8 Expert Tips for Camping With a Small Dog

Camping with your small dog is a fun way to bond with them while enjoying everything the great outdoors have to offer. 

I’ve been camping with my miniature Dachshunds for over 18 years and it’s one of my favorite things to do with them.

Small Dog Nestled in a Blanket While Camping

They love the sighs and smells of the outdoors and seeing them come alive brings me joy.

In order to have a successful camping trip, you should be prepared with a plan and the right gear. 

I have a lot of experience – you could maybe even call me an “expert” – that I want to share with others to help them get outdoors with their small dog.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links (Amazon Associate or other programs we participate in). As an affiliate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

My Tips for Camping With a Small Dog

Research an appropriate camp site

Before heading out on your camping adventure, you’ll need to find a campground for you and your pup.

Not all campsites are dog-friendly, so it’s important that you do a bit of research first. 

Once you arrive at your destination, you will need to choose a spot to set up camp. 

Characteristics of a great site for camping with your dog include:

Researching campgrounds ahead of time online can help you pick the best campsite if you are unable to visit in person.

  • Away from other crowded campsites if you can (many established campgrounds are completely full on weekends so this may not be possible)
  • Surrounded by as many trees and bushes as possible to provide privacy and shade
  • Away from the bathrooms or parking spaces – both heavily trafficked areas
  • Away from trails and walking paths where people could disturb you and your dog

In many cases, campgrounds will have photos or details about the site online when you make reservations.

Oftentimes, you’ll also have access to reviews and photos from other campers.

If you haven’t been able to personally scout the campground before you make your reservation, this information can be really helpful when selecting a campsite.

Review all campground and trail rules

While researching the best campground, be sure to review all of the rules and fine print.

Dachshund Wishing the Campground Allowed Dogs

First and foremost you’ll need to be sure that dogs are allowed. Believe it or not, there are campgrounds and trails that do not allow our furry friends. 

It’s also important to verify that dogs are welcome on surrounding trails.

There will almost always be clear signs posted on at trail or campground entrances but who wants to find out this information after they arrive with their dog? It can totally run a vacation.

Note: this is most common with National Parks – dogs are allowed in campgrounds but not surrounding trails. If you want to visit anyway, check out my tips for visiting National Parks with a Dog.

If you have multiple small dogs, check to see if there is a dog limit. Some campgrounds may only allow two or three dogs per campsite.

Make sure you bring the essentials

There are a handful of necessities that you’ll need to pack for every camping with your small dog:

The list above is a great place to start but you may find that you need to bring other items for your dog’s specific needs.

Dachshund in an orange fleece jacket

It helps to make a list and double check it before you head out.

Then you can add things to the list as you think of them when you are out camping so you remember to bring them next time.

Decide where your small dog will sleep

Most people sleep with their small dog in the tent or bed with them.

Your pup will be safest and most comfortable if you allow them to sleep snuggled up next to your warmth. 

Small dogs can sometimes even fit in a sleeping bag with you! This is especially helpful (for both of you) if you’re camping in cold weather.

If you don’t have space for your dog in your sleeping bag, or have other reasons you don’t like them sleeping next to you, make a cozy space next to  you with their favorite bed and blankets. 

However, whether your dog is sleeping right next to you or on their own bed, it’s safest to have them in the tent with you all night instead of outside unattended.

There are too many risks involved, including the possibility of wandering wildlife that could pose a serious threat.

Keeping your dog in your tent is the safest option when possible.

Some dogs may have difficulty sleeping in a new place at night, and you may find that your dog is restless in the tent when it’s time for bed. 

To help avoid that, make sure that your dog is getting plenty of exercise during the day.

If tiring your dog out isn’t enough, try CBD oil to calm their nerves. You can also try out calming chews from VetriScience

We do recommend giving tent sleeping with your dog a trial run at home if you’ve never done it before. 

That way your dog can get used to the tent, and they will be familiar with it when you set it up at a campground. 

Be a good neighbor

There is specific etiquette for camping with dogs that you will want to make note of, especially since camping is intended to be a relaxing, non-stressful activity.

  • Minimize barking as to not disturb the peace
  • Do not allow your dog to wander into neighboring campsites
  • Pick up all of your pet’s waste
  • Do not leave your dog unattended

Before you go camping with your dog, make sure that they have solid basic obedience skills, such as “sit”, “stay. “Leave it”, and “come” commands.

Dachshund laying quietly in a camp chair

Camping will be much more enjoyable and safer if your dog listens to you – for both you and others in the campground.

Be prepared for emergencies

You should be prepared for emergencies any time you leave the house with your dog. However, it’s especially important while camping since you’re typically further away from a veterinarian.

Before your camping trip, find out where the nearest emergency vet is to your campsite. This way if there does happen to be a medical emergency, you already know where to go. 

Always bring your dog’s first aid kit with you while camping or hiking, so you can take care of minor problems if they occur. A first aid kit can also be a lifesaver when making your way to the vet.

Protect your dog against insect bites

Encountering a slew of bugs while camping with your dog is inevitable, but keeping your furry friend protected is easy! 

Help make your dog comfortable at camp by keeping the bugs away.

Different ways you can keep the bugs away from your dog include:

  • Using a topical treatment (our favorites are Vectra 3D or K9 Advantix II) that repel fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and other pests
  • Dog-friendly/natural bug spray (like Wondercide)
  • Dog clothing that is already treated with bug repellent
  •  DIY bug repellent bandana
  • Using a screened-in playpen for relaxing at the campsite

Campfires also help keep bugs away from humans and our canine counterparts. 

Just remember to completely douse the fire before leaving, and follow all burn restriction laws.

Be mindful of wildlife

Of course, wildlife can always be around when you go camping. You may not always see it but it is almost always there, especially at night.

Brown bear
Photo Credit: Depositphotos/VolodymyrBur

After all, the land you’re on is their natural habitat. It’s crucial to respect all wildlife and their space when camping and hiking, and you’ll want your dog to do the same.

Keeping your dog on a leash when exploring will ensure that your dog and local wildlife stays safe. 

If you’re in an off-leash area, only allow your dog to wander if they have a solid recall command. 

You’ll most likely see many critters during your outdoor adventure, and it can be a recipe for disaster if your dog is always interested in a good chase. 

Related: Use these tips to keep your dog from running away while camping.

There’s also the possibility that you may encounter large animals who view your small dog as a delicious meal. 

In this article you will learn what to do if you come face to face with a threatening animal in the wild.

Camping with a small dog can be an incredibly fun and memorable experience, and it will be even more enjoyable if you are prepared. Happy camping!

Camping with your dog? Here are 8 tips to help you have a better camping experience with your dog.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Jessica. I’m a Dachshund sitter, President of the largest social Dachshund club in Washington State, a dog trainer in training, and I’ve been a Dachshund owner for 20 years. I have over 150,000 hours of experience with the breed. When I’m not working, you can find me hiking, camping, and traveling with my adventurous wiener dogs.

One Comment

  1. I just read your article and I have to say, it’s fantastic! I am an avid camper and I have a small dog, so this information is going to be incredibly helpful for me. Your tips on preparing your dog for the camping experience, packing the right gear, and choosing the right campsite are spot on. I especially appreciate the emphasis on bringing plenty of water for both you and your furry companion, as well as keeping them on a leash or in a secure area at all times.

    I also appreciated your suggestions on what to do if your dog gets injured or sick while camping. Having a first-aid kit specifically for your pet and knowing basic first-aid techniques can make all the difference in an emergency situation. And, of course, always having your vet’s phone number on hand is a must.

    Thanks for sharing all of this valuable information! I am definitely going to keep all of these tips in mind for my next camping trip with my pup. I know it’s going to be an amazing experience for both of us.

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