6 Important Tips for Camping With a Dog in Summer

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Now that the warm weather is here, it’s important that we all keep summer safety in mind. This means keeping our kids safe, of course, but it also means keeping our dogs safe as we travel. If this is your first summer on the road with your pup, be sure to keep these tips in mind while camping with a dog in hot weather.

Safety Tips for Camping with a Dog in Hot Weather

The hot weather tips below are exactly what you need to go camping with a dog in the summertime. That said, some of these tips can also work well for a cat or another pet, so even if you don’t have a dog, they might be worth a read.

Traveling with Your Dog

First, let’s talk about traveling with your dog. After all, you will want to make sure your pup is safe and comfortable as you travel down the road.

• Never let pets ride in a moving trailer. Trailers bounce a lot more than you might imagine, and this combined with the extreme heat that will build up in the trailer is a recipe for disaster.
• Make water available. Ensure your pet has enough water throughout the drive. If you are unable to make a water dish available while in motion, make frequent stops and offer water each time.

Ensuring a Comfortable Temperature in Your RV

Hoping to leave your dog in the RV while you go out exploring? That should be okay, but it is important to have a way to control and monitor the temperature while you’re away. This is because, like cars, RVs can become extremely hot inside very quickly in the summertime and this can be dangerous for pets.

Controlling the Temperature in Your RV

If boondocking, choose a place that does not get above 75 degrees (°F) during the day. Leave windows open and a vent fan on. Make sure your pup can’t get out through the open windows.

If you’re in an RV park with shore power, leave the air conditioner running.

Monitoring the Temperature in Your RV

Either way, invest in a temperature monitor for your RV. This will alert you should the temperature of your home-on-wheels get too high.

We recommend a cellular pet temperature monitor if you’re staying in a park with hookups. This will continue working even if the power and Wi-Fi go out.

When boondocking, it’s better to use a Wi-Fi pet temperature monitor connected to Starlink, which can be run off of a pure sine wave inverter connected to your RV’s batteries. Just be sure you have enough battery power to last until you get back.

Taking Your Dog on Outings

Hopefully you plan to take your pup on some outings as well. Of course, you will want to do so safely. Here’s how:

• Carry a portable water bowl and offer water regularly.
• Take breaks in the shade or indoors where your pet can cool off.
• Pick up some dog shoes for walking on hot pavement and sand.
• Consider locations where your dog can play in water to cool off and have fun.

Keeping Safety in Mind

Lastly, it is always important that you prepare for potential emergencies by carrying your pet’s medical records and making yourself aware of where the nearest emergency veterinarian is. This will ensure you can get help quickly if anything does go wrong while camping with a dog.

Where to Go Camping with a Dog in Hot Weather

Wondering where to go camping with a dog in summer? We recommend choosing a place that doesn’t see extreme heat for the comfort and safety of all involved. We also like to choose destinations where Fido is welcome to be out and about.

Acadia National Park

One of the best places to be during the summer months, Acadia is an absolutely gorgeous place that is home to over 100 miles of dog-friendly trails and 45 miles of dog-friendly carriage roads. It also sees super mild summers, with temperatures that rarely exceed 75 degrees. We really can’t imagine a better spot to go camping with a dog.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

Acadia is home to a beach, but unfortunately dogs aren’t allowed there. If you’re looking for a beach vacation for your furry friend, we recommend Cannon Beach. This iconic beach allows dogs to run, splash, and play as much as they like. Meanwhile, the nearby Ecola State Park allows leashed pups to hike their trails.

Shenandoah National Park

Another fantastic pet-friendly national park, Shenandoah features nearly 500 miles of pup-friendly hiking trails. On top of that, all in-park campgrounds allow dogs to stay. Clearly, this is an amazing place to enjoy some beautiful scenery and fresh air with your doggo this summer.

Provincetown, Massachusetts

Provincetown also deserves a place on this list. This awesome town allows dogs to play on all of their beaches from 6:00am–9:00am and from 6:00pm–9:00pm throughout the summer. It also plays host to a variety of restaurants, galleries, and tours that welcome dogs with open arms, meaning your pet can enjoy your entire vacation with you.

Indiana Dunes National Park

Do you have a dog who loves to swim? Indiana Dunes National Park might be for them. This park features sandy beaches on the lovely Lake Michigan, and some of them welcome dogs to play alongside their human companions. Just be sure to ask a park ranger to learn which beaches are open to pups during your visit!

New River Gorge National Park

New River Gorge National Park may be the newest of the officially designated national parks, but it is just as spectacular. On top of some amazing scenery, this park also holds a special place in our hearts because it is so pet-friendly. Dogs are allowed on all in-park trails, including the fabulous Endless Wall Trail, which offer some incredible views.

Now that you’ve gathered some safety tips and learned about some amazing dog-friendly destinations, it’s time to go camping with a dog in summer. Grab your gear and get ready for a fantastic summertime adventure with your favorite furry friend!

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