Front Country Camping with Dogs

Table of Contents

Packing

Timing

Water

Leashes

Feeding

Sleeping

Bathroom

If you have followed along on my social media for any amount of time, you know that my boyfriend and I have two dogs. Miya is a red Siberian husky who is 4-years-old and Shiloh is a black and white Malamute rescue. Yes, she is really good at winking!

While camping with dogs is fun and can be so rewarding there are a few things to have foresight on.

When I pack the car I always make sure to try and make it easier on myself. That means making sure dogs leashes, collars, and food/water bowls are easily accessible once we arrive at our stops or the campsite. Always keeping a gallon of water ready to pour at rest stops and once we arrive at camp.

Arrive in the daylight I find that dogs can be a little displaced when you set up at camp. I recommend arriving in the daylight to give them time to adapt before bed as well as ensure there are no safety hazards like steep drop offs or dumped food/garbage. Use this time to check for poison ivy, poison oak and other species that could cause harm to you or your dog.

How much water do you really need to bring? I estimate a gallon a day between two dogs depending on the heat and what activities we are going to do.

Leashing at a campground is so crucial for not only your dogs safety, but the safety and well-being of environments and ecosystems.

Eating at camp is tough for some dogs. New environments are challenging to adapt to. I recommend brining probiotics or salmon sprinkles to put over dog food to encourage regular habits.

Pre-measure food while packing. If you have a food hider like we do, it is crucial to make sure you pick up any of the food that may attract raccoons or other animals. I put an outdoor blanket or rug under their bowls when they eat for easier pick up.

Sleeping in a tent with dogs is no different than sleeping in bed with them. Miya usually sleeps on the air mattress or sleeping pad and Shiloh usually sleeps at the end or off to the side of the bed on her cooling mat. It pays off to play music or a podcast as we wind down for the night because it distracts the dogs from hearing the noises from around camp.

The most interesting interaction I have had with our dogs was while we were tent camping at Bruin Lake State Park. A baby raccoon fell on our tent from out of the trees and one of the dogs charged the tent. Luckily, I do not sleep sound and was able to settle them down before they could attempt to escape.

Going to the bathroom with dogs was something I didn't think too much about before solo camping with them but this is something that ended up to be my biggest challenge. I was able to squat outside with my Kula cloth at night but in the daylight I decided it was best to load them up and drive them over to the bathrooms with me to make sure they weren't left unattended. I would let them sit in the A/C with the car running and windows cracked while I was inside.

Before arriving at camp check

Restricted access areas

Reel feel temp. forecast

Leashing rules (6 ft. leashes are pretty standard)

Additional documentation needed for the dogs to be at camp. E.g. did you know New York State Parks requires a valid rabies vaccine certificate?

Pack your dogs favorite toys and bones for when you arrive at camp.

Once arriving check

Temp of ground, sand, asphalt, etc.

Temp inside tent/airflow

Where to set up leashes to avoid crossing over neighboring sites

Food and water placement

While at camp

Continue checking temperature of surfaces.

Make sure your pet is hydrated, keep clean water around in a non-spill bowl.

Dish out the treats as rewards to encourage positive interactions.