Camping with dogs

Do you love camping as much as I do? If so, maybe you know that camping with dogs can be a challenge. I’m going to share some pictures and details about my RV Life. The Amazon links in this article are for your convenience. I make a small commission, with no extra cost to you.

Camping with dogs | Dog Fence

It’s really fun to camp with friends and the pups! That’s Lulu Mae on the left and her brother Charlie on the right. The rug I stenciled for the camper is a hit with them. I found the perfect dog fence on Amazon. It worked great for keeping them contained. The problem with camping with dogs is this…if they are both on a lead, they get tangled with each other. This dog fence is easily moved around and changes shape to fit your needs!

I searched high and low to find the best option for me. My favorite part was that anytime we open the camper door, if one of them darts out, they can't run off.

This dog fence comes with 16 panels and is 24” tall. Perfect for our babies! The two gates are helpful as well. However, it's really customizable, to how many panels you need, and the height ranges from 24, 32, and 40.

So if you have a need for something like this for your small pets, look no further. I’m sure this dog fence may be helpful with small children as well!

Tip: I cut four sections down to size, to fit under my RV steps and alongside the camper. I used a jigsaw with a metal blade.

In addition, I zip tied the fence in sections of 4, 4, 4, 2, and 2. When I'm breaking camp, it's easy to fold the four pieces like an accordion, and stack them in the bed of the truck. This method also aids in setting up the fence, as it allows the pieces to stand on their own as I connect them to the other sections.

More Fence Options

Sometimes Charlie visits us at the campground. Lulu sticks right with me, but occasionally he gets a little distracted. When I know Charlie will be visiting, I bring this extra set of fencing that I bought when Lulu was oh so small. I connect it to sections of the other fencing, and try to extend it out into a grassy area so that they have toilet options. This particular fence usually resides in my backyard camper retreat to keep Lulu and friends contained.

In this photo, you can see how the two different fences can be connected, and if you look closely, you will notice the shorter four sections that reside right next to the camper. They are pretty sad looking in the image. After this trip, I added new zip ties to the short pieces to help them stand up better.

Did you notice the plastic dog dish and the puppy placemat? The placemat helps a little with the ants, and the plastic dog dish is easy to throw in the storage area of the RV.

Tip: Place the gates in an area that is impossible to bump your head when the awning is extended.

Looking for a Portable Dog Stake?

Have you ever been in a place where you just can't seem to get a dog stake into the ground? I have the perfect answer for small to medium dogs. I have used this system for over five years at home and while camping. It's a great way to tether Lulu Mae while I'm setting up the campsite. All you need is a long lead (or rope) and a dumbbell. This dumbbell securing Lulu Mae is three pounds. At home, she has been known to drag it a little when she's chasing a cat.

I started using this portable dog stake idea while I worked outside at home. Many times I work on the driveway, and a dog tie out wasn't an option.

This DIY option is perfect for small to medium dogs. You can simply buy a heavier dumbbell if your pooch weighs more than 10 pounds.

Dog Beds for RV Life

Another great find is this a folding dog bed. Even though I bought the Small Dog Bed, you can see that Lulu Mae has lots of room, and can make herself quite comfortable.

Yes, she really does love her folding bed. Notice the tag on her small collar. Have you ever heard of Road ID? It's a tiny tag for a dog's collar, your fitbit or your running shoe. Lulu Mae has her name, my phone number, and two backup phone numbers. The one I wear on my fitbit has:

• my full name
• my city and state
• two emergency contacts
• "look for dog, Lulu Mae
• Be Happy

Lulu Mae is chipped, but at a campground, I like the idea of all the information being right there on that tiny tag!

But! Here she has the options of two different beds, and she chose to lay on her favorite rug.

Whether camping with dogs, or just spoiling dogs in general, your pet will LOVE this donut bed for dogs! Here she is on a small pink cuddler bed. I recently bought her an extra small one and she loves it too!

Here she is on the XS dog donut bed. She and her brother Charlie (my friend's dog) are seen sharing the space in the camper, on another very large dog bed, and in the clam while the humans play card games.

Have you lost track of the number of dog beds? As a rule, I bring three. A donut bed, the extra large bed, and the folding bed for outside. Because she's so small, the extra long bed is used to elevate Lulu so she can see out the window easier.

Did you know this is called splooting? I always called her frog dog. This pet cooling mat is good to have if your pooch is going to be outdoors on a hot summer day.

I Always use a Car Carrier

Ever since Lulu Mae was a wee little pup, she has traveled in a carrier in my truck. I have had 2, this Sherpa Airline Approved carrier was her original carrier. I bought her a new one when we traveled cross country because I felt it was a little more secure. You can see that one here.

Of course she is always zipped up and safe, but this is a picture of she and I waiting in my cousin's truck while she was grocery shopping.

Screen Door Protector

When camping with dogs or kids, I highly recommend a screen door protector. It gives an extra layer of protection to your flimsy screen. Most are adjustable to fit any rv screen door.

Life Jacket for Dogs

If you're pooch enjoys water sports, you may want to consider buying a canine life jacket. This is the life jacket I purchased for Lulu Mae, XS Pink.

The blowup Kayak is because I take too much stuff with me in the truck.

This was our view of the beach from the top of the hill where we hung out with the dogs. Isn't it beautiful?

Our dogs are Happy Campers

I think it’s important to let the dogs get use to the camper in small doses. It would have been nice to leave the dogs in the camper when we went to the beach, but they just weren’t ready for that.

We had such a good time here at Patoka Lake and at General Butler State Park the previous weekend. The memories we made will last a lifetime. I’m really loving this camping with dogs (and friends) gig!

Camping With Dogs in an RV

Long story short, when you go camping with dogs, you may face a few challenges. I hope this article gives you some ideas to make it easier.

But, just like at home, the pups generally do what they want to do.

But isn't it all worth it when you see the love dogs have for their humans?

Camping With Dogs Must Haves

• Lead
• Collar
• Dog Food
• Treats
• Bowls
• Meds
• Blankets
• Beds
• Grooming Supplies (nail clippers etc)
• Shampoo
• Towel
• Poop Bags

Patoka Lake Beach

Patoka Lake has a really nice beach. It was definitely hot enough to hang out there. “No dogs on beach” was the saddest words I read on their Rules Sign. My friend Regina and I hung out in a grassy picnic area with the dogs while my friend Leann went to the beach.

Lulu Mae had never really seen water. We found a place all the way to the right of the regular beach to let her explore briefly.

Do you have any suggestions for camping with dogs? Please leave your ideas in a comment below.

gail