Before even planning my first tent holiday with Mapou (by big black lovely dog), I had a thousand questions to which I searched for answers on hundreds of blogs and forums. Some frightened me, others surprised me and some even made me laugh.

But in the end, getting outside and camping with my dogs is one of my favorite things to do.

These tips for camping with your dog will help you make the most of your camping holiday. Most importantly? Prepare your dog, research the campsite, get the right gear, and have fun!

Research dog-friendly campsites

You don’t want to go through all the hassle of packing and travelling to show up as a unwelcome guest. There are plenty of dog-friendly spots you can look up.

There’s nothing worse than hitting the road with your four-legged friend, and show up as a unwelcome guest.

Whatever kind of camping trip you have in mind, be sure to call ahead or research online. There are plenty of dog-friendly spots you can look up. Check on leash laws, too; some campsites only welcome restrained pets, whereas others are okay with your dog being off-leash as long as she’s under voice control (mmmh yes, ok!)

If you travel in high season, make sure that even in periods of high attendance do not begin to twist the muzzle (humans, of course!)

Pack everything for your dog needs

We’ve all gone through the inconvenience of forgetting something important for a trip so we won’t want that for our dogs either.

Especially if you’re planning a trip abroad, be prepared because you may not find your dogs’ favorite brands.

So, remember to pack:

• enough food
• treats
• bowls
• toys
• clothing (if you usually use it for your dog – mine is definitely too big!)
• towel
• bedding
• any medication they might need

Know your dog’s camping personality

Some dogs are explorers, others just like to laze by the campfire. (How much I would like mine to be lazy too!)

Anyway, before you embark on a wilderness adventure, it’s important to assess your dog’s camp-readiness.

Make sure you’re confident in your dog’s off leash manners. Recall training before hand is very important for any off leash dog as well as the “leave it” command. Be aware of your surrounds and make sure it’s safe for your pup. Don’t leave your dog unsupervised.

It is for its safety and for your tent neighbours, too!

Be prepared for emergency

Before you leave on your camping trip, make a card with your dog’s identifying information, vaccination record, its health history, and for sure all of your contact info. You should also make sure your dog’s microchip info and tags are up-to-date.

Remember that a lot of first aid for humans can be applied to dogs as well. Make sure any medication you might want to give your dog is approved by your vet.

Anyway, whether you’re headed for a back-country trek or a campground off the highway, your dog will need a reliable recall command to keep her out of danger.

Practise camping etiquette

For both safety and enjoyment, the dog should stick near you at all times, and should never be left unsupervised at the campsite or in a vehicle. Be aware of the fact that weather conditions can change, wildlife can appear, and a host of other unpredictable situations may arise.

And above all, if your dog does its business anywhere other people might be trekking by, remember to pick it up. Carrying poop around might not always be convenient so you could also dig a hole and bury it.

Have fun!

That’s the most important thing.

Dogs love the great outdoors as much as we do! It’s refreshing, mentally stimulating, and a great bonding experience.

And it’s the best way for your dog to stay with you for the whole holiday. It will definitely enjoy it.

Have fun together!

A dog can’t think that much about what he’s doing, he just does what feels right. – cit. Barbara Kingsolver (& me)