Before making any concrete plans, make sure that your desired campsite allows dogs. Don’t worry – there are many that do!

When picking your destination, there are certain things you’ll need to consider about the campsite to make sure Fido stays safe. Here are some tips to choose the perfect spot for you and your pooch.

• Be sure you both can get there. Spending a night or two on a mountain top overlooking hundreds of acres of wilderness may sound like a dream come true, but if Fido isn’t strong enough (or willing) to make the three-mile hike it takes to get there, it’s best to leave him home. Additionally, if you’re taking a long road trip to reach your destination but your pup gets anxious in the car, it’s best to choose a site relatively close to where you live.
• Make sure the weather will be agreeable for both of you. You might thrive in the cold, but if Fido is small and/or has little (or no) hair, prolonged exposure to low temperatures can be uncomfortable and even dangerous for him. Similarly, if it’s the middle of summer and your dog has a thick coat, he’s at risk of overheating, and sunny skies put shorthaired and hairless breeds at risk of being sunburned.
• Choose a place where he’ll be comfortable. If Fido fears the water or isn’t a strong swimmer, a lakeside retreat isn’t your ideal option. A trip to the desert that doesn’t offer paths to keep your pup’s feet from burning on the hot sand is no fun for anyone. And a night away at a beach that offers no natural protection from the sun – like tree-lined paths or shaded groves – will over-exhaust your dog long before bedtime, or even lead to sunburn. Think about the amount of time you’ll be spending away, and make sure Fido will be comfortable every single hour.
• Be in good company. If Fido doesn’t do well with crowds, choosing a busy camping destination isn’t your best bet. Instead, you’ll want to opt for something more secluded. It’s also important to consider how long you and your dog have been best friends, and if he’s secure enough in your bond to spend solo time with you in uncharted territory. For example, if you’ve recently adopted an adult dog who suffered abuse before you rescued him, he may not be ready to make a big trip with you to an unfamiliar place (even though he undoubtedly loves you!). If this is the case, don’t worry – just give him a little time and lots of love, and you’ll both be hitting the trails in no time!
• Realize that you are your dog’s GPS. It’s natural for dogs to want to explore new surroundings, but be cautious in letting Fido roam. If your dog has a tendency to wander, camping in a heavily-wooded area where he can easily be lost is a recipe for disaster. Instead, consider a more open area – perhaps a beach or desert – or even your backyard to make sure you can always find each other.