Today we have this camping with a dog checklist! We came up with the most basic, camping essentials for when you are camping with your dog.
You’re ready to embark on a fun camping adventure with your dog. Congrats! Camping with dogs is a fun experience that gives you both some much needed outdoor time.
Bringing your dog camping isn’t complicated, but it does require a little more prep than human only camping.
Not to worry, we have a fantastic checklist of the basic items you’ll need to keep your dog comfortable, happy and most importantly safe.
What to Bring When Camping With Dogs
Items that you should always bring with you when camping with your dog include:
- Food, water and high protein snacks
- Travel bowls
- Collar, tags, harness and leash
- Poop bags or small shovel
- Dog bed or crate
- Dog coat for cold weather
- Towels
- Twist in stake
- Medications
- First aid kit
- Flea and tick spray
- Sunscreen
Some of these may sound unnecessary, but read on to find out why we recommend these items as basics.
Food and Water
Bring the same dog food your dog usually eats. Make sure to bring enough for how many days you’ll be camping, plus a bit extra in case some gets wasted.
You’ll also want to bring some high protein dog snacks if you plan on hiking with your dog or enjoying active outdoor activities.
Your dog is likely to burn more calories than normal and the high protein will keep them full and energized.
Make sure to also bring plenty of clean water for your dog to drink, and count on them drinking more than normal after vigorous activity or days in the heat.
Make sure to pack a couple bowls for the food and water. You may want to consider a water dispenser as well to keep the water clean and bug free without wasting it.
Collars, Tags & Leashes
I cannot stress the need for a collar and tags enough while camping. Your dog could easily get lost or wander off and tags could be what gets him back to you.
Make sure his tags have his name and your cell phone number on it so you can easily be found.
You’ll also want to bring a sturdy leash or two along with a harness. Harnesses are more comfortable for dogs when hiking because they help distribute the pressure if they start pulling.
A harness will help you keep better control of your dog without the risk of him slipping out of his collar.
Camping provides ton of opportunities for exploring and the excitement may cause your dog to behave in ways they normally wouldn’t.
Poop Baggies or Shovel
Poop happens. If you are at camp, you won’t want dog poop lying around waiting to be stepped in.
You can pick up your dogs poop with baggies and trash it or simply use a small shovel to dig a 6×6 inch hole to drop it in and cover it up.
If you do plan on burying your dogs poop, just make sure to find out if it’s okay where you are camping.
Dog waste can cause harm to some environments, like areas near bodies of water. So be sure to do your research ahead of time.
If you are out adventuring, we have great solutions on what to do with dog poop while hiking.
Dog Bed or Crate
Figuring out where your dog should sleep while camping sounds like a no brainer. But there are a few factors to consider.
What is your dogs temperament? Do they panic easily? Is there enough room in your tent?
A good solution for most people is simply placing a dog bed in their tent.
Even if you plan on your dog sleeping in the tent with you, you’ll need to think about where they will rest during the day.
You don’t want to have to clean off dirt and mud from their paws every time they want to rest in the tent.
A dog bed or even thick blanket outside can give them a comfortable resting spot they know is theirs.
A crate can offer some shade during the day. At night it can help keep your dog warm while camping and keep them safe if they are a bit jumpy.
Dog Coat or Sweater
If the weather is going to be cold, be sure to bring along something that will keep your dog comfortable and warm.
Even hot areas can get very cold at night. Be sure to check out where you’re going to see what the temperatures will be like for both day and night time.
Towels
Your dog is likely to get dirty or wet (or both) at some point. Bringing extra towels can help keep your sleeping area clean and comfortable, along with your dog.
Twist in Stake or Long Line
Even if your dogs are well behaved off their leash, you’ll want to have a twist in stake or long line you can attach to trees to they can be leashed if they get hyper.
A twist in stake will allow you to have a sturdy area to attach their leash, but they’ll still be able to move around a bit.
A long line will give them more room to move about freely, while still keeping them in your general area.
Medications and First Aid Kit
Along with the camping gear, you’ll want to make sure to bring your dogs regular medications, a few “just in case” meds and a first aid kit.
Bring all of their necessary prescriptions, usual supplements and meds like Benadryl in case they get bit or stung and have an allergic reaction.
Just check ahead of time an appropriate dose for your dog based on their weight.
Other things to include in your first aid kit are:
- A bottle of saline or eye rinse in case they get sprayed by something or get something else in their eyes.
- Paw balm or ointment, in case they injure their paws hiking
- Anti-itch spray
- Dog safe bug spray
- Plyers or sturdy tweezers, if they get a stinger, large thorns or attached by a porcupine
- Flexible bandages, these stay on dogs so much better than normal gauze
Other Useful Items
Other fantastic items to grab are dog-safe sunscreen and flea and tick spray.
I also like to bring a pair of dog shoes if we go hiking on rough terrain.
They aren’t always necessary, but if you are in the mountain or a place with sharp rocks, they can really help protect your dogs paws while hiking.
Dog Camping Checklist Printable
You can grab our printable dog camping checklist by clicking the photo below!
Most importantly, have fun camping with your dog, enjoy the bonding time and stay safe!
