I’m going to share some pictures and details about my last camping trip to Patoka Lake. It was a lot of fun, and a little challenging camping with dogs!
This was one of my favorite trips from this past Summer/Fall. It was mid October, but the temps were in the 90’s.
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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 opened the camper door, if one of them darted out, they couldn’t run off.
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 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.
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!
On both of these trips we fired up the small charcoal grill for cooking out. I’m sharing details about that over on the Homeright DIY blog in my post ElectroLight Charcoal Starter for Camping. You won’t want to miss seeing me roasting marshmallows in my pj’s with charcoal started with my Homeright ElectroLight Fire Starter. 
Why not hop over now before you forget?
Do you have any camping with dogs suggestions? Please leave them in a comment below.
gail
ps this is not a sponsored post for the dog fence. I tried many versions of other items and nothing worked. Just hoping to help someone out that is in need for a good option to corral their small dog (or children) 🙂
Love seeing your WHFTs- wire haired fox terriers- going camping. I have had 2 WHFTs in my life. Just full of love and energy. I miss them both dearly.
Thanks so much Kit!
Our babies are schnoodles. Miniature poodle-Miniature Schnauzer mix.
gail
We were full-time RVers for ten years, but two years ago changed to snowbird status with the acquisition of our house. We also added two puppies, now 55# & 75#, who have never been RVing. We will be loading up soon to head south for a couple of months. It should be interesting. We've been looking at fence solutions since they are used to running on an acre of fenced backyard, but one of them loves to jump up on our fence and I worry about him knocking over one of these temporary ones. Sigh...
Donna,
Sadly, I don't think this is the option for your jumper! As I walk around campgrounds I envy the dogs I see that are so quiet and obedient. I mostly have control over my little Lulu at home, however I can't take a chance away from home.
Wishing you all the best on your snowbird travel! Someday....
gail
That looks so peaceful. My family, when I was a child, had a trailer that looked a lot like yours. We didn’t have a dog at that time. The biggest problem was there youngest daughter and her hyjinks. Yes, I was probably worse than taking a dog.
Hahaha Jennie! This made me giggle. I may have been the same annoying younger daughter when I was smaller. LOL
gail
Love your babies! We have two mini schnauzers also! I understand about the leash situation. There is one you can get that has one main leash you hold but splits off to two separate leashes that you can attach your pups to and it has a swivel so that they do not get tangled. Safe travels and happy camping!
Pam,
I have researched that option and definitely plan to get one of those dual leash things so we can walk the dogs easier.
Since they live in different homes, it's not a daily thing....
thanks!
gail