We were camping in our travel trailer one night when our dog, Trinity, woke us up with loud barking. My husband looked out the window, but it was dark and he didn’t see anything. We told Trinity to go back to sleep. The next day, when we went outside, our camp was destroyed by a bear. For this, and other reasons we’re always glad to have our dog with us on trips, but where do we keep her when camping? And where can you keep your dog when you’re camping?
As long as you are in an RV or tent, you can keep your dog with you. If you plan to visit National Park attractions or otherwise would need to leave your dog unattended, find local dog daycare or boarding facility where you can drop off your dog for the day. Another option is to bring a trusted friend or family member who can watch your dog while you’re away.
Read on to find out where we keep our dog when we’re camping and where you can keep your dog.
Where to Keep Your Dog When You are in Camp
When you’re camping with your dog, it’s important to make sure they have a safe and comfortable place to stay. You can keep your dog in your tent or in your travel trailer, provided it’s well-ventilated and has enough space for them to move around.
Some dogs prefer to sleep in their own dog bed or crate, so you may want to bring those along as well. You can also bring a portable playpen or tie-out stake to keep your dog secure while you’re gone.
It’s important to never leave your dog unattended and to always keep an eye on them while they’re outside to ensure their safety.
Keeping Your Dog on a Tie-out
When in camp, we keep our dog on a tie-out. It’s important to keep your dog restrained to ensure its safety.
A tie-out is a long leash that is attached to a stake in the ground or a nearby tree, allowing your dog to move around while still remaining within a safe area.
We use a tie-out cable that we attach to the picnic bench, the trailer tongue, or a tree. We have also used a dog runner system.
However, some campgrounds require that dogs be on a restraint of fewer than 6 feet long. We had a run-in once with a nasty camp host when using the runner. We loved the freedom it gave our dog but found it’s not worth dealing with the odd nasty camp host.
Make sure the tie-out is securely anchored and that your dog has access to shade, water, and a comfortable place to rest.
Be sure to check the tie-out regularly to ensure it’s still secure, and never leave your dog unattended while they’re tethered.
Additionally, always supervise your dog while they’re on a tie-out to make sure they don’t get tangled up or accidentally injure themselves.
Keeping Your Dog in a Portable PlayPen
If you have a smaller dog, you can use a portable playpen.
Keeping your dog inside a Portable PlayPen when camping can provide a safe and secure environment for them to relax and play.
The playpen can be set up easily and quickly, and it offers a designated space for your dog to stay in while you’re busy setting up camp or doing other activities. It also helps prevent your dog from wandering off or getting into potentially dangerous situations.
However, it’s important to choose the right size playpen for your dog and ensure that it’s properly secured. Additionally, make sure to check on your dog regularly and provide them with plenty of water and shade while inside the playpen.
Keeping Your Dog in Portable Fencing
I’ve seen many dog owners use portable fencing, even with larger dogs.
Keeping your dog inside portable fencing when camping can be a good way to ensure their safety.
Portable fencing allows you to create a designated area for your dog to play and rest while keeping them contained. It also prevents your dog from wandering off and potentially getting lost.
Additionally, it can help protect your dog from wildlife that may be present in the area.
When Trinity was a puppy, I tried to put her inside a portable fence. It took her two minutes to climb out.
If you have a dog that is obedient or less determined than ours, portable fencing might work for you. If you have a climber like we do, use a portable fence that doesn’t have horizontal slats.
Make sure to choose a sturdy and secure fencing system that is appropriate for your dog’s size and behavior, and always supervise your dog while they are inside the fenced area.
Keeping Your Dog in a Dog Crate
Using a Portable Dog Crate when camping can be an effective way to keep your dog safe and secure. The crate provides a designated space for your dog to relax and sleep, while also keeping them contained and preventing them from wandering off.
It’s also helpful for dogs that are anxious or nervous in new environments, as it gives them a sense of security and familiarity.
However, it’s important to choose a crate that is appropriately sized for your dog, and ensure that it’s properly ventilated and secured. Additionally, make sure to provide your dog with enough food, water, and bedding inside the crate, and always supervise them when they’re inside.
Where to Keep Your Dog When You’re Not at Camp
Sometimes you have to leave camp and you can take your dog with you. We ran into this situation when traveling to several national parks. If you’d like to go places where you can’t take your dog, but still want to go camping, I have some suggestions.
If you’re looking for some dog-friendly campgrounds in California, read this article that I wrote.
Keep Your Dog at a Doggy Daycare
When we traveled to Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Parks, we really wanted to see the sites. We knew, ahead of time, that we wouldn’t be able to take Trinity with us to see the sites in the park or hike any of the trails.
This was a five-week trip and we really didn’t want to leave her behind. Plus, we had planned many hikes and adventures where we knew we could take her with us.
During the times we couldn’t take Trinity, we dropped her off at doggy daycare.
There are many types of doggy daycare and you have to know what works for your dog. For example, there are large facilities that have several dogs.
If you have a gregarious dog who loves to play with other dogs, this is a good option. Our previous dog, Sullivan, loved, loved, loved doggy daycare and he was happy to go. He was happy to meet as many dogs as possible.
If you have a more introverted dog, try an in-home daycare setting. This setting is usually less overwhelming for a timid or introverted dog.
We took Trinity to the large boarding facilities. She seemed to like it at first, but then, I think it just became overwhelming for her. Plus, she got kennel cough at one of the facilities,
If I had it to do over again, I would take her to the in-home daycare. There are several companies that provide contacts for in-home care. Rover, Wag, and Fetch are all big companies that hook you up with in-home providers.
Just remember that you have to book early. The highly-rated facilities fill up fast.
When booking your doggy daycare stays, be sure to find out the vaccination requirements. Each daycare facility can require something different. For example, one daycare wanted Trinity to have the canine influenza vaccine, while other providers didn’t care about that.
Keep Your Dog at an Overnight Care Facility
Sometimes, an overnight facility might be a better option. If you are going on a longer trip, and know that you’ll be away from camp for more time, an overnight stay might be warranted.
We have kept Trinity at a boarding facility overnight, but don’t prefer it. However, there are just some times when this is your only option.
When we do have to keep her overnight, we always plan for at least part of the trip when she can be with us. We’ll plan a fun hike or activity that she can enjoy with us.
Keep Your Dog with a Trusted Friend
If you’re camping with friends, and they don’t mind, perhaps they can be on dog duty.
Alternatively, if you have to go out of town and can’t take your dog, consider leaving your pet with a dog-loving friend.
We have Uncle Dave. Uncle Dave loves dogs and would love to have a dog, but it’s just not in the cards for him right now. Instead, Uncle Dave takes care of his friend’s dogs. He even brings them to work! Trinity loves Uncle Dave and we are happy to have him when we have to leave without her.
Other Articles That We Wrote About Camping with Dogs:
Snow Dogs: 20 Best Breeds for Winter Camping Adventures
Pawsitively Toasty: Keeping Your Dog Warm and Safe in a Tent
Doggone Fun: 10 of California’s Best Dog-Friendly Camping Spots
Camping Courtesy: Silencing Your Barking Dog at the Campsite
Conclusion
Finding the best spot for your dog when camping is crucial for both their safety and enjoyment of the trip. Whether you choose to keep your dog inside a portable playpen, a portable fencing system, or a dog crate, each option has its benefits depending on your dog’s personality and behavior.
It’s important to ensure that the chosen method provides enough space and comfort for your dog, as well as adequate protection from the elements and potential hazards.
Additionally, always keep an eye on your dog and provide them with plenty of water, food, and shade. By taking these measures, you can enjoy a successful camping trip with your furry friend by your side.