The ultimate guide for camping with dogs

Camping is a brilliant opportunity to explore the open, enjoy the fresh air and spend quality time with our loved ones. For many of us, dogs are part of the family, and camping is the perfect opportunity to bond with our furry friends, allowing them to enjoy the great outdoors.

Although camping with dogs can be an exciting experience, there are a number of things you need to consider to ensure you and your pup are safe and comfortable on your adventures. In this blog, we’ll talk through our top tips for camping with dogs and everything you need to have a fun-filled trip. 

Looking for the right tent to house you and your dog when camping? At Boutique Camping, we have a range of spacious bell tents to spoil you and your pup. 

 

Choose a campsite suitable for dogs

Not every campsite allows dogs to stay, so it’s important to do your research and find the right place beforehand. Whilst the vast majority of campsites in the UK do allow dogs, there can be a number of rules, such as a limit to how many dogs you can bring or restricted areas.

When looking for locations to go camping with dogs, look out for: 

• Areas that have lots of open space or walking routes nearby.

• Access to fresh or running water to wash muddy paws and refresh water bowls.

• Sites with clear rules on dogs.

• Quieter or more rural spots if your dogs are anxious around other people or animals. 

When choosing your location, one of our top tips for camping with dogs is to ensure that you have ample space between you and your neighbouring campers. This will allow your dogs to enjoy their space without disturbing other adventurers. 

 

Picking the right tent for camping with dogs

Your tent choice plays a huge role in how comfortable you and your dog will be. There are a few things you need to consider when purchasing your tent.

A spacious interior

If you’re keeping a dog inside at night, you need a bigger space to prevent you and your dog from feeling cramped. Aim for enough space for them to roam around and stretch out whilst sleeping. A canvas bell tent is the perfect solution to a wide open space, with stoop-free walls to allow you and your pup to spread out, as well as large, circular floor space with only a single centre pole, so you’ll have plenty of room for your bed, as well as your dog’s and all of your gear. 

Ventilation 

Nights in the open can get stuffy without the right ventilation, and this can be uncomfortable for your furry friends, especially if they have thick coats. Look for tents with mesh windows or multi-door tents that allow air to flow through your space whilst keeping insects at bay. Opting for fabrics like canvas is also ideal as this material is lightweight and breathable to ensure a comfortable temperature, whilst also being strong enough to protect against wind and rain. 

The best tents for camping with dogs will combine a spacious interior with lightweight, breathable materials to ensure comfort for both owner and pup. 

How to keep your dog safe when camping

As with any shared space or unfamiliar environment, safety should always be your first priority when camping with dogs. Not only do you need to keep your pet safe, but you also need to be mindful of other campers and residents. 

Ensure your pitch is secure

Dogs love to run around and play on campsites, but it’s important to keep your dog away from any neighbours. If you’re sharing your space with other campers, always keep your dog on a lead. This will allow them to explore their surroundings safely without wandering off to potentially dangerous areas like roads and rivers, and also protect the peace and privacy of other campers.

With the excitement of running and playing comes the increased risk of your dog tripping over or dislodging guide ropes, so it’s also worth investing in webbing straps, which help to minimise trips and maximise space for your pets to explore. 

Stay aware of local wildlife

Camping in rural areas increases the chance of encountering local wildlife like livestock, foxes and rabbits. When on walks or relaxing on the campsite, ensure your dog is kept on a lead. This will keep other animals safe as well as your pup from running off. 

Microchip and tag your dog

It’s a legal requirement in the UK to microchip any dog before they turn 8 weeks old, and this is essential for keeping your dog safe and helping to find them when lost.  When visiting places you’ve never been with your dog before, microchipping is especially important, as your dog can become spooked or venture off to explore and become lost.

Air tag collars that track your dog's location and tags with your contact information are also useful in helping to retrieve your dog should they wander off. 

Prepare in advance to ensure comfortable sleeping

In order to ensure you and your dog get a comfortable night's sleep when camping, you need to prepare in advance and ensure you bring all the right camping accessories.

Bring your dog’s bed

Take your dog’s usual bed on your trip or some of their blankets and mats. These will have their scent and the scent of your home on them, which can help them settle in unfamiliar places. 

Keep the temperature comfortable at night

Depending on the time of year you’re planning your adventures, the temperature can vary greatly once it gets dark. In winter, it can become especially cold and make it harder to get a good night's sleep. Ensure your dog has plenty of blankets and that you have an insulated sleeping bag fit for negative temperatures. 

You can also use a wood burning stove to keep you and your dog warm, but it’s especially important to remain vigilant and follow the correct safety guidelines. Never leave the stove unattended, and never sleep with your stove on either. 

What to pack for camping with your dog

Ensure you have all the essentials to keep your dog happy and healthy before heading out on your trip. Make sure to pack:

• Plenty of dog food

• Fresh water and water bowls

• Leads, harness and spares of both

• Microchip and contact details

• Dog, bed blanket and mats

• Towels for drying fur and paws

• Poop bags

• Dog first aid kit 

• Plastic bags

• Treats and bones

• Camping wagon or trolley for easy transport

You will, of course, need to factor in these additions on top of your own camping essentials, which can be explored in detail in our complete camping checklist. 

Comfortable camping for everyone at Boutique Camping

Here at Boutique Camping, we’re dedicated to creating glamping gear that’s suitable for all the family, and that includes your furry friends! Our range of canvas tents is warm, spacious and durable for dog-friendly camping in all seasons. 

Whether you want to upgrade your camping gear to a more glamorous dog den or you’re camping for the first time with your pup, our team are on hand to help you find the perfect tent and accessories for any adventure.