The weekend forecast is looking good, you've got a few extra vacation days, and you're itching to get out of the house—it’s the perfect equation to inspire a quick camping trip. But for those with a four-legged travel companion, there are a few extra details to think through before you both hop in the car.
Each year, thousands of travelers set off to explore America’s breathtaking public lands with their dogs in tow, only to find that their pet is only allowed in the parking lot or, worse, not at all. Plus, even where dogs are allowed, making sure they have what they need means you, as their owner, need to plan ahead—we’re talking gear, heat considerations, and more.
Bringing your dog on a first camping trip can be complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. There are just a few simple measures to keep in mind. Whether you’re eyeballing a multi-day backcountry trek or an amenity-rich car camping getaway, these tips will ensure that you can take your pup along—and that you’ll both have a stress-free escape. Here are our time-tested tips for camping with dogs.
1. Check local restrictions
Though it may seem only natural for your dog to run wild in a national park, the restrictions on pets in outdoor spaces can vary wildly. Most national parks, for example, only allow dogs in developed areas (think parking lots, campgrounds, and paved walkways) to avoid disturbing wildlife.
That said, there are plenty of spots to take your pup: California campers can’t hike with their dog in Yosemite, but might be heartened to know that dogs are allowed nearly everywhere in the adjacent and no less stunning Ansel Adams Wilderness. Contrarily, Acadia National Park in Maine has over 100 miles of pet-friendly hiking trails.
BringFido and HipCamp both make it easy to search for dog-friendly campsites, while most national parks’ websites will have a pets section detailing where you can and can’t go. Wherever you're headed, call or visit your campsite's website and check the trails you plan to visit before you hit the road.
2. Bring extra food and water
The golden rule when it comes to camping with dogs? Pack twice as much water as you think they’ll need. Like humans, dogs eat and drink a lot when hiking or exercising. Depending on your dog’s size and the water availability in the area you’ll be visiting, you may need to pack as much as three liters of water per day, just for your dog. Plus, they’ll need at least as much food as they eat at home.
Worried about all that extra weight? Brands like RuffWear and Kurgo sell dog backpacks that allow your pet to carry their own supplies (or some of them, at least).
3. Know your dog's limits
Dogs need months of exercise to build up to longer hikes, so taking a new puppy on a rugged, 10-mile backpacking trip is likely a bad idea. Start small and build up to that all-day marathon. Walking on rough surfaces—like hot gravel and lava rocks, or snow and ice in the winter—will also hurt most dogs’ paws, so bring paw-protective booties and break them out as needed.
4. Have an emergency plan
Research a vet nearest to your destination, copy down their number, and know how to evacuate your dog, if needed. Fido Pro sells a harness that humans can wear like a backpack, in case your pet gets injured and needs to be carried out.
Familiarize yourself with the signs of heat stroke, like panting, hypersalivation, and rapid heart rate, and pay attention to your dog while hiking or hanging at camp. Brachycephalic dogs (the ones with the smushed-in faces) and dogs with long fur are more susceptible to heat stroke.
Going into a wilderness area with loads of ticks or unsafe water? Trainer Kelly Sosa from Central Coast Dog Services says to consider vaccinating your dog against Lyme disease or leptospirosis (a bacterial disease prevalent in warm, stagnant water and wet soil) for extra protection.
5. Make your campsite feel like home
Like with most outdoor recreation, having the right gear is key for optimal enjoyment. Stocking up on must-haves like a collapsible dog bowl, and bringing familiar items like your dog’s own bed and toys will make the getaway more relaxing for both of you. A new environment may also make it difficult for dogs to focus on eating, so bring extra treats to coax them to the dinner bowl. (Or grab their attention whenever they try to bolt after a squirrel on the trail.)
If you're staying in an area with a bear population, make sure all dog (and human) food is stored safely. That usually means using air tight containers, but each park has their own guidelines. The last thing you need is wild animal poking around your campsite.
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