The best camping gear for dogs

Camping with your dog is a great way to explore the outdoors in a whole new way. After all, there’s nothing quite like hiking the trails and sleeping under the stars with your best (four-legged) friend by your side. That said, camping with dogs does require a fair amount of preparation since you’ll want to make sure your pooch is safe, well-fed, and comfortable on your journey.

Much of that starts with packing wisely—and we don’t just mean what to bring, but also how much. Efficiency is the key since you’ll want to pack light while also having everything you need to make things stress-free for you and your pup.

Scroll on to find some of our favorite camping gear for dogs that will make your next overnight campout an unforgettable one.

The best camping gear for dogs

To keep things simple, we’ve split our list of must-haves into four basic categories: general camping essentials, gear for eating, items for hiking and other activities, and products for sleep and comfort. Consider it a helpful packing checklist to consult before you and your dog venture into the wild.

Camping gear essentials for dogs

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No matter where you camp with your dog, you’ll need to bring along some poop bags so the campsite and trails stay as clean as possible for others. These earth-friendly waste bags have a near-perfect rating from Amazon shoppers, who love that they’re super durable, easy to tear off, and 100% compostable. They also come with 240 bags per pack and—most important of all—are leak- and smell-proof. (As an added bonus, 10% of each purchase goes to an animal charity.)

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Even if your pup tends to stay close, some kind of restraint will be needed so they don’t wander from your campsite. This heavy-duty cable tie system will keep them securely tethered to a nearby tree or post while also giving them freedom to roam, thanks to its overhead trolley system. Customers say it’s quick and easy to set up, whether used at home or during travel. Plus, the rope itself is reflective, so it glows in the dark once the sun goes down.

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Hiking the trails requires packing smart and light—for both you and your pooch. Since you’ll likely have a lot to carry in your own backpack, consider getting one for your dog so they can take all their essentials with them and split the load. This day pack from Ruffwear has a comfortable padded harness and roomy side pockets for easy storage, and it comes in a variety of colors and sizes for big and small dogs.

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When your dog inevitably starts rolling in mud or running through dirty streams, you may want to have some cleaning supplies on hand. This portable hose draws water up from a bucket (or any other available water source) and pushes it out of the shower head in a gentle, shower-like stream. It uses a Li-Ion battery with a detachable pack to give you 45-60 minutes of shower time, which will come in handy if your pooch gets dirty multiple times throughout your trip. One Chewy customer loved it so much that they called it “unbelievably awesome” in their review.

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Much as we try to avoid them, accidents happen. Be prepared to treat your pooch (or yourself) for any unexpected injuries with this medical kit, which comes filled with human and canine essentials. Inside, you’ll find things like an emergency blanket to treat shock and hypothermia, an irrigation syringe to clean wounds, and even a splinter picker that can be used on you or your dog.

Gear for eating

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Hiking the trails will work up an appetite in both of you. This stainless steel travel set has three separate compartments to hold plenty of dog food, treats, and water. When not in use, each chamber fits snugly on top of the other and can be easily separated at mealtime. It’s even available in three different color options—Black, Peach, and Artichoke Green—with a cute paw print design on the front for added style.

For backpackers who need to pack extra light, another great option is this two-pack set of silicone collapsible dog Bowls from PetBonus. Each bowl collapses into itself for slim and easy storage, and features a carabiner that allows  you to hang it practically anywhere.

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If you’re planning more than just a night or two away, dehydrated dog food is a smart option, and this grain-free version from The Honest Kitchen tops our list. Not only do dogs love it (according to thousands of Amazon reviews), but it’s also lightweight and space-saving. The 4-pound bag actually contains 16 pounds of dehydrated dog food inside—just add water, and your pup will scarf it up.

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For dog treats, kibble, and all other forms of dry food, this portable carrier will become the ultimate “doggie bag.” Made from heavy-duty and water-resistant poly cotton, it holds roughly 5 pounds of dry food inside and comes with a stainless steel cup for portioning out your dog’s meals. It’s also designed with a top and side handle so you can carry it multiple ways, as well as an external loop that can be hooked onto backpacks and other travel accessories.

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This genius little “pup flask” will quickly hydrate your dog on the trails, thanks to its leaf-shaped silicone cup that flips out into a portable water bowl. It comes in multiple colors and two sizes, so you can carry up to 40 ounces of water at a time inside the stainless steel thermos, which also keeps it chilled for longer. Many reviewers said they bought it for hiking but wound up using it everywhere they take their dog.

Gear for hiking and activities with your dog

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Wilderness safety is always important when you’re camping, but especially when you’re bringing your dog along. This clip-on collar light makes it easier to keep track of your pup when it starts to get dark out, thanks to the gentle glow it creates around their collar. Plus, it’s rechargeable and waterproof to withstand all kinds of outdoor activities. 

(Another option that doesn’t require any charging or additional accessories is this bright reflective collar from Taglory, which has over 30,000 reviews from satisfied dog owners.)

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As adorable as they are, dog boots aren’t just for show—they also come in handy for all-terrain adventures and extreme weather conditions. These flexible neoprene boots from Bark Brite are designed to conform to your pup’s natural paw shape and have a non-slip rubber sole to protect their soles from heat, snow, rain, and even sharp objects. Plus, they come in a wide range of sizes with adjustable straps to fit all kinds of breeds.

If you don’t want the hassle of dog boots, you may want to consider paw wax. Pet owners swear by this balm from Musher’s Secret, which has over 33,000 reviews on Amazon. It will moisturize your pet’s dry or cracked paws while also creating an invisible barrier to protect them from the elements.

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Your pup will get plenty of entertainment out of chasing birds and running through streams, but sometimes, nothing beats a good ‘ole game of fetch. The ChuckIt Ultra Fetch Stick is beloved by pet owners for being easy to toss and even more fun for their dogs to catch. Amazon reviewers say it literally “floats” through the air and is easy for their dogs to spot wherever it goes, thanks to the stick’s bright orange color. (One thing to note: Some shoppers noted that if your dog has super sharp teeth and likes to chew, you may need to find a stronger toy.)

Gear for sleeping and comfort

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Bringing an elevated dog bed on your camping trip might seem a little over-the-top, but for some dogs, it may be ideal. Aside from the obvious comfort perks, an elevated dog cot keeps them up off of the ground, which promotes airflow and helps in extreme temperatures. It can also take the pressure off of achy joints after a long day on the trails. This steel-framed cot from Coolaroo is also lightweight and durable, and it has the added bonus of being made with mold-, mildew-, and flea-resistant materials. 

Buy it now on Chewy

What’s a dog bed without a matching canopy? If your pooch’s bed is going to sit outside of your own tent or camper, you may want to consider a compatible canopy to protect it from rain and sun. This one comes in a variety of sizes, is machine-washable, and—according to Chewy customers—easy to install.

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For those who love to cuddle up beside their pets at night, the BarkerBag is a great alternative to a separate dog cot. It acts as an accessory, connecting your pooch’s sleeping bag right on to your human-sized one, and is filled with RDS-certified 80/20 duck down to provide superior comfort and insulation in cold-weather climates. It can also be used as a stand-alone dog bed pretty much anywhere you take your pup.

Tips for camping with your dog

According to Amber Quann KPA-CTP, CPDT-KSA, the CEO and Head Trainer at Summit Dog Training in Fort Collins, Colorado, there are several things to keep in mind when camping with your dog—and much of it starts before you even leave home.

• Conduct a general health and wellness check. Is your dog up-to-date on important vaccinations? What about their flea and tick medication? Quann also recommends calling your vet just to see if any extra measures are needed.
• Read up on campground rules. Before even booking your stay, be sure to check out the campsite’s specific rules for bringing dogs since they often differ from place to place.
• Choose a safe location. For Quann and her dog, this looks like “picking a spot away from steep cliffs, rushing rivers or creeks, and far enough back from the road,” she explains. For your dog, there may be added considerations.
• Make sure your dog has proper identification. A collar with a clear ID tag—including your pet’s name, your name, and an emergency contact number—is a must when venturing far from home. You may also want to consider a microchip in case they get lost, says Quann.
• Know how to access clean drinking water. Don’t give your pup water that you wouldn’t drink yourself. This may mean packing water at home or bringing a special filter to purify water from lakes or streams. (Check out water purification tablets, which will ensure your drinking water is safe every time.)
• Pack more dog food than you think you’ll need. “When I pack food for my dog for the trip, I add extra above their normal daily intake amount—both if I’m camping near my vehicle and if I’m backpacking to my camp spot,” says Quann. In addition, the trainer often adds high-protein snacks or treats to refuel her pup after high-intensity activities.
• Always clean up after your dog. “Dog poop is not ‘natural’ and is harmful to the environment when left behind,” reminds Quann. (Hence, the need for eco-friendly waste bags.)

Frequently asked questions

If you’ve never taken your dog camping before, you probably have a lot of questions running through your head right now. Here, Quann breaks down a few of the most common areas of confusion. 

Is it a good idea to take my dog camping?

According to the certified dog trainer, the answer to that one is “100% yes”—so long as you’re up for the challenge. Quann says she’s “a big fan” of bringing her dog along on as many of her outdoor adventures as possible, with camping being one of their favorite activities. 

“If you think that you and your dog would both enjoy this process, then I would definitely recommend giving it a try,” she urges.

Just like any outdoor activity, there are pros and cons to camping with your dog. 

Quann says the biggest upside is probably the companionship and safety that comes with bringing your dog out into nature.

“The relationship building and bonding time you enjoy while camping and hiking together [is unmatched],” she explains, adding that it’s also an excellent form of exercise (for both you and your dog).

Of course, there are also potential drawbacks, including wildlife risks, campground restrictions, and all the extra packing it requires. But for most outdoor enthusiasts, the benefits of camping with your dog far outweigh any negatives.

How do I control my dog when camping?

“Depending on the type of camping setting that you will be visiting, your dog may be able to be off-leash or may need to stay on-leash,” advises Quann. However, for most established campgrounds, leash rules will be in effect, which means you’ll have to plan ahead of time to keep your dog on a leash.

When visiting a campground with leash rules, the dog trainer typically packs two leashes: A shorter one for walking, which measures roughly 4-7 feet, and a longer line for attaching her pup to something stationary at the campsite. 

Here are a few specific things to consider when setting up a successful tie-out.

• Material. “Cable tie-outs are popular because they are difficult for dogs to chew through, but they can be very hazardous if your dog suddenly wraps them around your ankle at high speed (i.e., chasing a squirrel that wandered too close to your campsite),” says Quann. “I prefer a biothane long-line for my dog.”
• Leash length. “When your dog is on the tie-out, they should not be able to pass beyond the bounds of your own campsite, and ideally should be kept back at least 10-20 feet from areas of the campsite (like roads and paths) where others might be walking past,” the trainer adds.
• Fixed point tie-downs. “If you are going to attach the leash to something, make sure it is truly impossible for your dog to move,” says Quann. “This includes stakes in the ground—I’ve seen many dogs pull stakes out of the ground, so I don’t consider these to be truly secure.”  
• Leash attachment. “I prefer the dog to be wearing a well-fitted harness with a leash attachment on their back when I’m using any fixed tie-out point to protect their neck and make this the most secure,” the trainer explains. “I’ve encountered dogs who have broken their collars when hitting the end of a tie-out at full speed.”

It’s also important to train your dog about what it actually means to be on a tie-out, says Quann, which may require practice at home first.

“When teaching my camping dogs what it means to be on a tie out, I reward them for being calm within the bounds of their attachment radius,” she explains. “If something exciting is happening nearby, I reward them for watching calmly—not for running to the end of the tie-out, barking and lunging.”

It’s also important to note that tie-outs should only be used under supervision. 

“This is not the place to leave your dog while you go hiking, as this puts them at risk for wildlife encounters, as well as potentially impacting other folks enjoying the campground,” notes Quann.

What’s the best tent for camping with a dog?

A general rule of thumb, according to Quann, is to choose a tent that’s made for the number of people you plan to house plus one more, so you have extra space for your dog. That said, this could vary depending on the size of your dog.

“When I had my medium to large breed camping companion plus my human partner, we used a three-person tent,” the trainer explains. “Now that my camping companion dog is about 11 lbs., we have downsized to a two-person tent and everyone fits comfortably.”

While some people prefer to sleep with their dog, others choose to purchase smaller tents made specifically for dogs to sleep separately. Think through the pros and cons of each option before making a decision.

“I prefer having my dog sleep inside the tent with me for several reasons,” shares Quann. “They provide me with warmth and a feeling of security when they are sleeping next to me, and I don’t have to worry about them being in a separate tent. The individual dog tents may be cute, but if your dog has any separation or confinement anxiety and is not comfortable being left alone, they may be able to easily roll those small dog tents or break out of them.”

Lastly, Quann recommends setting up the tent in your backyard or living room before taking your dog to a campsite for the first time. This will help familiarize them with the tent before your trip and get them comfortable with the idea of going in and out of it.

“Maybe even put their cozy dog bed in there and have a little nap time sleepover to help them understand that this is a safe place to rest,” the trainer adds.