I’ll be honest, I’m more of a glamping kind of camper than a rough-it-in-the-dirt type. And since I already spoil my dogs at home with cozy beds and soft blankets, it only makes sense that I do the same when we head outdoors. Sleeping on the ground in a tent? Not happening for any of us!
Whether you’re a comfort camper like me or just want to make your pup’s trip more enjoyable, this guide covers the must have essentials and luxury gear to keep your furry friend safe, comfortable, and thoroughly pampered while camping.
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Dog Camping Essentials: What Every Pet Parent Should Pack
1. Proper ID & GPS Tracker
Accidents happen; dogs can slip out of a leash or wander off after a squirrel. Make sure your dog’s ID tags and microchip info are up to date. For extra peace of mind, consider a GPS tracker that clips onto their collar so you can quickly find them if they wander. I like Tractive Smart Dog GPS tracker because not only can your track in real time, but it will give your dog’s vitals, so you’ll know if they are in distress. Bring a photo of your pet, just in case you need some help finding them.
2. Plenty of Water & a Filter
Always pack more water than you think you’ll need, for both of you. If bottled water isn’t an option, bring a portable water filter to avoid stomach upsets from unfamiliar sources. These Aquatabs water purification tabs come in a pack of 30 and are easy to pack. Keep your dog from drinking in creeks and lakes, they may have harmful bacteria.
3. Food & Treat Storage
Pack your dog’s food in sealed, waterproof containers to keep it fresh and safe from wildlife. Bring extra food and treats in case you extend your stay. If you don’t have a lot of room, put your food in one zippered bag and treats in another, then find a sealable plastic tub you can put the bags in.
4. Collapsible Bowls
Space-saving and easy to clean, collapsible bowls are perfect for both food and water. These bowls are great because they are small, so they don’t take up much space, and they have clips on them so you can take them with you when hiking.
5. Collar, Harness, & Extra Leash
A sturdy harness gives you more control, especially if you need to lift or guide your pup on the trail. Always bring an extra leash, you never know when one might break. I like the retractable leash as one of our leashes we take. They give our pups a bit more freedom, but we can still control them. Keep in mind that a lot of places, such as National Parks, require the leash to be no longer than 6 ft.
6. Waste Bags
Even in the backcountry, it’s important to pick up after your pet. Pack extra waste bags and a small container to store them until you find a trash bin. There are some things that you don’t need anything fancy and these Amazon pet poop bags are a good value, and they come with a holder that will hook on to your leash.
7. Towels & Wipes
Before your dog climbs into the tent, wipe down their paws and check for ticks. Pack a quick-dry towel and some pet wipes to keep them clean after a muddy adventure or swim.
8. Paw Protection
Rocky trails and hot ground can hurt your dog’s feet. If your pup tolerates them, bring booties. Otherwise, apply paw balm or wax before and after hikes to prevent cracking and irritation. Musher’s secret paw balm has been working for us. I like it because you can use it on their nose too. My dogs are not fans, at all, of boots, so I don’t know much about them, but I have seen these Dok Tiger Toes recommended a lot.
9. Pet First Aid Kit
Accidents happen in the wild, so be prepared with a pet-specific first aid kit that includes antiseptic wipes, tweezers, gauze, and any of your dog’s prescription meds. You can put one together yourself, but I like this first aid kit because I know I won’t forget something if it’s packed for me. It also has a tick kit which is great helping to get ticks off your pup.
10. Favorite Toys
Bring a few of your dog’s favorite toys or chew bones to keep them entertained while you’re setting up camp or cooking dinner. The more familiar things you bring, the safer your dog will feel.
Luxury Dog Camping Gear: Take It to the Next Level
These extras may not be “essential,” but they’ll turn your dog’s camping trip into a five-star wilderness retreat.
1. Campsite Tether
A tether or tie-out gives your dog freedom to lounge safely while keeping them away from the campfire or food prep area. Our dogs do well with tie-outs but find what works best for your pup.
2. Cooling Gear
A cooling vest or cooling mat is perfect for hot summer camping. Just soak them in water to help your pup stay cool and prevent heat exhaustion. We like this cooling vest because it doesn’t get too heavy after you wet it. I’m still doing research on cooling mats, so I’m not sure if one is better than others. Having said that, this mat by Becemuru is the overall pick on Amazon.
3. Dog Pack
Let your dog help carry the load with a dog pack. Just make sure it’s no more than 10% of their body weight. Many working breeds actually enjoy having a “job” to do on hikes! This dog pack has plenty of room for your dog to move with a handle on top if you need to hold your dog during a hike.
4. Dog Sleeping Bag or Bed
Yes, dog sleeping bags are a thing! They’re perfect for chilly nights in the tent. Or, if your pup prefers something cushier, bring a memory foam bed or elevated outdoor cot for better support and comfort. My dogs move around a lot in their sleep, so a sleeping bag isn’t great for them, but your dog may love it. Our pups sleep on these foam beds at home, and we just take the beds with us on trips.
5. Soft-Sided Crate
If your dog feels safest in a crate, a soft-sided travel crate is lightweight, portable, and great for both tent and RV camping. They’re easy to move out of the tent and close to you when you’re busy in camp.
6. Temperature Monitor
For RV or camper travelers, a wireless temperature monitor helps you keep an eye on interior temps when your dog stays inside. You can also use it tent camping to keep an eye on the temperature, in case your dog needs cooled down.
7. Light-Up Collar or Harness
When camping after dark, a glow-in-the-dark or LED collar keeps your pup visible and safe. We like this collar by Flashleen because it comes with a USB cord to charge it, so you can charge it in the car or home.
8. Outdoor Jacket or Raincoat
Keep your pet dry and warm with a fleece jacket or waterproof coat. Great for rainy evenings or early morning hikes. Our dogs aren’t big on wearing clothing, so we just use an umbrella for rain and keep them indoors longer when it’s cold, but if your dog doesn’t mind a coat, find one that is waterproof.
9. Dog Shampoo & Portable Shower
If your pup loves rolling in dirt or taking a dip, a portable shower or dry shampoo will make cleanup easy. We’ll say this is for keeping our dogs clean, but it’s great to wash off our feet and even washing ourselves off while in the outdoors. This portable shower is made for camping and is an Amazon best seller.
10. Portable Fence or Playpen
Perfect for RV sites or large campsites, a foldable pet fence gives your dog space to roam safely without being on a leash.
Final Thoughts
Camping with your dog doesn’t mean giving up comfort, especially if you both enjoy a little luxury. With the right mix of essentials and pampering gear, you can make your next camping adventure fun, safe, and relaxing for you and your pup.
After all, your dog deserves to enjoy the great outdoors as much as you do, just with a few extra creature comforts! We love passing on tips and information we learn along the way to help you plan your pet travels. We hope to encourage you to find your adventures, have lots of fun and make many memories.