Imagine the perfect wilderness getaway, crisp morning air, winding trails, and a crackling campfire shared with your four-legged best friend. This vision is more popular than ever. According to The Dyrt’s 2024 Camping Report, over half (53.7%) of all campers brought their dogs along last year, making dogs the most common “plus-one” at campsites.

But as pet-friendly travel grows, so do the rookie mistakes. A small oversight can turn an eagerly awaited adventure into a stressful experience for you, your dog, and your neighbors. The goal is to strengthen your bond, not test it.

To help you avoid those frustrations, we analyzed advice from experienced dog campers across forums, YouTube channels, and outdoor communities. The result? A practical guide to the 10 most common mistakes people make when camping with their dog, and simple ways to prevent them. Whether it’s your first overnight or a week-long trip, these tips will help you create a safe, happy, and memorable camping experience for you and your pup.

1. Skipping the Pre-Trip Vet Visit

One of the biggest mistakes when camping with dogs is hitting the road without a recent veterinary checkup. Your dog needs to be fully prepared for outdoor adventures, and that starts with their health.

Make sure your dog is up to date on all vaccinations before camping. Most pet-friendly campgrounds require proof of current rabies vaccination, and certificates are often checked at check-in. 

Beyond rabies, your pup needs protection from diseases like canine distemper, leptospirosis, and Lyme disease. These can be transmitted by wildlife common at campsites, including raccoons, rats, and ticks.

Flea and tick prevention is essential, too. The great outdoors is home to parasites that can make your dog miserable or seriously ill. Talk to your vet about the right prevention medication for your area. Popular options include K9 Advantix (which repels mosquitoes), Simparica, NexGard, and Bravecto.

Don’t forget to trim your dog’s nails before the trip. Long nails can snag on rocky terrain or thorny brush, and they can also puncture your tent or air mattress. Ask your vet about a quick nail trim during your pre-camping visit.

If your dog needs prescription medication, get refills before you leave. Emergency refills can be nearly impossible when you’re far from your home veterinary office.

2. Not Researching Pet Policies at Your Campground

Assuming every campground welcomes dogs is a rookie mistake that can ruin your plans. Not all camping destinations are pet-friendly, and those that do allow dogs often have specific rules you need to follow.

Before booking your campsite, research the pet policy thoroughly. Call ahead or check the campground’s website for details about:

Leash requirements: Most pet-friendly campgrounds require dogs to remain on a leash no longer than six feet. Some locations ban retractable leashes entirely. A few campgrounds allow off-leash dogs at your campsite but require leashes when walking through common areas.

Barking ordinances: All dogs bark, but excessive or continuous barking (especially at night during quiet hours) can get you asked to leave. If your dog is a chronic barker, consider whether camping is the right choice.

Aggressive behavior: Campgrounds prioritize safety for all campers and their pets. If your dog shows aggression toward other animals or people, you may be turned away.

Designated pet areas: Some campsites have specific areas where dogs can relieve themselves and designated receptacles for dog waste bags.

Pet fees: While many campgrounds allow dogs for no additional fee, others charge $10-25 per pet, per night.

National parks have varying rules, too. Dogs aren’t allowed on trails in parks like the Rocky Mountain or Great Smoky Mountains, but places like Acadia National Park welcome dogs on over 100 miles of trails. Always verify before you go.

3. Choosing the Wrong Campsite Location

Where you pitch your tent matters more than you think, especially when camping with a dog. Many first-time dog campers book sites near bathrooms or water spigots for convenience, only to regret it later.

The problem? High-traffic sites mean constant foot traffic past your campsite, especially at night. People cutting through with flashlights and unfamiliar sounds can trigger barking and growling, keeping you and neighboring campers awake.

Instead, look for corner sites or spots that back up to woods. These locations offer more privacy and fewer disturbances. Yes, you might have a longer walk to the restrooms, but keeping your dog calm and quiet throughout the night is worth it.

Avoid sites directly next to playgrounds, dog parks, or busy trailheads if your dog is reactive or easily excited. The constant stimulation can stress your pup and make relaxing impossible.

If camping in hot weather, prioritize shaded sites. Dogs can overheat quickly, especially those with dark fur or thick coats. A site under tree cover will keep your dog cooler during the day.

4. Forgetting Protective Gear and Essential Supplies

Packing for yourself is one thing. Packing for your dog is another challenge entirely, and forgetting key supplies is a common mistake.

Beyond the basics like food and water bowls, your dog needs protective gear based on your activities and environment:

Visibility gear: If you’re hiking or hunting, your dog needs a high-visibility vest or collar light so you can always see them. LED collar lights or rechargeable collars are essential after sunset. Campfire light alone isn’t enough to track your dog in the dark.

Dog booties: Rocky terrain, hot pavement, thorny brush, or sharp sticks can injure your dog’s paw pads. Protective booties prevent cuts and burns, especially on long hikes.

Weather protection: Check the forecast and bring appropriate gear. This might include a rain jacket, a cooling vest for summer, or an insulated sleeping bag for cold nights. Your dog can’t fit in your sleeping bag when temperatures drop to 15 degrees Fahrenheit; they’ll need their own insulation.

First aid supplies: Pack a pet-specific first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers for removing ticks or splinters, and any medications your dog might need.

Collapsible bowls are lightweight and convenient for camping. Bring a long leash (or portable cable stake) to keep your dog safe when you’re relaxing at the campsite. Don’t forget poop bags, ideally biodegradable ones if you’re eco-conscious.

5. Leaving Your Dog Unattended at the Campsite

This rule appears at nearly every pet-friendly campground, yet it’s frequently ignored. Never leave your dog unattended at your campsite, whether tied up outside your tent, locked in your RV, or alone in your vehicle.

It’s unsafe for your dog and potentially disruptive to nearby campers. There are too many unknowns and risks at a campground. Your dog could get scared by wildlife sounds, slip out of their collar, or become a target for aggressive animals.

The weather can change unexpectedly, creating dangerous conditions. Rainstorms can leave your pup soaked and cold. Sudden heat can cause your dog to overheat in a tent or vehicle, even with the windows cracked. If they get lonesome, scared, or agitated, they could start barking, whining, or howling, disturbing everyone around you.

Tents aren’t stable structures. If your dog panics, they could bring the whole tent down trying to escape and potentially injure themselves in the process.

Your dog will be happier staying with you anyway. That’s the whole point of bringing them along.

6. Not Training Your Dog for Camping Conditions

Expecting your dog to adapt instantly to camping life is unrealistic. If your dog has never been in a tent, slept outside, or spent extended time tied up, the experience can be overwhelming.

A backyard trial run is one of the smartest things you can do before camping with your dog. Set up your tent at home and try spending the night with your pup. This preparation helps you understand if your dog is comfortable inside the tent and how they react to outdoor sounds and scents at night.

Practice camping behaviors at home, too:

Recall training: Your dog needs a reliable recall, especially if you plan any off-leash time. This command could save your dog’s life if they encounter wildlife like skunks, porcupines, or snakes.

Leash manners: Even well-behaved dogs can get excited in new environments. Practice loose-leash walking before your trip.

“Place” command: Teaching your dog to settle on a designated blanket or sleeping pad helps them feel secure in unfamiliar locations. When dogs understand what space is “theirs,” they’re calmer and happier.

Introduce your dog to camping gear like raincoats, booties, or sleeping bags weeks before your trip. Use treats and positive reinforcement so your dog associates the equipment with good experiences.

7. Underestimating How Much Food and Water Your Dog Needs

Your dog’s typical diet might not cut it during a camping trip. This is one of the most overlooked mistakes when camping with dogs, and it can leave your pup exhausted and hungry.

When camping, your dog will be much more active than at home. Whether they’re hiking, hunting, swimming, or simply exploring, their body burns through calories faster. They’ll digest food quickly and produce more adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to fuel their extra energy.

Pack at least twice as much kibble and treats as you normally use. Your dog will get hungrier from the increased activity and needs more dog food to keep up with you.

Hydration is just as critical. Dogs need even more water while camping than usual, especially during hot weather or after physical activity. Make sure to pack enough clean water for yourself and your dog. Don’t assume your dog can safely drink from lakes, rivers, or streams; your pup is susceptible to the same waterborne diseases as you.

If you’re hiking, carry a portable water dispenser designed for dogs. Stop frequently for water breaks to prevent dehydration. If your dog is panting heavily, stop and rest in a shady spot until they’ve cooled off before continuing.

Consider picking a waterfront campsite so your dog can cool off in the lake or river after activity. Some campers bring kiddie pools for their dogs on particularly hot days.

8. Ignoring Microchip and ID Tag Updates

Even the most well-behaved dogs can slip out of their collar or chase after a squirrel and get lost in unfamiliar woods. Losing your dog at a campground is a nightmare scenario, but it happens more often than you’d think.

Microchipping your dog isn’t typically required by campgrounds, but it’s highly recommended. A microchip helps you reunite with your dog if they’re found by park rangers, fellow campers, or taken to a local vet or animal shelter.

Here’s the critical mistake many people make: having an outdated microchip. Before your trip, verify that your contact information in the microchip registry is current. If your phone number or address has changed, update it now. An outdated registry makes it nearly impossible for your dog to be returned safely.

Beyond the microchip, make sure your dog wears a collar with ID tags at all times. Include your cell phone number and home address. Some experienced campers recommend creating a temporary ID tag with your campsite number written in permanent marker. If cell service is spotty at the campground and your dog gets loose, other campers can return them directly to your site.

Add your dog’s rabies vaccination tag to their collar, too. Many campgrounds check for this during registration.

9. Failing to Pack Out Dog Waste Properly

There’s a common misconception that camping in the great outdoors means you can leave dog poop around the campsite. This is absolutely wrong and one of the rudest mistakes dog owners make while camping.

Domesticated dogs survive on a diet that’s not native to the wilderness. An abundance of dog waste left behind disrupts the local ecosystem, introducing bacteria and nutrients that don’t belong there. This can harm native plants and wildlife.

Most pet-friendly campsites have specific rules about dog waste. Many designate particular areas for dogs to relieve themselves and provide receptacles for waste bags. Some campgrounds strictly require owners to pick up and pack out any waste their dog produces.

Always bring plenty of poop bags with you. If single-use plastic bags clash with your values, opt for biodegradable versions. Pack them out to designated dumpsters or trash receptacles; never leave them on the trail or buried at your campsite.

Practice “leave no trace” principles. Your goal is to leave your campsite cleaner than you found it, and that includes removing all evidence your dog was there.

10. Not Preparing for Wildlife Encounters

Your dog’s instinct to chase or investigate can lead to dangerous wildlife encounters. Failing to prepare for these situations is a serious mistake that can result in vet bills or worse.

Common campsite wildlife like skunks, porcupines, snakes, raccoons, and even larger animals like bears can naturally wander into your area. A curious dog who approaches these animals risks being sprayed, quilled, bitten, or seriously injured.

This is where recall training becomes crucial. If your dog has a strong recall response, you can call them away from danger before they get too close. Without this skill, you’ll need to physically intervene, putting yourself at risk too.

Keep your dog on a leash in areas known for dangerous wildlife. During hiking season in certain regions, that telltale rattling sound means it’s definitely time to use a leash, even in areas that typically allow off-leash dogs.

Research your camping destination ahead of time for toxic plants and wildlife that may pose threats to canines. Different regions have different hazards, from rattlesnakes in the Southwest to bears in national forests.

Store your dog’s food securely, just like you’d store your own. Wildlife attracted to the scent of dog food can create dangerous situations around your campsite. Use bear-proof containers if you’re in bear country.

At night, keep your dog inside your tent, RV, or wherever you’re sleeping. This protects them from nighttime predators and prevents them from wandering off to investigate interesting scents.

How to Plan a Successful Camping Trip With Your Dog

Before you head out, create a comprehensive checklist:

Health and Safety: Schedule a vet visit, confirm vaccinations are current, start flea/tick prevention, trim nails, refill medications, and verify microchip information.

Gear and Supplies: Pack extra food and treats, bring collapsible bowls, water dispenser, leash and collar with ID tags, poop bags, first aid kit, towels for cleanup, sleeping pad or bed, visibility gear for nighttime.

Research: Confirm the campground is pet-friendly, understand leash requirements and pet policies, locate a nearby veterinarian or emergency clinic, check the weather forecast, and research local wildlife and hazards.

Training: Practice recall commands, do a backyard camping trial, introduce camping gear at home, work on leash manners, and “place” command.

Consider whether your dog’s personality is suited for camping. Dogs who are excessively anxious, easily fatigued, highly reactive to other animals, or uncomfortable in new environments might not enjoy camping. Be honest about your dog’s temperament before committing to a trip.

Start with shorter trips closer to home. A weekend at a nearby campground lets you test the experience without being too far from familiar territory if things don’t go as planned.

Conclusion

Camping with your dog can be one of the most rewarding outdoor experiences you share. The key is avoiding common mistakes that turn adventures into disasters. By preparing properly, understanding campground rules, packing the right gear, and respecting the environment, you set yourself and your four-legged friend up for success.

Take time to plan, train, and pack thoughtfully. Your dog will thank you with wagging tails and happy memories around the campfire. Choose smart, and your camping trips with your best friend will become traditions you both look forward to year after year.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need special camping gear for my dog?

Yes, you’ll need dog-specific items beyond regular camping gear. Essential supplies include collapsible food and water bowls, a sturdy leash (6 feet or less for most campgrounds), ID tags with current contact info, poop bags, a comfortable sleeping pad or bed, and protective gear like booties for rocky terrain or a visibility vest for nighttime. Consider bringing a portable cable stake to secure your dog at the campsite and a dog-specific first aid kit.

2. Is it possible for my dog to sleep in the tent with me?

Absolutely, and they should. Your dog should sleep wherever you’re sleeping, whether that’s a tent, camper, or RV. Keeping your dog inside with you protects them from wildlife, prevents them from wandering off, and keeps them comfortable through weather changes. If space is tight, consider getting a larger tent or bringing a crate to give your dog their own designated sleeping area.

3. How do I keep my dog safe from ticks while camping?

Start with preventive medication from your vet before the trip. Options like NexGard, Simparica, Bravecto, or K9 Advantix offer protection. Every evening at camp, do a thorough tick check of your dog’s entire body, paying special attention to ears, between toes, and around the neck. Bring a tick removal tool (tick key) and know how to safely remove ticks. Brush your dog regularly to remove grass barbs and debris that might hide ticks.

4. What should I do if my dog gets lost at the campground?

Stay calm and start by calling your dog’s name in a calm voice. Avoid panicking or shouting. Check nearby water sources like streams or lakes, and shaded spots where your dog might have wandered to cool off. Retrace your recent steps together. Alert fellow campers, park rangers, and camp staff immediately. Show them photos of your dog. Contact local veterinarians and animal shelters in the area. If your dog is microchipped with updated contact information, they’re much more likely to be returned to you safely.

5. Are all campgrounds pet-friendly?

No, not all campgrounds welcome pets. While many state parks, KOA locations, and private campgrounds are dog-friendly, some have restrictions or don’t allow pets at all. National parks vary widely; some, like Acadia, allow dogs on over 100 miles of trails, while others, like Rocky Mountain and Great Smoky Mountains, prohibit dogs on trails entirely. Always research and confirm the pet policy before booking. Call ahead to understand specific rules about leash requirements, designated pet areas, and any additional fees.