist

Print this list before your next camping trip:

Shelter and Sleep:

• Dog sleeping pad or blanket
• Extra blanket for cold nights
• Tent footprint (to protect from claws)

Food and Water:

• Dog food (enough for all days plus one extra)
• Treats and training rewards
• Collapsible bowls (2)
• Water supply (1 oz per pound per day)
• Airtight food storage container
• Portable water filter (backup)

Safety:

• Six-foot leash
• Long training lead (15-30 feet)
• Tether system or stake and cable
• Reflective collar or LED light
• Dog booties
• First aid kit
• Bear spray (if applicable)
• Muzzle (emergency use)

Comfort:

• Favorite toy
• Chew items
• Cooling vest or jacket (seasonal)
• Dog raincoat

Cleanup:

• Poop bags (200+)
• Camp towel for dog
• Wet wipes
• Enzyme cleaner spray

Documentation:

• Vaccination records
• Dog license and ID tags
• Recent photo of your dog
• Emergency vet contact information
• Campground reservation confirmation

Final Thoughts

Camping with your dog is one of life’s simplest and most profound pleasures. The wilderness strips away the distractions of daily life and leaves you with the essentials: fresh air, starry skies, a warm fire, and the companionship of an animal who asks for nothing more than to be wherever you are.

With the right gear, thoughtful preparation (including a proper pet first aid kit), and respect for the natural environment and fellow campers, you and your dog can build a lifetime of camping memories. Start with a weekend at a nearby campground, find your rhythm together. Dog-friendly national parks are some of the best places to camp with your pup, and then let the trails lead you wherever adventure calls.

The campfire is lit, the stars are out, and your dog is curled up at your feet. It does not get much better than this.

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Related Reading

• Dog-Friendly National Parks: Best Trails in 2026
• 25 Best Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in America
• Pet First Aid Kit for Travel: What to Pack and How to Use It