Camping with dogs is so much freaking fun, but they do require a lot of extra items, thought, and packing. I thought it would be fun to put together a list for must have camping essentials for dogs. This list are things that I bring when I go car camping with my dog. If you are thinking about backpacking with a dog, that will require a much different list so make sure to check out my article specifically on that here:

Must Have Backpacking Essentials For Dogs

So lets just get into the list!

Must Have Camping Essentials for Dogs by Bessie Roaming

Must Have Car Camping Essentials For Dogs

1.Food and Water

This definitely feels like a duh thing, but I had to list it because well…. it is essential!

For me, I always bring more than normal amount of food. The last thing I want is my dog to get hungry so I bring a bit extra just in case.

Most of the time my dogs never end up eating much of what I bring, and typically they don’t even eat what they would normally eat at home. I believe it is because they are a bit nervous by being in a different place, but non the less I still always bring extra.

2. Food and water bowls

In order to give them food and water you are going to need to have bowls :)

Any bowl will work, but I definitely have my favorite. The Fozzil bowls linked below are my absolute fave. They are light, cheap, and fold up in order for easy storage. My second favorite are the Sea to Summit bowls (again listed below). These bowls pop up and are a rubber material.

Again any bowl works, just as long as you have something for your puppers to eat and drink out of :) I just love sharing my favorites and what works best for me and my adventures.

3. Treats and Toys

I personally love to bring my dogs favorite treats and toys. This makes them feel a little more at home while they are out on an adventure. Plus, bringing their favorite toy will allow you to play with them and get some energy out.

I also love to bring some sort of toy for fetching if your dog likes to fetch. This again gets a bit of extra nervous energy out.

4. Poop bags

Depending on where you are staying you are going to need to bring poop bags. Most of the camp grounds will require you to clean up after your dog.

5. Doggie Brush

If you have a long haired dog you are definitely going to want to bring a brush.

6. Towels and Wet Wipes

Oh man, oh man, oh man you do not want to forget this! Wet Wipes are your favorite friend to clean off your dog while camping.

My dog immediately rolls in the most powder dirt possible. She goes from a black dog to a grey dog in an instant. The thing is, I don’t stop her. I want her to have fun and really soak it up, but I need her clean before she gets into the tent. I mean, I don’t want my sleeping bag full of sand and dirt.

7. First Aid kit

Medications as needed
Proof of vaccinations
Any additional items that your dog specifically needs
(this is not a full list for your dogs first aid. You really need to bring what is necessary to keep your dog safe while camping)

8. Leash and Harness/Collar

Pretty much any place you go now days requires your dog to be on a leash, so you definitely already have this available just don’t forget it ;)

9. Tie out and long lead

When you are in a campground you really want your dog to be comfortable. You don’t want to have them on a short leash where they will just pace around, whine, and be miserable. Ensure that you get them a nice long lead line and tie out. That way they can walk around your campsite.

Now, do not get one that is too long to where they can adventure into other peoples campsite. No one wants that and believe me, your camping neighbors will be upset with you.

10. A comfy bed

I actually do not bring a bed for my dog because she sleeps with me lol; however, if you don’t have your dog sleeping with you make sure to bring them something comfy to sleep on. You can bring their bed from home, bring some extra blankets, or really anything to allow them to sleep comfortably.

This really does depend on where you are staying or where your dog sleeps. If you keep your dog in your trailer you can get a nice fluffy bed. If you keep your dog outside you will need to get something that can handle the elements and also something that will not grab stickers.

11. Something to keep them warm and something to keep them cool

You are going to want to keep your dog comfortable or else your trip is going to be miserable. I mean, you really don’t want to be thinking about your dog and worried about them the entire time right? So, do yourself a favor and just make sure you bring them something to stay warm and something to stay cool in depending on the weather you are traveling in.

The cool thing is there are many companies that make amazing dog jackets for both occasion. They have cooling dog jackets and warm dog jackets made from primaloft or down! I mean how awesome is that?

11. Dog Id, tags, and light

You need to ensure that you can see your dog, and that your dog has all the appropriate tags and identification just in case.

I personally have my dog micro chipped. This way if she does get lost and lose her harness with her tags on someone can still bring her home to me!

Also, I love to add a light to my dogs harness. This way when it is night time you can still see them! There are so many options out there for dog lights, but I personally like the ones that just clip on to their harness or caller. Did you know there are even light up collars? No matter which one you choose just make sure you get something so you can always keep track of your puppers.

Well, there you have it my friends! All the must have camping essentials for dogs! Do you have anything to add to the list? Make sure to comment below so I can start bringing it along with me and so I can add it to this list for everyone else to benefit from :)

Wishing you nothing but amazing adventures and fun times with your four legged pals!

Bessie