“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”
– Albert Einstein
Camping is part of a long list of adventures that are a zillion times better when shared with a dog. There’s nothing like spending a day hiking or swimming, eating dinner by starlight and snuggling with your dog in a cozy tent, and then waking up and doing it all over again the next day.
Of course, most dogs love the outdoors, but all of our dogs are individuals. Some are ready to abandon the couch and hit the trails, while others might feign disdain at pine needles floating in their water bowl. The range of camping experiences are as varied as our dogs — which is right for you and your pup?
Backcountry Camping
“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.” – John Muir
Heading into the backcountry is the choice of many nature lovers. You carry a backpack with as little weight as possible into a primitive site ideally in the middle of nowhere. You pitch a small tent, purify water from a stream, hang your food and toiletries from a nearby tree to avoid a bear wandering into your campsite, use a shovel if you need a bathroom, and bring lots of resealable bags to pack out any garbage since it’s all about leaving no trace.
You might need your dog to pitch in by carrying her own kibble and Zuke’s Dog Treats in a doggy backpack since every ounce can feel like a pound when you’re on, say, mile seven of an uphill trek. So obviously, backcountry excursions are best for physically fit dogs so be sure to check with your veterinarian regardless of the age of your pup.
Backcountry camping takes some careful planning, but the chance to be alone together in nature is infinitely rewarding. Your dog can run around off-leash and not be in violation of campground policies (though you’ll still need to keep your dog from chasing wildlife and keep small dogs close in case of predators). In the backcountry, dogs can bark their heads off at real or imagined squirrels without upsetting any neighbors, since ideally, you won’t have any. You can even howl at the moon together when it rises. (Seriously, if you’ve never howled with your dog, give it a try!)
Car Camping
“Whatever form it takes, camping is earthy, soul enriching and character building, and there can be few such satisfying moments as having your tent pitched and the smoke rising from your campfire as the golden sun sets on the horizon — even if it’s just for a fleeting moment before the rain spoils everything.” – Pippa Middleton
There’s nothing like the grandeur of nature. There’s also nothing like having a cooler of beer nearby after a day of hiking. That’s where car camping comes in.
Staying at an established campground where you pitch a tent near your car is ideal when you’re working hard all week and can only escape into the woods (or desert, lake, or beach) for the weekend. It doesn’t take as much time and preparation as backcountry camping — you can have a camping box with cooking utensils, a pet first aid kit and other necessities packed and ready to go between trips. Just double check your camping checklist, toss everything in your vehicle, and go. If there’s no fire ban, you can stop for firewood on the way (or keep some in your truck).
Car camping is a great choice for social dogs who will find the sights and smells of other campers delightful. A nervous Chihuahua who barks her brains out anytime she hears a noise or sees someone walk past your campsite won’t love car camping, but a happy-go-lucky retriever will think she’s found heaven. And it’s perfect for puppies, as long as they’ve had all their rounds of vaccines, who need to be socialized to this new experience so that they’ll be camping buddies for life.
