One of the reasons why dog parents love camping is because it’s an easy way to bring your furry friend on vacation with you! Most campsites are dog-friendly, and in the great outdoors, you won’t have to worry about constantly finding a spot for potty breaks.

However, if you’re new to camping or a first-time dog owner, there are many things to consider before going camping with your dogs. This guide will cover all the basics – from what to bring with you, safety precautions, sleeping arrangements and more!

Camping With Dogs: Planning Your Trip

Most campsites are dog friendly, but you’ll want to check the rules and regulations before you book a site. One of the best sites to check is Bring Fido, a website dedicated to helping dog owners find pet-friendly accommodations, including hotels, events, AirBnBs and campgrounds. This list showcases some of the best dog-friendly campgrounds in Ontario, check it out!

If you aren’t sure whether or not your desired campground or RV park is pet-friendly, most will have information listed on their website regarding pet rules. If you still can’t find info, give them a call. The last thing anyone wants is to arrive at their campground, packed and ready to go, only to find out that their furry friend is not allowed to come!

If you haven’t already, you should also ensure that your dog(s) have adequate flea and tick medications as well as parasite preventatives. When camping in Ontario, your dog will likely be exposed to ticks and potentially parasites such as roundworm or tapeworms.

Tragically, a dog in Ontario recently died after contracting rocky mountain spotted fever from a tick bite while camping near Lake Erie. The owner is now speaking out to spread awareness to other dog owners who spend time camping or hiking.

What To Bring On Your Camping Trip

You’re probably used to packing for yourself, but if you are new to travelling with your dog, you’ll need to make an entirely separate list, ensuring you don’t forget anything important.

✓ Dog Food and Treats

Don’t forget the dog food! If you are leaving for 5 days, bring 7-8 days worth of food with you – just in case. As well, travel can be stressful for some dogs. You might want to bring some extra treats or even puzzle toys to keep them entertained during long drives or when you are first settling in at the campsite. Of course, bring along their bowls or purchase travel bowls and ensure they always have access to fresh water.

✓ Crate, Gates and/or Beds

Your dog will need a safe space to sleep, ideally, using a similar bed or crate that they are used to at home. If your dog is crate-trained using a metal crate, you may want to invest in a mesh fabric crate for travel, like this one from Midwest Canine.

✓ Medications and First Aid

Is your dog on any medications? Make sure you bring them along. As well, you can also bring preventative medications, such as anti-allergy meds in case of an allergic reaction. It’s always a good idea, for both people and pets, to have a basic first aid kit on hand. You can find first aid kits specifically made for dogs, like this one sold at Canadian Tire.

✓ Essentials: Leash, Toys, Waste Bags, etc.

Don’t forget your leash! Many campsites are dog friendly, but that doesn’t mean that your nextdoor neighbours want your dog running up to them uninvited. Ensure that you have a way to secure your dog, whether by using pens or a stake and tether. As a responsible dog owner, you’ll always want to bring plenty of waste bags!

Safety Tips For Camping With Dogs

Camping with dogs can be so much fun – but there are also safety precautions every dog parent should take while out in the great outdoors. Insects and other animals such as snakes or bears, depending on where you are camping, as well as bodies of water, poisonous plants and physical dangers like sharp rocks or cliffs can pose a threat to your pet’s well-being.

In this section, we’ll tackle common safety issues that you may encounter while camping and how to navigate them. This section is not meant to scare you, but rather, help you better prepare to have the absolute best adventure with your best friend!

Water Safety

The Ontario SPCA has a great article focusing on water safety for dogs. We’ll go over some of the main points below – but if you’d like to read the full article, click here.

• • Not all dogs are great swimmers – even dogs that have been bred to swim, like Labrador Retrievers. Each dog is an individual, and you should be aware of their swimming ability before you go into deep water.

• • You can purchase dog life jackets if needed!

• • Remove your dog’s collar before swimming! Collars can get snagged on objects such as branches, potentially putting your dog at risk of drowning.

• • Be aware of the heat: dogs can suffer from heatstroke just like people can. Be aware of your dogs behaviour and how much they are panting. Hot sand can also pose a risk to your dog’s paws.

• • Be aware of water conditions, including algae in the water or any “no swimming” signs. Bacteria and algae can pose serious risks to your dog’s health – do not let your dog swim in areas with stagnant or smelly water. Blue-green algae poisoning can be fatal.

Swimming with your dog can be TONS of fun, but it’s important to only swim in bodies of water deemed safe for swimming. If it is your dog’s first time around water, take it slow and make sure they feel comfortable before diving in.

Avoiding Poisonous Plants and Dangerous Animals

Dogs are curious creatures, and often want to explore with their mouths! While this can be cute (or a tiny big annoying) at home, it can become extremely dangerous while out in the wilderness. Before you go camping, find out what poisonous plants may exist in and around your campsite. While camping, always keep your dog leashed or tethered to avoid unexpected run-ins with dangerous plants or animals.

There are great resources online that have both descriptions and photos to help you prepare. For example, this guide for the Rouge National Urban Park on the Government of Canada website lists common hazardous plants that visitors might come across.

You can also use the government website to find out about potentially dangerous wildlife in your area. For example, the page on visiting the Bruce Peninsula National Park features tips on avoiding bears and keeping your dogs while camping.

Ticks in Ontario

Ontario is becoming a hotspot for ticks, including black legged ticks, which can spread diseases like lyme, and American dog ticks, which can spread rocky mountain spotted fever among other diseases. Ensure your dogs are on anti-tick medications and perform regular tick checks on yourself on your pets.

Rattlesnakes in Ontario

In Ontario, there is only one venomous snake – the Massasauga Rattlesnake. Click here to see what this snake looks like, learn more about its behaviour and how to avoid run-ins with this beautiful but potentially dangerous animal.

Prevent Heatstroke

Heatstroke is not only a concern while swimming – any time a dog is outside in the heat for prolonged periods of time, they are at risk of developing heat-related illnesses. Before you go camping with your furry friend, know the signs of heat stroke. Check out the infographic below from CraigRoad Animal Hospital to learn more.

Source: CraigRoad Animal Hospital

Fortunately, there are many ways you can help prevent heatstroke. Here are some ways you can ensure your pet is safe and comfortable even during hot and humid camping days:

• • Ensure your dog always has access to shade
  
• • Always provide your dog with fresh, cold water
  
• • Never leave your dog alone in a car or hot room
  
• • Be aware of your dog’s coat type and groom it before camping if needed

Sadly, heatstroke is fatal in about 50% of dogs who develop it. That’s why it is so important to prevent it from happening in the first place.

Accommodations: Camping With Your Dog in a Trailer VS Tent Camping

Ready to go on a fun adventure with your furry friend, but aren’t quite sure if tent camping or a trailer is right for you? We’ll take a look at some pros and cons of each option to help you decide which is the right choice for your family.

Tent Camping With Dogs

Pros:

• • Closer to nature – dogs may enjoy the open-air experience and new scents.
• • Lightweight and portable – easy to hike into more remote areas.
• • Budget-friendly – smaller investment up front.
• • Simpler setup – especially for short, impromptu trips.

Cons:

• • Limited protection – less shelter from extreme weather, bugs, or wildlife.
• • Cramped space – dogs and humans may struggle with comfort, especially if it’s rainy or muddy.
• • No climate control – can be too hot or too cold for dogs.
• • Harder to secure – dogs may escape or encounter wildlife when you’re asleep or away.
• • Less storage – limited room for pet gear like food, bowls, toys, or crates.

RV/Trailer Camping With Dogs

Pros:

• • Safe and secure – enclosed space keeps dogs protected from wildlife and the elements.
• • Climate control – air conditioning or heating keeps pets comfortable in all seasons.
• • More space – dogs can stretch out, and there’s room for crates, beds, and gear.
• • Convenient amenities – running water, electricity, and bathrooms make pet care easier.
• • Less dirt/stress – easier to clean up muddy paws, and pets stay calmer with familiar routines.

Cons:

• • Higher upfront cost and maintenance compared to tents.
• • May not reach ultra-remote campsites (although many trailers are built for rugged terrain!)
• • Requires a vehicle for towing (unless it’s a motorhome).

Camping With Dogs And Ready For Your Next Big Adventure in Ontario?

Are you a pet parent ready for your next big adventure? You can trust the experienced team at Keith’s to help you find the perfect trailer or RV for your entire family – including four-legged members!

Located just north of Hillsburgh, Ontario, Keith’s Trailer Sales has been a beloved part of our small town since 2014. As a family-run business, we are dedicated to providing top-quality service and building lasting relationships with our customers. At Keith’s, we offer all of our customers an exception experience, including personalized service, competitive pricing on all of our products and quality assurance.

Planning to go camping with your dogs but don’t know where to start? The professional and experienced team at Keith’s believes in going the extra mile for our customers. With every trailer purchase, you’ll receive a full walkthrough and hands-on demonstration, so you feel confident operating your new unit. We offer a one-year manufacturer warranty on all of our trailers.

Browse available trailers now!