Camping With Your Pup: A Helpful Guide
As the weather continues warming up, kids are out of school, and we have more daylight throughout our days, it's no wonder that many local families take advantage of the beautiful California wildlife and camp out for the summer. Camping can be a fun, active, and bonding experience for the entire family, including our pups! It's a perfect vacation to bring the entire household along for some fun.
However, there are a few things one should keep in mind when camping with your beloved furry friends! Taking our pets camping with us requires a bit more preparation, even a short trip requires some forethought. This blog will go into all the most important information about bringing your dog along for the adventure; including tips, tricks, safety & regulation reminders, as well as a few helpful products that will make your Dog-Friendly camping trip so much easier and accessible for you!
Dog Safety &
Camping Regulations
For starters, always do your research before booking your campsite if you're planning on bringing your pup! Make sure that it is allowed by the campsite, and inform Park Rangers that your pup will be joining you when you book. This will help you avoid inconveniences, breaking rules, and the Rangers will likely have some excellent advice on how to have a fun and safe trip with your pup.
Leash Requirements: Most pet-friendly camping grounds still have leash regulations and requirements. It is important to pay attention to these regulations to keep your pup, the wildlife, and other campers safe. These regulations will vary depending on the campsite so pay attention to signs, read the campsite brochure, and ask Park Rangers for more information if needed! Some campgrounds have specific rules, such as leashes being no longer than 6 feet, or no retractable leashes.
While you’re hanging around at your camping spot, it is a good idea (and sometimes required) to keep your pup leashed and tied so they cannot roam the campsite. You can use stakes/anchors to keep their leashes tied to the ground. Or you can create a “doggy zipline” by securing bungee cord between trees and using a carabiner to attach your pups leash to the bungee, this way your pup can possibly have more range of motion while still being secured to your camp spot.
Barking Ordinances: It is no secret that all dogs bark, especially if prompted by other animals or unfamiliar happenings. For the most part, Rangers and campers at dog-friendly sites will be understanding of this. However, if your dog has a tendency to bark excessively, especially at night, you may be asked to do what you can to keep them quiet or leave. If you know your dog might bark excessively, consider bringing a bark collar.
Expected Behavior: Campgrounds are places meant to be peaceful and relaxing for all! It's hard to be at peace with nature when there is an aggressive, or extremely reactive, dog on the loose. We understand that some reactive dogs need exposure to new situations, people, environments, and animals in order to build a sense of security within themselves and their owners. However, if you believe your dog could put someone else (or someone else's dog) in an uncomfortable or frightening situation due to their aggression, fear, or reactiveness, it is best to not bring them in the trip.
If this is your dog, that doesn't mean a camping trip in the future isn't possible, it just means that they need more training, bonding, and experiences before they come along for an extended trip. We recommend taking them on local hiking trails to get them used to the elements, passing other dogs, and meeting new people. Make sure to keep them on leash (regardless of on/off leash allowances) the entire time, and engage with them using treats, games, and commands/cues to build trust.
Health Concerns: It may go without saying, but make sure your pup is in good health before deciding to bring them on a camping trip! Make sure that your pup is up-to-date on all their vaccines. Not only will many sites ask for documentation of this before your stay, but your pup is also at a higher risk of contracting certain illnesses and parasites being out in open nature.
Protect against parasitic insects! Make sure that your dog is on some kind of anti-flea and anti-tick medication! Some oral forms of flea/tick prevention can also help prevent ringworm, heartworm, and various other parasites as well. As we all know, the wilderness contains many species, including ones that could be harmful for your pup, so come prepared! As an added measure, pick up some topical tick/insect repellent for your pup!
If your dog is feeling under the weather or deals with a chronic health concern, it may be best to keep them home. You can always consult your veterinarian to help you decide, if you're not sure.
Tracking Your Pup: While not necessarily required by parks, it is highly recommended to come prepared with tracking measures, just in case your pup gets lost. To start, it is an extremely good idea (whether you camp or not) to get your pup microchipped. If by chance your pup gets lost and found by someone else, it will make it much easier to reunite as vet offices and shelters can scan their chip and easily find your contact information.
Live tracking devices that you can place on your pup’s collar or harness can also be an extremely helpful tool! Products such as “AirTags” are NOT ideal for this because they require to be synced to another device to be found. If you are separated or your data is weak, it will render them as useless. Live tracking devices that work on a network such as ‘Fi’ or ‘Hugo’ can allow you to access the real-time location of your pup. This can be especially helpful if you let your pup off leash during hikes and outings. While we cannot guarantee 100% live range accuracy (it all depends on the specific device and your location), it is still a worthy investment to keep your pup safe!
Watch Out for Wildlife: It is no secret that being in the wilderness means that there are a variety of species living and passing through the area! Some more dangerous than others! Make sure to research what to expect in terms of local wildlife before your stay. It is possible to come across smaller predators such as foxes and coyotes, to larger predators such as wild cats, and bears! It's also likely you could come across snakes, poisonous and non-poisonous. It is best to be knowledgeable of these species before arriving so there is no surprises, and you know how to respond if these species are spotted. The last thing you want happening is your pup turning into prey because due to lack of environmental awareness.
Dog Camping Checklist
While some items may be a little “extra” (and that's perfectly okay!) this list entails what we believe to be absolutely necessary to bring when taking your pup camping!
Collapsible water and food bowls
Extra towels
Dog poop bags
Dog-safe wet wipes
Vet/vaccine records (make sure to read on campsite website what exactly you need to bring, or call and ask the Park Ranger)
A printed current photo of them (to show Rangers/others in case they get lost)
A leash and other walking gear (harness, prong collar, or martingale)
Bark collar (if your pup is extra barky)
Dog first aid kid
Toys, balls, enrichment items
Stake/Anchor or Bungee and Carabiner
Dog food and treats
Hair brush
Rain jacket (if raining in area)
Booties or paw protectant (especially if it will be extremely hot, or terrain is dangerous)
Medication (if necessary)
Flea/tick/bug repellent
Dog bed, blankets, and/or sleeping bag
Tracking Device
ID Tag on collar (identifying their name and your contact info)
Light up collar, vest/harness, or detachable light to help you keep track of them at night
Keeping Your Pup Comfortable & Happy
Stay Hydrated and Nourished! Just like us, when we are being active, engaging in outside activities such as hiking, swimming, and playing, we must stay hydrated and well fed in order to stay healthy and feeling strong. Make sure to regularly offer your pup water throughout the day, and keep up with their feeding schedule. They may even need a couple extra treats throughout the day to keep their energy going!
If it is especially hot during your trip, make sure to monitor their body language and heat levels so that they don't overheat. Keep an eye out for: panting, heavy breathing, restlessness, weakness, disorientation, agitation, dry gums, bright red tongue, an exaggerated “grin.” Keep fresh water readily available to them, and encourage your pup to swim in natural water sources (if they're capable).
Make sure they sleep soundly! Make sure your tent is big enough to allow for space for your pup to sleep with you. Do not let your pup sleep outside alone, regardless or how temperate the weather is. You don't want your pup being hurt by potential predators or eaten up by insects and parasites! Be sure to bring their bed, a dog sleeping bag, and/or plenty of blankets to keep them warm and comfortable. Remember, even if it's hot during the day, it is likely that it will still get very cold at night, especially when camping in California! Make sure they get a good night's rest so they have energy for the next day’s activities!
Keep them entertained! Give your pup the adventure they deserve! Take them hiking, trail walking, swimming, picnicking, boating, and for any other dog-friendly activity the site has available for you. Bring lots of toys including rope for tug, balls for fetch, and enrichment toys to keep them entertained and happy. If you want to keep them entertained while you cook or hang out at your camp spot, give them a long lasting treats such a pig ear, or Kong toy stuffed with peanut butter or their favorite treat.
Our Favorite Camping Products
Collapsible Bowls: convenient, easy to store, easy to clean, not much more to say!
Earth Rated Poop Bags and Holder: our favorite environmentally conscious brand to get poop bags and other essentials for your pup.
Earth Rated Doggy Wipes: An easy and convenient way to clean up your pup when they get in sticky (or stinky) situations! They come in scented and unscented versions to fit any dog’s needs.
Harness with Storage: Let your pup do some of the lifting during hikes with these durable, weather resistant, harness with added storage compartments. They can carry their own treats or poop bags!
Elevated Dog Bed: These beds are lightweight and easy to bring along, comfy, and can help keep your pup cool and dry by allowing airflow under their bellies!
Fi Tracking Collar: Keep your pup safe and sound with a GPS tracking device! Not only can this help keep track of your pups whereabout, but it also monitors health and activity levels!
Chuck-It Ball Launcher: If your dog loves to play fetch, they'll go crazy over this ball launcher! The design makes it easier for you to throw the ball much farther, with far less effort. It's especially great for wide open spaces, or even the beach!
Kong Toys: Fill these tough toys with peanut butter or your dog's favorite treat to keep them entertained while you are cooking, pitching your tent, or tending to your kids or other campers.
Doggy Sleeping Bag: While not 100% necessary, if you plan to take your pup on multiple camping trips, it may be worthwhile to invest in your pups on sleeping bag, yes they make them for dogs! It will keep them safe, warm, and snuggly while they're getting their rest.
Waterfly Utility Pouch: Lightweight and easily accessible carrying pouch perfect for carrying treats, poop bags, phone, keys, or any small item you'd like to bring on your adventures.
Weather Proof Dog Booties: If your camping in the middle of summer, it's likely that the ground will be too hot for your dogs paws. It's also possible that hiking terrain could be dangerous for their paws. If this is the case for your trip, it's highly advised that you get your pup some booties! Our advice is to get them ahead of time and have your dog wear them on some walks to get used to them before the camping trip.
Tropiclean Flea/Tick Repellent: While this product ISN’T a replacement for regular flea/tick prevention medications, it is an extremely helpful addition to keeping pests at bay! We love this one is particular because it uses natural and safe ingredients to repel and stunt pests that come near your pup. It also smells like yummy fresh citrus!
Rigby Pouch Treat: A resealable high-value liquid treat in a pouch that your dog will love! An excellent treat to bring along during hikes to help expedite your pup’s recall! Made with natural ingredients that your pup will drool over. Just make sure to put any leftover open pouches in the cooler!
Conclusion
We hope that this article has given you some helpful insight and fun ideas to make your dog-friendly camping trip a total success. Letting your pup in on the family vacation fun is an amazing and memorable way to bond with them and show them just how much they are loved. As you’ve read, taking your dog on the camping trip will take a little more effort and forethought than going without them, but we think it is completely worth it. The enrichment from the being in open nature, and all of the fun activities, is sure to make your pup feel so happy and content; seeing their contentment will warm your heart and make you wonder why you hadn’t done it sooner. We wish you fun and safe outdoor adventures!
Written By: Jessica Hays
Social Media & Community Outreach Associate, Professional Dog Walker
References:
Kampgrounds of America. “The Ultimate Guide to Camping with Your Dog.” The Ultimate Guide To Camping With Your Dog | KOA Camping Blog, koa.com/blog/tips-from-camping-with-dogs/. Accessed 17 June 2025.
Mattern, Jessica Leigh, and Blair Donovan. “Camping with Dogs? You’ll Want to Give This a Read before Loading Up.” Country Living, 15 Aug. 2023, www.countryliving.com/life/kids-pets/g20954442/camping-with-dogs/.
