Pets are part of the family, so it’s no surprise that more people are bringing their furry companions on camping trips. Dogs are the most common camping buddies, but a growing number of adventurous campers are also introducing their cats to the joys of the outdoors. Camping with pets can be incredibly rewarding—you get to enjoy nature with your best friend by your side. However, it also requires some extra preparation and precautions.

In this guide, we’ll share practical tips on how to camp safely with pets, covering everything from trip prep and packing essentials to wildlife awareness and pet-friendly fun. Whether you’re camping with a dog or even a brave adventure cat, these pointers will help make the great outdoors enjoyable and safe for everyone.

Preparing for Camping With Pets

Health Check and Vaccinations: Before heading into the wild, make sure your pet is healthy and ready for the trip. Schedule a vet checkup, ensure all vaccinations (like rabies) are up to date, and use flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives. The outdoors expose pets to insects and other animals, so protection is key. Also, consider your pet’s fitness level—if your dog struggles with long walks or your cat is easily stressed by travel, plan shorter hikes or a campsite closer to your car.

Identification and Safety: Outfit your pet with a secure collar and ID tags, and ideally have them microchipped with up-to-date microchip info. Exciting new environments can cause even well-trained dogs to bolt after a squirrel or get disoriented. A collar ID and microchip give the best chance of a lost pet being returned. Carry a recent photo of your pet just in case.

Check Campground Policies: Always research the pet rules for your destination. Many campgrounds, RV parks, and state parks have leash requirements, pet limits, or restrictions on where animals can go. Some state parks and RV resorts allow pets in camping areas but not on certain trails or beaches. Knowing the pet policies ahead of time will help you avoid surprises. If your plans include activities where pets aren’t allowed (service animals excluded), consider whether this is the right trip for them—never leave pets unattended at a campsite or in a car.

Family Camping Gameplan: If you’re camping with the whole family, plan for your pet just like you would a child. Build in pet-friendly rest stops, playtime, and sleeping arrangements. Our guide to car camping with kids offers planning tips that work for pets too, like making checklists and maintaining routines.

Essential Gear for Camping With Dogs and Cats

Bringing the right gear will keep your pet comfortable and safe outdoors. Alongside your usual camping list, create a pet-specific checklist. (Tip: our travel trailer checklist can help inspire your packing plan.)

Here are the essentials:

• Food, Water, and Collapsible Bowls: Pack your pet’s usual food plus extra, since they’ll burn more energy outdoors. Bring plenty of fresh water, and use collapsible bowls for easy travel and hydration on hikes.
• Leash, Harness, and Tether: Bring a sturdy leash, a harness for hikes, and a tie-out or ground stake for the campsite. Consider getting a GPS collar tracker for free-roaming pups. Always supervise when your pet.
• Pet First Aid Kit: Include bandage wraps, antiseptic wipes, a tick remover, and any medications. A small kit can make a big difference if your pet has a scrape or insect bite.
• Bedding or Crate: Familiar beds, blankets, or crates help pets feel secure. Many dogs are happiest in a tent or RV with you, while cats often do best with a cozy crate or small tent enclosure.

• Waste Supplies: Bring pet waste bag dispensers for poop bags, or a portable litter box for cats. Leave no trace applies to pets, too.
• Towels and Cleanup Gear: Old towels are perfect for muddy paws or post-swim drying. Pet wipes are also handy.
• Extras for Comfort: LED collars, reflective vests, cooling mats, or jackets for cold weather all help keep pets safe and comfortable. Don’t forget toys for downtime—chews, balls, or catnip mice can keep pets entertained.

Transporting Gear: Pet gear takes up space fast—beds, crates, food bags, and more. Hitch-mounted cargo carriers are perfect for hauling bulky items without cluttering your vehicle. For families with multiple pets or extended trips, a cargo utility trailer provides even more room for supplies.

Let's Go Aero Carriers Let’s Go Aero’s cargo carriers are a smart way to manage all that extra pet gear. Built tough for the outdoors, they keep crates, food, and bulky supplies secure and out of the way, giving you more room inside for passengers and pets. With everything organized on the back of your vehicle, you can focus on enjoying the trip instead of wrestling with clutter. SHOP NOW

Safety Tips for Pets in the Wild Outdoors

Heat and Cold: In warm weather, provide shade and fresh water at all times. Do not leave leave pets unattended in vehicles, even briefly. Plan hikes during cooler parts of the day and watch for signs of heat stress and use cooling vests on extreme days. In cold weather, pack dog boots to protect sensitive feet, bring dog sleeping bags or familiar warm bedding and jackets to keep dogs warm.

Hydration and Food: Stick to safe water sources—bring your own supply or use filters. Avoid letting pets drink from stagnant ponds or streams. Bring extra food to fuel their added activity, but don’t let them eat wild plants or mushrooms. Bring collapsible food and water bowls or dog water bottles to ensure your pet stays hydrated on long hikes.

Leash Laws and Supervision: It's a good idea to always keep pets leashed or under control. Even in dispersed camping areas where pet policies and leash laws are not listed, leashes prevent dangerous wildlife encounters or your pet getting lost. Cats should always be on harness and leash outdoors. Check with your campground hosts to be sure you are following all of their pet policies.

Wildlife Awareness: Never let pets chase wildlife. Keep food secured, especially in bear country—follow the same rules as you would for your own supplies. For detailed tips, see our guide on car camping in bear country.

Noise and Stress: Thunderstorms, fireworks, and unfamiliar sounds can upset pets. Provide comfort with blankets, calming music, or quiet spaces in the tent or RV. If camping during holidays, plan ahead for fireworks. Our 4th of July camping tips include advice for keeping pets calm.

Transporting Pets and Their Gear

Safe Travel: Pets should be secured during transit. Dogs can ride in travel crates or with seat-belt harnesses, while cats are safest in carriers. Never allow pets to ride loose in truck beds. Plan regular rest stops for exercise and hydration.

Extra Storage for Gear: Cargo carriers and utility trailers free up interior space by moving bulky pet gear such as fences and food outside the vehicle. This makes travel more comfortable for both pets and people.

Silent Towing: Trailers and carriers can rattle, which may stress pets. Accessories from our Silent Towing collection reduce noise and sway, creating a smoother, quieter ride that helps pets stay calm.

Pet-Friendly Activities and Making Memories

Hiking: Dogs love hitting the trail. Choose pet-friendly routes, pack water and snacks, and pace hikes to your dog’s abilities. Some dogs can even carry their own dog backpack with a light load. Cats may enjoy shorter walks with a harness in calm areas.

Water Fun: Many dogs enjoy swimming or playing fetch in natural resources like lakes and rivers. Supervise closely, and consider a dog life vest for boating or strong swimmers. Cats may prefer to watch from a shaded spot.

Campsite Games: Keep pets entertained with fetch, tug-of-war, or puzzle toys. For cats, interactive toys or a shaded tent enclosure can provide stimulation.

Relaxation: Camping isn’t all about activity—let your pet relax by the campfire or nap in the shade. Some of the best memories come from quiet moments spent together outdoors.

Final Thoughts on Camping With Pets

Camping with pets does require extra planning, but the joy of sharing adventures with your four-legged companion makes it all worthwhile. By preparing properly, packing smart, and staying mindful of safety, you’ll create lasting memories together.

Make your next camping trip pet-friendly with the right gear. Explore cargo carriers and trailers designed to haul everything your pets need, plus silent towing accessories for smoother rides. With preparation and the right setup, you and your pet will be ready to roam the wild outdoors together—tails wagging and hearts full.