How to Camp with a Dog: The Complete Beginner’s Guide

Camping is better with a dog.
Morning walks through misty fields, curling up by the fire, and muddy adventures you’ll both remember — dogs just make every outdoor trip feel more like home.

But if you’ve never camped with your canine companion before, it can feel a bit overwhelming. What should you pack? Where are the dog-friendly sites? And how do you stop them from charging into the tent covered in mud at 7am?

This guide has you covered — from prep and packing to rinsing off post-adventure. Let’s get you and your pup ready to roam.

1. Choose the Right Campsite

Not all campsites welcome dogs, so the first step is to find one that does — and ideally, one with space to explore. Look for:

• Dog-friendly campsites (most list it clearly)
• Off-lead areas or nearby walks
• Access to water (lakes, rivers, or beaches)
• Shady spots if you’re camping in summer

You can also check out wild camping options (where legal) if you want more space and less structure. Just be extra careful with local wildlife, livestock, and leave-no-trace principles.

2. Pack a Dog-Friendly Camping Kit

Camping with a dog doesn’t require loads of extra gear — but a few smart items make all the difference:

• Lead and long line (for when you need a bit more freedom but still want control)
• Tether or stake (to secure them around camp)
• Collapsible water and food bowls
• Plenty of water (especially if no taps on site)
• Dog food + treats (and a sealable tub to stop wildlife sniffing it out)
• Towels for drying off
• Dog bed or blanket they know from home
• Poo bags – always more than you think you’ll need
• Portable dog shower – perfect for rinsing muddy paws and sandy coats before bedtime (more on this below)

Bonus: if your dog wears a coat in winter, bring it along. Cold nights can get even chillier when you’re sleeping in a tent.

3. Keep Your Dog Safe and Comfortable

A happy dog = a happy camper. A few things to keep in mind:

• Don’t leave your dog unattended at the campsite
• Watch out for BBQs, campfires, and tent ropes (aka tripping hazards for overexcited tails)
• Bring familiar toys or chews to settle them
• Use a tick/flea treatment if you’re camping in the countryside
• Stick to their routine as much as possible – meals, walks, sleep

Camping can be a sensory overload for dogs: new smells, sounds, and other people or pets nearby. Give them time to settle and be patient if they’re restless the first night or two.

4. Managing the Mess (Because It’ll Happen)

Let’s be honest — if you’re doing it right, your dog’s going to get muddy. Or sandy. Or completely soaked. Probably all three.

That’s part of the fun… until it’s time to sleep next to them in a small tent.

The solution? A portable dog shower like the NewFlow system.

Just fill it up, pump it a few times, and you’ve got a gentle, pressurised rinse that’s:

• Perfect for paws, bellies, and tails
• Silent (no scary motor noises)
• Lightweight and easy to stash in your car or camper
• Warm if you add hot water (and protected by a neoprene sleeve)

It’s the easiest way to keep your dog — and your sleeping bag — clean after a long day outside.

5. Leave No Trace (and Take the Lead

Camping with your dog is a privilege — not just for you, but for every other dog owner who comes after.

Make sure to:

• Pick up and dispose of all waste (even off-trail)
• Keep your dog under control around other campers, kids, and wildlife
• Avoid letting them chase animals or wander too far
• Respect campsite rules (even if they seem flexible)

When dog owners do it right, more places stay open and welcoming to four-legged campers.

Final Thoughts

Camping with your dog can be one of the most rewarding things you do together. It builds trust, deepens your bond, and adds a whole new level of joy to exploring the outdoors.

Be prepared. Keep it simple. Rinse off the mud. And enjoy the chaos.

You’ll both sleep better under the stars.