Camping with dogs: The complete guide

What to know about camping with your dog

Camping with both the family, and your canine companion can be an incredible adventure for all involved. Your dog will relish the chance to explore the sights, sounds and smells of an environment outside their regular territory while no harm will come from time surrounded by nature in the great outdoors.

The beauty of camping is that there are no set rules on how you go about it, from a kit perspective at least. That said, basic dog owner responsibility is a requirement, as is the need to follow your chosen campsites specific rules regarding dogs on its site.

It’s important to familiarise yourself with these as soon as you arrive. While it is likely your dog will relish their new environment, it’s important to consider that there will be many new sights and situations that he hasn’t experienced before.

Therefore it’s important to learn, before you leave, what excites your dog, makes them nervous, or even angry. Then you will have the best chance of understanding what circumstances may unsettle them.

What to take camping with a dog​

#1 A good quality lead

While your dog may be well behaved off the lead, you don't know how other dogs or people may react to him. When on the campsite it may be useful to have a tether so that your dog can have freedom (almost).

#2 Bedding

Make sure you take bedding as this will keep your dog warm and dry. It may be worth bringing a bed from home if appropriate as the familiarity may help him settle at night.

#3 Food and water

While most campsites will have fresh running water it is always a good idea to take a supply and, of course, remember the dog food!

#4 Food storage

If you are sleeping outdoors it will be essential to have appropriate food storage containers.

#5 Plenty of towels

Even if you are not planning to go near water it is highly possible that your dog, or the weather, will have other ideas and a smelly, wet dog in the tent or caravan is not pleasant!

Where should dogs sleep when camping?

Above all else, it’s important that you have the correct tent for your needs. When camping with dogs, space, durability and ventilation matter more than ever.

Take a look at these dog-friendly tents designed to keep both you and your four-legged companion comfortable.

Best tents for camping with dogs​

Trail Brazen6 Man Air tent

(Photos courtesy of Trail)

The Brazen 6-man air tent is a roomy, inflatable family camping tent that sleeps up to six people with a large living area and darkened bedroom for better sleep quality.

It features a high-density polyester flysheet with a 5,000mm waterproof rating, durable TPU air poles and a safety purge pump for fast, simple set-up.

Multiple windows and vents offer good light and airflow, while a linked tub groundsheet helps keep out moisture and insects.

The bedroom can be split into two three-berth sections for privacy, and included king poles convert the entrance into a sun canopy for extra sheltered space on the campsite.

Buy the Brazen6 Man Air tent

Trail Shilstone 3 Zone 5 Man tent

The Shilstone 3 Zone 5 Man Tent is a spacious, family-oriented camping tent designed to comfortably accommodate up to five people, with a large living area and a dedicated sleeping zone that can be divided for privacy.

It features a high-density TRX 21068D polyester flysheet with a 5000 mm waterproof rating, keeping you dry even in heavy rain, and a fully sewn-in groundsheet to block damp and draughts.

The standing-height living area includes multiple entrances, mesh ventilation, windows with curtains, a cable access point, and lantern hooks.

Angled fibreglass poles and guy-lines deliver stability in wind, and it packs into an oversized carry bag for travel and storage.

Buy the Trail Shilstone 3 Zone 5 Man tent

(Photos courtesy of Trail)

Trail Stannon 5 weekend tent

(Photos courtesy of Trail)

The Stannon 5 from Trail is an easy-to-pitch tunnel tent that comfortably sleeps four, but is big enough for five. Its more compact footprint and pack size makes it perfect for weekends away, without compromising on comfort.
The Dark Zone bedroom blocks out sunlight, allowing you to enjoy a more relaxing sleep. The 5,000mm hydrostatic head provides exceptional rain protection, capable of standing up to the stormiest of downpours.
The bedroom measures 210cm by 300cm and is a maximum of 205cm high, with a divider to create two rooms. The spacious living area measures has standing room, a sewn-in groundsheet, cable access and windows.

Buy the Trail Stannon 5 weekend tent

Trail Hexton 6 Vis-a-Vis tent

These tents have two inner bedrooms facing each other, separated by a central living section. They offer privacy and flexibility, and allow for increased living space by removing one inner tent.

These are especially popular for families with older children, who prefer more privacy. The  Trail Hexton 6  is an example of the vis-a-vis layout.

Buy the Trail Hexton 6 Vis-a-Vis tent

(Photos courtesy of Trail)

Top tips

• Always clean up any mess your dog leaves and dispose of it.
• If your dog is prone to barking, camping may not be a good choice, as other campers on the site will not appreciate being disturbed by a noisy dog.
• If all the necessary precautions are taken, camping can be a relaxing, stimulating, and fun holiday for the whole family. Your dog will view the experience as one big adventure and it is a great way of bonding with your pet.