Pet-friendly campgrounds enable guests to bring their dogs to their campsites.
If you enjoy camping, you are probably aware that it is one of the more pet-friendly trips you can take with your pet. No worries about finding an animal-friendly hotel, and many pets will find the outside setting to be both pleasant and enriching.
Because spring provides some of the nicest camping weather of the year—warm days that don’t get too hot and cool evenings that are ideal for huddling around a fire—it’s a terrific time to brush up on pet-friendly campgrounds.
What Do Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Mean?
These campgrounds frequently have special pet restrictions that campers must adhere to, the most common of which is a leash or containment requirement. In most campgrounds, hosts stay on-site to enforce rules.
Many campers carry stakes to offer their pets a radius of movement at the campsite because pets typically need to be kept on a leash. Some may even bring gates or pens to confine pets to a certain location.
Other common rules include tidying up after your pet and adhering to noise restrictions or quiet hours because campgrounds are generally close together, and continuous barking might disturb other visitors. Though it is less common, some campgrounds may impose breed restrictions or charge a pet fee.
Because dogs are the most prevalent pets at campgrounds, many policies are tailored to them. Some campgrounds, however, may welcome all pets, particularly campers who keep their cats or other pets inside a recreational vehicle (RV).
The Advantages of Camping with Your Pet
There are numerous advantages to camping with pets, including:
Spending quality time together outdoors is beneficial to animals.
You may feel more secure sleeping outside with a pet by your side.
You won’t have to worry about boarding or finding a caretaker for your pet while you’re on vacation.
Hiking paths are frequently available near campgrounds for you and Fido to enjoy a long walk.
Pet-Friendly Campground Types
There are numerous sorts of campgrounds, ranging from tent-only camping to RV parks suited for extended stays to campgrounds centered on atmosphere and local natural attractions. Some campgrounds may include more luxurious choices, such as cabins or glamping-style tents and rooms.
Any of these alternatives may or may not allow pets, so your best chance is to look for pet-friendly campgrounds in your neighborhood or research the pet rules of campgrounds you want to visit.
These are some questions to be considered before you make a reservation for a campground:
- Will I be camping in a tent or an RV?
- Do I need electricity and water hookups on my property?
- Do I want running water in the bathrooms or showers?
- What other features are essential to me?
Some of the best tourist campgrounds are those found within state and national parks, which typically include picturesque hikes and other activities. When camping at these parks, keep in mind that the rules may be stricter than at other campgrounds, such as not allowing pets in some parks.
Privately owned campgrounds, such as single-site camping locations on farms, lakes, or private properties, can provide unique experiences. Hipcamp can assist in locating these types of specialty campgrounds. To ensure that they are pet-friendly, add pets to your search parameters.
It’s worth remembering that campsite websites are notoriously difficult to use. If you’re looking at a campground that doesn’t appear to have much information online, you should phone to inquire about their pet policy.
12 Tips for Dog-Friendly Camping
1. Plan ahead of time
When it is time to plan a camping trip for you and Fido, make sure you complete your to-do list before you hit the road. To begin, reserve your campground early (especially during peak travel or vacation periods) and double-check the pet restrictions and any rules that apply to canine visitors. You should also plan a route that includes opportunities to stop over and let your dog relieve himself and get some exercise.
2. Invest in the Right Equipment
Most experienced campers will tell you that having the right and appropriate equipment can make all the difference, including all necessary items for your pet/pets. If you haven’t already, you should consider investing in high-quality dog gear to assist in ensuring a good camping vacation, such as a solid and properly-fitted harness or a pair of durable food and water bowls.
3. Ensure Your Dog Has Identification
When you leave your house, especially for an extended length of time, such as a trip or vacation, make sure your dog’s collar tag and microchip registration are up to date. While most dogs enjoy being outside, they get overwhelmed by new sights and new smells of the woods and walk off to explore or pursue a squirrel or rabbit.
You may not always get the best signal for cell coverage when you’re out in the woods, so consider attaching the phone number of your veterinarian or another emergency contact to a tag on your dog’s collar just in case you can’t be reached right away.
There is also modern technology, such as GPS dog trackers and collars, that can assist you in finding your dog if they have a habit of wandering away.
4. Pay a visit to the veterinarian
When it comes to visiting your veterinarian, you should make an appointment before any type of journey with your dog. You need to make sure your Fido is up to date on vaccines (especially if the campground requires them for admittance) and that they don’t have any potential health conditions that might make camping unsafe for them. Your veterinarian can also clip your dog’s nails to keep them from getting stuck on anything outside.
5. Do Not Forget About the Food
It may be tempting to share that delicious campfire food with your pup (especially as he or she looks at you with longing eyes), but you’ll want to keep your dog’s diet as normal as possible during your trip to avoid stomach upset like diarrhea or vomiting, as well as more serious conditions like pancreatitis. A plain piece of cooked fish(de-boned) or chicken with no extra salt or spices is probably safe, but fatty trimmings and other oily foods can be dangerous to your dog.
To prevent heat stroke, make sure your dog always has plenty of clean and fresh water and shaded space to rest—especially if you’re camping during the summer months. And if you believe you can just give your dog a drink from a pond or stream, think again. Algae and/or parasites in the water can be dangerous to dogs.
WARNING
Consuming corn cobs and other camping staples like s’mores can actually be harmful to dogs—corn cobs can induce life-threatening intestinal obstructions. Canines are poisoned by the chocolate in everyone’s favorite campfire dessert.
6. Bring Disaster Supplies
If you’re a frequent camper, your bag is probably already stocked with basic first-aid materials, such as bandages for cuts and scrapes and moleskin for blistered feet. When taking your dog camping, though, you should also be prepared for any canine-specific emergencies.
If your dog is already on medicine, make sure you bring it with you. In addition, if you have a breed that is extremely active and high-energy, you may want to consider items like gauze, rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, or surgical tape in case of physical injuries. Other possible emergency goods are antibiotic ointment, vet bandage, and foot balm to protect their paws.
7. Understand How to Remain Calm
You can carry all of the first aid equipment you could possibly need, but if you don’t know how to stay calm and react in an emergency situation—and actually use those materials—they won’t be very effective. If your dog has been harmed, it’s critical to remain calm and manage the situation as soon as possible, whether it’s an animal bite or your pup is suffering from heat stroke. Dogs are quite intuitive and will be able to detect if you are frightened, making them more likely to act out.
If you believe your emergency response abilities could be improved, check with your local outdoor supply store to see if they offer wilderness first aid lessons. Organizations such as the Red Cross and even some community colleges offer courses on teaching first aid to your dog.
8. Keep an eye out for wildlife
When you come with your dog or alone, you are bound to come across many wildlife in the woods. But you don’t want your dog to come face to face with a porcupine or skunk, and you definitely don’t want him to come into contact with a larger, more deadly animal like a bear, wolf, or poisonous snake. Even if your dog has unrestricted access to your land, you should pack that long leash and keep it nearby to avoid tangles with wild animals.
9. Maintain Contact
In addition to a lengthy leash, keep in mind that your pet should never be left alone while camping or travelling.
At home, your dog is in a controlled environment and behaves well, but when introduced to a new setting, he or she may experience a complete behavioral change.
Your dog can become shy, distant, or even aggressive, so never make assumptions about how your dog will act with other people or animals. It’s advisable to keep your dog close at all times, especially at the campsite, in the car, and during any outdoor activities, for their protection.
10. Bring Extra Blankets
While humans can rapidly dry off after a swim in the lake, if your four-legged buddy enjoys swimming. Make sure you have plenty of blankets and towels on hand to dry them off (and keep them warm when the temperature drops in the later hours).
Towels and rags can also be utilized in an emergency, and they will come in handy if there is an unexpected downpour.
You should also bring a life jacket for your dog, especially if you’re going canoeing or kayaking with your dog. Your dog may be able to swim in a pool, but with a vast body of water, unfamiliar surroundings, and the chance of no nearby beach, it would be safer to use a flotation device.
11. Get Rid of the Bugs
If your dog isn’t currently on a monthly flea and ticks preventative, now is the time to consult with your veterinarian.
Tweezers are probably already in your first-aid box, but you should bring a tool to remove ticks. We recommend product called Tick Twister, to help you remove a tick from your dog.
Also, educate yourself on how to properly screen your dog for ticks and the symptoms of tick-borne illness.
12. Maintain Your Routine
Your dog has become accustomed to a particular pattern and may not acclimate to a weekend- or week-long camping vacation. Just like children, they may exhibit behavioral changes when their schedule is disrupted.
While some dogs are laid-back and content to go with the flow, others may not be, so try to stick to your dog’s usual feeding and walking routine. Be on the lookout for any indications of anxiety, which may include panting, pacing, or even shivering.
If your dog is afraid of sudden and loud noises like thunderstorms or pyrotechnics, you should avoid camping on holidays involving fireworks, such as Memorial Day or July 4th.
Packing their comfy dog bed and even bringing familiar blankets or toys can also help your dog feel at ease.
To Conclude
Before your big camping vacation, pitch a tent in your backyard and snuggle up with your dog for a night or two.
If you like and spend a lot of time in the great outdoors, you might be wondering if bringing your dog on a camping trip is a good idea. Most dogs would be delighted to accompany you on an expedition in the woods.
We have provided a list of some tips above for making your camping vacation with Fido safe (and enjoyable!), so double-check your list and enjoy your trip with Fido!