It is recommended that you always keep a safety harness on your dog,
consistent with some type of protective outerwear, to ensure their
safety further. In colder weather, you’ll want to make sure they stay
warm and, if in snowy conditions, have the proper gear to handle longdistance walks through the ice and sludge.
Stay together! Don’t let your dog wander ahead of you or trail behind
you, especially in the early morning and late evening hours. Pack an
insulated blanket for your pup to keep them warm, and plenty of food,
because they’ll be exercising just as much – probably more! – than you.
I’ll never forget Cocoa or her loyalty. I still remember late nights around
the campfire with her, age setting deep into her bones, but her heart
just as young as ever. She would nestle herself just along the legs
of my folding chair, and listen intently to the sounds of the
surrounding forest, as she nodded in and out of a happy
sleep. I don’t think either of us ever longed for
anything more than what was given to us by each
other in those moments. To this day, camping is still
one of my favorite outdoor activities, simply because
of the company I choose to keep.
Many campsites are dog friendly and will provide certain
accommodations for your furry friend, but check campsite
information in your area, either by stopping in the visitor center,
or looking it up online. Your dog is more than likely the best choice
when it comes to picking out a prime camping companion, because they
will stay with you and protect you at all times, and they should get the
same treatment in return.
Visit your state’s website for a full list of dog-friendly campgrounds.
pet friendly campsites
Yosemite National Park &
RV Resorts, California
(pets welcome, must be leashed)
Dauphin Island Campground, Alabama
(public beach, dogs welcome in all areas)
Pachaug State Forest, Colorado
(one pet per site)
Florida State Parks & Campgrounds
(must be leashed, some parks excluded)
Everglades National Park, Florida
(roadside campgrounds only)
32 Fall 2016 Adventure Outdoors
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
(must be leashed)
Chocura Camping Village, New
Hampshire
(dog swimming pond, off-leash access)
Daggett Lake Campsite, Adirondack
Mountains, New York
(dog beach, pet-friendly cabins)
Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina
(must be leashed)