Trail & Tail-Tested: Best Gear for Camping with Your Pets
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Packing for a camping trip with your pet is a little like prepping for a toddler on a sugar high: you need snacks, naps, safety gear, and a plan for messes. The good news? With the right mix of essentials and a few smart habits, hitting the trail with your furry co-pilot can be smooth sailing. Here’s a blend of gear we love and practical tips that don’t cost a dime.
Bug Off, Naturally
Nothing derails a night under the stars faster than mosquitoes and ticks. For camp comfort, Frank’s Skeeter Sticks keep the area skeeter-free without chemical sprays clouding the air. On the trail, prevention is about timing—hike earlier or later in the day when bugs are less active, and avoid standing water (mosquito central).
Cat Comforts
Yes, cats can camp. But they need a secure setup. Remember: cats need escape-proof tents or pens. No matter how mellow your kitty is at home, the sounds of owls or nearby campers can trigger flight mode.
A lightweight litter like ökocat in a collapsible box is the easiest solution for potty time. Pair it with CAT wipes for paw and fur cleanup in tight quarters.
Glow Mode: On
After dark, visibility matters. LITO light-up collars, harnesses, and leashes make it easy to spot dogs. Always wear a headlamp so you don’t trip over tails in the night.
Ears & Cheers
Water-loving dogs are the best entertainment at camp—but soggy ears can lead to infections. Rocket-Ears head wraps keep long ears dry, but you can also prevent problems by toweling your dog off after swims and checking ears daily. And speaking of water: bring a life vest for dogs who aren’t strong swimmers, or when boating is part of the plan.
Hydrate on the Go
Spleash makes trail hydration easy with its built-in cup, while a OneIsAll fountain is perfect at camp for keeping water fresh. But the real trick? Schedule regular “water breaks” for your pet every time you take one. On hot days, add shady rest stops and keep an eye out for signs of overheating (excessive panting, lethargy).
Ride & Rest in Style
Travel is half the battle. An Orvis car hammock protects your seats from mud while giving dogs a comfy ride. Once you’re at camp, their beds provide a familiar home base—a big comfort for anxious pups.
Field Tip: Pack a blanket or old towel from home. It smells familiar, keeps them calmer, and doubles as a paw-wiping station at the tent door.
Walk This Way
A virtual leash like the Heel Roam 360 is amazing for boon docking in remote areas, but good trail and camp etiquette matters when others are around. Keep your dog off other campsites and close when hiking and passing others, yield to uphill hikers, and step just off the trail when taking breaks. For cats on harnesses? Let them explore at their own pace, but be ready to scoop them up if the environment gets overwhelming.
Grooming in the Wild
Camp life = burrs, sap, dust, and questionable rolls in mystery smells. A OneIsAll pet groomer keeps coats tidy, and DOG wipes handle messes fast. Quick paw checks after each hike prevent injuries from thorns or sharp rocks. And always stop if your pet is favoring a paw or limping. This is a sign of injury.
Extra Trail Tips That Don’t Fit in a Gear Bag
• Check campsite rules. Not all campgrounds allow pets, and leash laws vary.
• Do a perimeter sweep. Before letting pets roam your site, check for broken glass, sharp sticks, or leftover food scraps.
• Noise matters. If your dog is a barker, pick more remote sites to avoid disturbing neighbors.
• Leave No Trace. Always pack out poop bags and keep pets away from streams and sensitive habitats.
Camping with pets is one of the best ways to experience the outdoors—you get the joy of wagging tails, muddy paws, and extra warmth in the tent. With the right mix of gear and a little common sense, your next trip can be safe, fun, and paw-sitively unforgettable.
