*FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $20!

0

Your Cart is Empty

May 26, 2020 4 min read

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.

Finding dog-friendly campgrounds

owner with golden retriever dog in backpack 

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.

Camping safely during COVID-19

dog on camping trip with owner during COVID-19

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:

  • Follow your state’s rules and recommendations for camping
  • If and when camping is allowed in your area, continue to observe social distancing guidelines as you soak up the sun 
  • Camp close to home to limit travel
  • Avoid crowded campsites and look for more secluded ones
  • Pack everything you’ll need (including plenty of dog food and water) to avoid extra trips to the store
  • Bring your own soap, water, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper

RELATEDDog Road Trip: How to Travel with a Dog Cross Country

What dog camping gear should you bring?

The basics

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.

 

RELATEDImportant Supplies to Prepare for Pet Emergencies

More advanced dog camping gear

Dog sleeping in yellow dog sleeping bag with snow-capped mountains in the background

Here are a few items that will make your camping trip even more fun for you and your dog:

  • A dog zipline keeps your dog safely in place when you string it up between any two fixed points in a vehicle, at your campsite, or even on a boat.
  • Bring insect repellent that’s safe for you and your dog (this one can be used on animals over 20 lbs).
  • Going somewhere rainy or muddy? Keep your furry friend warm and dry with a dog jacket
  • This water-resistant dog bed is perfect for just about any outdoor location and rolls up easily like a sleeping bag.
  • If you often go camping with a dog who is used to sleeping in a crate, consider investing in a dog tent to give your pet their own private quarters!

RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Backpacking with Dogs

Fun camping activities with your dog

hiking with dog on leash

Go hiking

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

Play

Playtime is extra fun in the great outdoors! Chew toys are great if your dog needs to be on a leash.

Go to the beach

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.

Relax

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.

dog sleeping on bed outdoors while camping

Have a great trip!

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!


Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in News

HAPPY NATIONAL PUPPY DAY!
HAPPY NATIONAL PUPPY DAY!

March 22, 2024 5 min read

As a rule, we are National Day enthusiasts regardless of the occasion. But every once in a while a National Day comes about that fills us with the joy and enthusiasm of 100 puppies which is an apt metaphor since that day is in fact today: National Puppy Day! As you can imagine, the level of excitement at KDHQ is turned up to 11, and accordingly we’ve been gathering not only a selection of puppy merch at 10% off this weekend, March 23rd & 24th, with code PUPPYLOVE24, but also some super fun puppy facts that prove that alongside National Kitten Day (July 10th, mark your calendars!), this is the best day of all the days.
The Enduring Power of Pets!
The Enduring Power of Pets!

February 26, 2024 5 min read

There are various means by which eras are defined: the invention of the wheel, the start of the Renaissance, and above all, Taylor Swift albums, tours - so much so the current one is literally named Eras - and romantic partners. Basically, enough things change enough and that means we're in a new phase. Having said that, we have been thinking recently of a contrast: animals and pets are consistently dominant in pop culture - no changes please and thank you - and every single era celebrates and records them. In our current human-centric age, this seems at first, ahem, glance odd, but as we have previously noted, there are 6.5 BILLION cat pictures on the internet which is only slight fewer than the number of selfies on Kylie Jenner's phone (7 billion, allegedly). In our view, this is as it should be, but it set us thinking: why? Why are animals more enduring across cultures, eras, continents, and content than anything else? Step this way... 

DOGUE
DOGUE

January 18, 2024 5 min read

As chroniclers of canine culture - if you're repping the Library of Congress, we have this column's complete archive ready to go - we are constantly on the lookout for what’s fresh and interesting in the doggosphere. New Year; new vibes: what's the skinny? Well, lately, the extent and variety of canine clothing has been a source of both fascination and delight: from the quotidian to the ceremonial, the warm winter jacket to the full fig, dogs all over America are serving lewks. Whether your dog is a homebody or a hiker, a big galloping girl or a little lap boy, we’re sure you’ll find fits to fit among our winter wear collection. Yes, people, it's dogs, but make it fashion. Catwalk this way! 💀

Earn Rewards