Adventure Awaits: A Pet-Friendly Summer Camping Weekend
Hi Green Trotters! Many of you have pets and when traveling, sometimes our furry friends will join us and get all the attention! This blog is for them!
A great travel option with pets is a tent camping weekend, maybe in the forest or at the ocean coast, creek, or lake. We all love the magic of a forest and the rhythmic sounds of water waves, I’m pretty sure man’s best friends does too!
Planning to stay and play in these places just takes a few reminders with a quick packing checklist for your bestie canine friend.
Leash and backup short lead
Collapsible bowls and extra water (and electrolytes if you use them)
Paw kit: balm or booties, gauze/tape, wipes, tweezers and or scissors
Rinse setup: extra towels and freshwater access spot
Dog bedding in waterproof storage
Lightning or flash-flood readiness items (light, headlamp, dry shelter plan)
Visibility for night (collar light/reflective)
Please be mindful: don’t let your dog poop or pee within 200 feet of the water. Use the designated potty areas (or take a quick walk away from the shoreline or stream) and pick up immediately. Keep poop contained until disposal: store the sealed double-bag in a small lidded trash can, a dedicated odor-proof bag/container, or your campground’s designated bin.
Check the weather and the forecasted heat. Heat can be a huge stress factor, not only for them but for us too if not prepared. Be ready for skin/paw irritation (sand, creek mud, salt), water safety, ticks in the forest, and storm conditions (especially lightning and sudden flash flooding).
Forest camping - Before you leave home be aware of possible tick areas. After forest walks, keep your dog from repeatedly rolling in tall grass/brush when possible. Do a full tick check right after you come back from the trail (before dinner/settling). Watch for paw irritation from rocks and do quick paw checks during breaks.
Use a vet-recommended tick prevention products (oral and/or topical) and start it on schedule so it’s active before you enter tick habitat. Bring a tick-check routine kit: fine-tooth comb (for longer fur), tweezers with good grip, tick-safe bag/container, and antiseptic wipes. Once ticks attach to your pet they usually hide in the ears/ear edges, under collar/harness, armpits, groin, belly, between toes, and around tail base.
Be “heat ready” and judge what your dog can handle for planned walk time in heat without collapsing afterward.Keep expectations realistic: camping often includes more exertion than you think (setting up gear, repeated swims, exploring).
At the campsite, practice: Recall. and leash focus (especially when other people/dogs appear). “Leave it” (for wildlife, bugs, beach debris). Settle/place on a mat for 5–15 minutes while you prep or pack.
Beach camping (sun, sand, and salt) - Do a sand heat test: if sand is too hot for your hand for a few seconds, it’s too hot for paws. After ocean or lake swimming, rinse paws and lower belly with fresh water if you can. Keep your dog from staying wet and sandy. Use a towel and get them settled on a dry spot to reduce friction irritation overnight.
Offer water first (don’t start swimming when they’re already overheated).
Use a leash until they’re calm at the water’s edge.
Make sure there is enough room under the umbrella for all of you!
Remember heat plus excitement makes fatigue sneak up. Dogs show heat stress by heavy panting that doesn’t improve with shade, wobbliness, unusual lethargy.
After water or creek time give a fresh-water rinse (especially from ocean salt): paws, between toes, belly, and any creek residue.
Dry thoroughly, especially feet and belly, to prevent irritation.
Tent and gear protection.
Store dog bedding and food in sealed or waterproof bins or bags.
Keep the dog’s “clean” area dry and separate from the wet gear zone.
Lightning rule. If lightning is happening nearby, get fully sheltered.
Flash-flood or creek rule. Creek dips are not “playtime” when storms are building. If rain intensifies or you notice upstream changes (speed/color), stop creek access and retreat.
Campsite night routine. Before-dark checks: water availability, collar and ID secure, brief paw and tick check. Give your dog a defined sleeping area (mat/blanket) and keep them close.
Use visibility gear (collar light or reflective tab) so you can spot them instantly at night.
Make it safe, magical, and memorable. And don’t forget to take lots of breaks and pictures! 🐾🐾