Must-Have Camping Essentials for Dogs

Headed out on your next camping trip with Fido? Make sure you don’t forget anything and check out our camping essentials for dogs list!

I’m currently a Brand Ambassador for Molly Mutt and have been compensated for this post. All opinions are mine alone. #MollyMutt

Headed out on your next camping trip with Fido? Make sure you don't forget anything and check out our camping essentials for dogs list!

One of the reasons I love camping is because it’s generally super dog-friendly. In fact, it’s one of the few lodging places that it’s harder to find a campground that doesn’t allow pets than it is to find one that does.

We’ve been camping with all of our pups over the years and we’ve come to find there are some must-haves for each trip. Here is a list of our camping essentials for dogs.

Headed out on your next camping trip with Fido? Make sure you don't forget anything and check out our camping essentials for dogs list!

Camping Essentials for Dogs

Dog ID/Tags

Dog ID tags are must no matter what for us, but especially when traveling. We’ve never had an issue with our dogs breaking free from a leash or getting loose from a tent/trailer, but it’s better to be prepared. Especially when you aren’t 100% familiar with the area.

We included my parent’s phone as a third number on the tag just in case we don’t have service in the area. Also, remember to have your vaccination records/tags as some campgrounds or other places you may visit require them.

Harness

A well-designed harness can make life so much easier when we’re camping. With all the new scents or other pups, both of our hounds are big into pulling. Having the harness prevents them from choking and helps us better control them as well.

Tie-Out

It doesn’t matter how good your dog is – you need to have them leashed. It’s usually in the campground rules, but it’s also for their safety. Your pup will be in a new environment so this helps ensure they stay close. Otherwise, they could be chasing animals, running into the woods, going up to other (potentially vicious) dogs or going up to people that aren’t super dog-friendly.

We recommend this waist bungee leash as it’s great to have around your waist, a tree, or something sturdy. We also like this two-handled leash for keeping a dog closer to you when/if you need to. Depending on the setup of the campsite, you may be able to use a tie-out cable as well.

Related Reading: The Best Place to Camp in All 50 States

Headed out on your next camping trip with Fido? Make sure you don't forget anything and check out our camping essentials for dogs list!

Food and Water

Bring the same food you normally feed them to avoid an upset stomach. They’re also much more likely to eat it.

However, I have noticed that when we travel, Sookie is less likely to eat as much though. So sometimes, we’ll change up the flavor of her normal food (for example, from chicken to fish or duck) or some tasty lean meat and she likes the newness enough to resume eating like normal.

Always bring fresh water for your pup, too. They need it as much as you do! This elevated food and water bowl with storage is a great option for food storage and serving.

Headed out on your next camping trip with Fido? Make sure you don't forget anything and check out our camping essentials for dogs list!
Headed out on your next camping trip with Fido? Make sure you don't forget anything and check out our camping essentials for dogs list!

Water-Resistant Dog Camping Bed

I’ve talked about Molly Mutt before – Eco-Friendly Dog Beds with Molly Mutt and Why Every Pet Owner Needs a Molly Mutt Duvet – and I’m excited to talk about their beds again! We got a second one specifically for our camping trips for two reasons. A) Who doesn’t love this 100,000 fireflies print?! ALL THE HEART EYES! and B) It’s made for our outdoor adventures. It’s made with water-resistant fabric so it’s designed to keep your bed’s insides nice and dry.

Not only did Sookie love it (as if the photos didn’t give it away) – it was SO easy to clean off. Dew? No big deal. Rain? No problem either. Dirt? None left after brushing it off. It looked brand new after a few days of camping and that can’t be said about anything else we took with us!

Headed out on your next camping trip with Fido? Make sure you don't forget anything and check out our camping essentials for dogs list!

Poo Bags

For obvious reasons. Please always pick up after your pet, wherever you are. Consider one of these bio-degradable poop bags.

Reflective Attire

Reflective attire is great for night hikes or walks around the campground. Even better if it’s for you and your pup, if possible. But specifically with your pup, it’s much easier to see your furry friend in the dark with something reflective or blinking. Whether it’s for walks, letting them go potty in the middle of the night, or in the rain – a reflective vest is a great option.

First Aid Kit

It’s always helpful to have a first aid kit for your dogs on hand just in case. I have this pet first aid kit with printable post that can help you put everything together, too.

Related Reading: Must Have First-Aid Items for Camping

Brush and Shampoo

Our pups always gets dirty while we’re camping. A brush along with brush spray or waterless shampoo can be a lifesaver. These are especially helpful when you end up with a wet dog from the lake or rain. Towels come in handy with this, too.

Headed out on your next camping trip with Fido? Make sure you don't forget anything and check out our camping essentials for dogs list!

You might also want to check out How to Calm An Anxious Dog if your dog is prone to anxiety or stress when they’re in unfamilair places!

I’d love to know: what is on your camping essentials for dogs list?

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