Camping vacation with a dog – Camping with your beloved four-legged friend is a dream come true for many people.
There is hardly anything better than exploring nature together with your dog, going on adventurous hikes and spending cozy evenings around the campfire.
But to make a camping vacation with your dog a carefree and harmonious adventure, you need to make a few preparations and take special precautions.
Whether with a camper, classic tent or roof tent – here are some tips on how you can best prepare for camping with your dog and what you should bear in mind when out and about.
In the store in advance: our tethering peg for dogs.
Camping Ratgeber:
Camping with a dog: what you should bear in mind
Germany has 58 campsites for camping with dogs, and for 79% of all campers, dogs are definitely part of their vacation, according to an ADAC survey.
Camping with a dog offers the opportunity to strengthen a close bond and share unforgettable experiences.
Especially because dogs are not allowed in some hotels or vacation apartments, camping is an excellent way to enjoy a carefree vacation with your four-legged friend.
He has complete freedom and you are much more flexible in your overall travel planning.
Even a vacation with a roof tent offers some advantages.
You can read more about this here: Advantages of a roof tent and dog.
Nevertheless, there are a few things you should bear in mind both before your vacation and on the road to ensure that all your fellow travelers have a smooth, relaxed and unforgettable camping vacation.
From choosing the right campsite and the right equipment to observing rules of conduct and safety measures – here are our tips:
Tip 1: Preparation is everything
Find out in advance about the campsites you want to visit, their rules and facilities for pets.
Plan your route well in advance and make sure you have all the necessary equipment for your dog.
This includes all the necessary documents, including vaccination certificates and dog tags.
Even if camping is actually associated with spontaneity, you should make some essential plans before your vacation, especially with a dog. 
Tip 2: Health check before camping
Before you start your camping vacation, you should make sure that your dog is healthy and has all the necessary vaccinations.
Visit the vet to make sure your dog is in good condition and fit for camping.
Also make sure your dog has up-to-date dog tags and a microchip.
Update the contact details if necessary.
This will make it easier to find your dog if it gets lost.
- Make sure your dog is healthy
- Take care of all necessary vaccinations
- Think of identification and microchip
Tip 3: First aid and veterinary care
Pack a dog first aid kit containing bandages, disinfectant, tick tweezers and other important items to be able to provide first aid in case of injury or sudden illness of your dog.
Also find out in advance about veterinary care options near the campsite in case your dog needs medical attention.
Make a note of the emergency contact details.
- Pack a dog first aid kit
- Find out about veterinary care options
Tip 4: Think about essential accessories
First of all, you should pack enough food and treats.
Also take easily transportable water and food bowls with you so that your dog has enough to drink and eat on the go.
Choose collapsible or lightweight options that are easy to store.
Regardless of whether your dog will be sleeping with you in the roof tent or in the awning in front of it, think about a dog blanket or sleeping mat so that your dog has a comfortable and clean place to sleep and feels at home there.
You should definitely have the following with you:
- Food and treats
- Water and bowls (light versions)
- Collar and lead
- Dog bed and blanket
- Toys
Remember to take everything you need for your dog so that he feels comfortable on the road!
Tip 5: Activities and toys
Toys and activities on the go are also important.
Pack your dog’s favorite toys to keep him busy and happy during your vacation.
Also plan outdoor activities and games to give your four-legged friend plenty of exercise.
This will not only ensure that he has fun on vacation, but also that he is sufficiently occupied and sleeps well at night.
- Pack your dog’s favorite toys
- Plan activities in the open air
Tip 6: Respect, leash obligation and behavior
Make sure that you respect the natural environment and do not disturb any wild animals.
Clean up after your dog properly and use the waste garbage cans and dog waste bags provided.
Also observe the campsite’s rules regarding the use of leads and the behavior of dogs.
Make sure that your dog does not disturb other campers and show consideration.
Also respect the quiet times and make sure that your dog does not attract attention through excessive barking or noise.
It is also important that your dog masters basic obedience exercises such as “sit”, “down” and “come here”.
This will make it easier to manage and control your dog while camping.
Make sure your dog is wearing a well-fitting collar or harness and that the lead is securely attached to prevent escape or injury.
But also bring a long leash so that your dog can move freely if it is allowed and the environment allows it!
- Respect the natural environment and the campsite
- Always keep your dog on a lead
- Clean up the droppings properly
- Do training and obedience exercises
Tip 7: Dog-friendly campsite
Choose a dog-friendly campsite and find out about the rules that apply there for pets.
Look for campsites that explicitly allow dogs and check whether there are specific rules such as compulsory use of a lead or restrictions for certain dog breeds.
- Choose a dog-friendly campsite
- Find out about the rules for pets that apply there
Tip 8: Beware of potential dangers
Before you let your dog off the lead, check the campsite for possible dangers such as poisonous plants, open pits or objects lying around.
- Watch out for potential dangers such as poisonous plants
- Check the surroundings before letting your dog out for a run
Tip 9: Social interaction and contacts
Let your dog interact with other friendly dogs and people when it is allowed and safe.
This can be a great way to socialize and socialize your dog.
- Let your dog interact with others
- This ensures socialization and new contacts
Tip 10: Choose a suitable roof tent
If you are taking your dog to sleep in the roof tent, make sure that the roof tent model you choose offers enough space for you and your dog.
Check the size in advance to ensure that all family members can fit comfortably inside.
Ideally, you should familiarize yourself with the roof tent beforehand and check the sleeping situation.
- Check whether the roof tent offers sufficient space
- Ensure comfortable sleep for everyone involved
Make sure that your dog also feels completely comfortable when sleeping in the roof tent! 
Tip 11: Approach the sleeping area
As your dog in particular is not used to sleeping in a roof tent, you should get him used to the roof tent and sleeping in it before your camping vacation.
Let him explore the roof tent, sleep in it or play with him in it to familiarize him with the new surroundings.
Don’t forget his usual sleeping pad so that he feels comfortable with the familiar smells.
Alternatively, you can also prepare a cozy place for your dog to sleep in the awning.
However, this should also be tried out in advance to see whether the dog feels comfortable sleeping alone in front of your roof tent.
- Familiarize your dog with the roof tent in advance
- Let him sniff the roof tent and lie in it
Tip 12: Comfortable room temperature
Pay attention to the temperature in the roof tent so that it is neither too hot nor too cold for your dog.
In winter, you should therefore possibly opt for a heater or electric blanket, while in summer you should ensure sufficient ventilation.
- Make sure that it is neither too warm nor too cold in the roof tent
- Think of appropriate accessories in summer and winter
Tip 13: Plan activities with your dog
Avoid leaving your dog alone in the roof tent, especially in extreme temperatures, to avoid overheating or hypothermia.
Plan your activities for the days so that your dog can always be with you and does not have to be left behind.
- Always plan activities with your dog
- Don’t leave him alone in the roof tent
Keep your dog busy on your camping vacation and give him plenty of exercise! 
Tip 14: Dog-friendly environment
Find out in advance about hiking trails or walks near the campsite that are dog-friendly.
Find suitable paths or trails where you can take your dog for a walk.
Always keep an eye on him and make sure that he is not in dangerous situations such as heavy traffic or poisonous plants.
- Find out about dog-friendly walking or hiking trails
- Always keep an eye on your dog and avoid dangerous situations
Tip 15: Protection against parasites and vermin
Use an effective tick repellent and flea medication to protect your dog from parasites.
Inspect your dog regularly for ticks, especially after outings in woods, meadows or fields, and remove them immediately if you find any.
- Use an effective tick repellent and flea repellent
- Inspect your dog regularly
Tip 16: Plan regular breaks
Plan regular breaks so that your dog can exercise and do his business.
In any case, he should have enough exercise and activities every day to burn off energy.
By the way – your dog should be kept safe in the car during the journey from one place to the next.
For example, use a seat belt or a transport box!
- Plan regular breaks for your dog
- Make sure he gets enough exercise every day
Tip 17: Flexibility and adaptability
Be flexible and adapt to your dog’s needs.
Sometimes unexpected situations or changes can occur, so be prepared to adapt and make the most of the camping experience with your dog.
- Adapt to the needs of your dog
- Ensure an eventful vacation for people and animals
Tip 18: Enjoy the time together
Enjoy time with your dog on a camping vacation and use the outdoor adventures together to strengthen your bond.
Relax, have fun and create unforgettable memories together. 
