Pop Up Camping with Your Dog(s)

Pop Up Camping with Dogs

If you’re a dog lover like we are and want to take your pooch with you on your next adventure, there are some things you need to consider before your go. Gone are the days of leaving your pet(s) behind while you go on an adventure. More and more campsites are open to allowing pets at the campsites, trails, and lakes.

For me it was a travesty leaving our dogs behind, due to campsite rules or just not having the space for them. But we have now learned to adapt, grew from tenting to a popup trailer and decided to research our campsite before booking. After that we had little reasons to leaving them behind.

We currently have a 2-year-old chocolate lab mix named Cocoa Bean, though we have many other silly names for her. She is STILL in her puppy stage and the smartest little thing out there. She adapts quickly to many situations but is too smart for her own good. Yes, she can be troublesome and want all your attention, all the time, something hard to do when you’re trying to enjoy a calm and relaxing day at the lake.

We have many camping memories with her from these past 2 years and had to adapt with her growing needs and personality.  Many examples can be her inquisitiveness to things, other animals and people, her hyperactivity, and laziness. (Laziness: a few times she didn’t want to finish a hike and laid down on the trail acting dead or sleepy, we couldn’t move her, so we literally had to carry her the rest of the way back.) Memories we will never forget.

Now I know what you are going to say, it’s your fault for taking a puppy camping. Well yes but I have to say, how else is she going to learn if she not thrown into these types of situations. I also didn’t think it was fair to the person we left her with. I mean come on she’s a puppy, they are active, chew on everything, whine and eat a lot. Not to mention her neediness. I was so happy she adapted to camping and popup camper.

When it comes to camping in your popup camper, you ideally could take any type of animal. That is what is allowed at the campsite. We even know people who take their cats along for the ride. Granted they are very tame and sleep most of the day. Many popup owners before you have done so, so why not you as well? But before you get too excited, I must first tell you that there are somethings you need to do before you take the leap. There’s a lot of homework that goes into making that decision.

“Your like homework?!?! Please! My dog can go everywhere with me and is well behaved.”

While that is all great and dandy, but you will need to look further into each campsite and thier rules and regulations.

• Does the campsite allow pets?
• What are the size requirements of the animal?
• How many pets are allowed?
• Is there a fee for bring a pet?
• Is there a dog park on location?
• Can they be on the trails or playgrounds?
• Do they need to be leashed? And how long is the tether? Some are 6ft!
• Do they have a noise ordinance on pets? Many due and fines are given out?
• What regulations are required for pet owners?
• Barking ordinances?
• Is the popup camper safe for the animal and does it fit their needs?
• Is their room enough for the campers and pet while sleeping?

• Do they bark a lot?
• Are they friendly to other animals? People?
• Do they scare easily?
• Are they high maintenance?
• Do they need medicine or medical attention?
• Do they have a specific diet?
• Are they allergic to grass, fleas or etc.?
• Can they take loud noises?
• Their natural behavior?
• Their frustration’s?
• Can you leave them alone in the camper?
• Can they stay tied up?
• Do they tend to run off?
• Do they bite? Aggressive behaviors?
• Can they swim?
• Is your dog current on all vaccinations?
• Does your dog have tick and flea prevention?
• Does your god have a collar with name tag? Up to date license?
• Is your dog Microchipped?
• Does your pet have a strong and durable leash and collar?
• Do they need any extra supplies for camping? Pet pads, toys, chew bones, etc.

• Duration of trip?
• Weather?
• Temperature?
• Are there pet activities provided?
• Holiday crowds and activities?
• To they like water?
• Wildlife?
• How close are the campsites to one another?
• What kind of water resources are around for drinking water?
• Does the lake water have Blue Algae? Or other life threating factors?
• Can the pets go into the water?

Even though not every campground is pet-friendly, there are countless places across the U.S. that encourage well-behaved dogs. It is always best to contact a campground individually for information regarding their pet policy and rules or if available check online sites like Reserve America or TripAdvisor for reviews.

In addition to your traditional camping supplies, camping pet-friendly means bringing along everything your dog needs to feel like home. Having your pet feel safe and protected is key to having a memorable experience for both you and your loved ones.

Dog camping basics include:

• 2 quality leashes (one could break or get lost in camper)
• A bowl for food (best to have a little extra)
• A large bowl for water
• A recent photo (In case pet is lost or stolen)
• An ID tag with standard information
• Dog food (bring more than enough)
• Dog shampoo (if pet gets in water)
• Dog treats, bones, and eatable options
• Dog waste bags (bring backup)
• Endless water supply
• Favorite chew toy, blanket, towel, or stuffed animal
• First-aid kit for pets
• Harness 
• Outdoor safe toys
• Pet carrier for smaller animals
• Pet towels (2-3)
• Plastic bags for wet items like toys, towels, and bowls.
• Prescription medication, if applicable
• Small waterproof bag filled with simple vet records and medical information.
• Stake or tiedown (following guidelines)

This can all fit in canvas bag or container making it easier to find.

So, you may have already taken your pet camping, or this might be your first outing. No matter how many times you have been camping your dog still needs to get comfortable with the camper. One of the biggest things about camping with your animal is to make them comfortable with their surroundings and letting your pet(s) in while you’re setting up is a great idea. Yes, you are going in and out and they are just as excited and stressed as you are and will mimic your personality. Once your able to open your windows (weather and temperature permitting), you can allow them to view the campsite from inside the camper. Your pet needs to look around and process where they are at and who is around. This is an important step for your pet.

It is best that you pet sleeps inside the popup camper with you at night, either on the floor, bed areas or in a kennel. Many times, campsites at night can be troublesome for your pet, with wildlife more prevalent at night. Even the comforts of our camper can not stop the disturbances that mother nature throws at us. Most pets sleep sounder with their owners nearby and rest easier knowing they are protected.

Our dog is a hopper, and by that she has free range of the camper and hops from bed to bed until she is comfortable. Many times, if there is a noise outside, she will growl and possibly bark. We then have to calm her down by hugging her or telling her to lay down. Our dog is also part hunting dog and could hear the animals roaming. I have awoken to possums, raccoons, and skunks, you name it, around us at night. Lucky no bears or moose yet!!!

She’s pretty subdued now, but before she was socially awkward. She was afraid of other dogs and with some pets her hair would stick straight up on her back. She has gotten used to her bark, something we found quite funny, and we can always tell how she’s doing by her mannerisms. Pet owners know what I’, talking about.

Our dog needs stimulation and toys. She needs to be doing something or nothing, not in between with her. She gets certain treats when she is camping and understands it as well. We bring her favorite toys and games to play to get her well active. Once she is done playing for 20 minutes or so then she sleeps for a good hour.

Leaving your pet behind in the camper is a decision only you can make. You know and understand your dog’s behaviors more than anyone. Solely leaving them for a few minutes to hours can be devastating to a pet while you’re at home but while at a new campsite with new people can be a whole new element. Breaking down the “what could happen?” while your gone list is always best and important to owners.

• How long will you be gone for?
• Should you take them or leave them?
• What is the weather and temperature like inside and out of the camper?
• Do they have their collar on?
• Can your dog open doors or tear up furniture?
• Does your camper have easily access in or out?
• Do you tell someone your leaving?
• Do they have enough food and water?
• Can they breakout of the camper and run free?
• Do they have toys, treats or something to keep them occupied?
• Will they bark, howl, or growl a lot? Causing attention to the campsite
• Do I leave them inside or outside of the camper?
• Should I leave the air condition, fans, TV, music, or electricity on?
• Will there be any factors that would scare the dog? Ex. Fireworks, loud motors or people yelling
• Is it legal and permitted at the campsite? Some campsites have rules against leaving your pet alone.

So many questions only the pet owner would know and should make that determination. I would suggest if your pet(s) are well-behaved then no more than 2 hours alone should be the maximum time aloud.

A lot can happen in 2 hours and popup campers can easily heat up quickly. During the long summers trips we have lost power, shutting down the air conditioner. Could that happen to you?

For us 2 hours is max to let her stay alone in there. She knows how to get out of the camper, via one of the bunk ends. We leave all the windows down and run a fan. But have been concerned before of her ripping the canvas and running after a duck in the water. Water dogs got to love them!

Conclusion

If you’re interested in bringing your dog with you on your popup camper adventures, decide if this trip is the right trip for your pet and then choose on a plan of action. Reviewing the questions above will help you decide what works best for your pet. Always check with the campsite on rules and regulations for dogs, they can change frequently depending on the seasons, volume of guests, pollution or water guidelines and holidays.  If everything checks out, then start with the arrangements and gather your must need items.  I hope this has help and enjoy your camping experience with your pet(s).