On every good dog owner’s mind when planning a cold weather camping trip is: can I take my dog? Then a common follow-up question: how to keep my dog warm when camping?
Fortunately, many campgrounds allow dogs to camp with their humans. When using ReserveAmerica to make your camping reservation, you will see a dog icon under the Amenities column on the campground booking page if the site is dog friendly.
To answer the second question – how to keep my dog warm when camping? Every dog has their own needs for staying comfortable in low temperatures, depending on their breed, age, health, and even personal preference. Below we review eight tips on how to keep your dog warm while camping and then feature five dog-friendly campgrounds.
Recommended: 8 Must-Knows for Winter Camping & Hiking with Your Dog
Eight Tips on How to Keep Dog Warm While Camping
1. Bring Plenty of Nutrient Dense Foods
Foods and treats high in protein and nutrients will give your dog the energy they need to keep their body temperature up through the chill.
2. Keep Your Dog Dry
Like their two-legged human companions, dogs get colder when they are wet in low temperatures. Avoid letting them play in the water when the temperature drops. If they do get wet, make sure they are fully dried off before turning in at night.
3. Warm Up with Activities
Staying active helps humans and dogs stay warm in chilly weather. You can go for a hike or play fetch around the campground to warm yourselves up anytime and especially before hitting the hay at night.
4. Booties for Paw Protection and Insulation
Dog booties protect paws against rough terrain and ice and keep them warm too. Consider booties if your dog will be running around in cold weather for any extended length of time.
5. Give Your Dog a Warm, Waterproof Blanket
Let your dog curl up in a fleece blanket when taking a break from adventuring. The Sherpa Fleece Waterproof Blanket from Wilderdog miraculously maintains the warmth and soft comfort of fleece while still being totally waterproof. Blankets like this are great for their packability and useability by dogs and their owners alike.
Hot Tip: Apex Club members get a discount on all Wilderdog products and discounts on many other outdoor brands!
6. Tent Sleeping for Snuggles and Warmth
Letting your dog sleep in the tent at night will help keep them warm. The tent will naturally heat up from the body heat, helping to keep your furry friend and you from getting as cold.
7. Tuck Your Pup into a Special Doggy Sleeping Bag
Yes, there are small sleeping bags designed specifically for dogs! If you are camping in temps that are lower than your dog would be comfortable in while sleeping – which can vary considerably among different breeds – then a pet sleeping bag is worth the purchase. Even if it ends up being warm enough, it also doubles as a great travel bed. Wilderdog also makes an adorable dog sleeping bag that can unzip for a spread-out blanket or zip up for your dog to curl inside of for extra coziness.
8. A Hot Water Bottle for Sleeping
A hot water bottle in the sleeping bag or tent is a great source of warmth for you and your dog. Filling up a rubber or plastic-like water bottle (like a Nalgene bottle) with hot water serves as a great reusable warmer. You can also get a cover that prevents burns and is soft to the touch.
Recommended: Trail Obedience Skills to Teach Your Dog
5 Outstanding Dog-Friendly Campsites
1. Gunlock State Park, Utah
Situated in scenic red rock country, Gunlock State Park is a year-round outdoor destination for humans and dogs alike. Swim, boat, or fish the serene waters of Funlock Reservoir, or kick back and relax along the shoreline. There are 30 standard dog-friendly campsites.
2. Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area, Nebraska
Lake Ogallala is known for its quality fishing, particularly its catches of rainbow trout. Besides fishing, campers come for the tranquil scenery, paddling, and camping with pets. All 182 sites give the go-ahead for dog campers.
Recommended: Outdoor Winter Fun Ideas
3. Dames Ferry, Georgia
A Southern jewel, Dames Ferry campground abuts Lake Juliette, and many campsites have magnificent lakefront views. Anglers can throw their line in the water for bream, crappie, largemouth bass, striped bass, redear, and perch. Campers and their furry companions can enjoy the grounds with picnic shelters and tables and a playground. There are 30 dog-friendly sites.
4. Mollidgewock State Park, New Hampshire
Nestled on the shores of the Androscoggin River, Mollidgewock State Park campground is a great spot for all campers. The area has canoeing and kayaking opportunities for novice and expert paddlers and is also a favorite among fishing enthusiasts. Keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife – but maybe your dog will alert you to them first! There are 42 campsites – all welcome dogs.
5. Versailles State Park, Indiana
Located in the beautiful rolling hills of southeastern Indiana, Versailles State Park has plenty of scenic beauty and recreation opportunities. Kayaking, fishing, swimming, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing are just some of the things campers can enjoy here. There are 234 campsites and all are dog-friendly except the group camp.
Are you ready for your adventure? Plan your camping trip!