Are you and your dog planning your post-shelter-in-place adventures for summer? Our furry pals have provided so much comfort and companionship this spring. Why not reward them with a fun camping trip?
Whether you and your furry buddy are experienced trailblazers or this is your first time camping with your dog, you’ll find lots of helpful tips in this guide to dog-friendly camping in the Pacific Northwest.
The Pacific Northwest is a great place for camping in general, and luckily, there’s no shortage of gorgeous campgrounds that allow pets. But will they be open this summer?
Some national parks and facilities temporarily closed when the coronavirus arrived in the US, and many campgrounds stopped allowing overnight camping. Oregon and Washington have started to increase access to parks in a phased approach.
So depending on when you’re planning to camp, some campgrounds may be open and others might still be closed. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department said that high-density parks in places like the Gorge will likely be some of the last to reopen.
Visit the Oregon State Parks website and check with individual parks to see what’s open and when.
Tip: Book your campsite early! As eager campers flock to nature after social distancing at home, there could be a shortage of available campsites.
As things begin to open again, many of us are yearning to plan an outdoor escape. Camping in a remote location will likely be a great way to get out of the house while avoiding close contact with others — except your doggo, of course!
Even better, spending time in nature is great for your mental and physical health, and it may even boost your immune system.
Tips for a fun and safe camping trip:
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Make sure you pack dog food, extra poop bags, and plenty of water for your four-legged buddy. You’ll also want to bring a leash. A long line like this one is perfect for hiking on nearby trails because it gives your dog plenty of space to explore. A doggy first aid kit is another essential safety item. You can also bring your dog’s favorite toy to ease boredom and homesickness.
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Here are a few items that will make your camping trip even more fun for you and your dog:
RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Backpacking with Dogs
Many campgrounds that allow dogs have wonderful pet-friendly hiking trails and some even have designated off-leash areas. Just double-check the regulations before you bring your pup. Read our recent post about getting the most out of a hike with your dog!
RELATED: 10 Tips for Hiking with Dogs & the Gear to Bring
Playtime is extra fun in the great outdoors! Chew toys are great if your dog needs to be on a leash.
Are you camping on the coast or close to a lake or river that allows dogs? Bring your canine pal to the water and let them splash around. Just don’t forget to bring a towel! Or better yet, this Soggy Doggy Super Shammy is 5x more absorbent than regular towels.
If you have a cuddly pet, they’ll love curling up in the tent with you while you read a book or listen to music.
Do you have everything you need for your camping trip? King Duke’s is a private, family-run business that cares about pets like family. As dog parents in Beaverton, we select all our pet products with love and make sure that everything we sell is made with premium quality ingredients and materials that promote pet health and happiness.
Browse our huge selection of pet gear and stock up for your camping trip. If you have questions about our products or you need something that we don’t carry, please reach out and let us know!
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No matter how small your pup or how large your pack, there is nothing better than a road trip! To help make sure you end up on the happy hound highway rather than the Boulevard of Broken dog Dreams (shout out to my fellow Gen Xers!), we have a ton of tips; so many in fact, that this guide is a two parter! In this first installment, we’ll cover what you need for the car and the trail, and next time we’ll do all you need for everything else, including eating, drinking, and sleeping. The open road awaits…