Why Bring Your Dog Camping?
Dogs thrive outdoors. They love the fresh air, the endless smells, and the chance to be right beside you all day long. For us, taking our Labradoodle camping is not just about having company; it is about building memories. When your pup curls up by the fire or pops their head out of the tent in the morning, you will see just how much they enjoy being part of the adventure. Our guy loves to tell us when he’s ready to climb the ladder to our rooftop tent and head over to bed.
Where to Camp with Your Dog
If you are new to camping with pets, start with dog-friendly campgrounds. Many provincial parks in Ontario allow dogs but have leash rules and designated pet areas. Once you feel comfortable, you can branch out into Crown Land camping, which is free for Canadian residents and offers a true backcountry experience. We often load up our Jeep, drive north, and find a quiet spot by a lake where our Labradoodle can run, swim, and explore without the crowds.
From Camping to Overlanding
Some people bring a small tent, a cooler, and call it a weekend. We tend to go a little further. Our style of camping has slowly turned into overlanding. Instead of just pitching a tent on the ground, we mounted a rooftop tent on our vehicle. It gives us flexibility to camp in remote areas without worrying about finding level ground, plus our dog loves the routine of climbing up and curling in beside us at night.
Overlanding also means extra gear. Portable fridges, solar panels, recovery boards, and camp kitchens make it feel like a rolling cabin on wheels. While all of that is optional, one thing that is never negotiable is dog gear. Your pup’s needs come first, whether you are parked in the forest or halfway down a backroad trail. If you want to check out our camping gear, we have a linktree set up that goes over all of our gear.
Essential Gear for Dogs While Camping
Here is a list of must-haves to make your camping or overlanding trip with your dog smooth and safe:
- A durable leash and harness – we particularly love the biothane versions since they work well with water; we also particularly love the beep collar as we crownland camp more often than not and our dood loves to explore. The beep brings him right back to us.
- Collapsible food and water bowls
- Portable water filter or bottled water
- A comfortable travel dog bed or sleeping pad
- Poop bags and a small trowel for responsible waste disposal
- A reflective collar or clip-on LED light for night
- Pet-safe bug spray or wipes
- A canine life jacket if you plan to canoe or kayak
- Dog backpack for hikes
- Pet first aid kit with tick remover
Food and Treats on the Trail
Dogs burn a lot of energy outdoors, especially on long hikes or swims. Bring enough of their usual food for the trip, plus a little extra in case of delays. Lightweight freeze-dried dog food is great for camping. For treats, look for high-protein snacks that can double as trail motivation. We keep a pouch of durable training treats clipped to a belt loop so our Labradoodle is always rewarded for coming when called, even if a squirrel runs by.
Keeping Your Dog Safe
In Crown Land or backcountry areas, wildlife encounters are a real possibility. Always keep your dog leashed near camp and on hikes. A GPS tracker collar is an extra layer of security if your pup ever slips away. At night, we attach a small LED light to the collar so we can see exactly where our dog is even in the dark.
Comfort in the Tent or Rooftop Setup
If you are tent camping, bring a sleeping pad or blanket so your pup does not have to sleep directly on the ground. In a rooftop tent, make sure there is enough space for them to climb safely in and out. We trained our Labradoodle early to use the ladder, and now he runs up ahead of us like it is second nature. For cooler nights, a lightweight dog jacket adds warmth. In hot weather, a cooling vest or mat can help your dog stay comfortable.
Our Routine on Crown Land
When we head into Ontario Crown Land, the routine is simple but effective. Drive out to a remote lake. Set up the rooftop tent. Let the dog sniff around while we set up camp. Take a swim together if the water is clear. Cook dinner on the camp stove, always making sure our pup has his own meal and fresh water. At night, the @kikothecooldood curls up in the tent with us, completely relaxed after a day outdoors. In the morning, I’d like to say he’s the first awake, but that would be a lie – he’s snuggling in the covers awaiting the set-up of his ladder to get down.
Tips for a Smooth Experience
- Keep your dog leashed at all times in busy campgrounds.
- Carry more water than you think you will need.
- Practice “leave no trace” by cleaning up waste.
- Bring a backup collar and ID tag.
- Always do a tick check before bedtime.
Top 7 Must-Have Gear Items for Camping with Dogs
If you want to make shopping easy, here are seven items that we personally recommend for camping and overlanding with dogs. Each of these can be found online and make a noticeable difference in your dog’s comfort and safety outdoors.
1. Ruffwear Front Range Harness
A sturdy, escape-proof harness designed for active dogs. Comfortable for hikes and durable enough for daily use. Check price on Amazon
2. Collapsible Silicone Bowls
Lightweight, easy to clean, and perfect for trail meals or quick water breaks. They fold flat to save space in your pack. Check price on Amazon
3. LED Collar Light
Clip one of these to your dog’s collar at night and you will always know exactly where they are around camp. Check price on Amazon
4. Canine First Aid Kit
Includes bandages, antiseptic wipes, and tick removers. An essential piece of kit that you hope you never need. Check price on Amazon
5. Dog Sleeping Pad
A portable pad gives your dog insulation from the ground and a familiar spot to curl up. Ours slides right into the rooftop tent. Check price on Amazon
6. GPS Tracker Collar
Peace of mind in the backcountry. If your dog runs after a deer, you can track them instantly from your phone. Check price on Amazon
7. Shower
Yeah yeah, sounds nuts, I know. But these battery showers add a great deal of utility and fun – great to put out a fire, and also doubles as a perfect lake toy for the dog to chase the water.
Final Thoughts
Camping with your dog does not have to be complicated, but it can be as adventurous as you make it. Whether you are pitching a tent at a local site or loading up for an overlanding trip across Ontario’s Crown Land, the key is preparation. With the right gear, a bit of planning, and a love for the outdoors, you and your pup will create memories that last a lifetime. If you are like us, one weekend of camping might just snowball into a passion for rooftop tents, trail maps, and endless backroad adventures with your best friend riding shotgun. Tell us what you bring with you when you head out!
