More and more families are hitting the road and opting to go camping for vacation. After months of being trapped at home, the appeal of basking in the great outdoors has never been greater. Your pet is a member of the family, and they love nature as much as you do. So why not bring them along on your next camping trip? Besides, who doesn’t like camping with pets?

Taking your furry friend with you on a camping trip is an excellent way to bond while providing a much-needed escape for both you and your pet. 

It’s no doubt that camping can be fun for both you and your four-legged friend. But before you go embark on a camping trip with your pet, you should be aware of the extra steps of preparation that come along with it. 

In this guide, we’re going to give you tips for camping with pets that you, and your furry friend, will enjoy.

Research Pet Friendly Campsites

There’s nothing worse than hitting the road with your furry pal only to finally arrive at your destination and find a “No Pets Allowed” sign. 

Be sure to call ahead or research online to find pet-friendly campgrounds and trails. Also, be sure to read up on the campsite’s pet camping rules. Some campsites require pets to be leashed at all times. Others are okay with your dog being off the leash so long as they are trained to come back to you when you call them.  

We at Paw.com have partnered up with Campspot, the leading online marketplace for premier RV resorts, family campgrounds, cabins, and glamping options, to offer a paw-some camping experience for families traveling with pets.

You can enjoy camping with pets at Campspot’s pet-friendly campgrounds across the United States. Check out some of Campspot’s top pet-friendly campsites below: 

Jellystone Park Gardiner, New York

Overlooking the Wallkill River, this park is set on 100 rolling acres. Campers can take part in endless outdoor activities and amenities that the whole family will enjoy. All cabins and campsites enjoy beautiful scenic views. Just a short drive from hiking at Minnewaska State Park and local history in New Paltz, this New York campsite offers a fun and breathtaking camping experience for everyone.

Jellystone Park Golden Valley, North Carolina

Tucked away at the base of the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort Golden Valley, North Carolina is a perfect family getaway destination! The picturesque 600+ acres of land features accommodations including luxury cabins and lodges, full hook-up RV sites, glamping tents with lake views, and premium tent sites. Campers can spend the day enjoying an unparalleled line-up of amenities including kayaking, fishing, an interactive water playground with water slides and a swimming pool, hiking and biking trails, and more.

La Hacienda RV Resort, Texas

Escape to this vibrant community in Austin, Texas ­at La Hacienda RV Resort! This luxury resort offers a wonderful amenity package and their pet-friendly accommodations make it easy to bring the entire family on vacation! 

Cava Robles RV Resort, California

Whether you arrive by RV or stay in one of the cottages the resort has to offer, you’ll be immersed in a setting built for relaxation. This luxury resort boasts numerous amenities including fire pits, pools, a wellness center, and dog parks. 

Prepare For Emergencies

Before you leave on your camping trip, make sure you pack identification for your pet with your pet’s name, your name, your phone number, and proof of rabies shots and other vaccinations. 

If you plan on being somewhere for more than a week, you may even consider investing in another identification tag that shows the location and phone number of your vacation destination. In the event your furry friend gets lost on your trip, you’ll want to be prepared to find them as quickly as possible. 

It would also be ideal that your pet is microchipped so that, in the case they are separated from you, they can be taken to a vet where they will check for their microchip and contact you. Having your pet microchipped costs around $50 on average and the potential benefits far outweigh the one-time cost.

Also consider bringing along a pet first aid kit with supplies that will make you more ready in the event of a medical emergency. 

Chances are, nothing will happen to your pet, but it’s always best to be prepared.

Pack Plenty of Food & Water For Your Pet 

When camping with pets, it’s especially important to keep your pals hydrated and satisfied by bringing plenty of water and food for the journey, destination, and enough for any pit stops, hikes, or walks. But, carrying around bottles of water along with your dog’s water or food bowl can be cumbersome. 

Bring along a packable and collapsible bowl that will work for storing food and water. Collapsible food and water bowls are portable, lightweight, easy to store, and can even come with hooks to hang off your backpack. Remember your furry pal will need extra food and water on those long and tough hiking trails. 

Depending on where you’re headed for your camping excursion, clean water may not always be available. So it may even be worth it to invest in a filter to keep water safe for consumption.

Bring Your Pet’s Bed

Keep your furry best friend cozy at night with a comfortable sleeping surface. You could let them snuggle up with you on your bed or in your sleeping bag, but for ultimate pet napping comfort, an orthopedic pet bed is the way to go. After a tiring day hiking the picturesque trails, it’s important to give your fur friend the tail-wagging comfort they deserve.

Paw.com’s PupRug™ Faux Fur Orthopedic Bed features pressure-relieving orthopedic memory foam, a removable and washable faux fur cover, and stylish patterns that seamlessly blend into any setting. Along with the PupRug™ Bed, Paw.com’s PupProtector™ Waterproof & Scratchproof Throw Blankets are perfect to throw over couches, beds (or blow-up mattresses for those tenting out) and even inside RVs and cars. 

Practice Good Camping Etiquette

Once you arrive at your destination, it’s important to be courteous to your fellow campers. Use a leash to keep your dog close to you at all times and make sure they don’t wander off into strangers’ campsites. Be sure to pick up after your pet and dispose of their waste afterwards. 

Try not to leave your furry friend unsupervised as there can be wild animals in the area as well as other unpredictable situations that could arise. 

Happy Tails!

Camping with pets is a great way to escape and bond with your best friend. Nothing beats spending time with your four-legged friend soaking up the great outdoors.

With a little preparation, you and your pet will be all set to emBARK on the camping adventure of a lifetime!