Short answer: to camp with your dog, book a dog-friendly campsite, bring a leash and stake-out line, food and water bowls, a bed or pad, waste bags, a towel, and your dog's vaccination records. Keep your dog leashed and supervised, never leave them alone in a hot car or tent, and check for ticks every day.
Here's a simple checklist and the tips that make a first camping trip with a dog go smoothly.
Before you go
- Check the rules. Many campgrounds allow dogs, but some trails and beaches don't. Most require a leash, often 6 ft or shorter.
- Visit the vet if it's been a while. Ask about vaccines, flea and tick prevention for the area you're visiting, and bring a copy of the records.
- Update the ID tag with your phone number. A microchip is a good backup.
- Do a backyard trial. Let your dog sniff the tent and sleep in it once at home.
Dog camping checklist
- Leash and collar or harness with ID tag
- Tie-out line or stake for the campsite. A camping mallet with a stake puller ($23.99) drives the stake in and pulls it out.
- Food, treats and collapsible bowls
- Extra water (dogs drink more when they're active)
- Waste bags
- Dog bed, blanket or pad for the tent
- Towel for muddy paws
- Dog first aid basics: tweezers or a tick remover, gauze, and your vet's number
- A light-up collar or clip-on light for night
- Vaccination records
At the campsite
Set up a dog spot
Give your dog a shaded spot with water, a bed and a tie-out line long enough to move around but short enough to stay out of the fire ring and the cooking area. Hang leashes and bags from the canopy with clip hooks so they're easy to find.
Keep food secure
Store dog food the same way as people food: in the car or a bear box, never in the tent. Keep the cooler closed.
Watch the heat and the cold
Never leave your dog in a parked car or a closed tent on a warm day. On cold nights, let your dog sleep in the tent on a pad or blanket instead of on the bare ground.
Check for ticks every day
Run your hands over your dog's ears, neck, armpits, belly and between the toes. Remove ticks with tweezers or a tick tool, close to the skin.
Clean up before bed
A muddy, sandy dog in the tent means a muddy, sandy sleeping bag. A quick rinse with a rechargeable camp shower and a bucket of water takes a couple of minutes, then towel dry. It works for people too.
Leave no trace
- Pick up and pack out all dog waste.
- Keep your dog on the trail and away from wildlife.
- Respect quiet hours and keep barking to a minimum.
FAQ
Can dogs sleep in a tent?
Yes. Most dogs do best sleeping in the tent with you, on a pad or blanket. Bring a towel to clean paws before they come in.
How do I keep my dog from running off at the campsite?
Use a leash or a tie-out line on a stake, and keep your dog supervised. Bring high-value treats for recall.
What should I do if my dog gets a tick?
Remove it with tweezers or a tick tool, grabbing close to the skin and pulling straight out. Clean the spot and watch for changes. Call your vet if you're unsure.
More camping guides: our car camping checklist and how to set up a campsite. Every order ships free to the US, and 3 or more items get 15% off automatically at checkout. Most orders arrive in 7–15 business days.