The Complete Guide to Hiking and Camping with Your Dog: Essential Checklist & Tips
Photo by Jimmy Conover on Unsplash
Few things beat exploring the outdoors with your four-legged adventure buddy. Whether you're planning your first dog-friendly hike or you're looking to level up to overnight camping trips with your pup, having the right preparation makes all the difference between a stressful outing and an epic memory.
I've learned through many trail miles with my own dogs that preparation is everything. This guide covers everything you need to know about hiking and camping with dogs - from essential gear to trail etiquette to safety considerations that many first-timers overlook.
Before You Go: Is Your Dog Trail-Ready?
Not all dogs are automatically ready for the trail life. Consider these factors before planning your adventure:
Fitness Level Reality Check
Just like humans, dogs need to build up trail fitness gradually. If your pup's primary exercise is short neighborhood walks, don't immediately tackle a 10-mile mountain trek. Start with shorter, easier trails and work up to more challenging adventures.
Signs your dog may not be ready for a specific trail:
Excessive panting that doesn't subside with rest
Reluctance to continue walking
Limping or favoring a leg
Lying down and refusing to move
Training Essentials
Before hitting the trails, your dog should reliably respond to these basic commands:
Recall command ("Come") - arguably the most important for safety
Leave it - crucial for avoiding wildlife, trash, and trail hazards
Stay/Wait - helpful at road crossings and challenging trail sections
Heel or loose-leash walking - makes passing other hikers easier
Health Considerations
Schedule a vet check-up before your first major outdoor adventure to ensure:
Vaccinations are up-to-date (especially rabies)
Flea/tick prevention is current
No underlying health issues could be exacerbated by exercise
Your dog is microchipped and wearing ID tags
The Essential Dog Hiking & Camping Checklist
Gear for Day Hikes
Dog-specific water bottle or collapsible bowl
Dogs need regular water breaks, especially in warm weather
Aim for offering water every 15-30 minutes during active hiking
6-foot leash (not retractable)
Provides better control on trails
Meets most park and trail regulations
Poop bags (bring more than you think you'll need)
Pack-it-out mentality applies to dog waste too
Consider a dedicated "used bag" container to minimize odor
Small first aid additions for dogs
Tweezers for tick removal or splinters
Styptic powder for torn nails
Self-adhesive bandage wrap
Antihistamine (vet-approved dosage)
Dog backpack (optional for longer hikes)
Should only carry 10-15% of dog's body weight
Requires training before full trail use
Dog booties (for rocky/rough terrain)
Protect paws from sharp rocks, hot surfaces, and trail hazards
Require practice sessions at home before trail use
High-value treats
Reward good trail behavior
Emergency recall motivation
Additional Gear for Overnight Camping
Dog sleeping pad
Insulates from cold ground
Closed-cell foam pads work well
Dog sleeping bag or blanket
Even furry dogs can get cold at night
Consider your dog's cold tolerance
Tie-out system or stake
Secure options for when you're setting up camp
Never leave tied dogs unattended
Extra food (25-50% more than normal)
Hiking increases caloric needs
Pack in sealed, odor-proof containers
LED collar light or reflective gear
Visibility around camp after dark
Safety for nighttime bathroom breaks
Brush or comb
Remove trail debris
Check for ticks and foxtails
Towel
For unexpected swims
Muddy paw cleanup
Familiar toy
Comfort in new environment
Quiet evening entertainment
Trail Selection: Finding Dog-Friendly Adventures
Not all trails welcome four-legged hikers. Research before you go:
Red Flags & Deal-Breakers
Trails in most national parks (dogs are typically restricted to paved areas and campgrounds)
Areas with endangered ground-nesting birds or sensitive wildlife
Technical trails requiring ladders, extensive scrambling, or fixed ropes
Extremely rocky terrain without proper paw protection
Areas with reported predator activity (mountain lions, bears with cubs)
Green Flags & Dog-Friendly Features
National Forests and BLM lands (generally more dog-friendly than National Parks)
Trails with water sources for cooling off
Moderate terrain with limited elevation gain for beginners
Shaded trails for hot weather hiking
Established campgrounds with specific dog policies
Research Resources
AllTrails app (use the "dog-friendly" filter)
Local hiking guidebooks with dog information
Ranger station calls (verify current regulations)
Dog-specific hiking guides for popular regions
The Unwritten Rules: Trail Etiquette With Dogs
Being a responsible dog owner on trails ensures these spaces remain dog-friendly:
Passing Other Hikers
Yield the right of way to all hikers without dogs
Keep your dog on the downhill side of the trail when passing
Ask before allowing your dog to approach other hikers or dogs
Move off trail when possible for passing
Wildlife Encounters
Keep dogs leashed to prevent wildlife chase or harassment
Never let your dog dig or disturb natural areas
If you encounter large wildlife, leash your dog immediately and slowly back away
Leave No Trace With Dogs
Pack out all waste (even if you're "just about to head back")
Stay on established trails (dogs can cause erosion on trail edges)
Respect trail closures, even if the reason isn't obvious
Keep voice commands quiet to minimize noise pollution
Safety First: Preventing and Managing Trail Emergencies
Heat Safety
Dogs are more susceptible to heat illness than humans. Warning signs include:
Excessive drooling or panting
Bright red gums or tongue
Disorientation or staggering
Vomiting
If you notice these signs:
Move to shade immediately
Cool with water, focusing on head, neck, and paw pads
Rest until breathing normalizes
End your hike and seek veterinary care if symptoms persist
Paw Care
Regularly check paws during your hike for:
Cuts or punctures
Objects stuck between pads
Cracked or torn pads
Signs of pain when walking
For minor issues, a dog-safe balm can provide protection. For more serious injuries, boot the affected paw and head back to the trailhead.
Wildlife Safety
Learn to recognize poisonous plants in your area
Watch for small wildlife your dog might chase
In snake country, consider snake aversion training
Carry bear spray in appropriate regions (works on many large predators)
Overnight Safety
Never leave food in reach of your dog at camp
Secure your dog if you can't directly supervise
Consider a dog-specific sleeping arrangement inside your tent
Have a plan for bathroom breaks during the night
Building Your Dog's Trail Skills: A Progressive Approach
Just like humans, dogs need to build their outdoor skills gradually:
For Hiking Beginners
Start with short, flat trails (under 2 miles)
Gradually increase distance by no more than 20% per week
Add elevation once base fitness is established
Introduce different terrain types one at a time
Practice trail commands in increasingly distracting environments
For Camping Beginners
Backyard camping first to test gear and comfort
Car camping at established campgrounds
Short overnight backpacking on familiar trails
Progressively longer trips as experience builds
Seasonal Considerations for Canine Adventurers
Summer Hiking
Hike during cooler hours (early morning, evening)
Carry extra water (at least 1 liter per 20 pounds of dog)
Check ground temperature (if too hot for your hand, too hot for paws)
Research water sources on trail before depending on them
Consider cooling vests for heat-sensitive breeds
Winter Adventures
Check for ice balls forming between paw pads regularly
Monitor for shivering or signs of discomfort
Consider a dog coat for short-haired breeds
Adjust food intake for increased cold-weather calorie burn
Bring a towel for drying off wet fur before sleep
Spring & Fall
Be aware of hunting seasons and regulations
Watch for seasonal allergies affecting trail comfort
Check for ticks more frequently during these peak seasons
Be prepared for rapid weather changes with extra layers
Special Considerations for Different Dogs
Small Dogs (<25 pounds)
May need to be carried over obstacles
Often have higher metabolism requiring more frequent fuel
May struggle more with temperature regulation
Consider a dog backpack (for the human) on longer hikes
Senior Dogs
Choose trails with limited elevation change
Plan for a slower pace with more rest breaks
Bring pain medication if prescribed by your vet
Consider joint supplements before and after hiking
Brachycephalic (Flat-Faced) Breeds
Extremely vulnerable to heat illness
Need more frequent water and shade breaks
Should stick to cooler weather hiking
May benefit from cooling gear even in moderate temperatures
From Casual Hiker to Canine Trail Expert
As you and your dog gain experience, you might consider:
Joining dog-friendly hiking groups
Taking a wilderness first aid course that includes canine care
Exploring dog backpacking for multi-day adventures
Training for specific dog sports like canicross or skijoring
Your Turn: Share Your Dog's Trail Tales
Have you taken your furry friend hiking or camping? We'd love to hear your experiences! Share your favorite dog-friendly trails, gear recommendations, or lessons learned in the comments below.
And if you're gearing up for your first outdoor adventures, check out our [Essential Hiking Gear Checklist] and [Essential Campfire Cooking] guides to complete your preparation.
Happy trails to you and your four-legged hiking buddy!