Camping with your furry best friend isn’t just a trip—it’s a chance to share nature’s wonders with the one who loves adventures as much as you do. Last month, we packed our car with camping gear, our golden retriever’s favorite toys, and enough treats to keep him happy, and headed to a pet-friendly mountain campground in the Rockies. What we discovered was pure joy: our pup bounding through pine forests, splashing in mountain streams, and curling up with us under the stars. Here’s how we pulled off a seamless dog-friendly camping trip, plus the must-have gear for any pet parent hitting the trails.
We chose a campground explicitly marked “dog-friendly” (always check rules first!) with designated pet trails, waste stations, and spacious sites—no tight quarters for a wiggly 60-lb dog. The drive up was scenic, with our pup peering out the window, nose twitching at the smell of pine and fresh air. Arriving mid-afternoon, we claimed a site nestled between trees, just steps from a dog-friendly trailhead and a shallow creek. Unloading the car was a team effort: my partner set up the tent, I laid out our sleeping bags, and our pup explored every inch of the site, marking trees and chasing butterflies (unsuccessfully, but enthusiastically).
Pet-friendly mountain camping is all about including your dog in every adventure—while keeping them safe. We spent the first afternoon on a moderate 1-mile trail that allowed leashed dogs. Our pup led the way, tail wagging furiously as he sniffed wildflowers, listened to birds, and paused to greet other friendly dogs we passed. We stopped often to let him drink from stream water (we brought a collapsible bowl!) and take in the views—his ears flapping in the breeze as we admired distant mountain peaks. By the time we returned to camp, he was tired but grinning (yes, dogs grin!)—proof that even short hikes are thrilling for four-legged adventurers.
Dinner was a family affair. We grilled burgers and veggies on the fire pit, while our pup enjoyed a portion of his special camping food (dry kibble mixed with wet food for extra excitement). We sat on foldable chairs around the fire, with our pup curled up at our feet, occasionally looking up for a treat or a scratch behind the ears. After dinner, we took a sunset walk to the creek, where he splashed around to cool off, chasing sticks and splashing water everywhere. Nighttime in the mountains was peaceful: we sat under the stars, listening to crickets and the distant howl of a coyote, while our pup slept soundly in his bed beside our tent.
Morning arrived with crisp air and wagging tails. We woke up to our pup nudging us with his nose, ready for breakfast and another hike. We brewed coffee (for us) and fed our pup his breakfast (for him) before lacing up our boots and heading out. We chose a shorter trail that led to a overlook, where we sat on rocks and watched the sun rise over the mountains—our pup resting his head on my lap, enjoying the quiet. On the way back, we stopped at the creek again, letting him play for a while before packing up camp. He helped (sort of) by carrying his own toy in his mouth as we loaded the car.
4 Must-Have Gear for Dog-Friendly Mountain Camping
- Portable Dog Camping Bed: Keep your pup comfortable. The Kurgo Loft Wander Dog Bed ($69) is waterproof, durable, and easy to pack—perfect for keeping your dog off the cold ground. It’s also machine-washable, which is a lifesaver after muddy hikes.
- Collapsible Dog Bowl and Water Filter: Hydration is key. The Outward Hound Port-A-Bowl (
49) filters water, ensuring your pup has clean drinking water wherever you go.
- Reflective Dog Leash and Harness: Safety first. The Ruffwear Front Range Harness (
39) to keep your dog safe.
- Dog-Friendly First Aid Kit: Be prepared. The Adventure Medical Kits Trail Dog First Aid Kit ($35) includes essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and tick removers—perfect for handling minor injuries on the trail.
Camping with your dog is about making memories together—whether it’s hiking through forests, splashing in streams, or just cuddling by the fire. It requires a little extra planning (packing treats, checking campground rules, bringing waste bags), but the joy of seeing your pup explore nature is worth it. If you’re a pet parent looking to share an adventure with your furry friend, grab your gear, leash up your dog, and head to the mountains. Your pup (and your heart) will thank you.
