Summertime means family vacation time! And yes, we do mean the whole family. Why leave your pet behind when they can join in on the fun? Go tent camping at a pet-friendly campground with amenities and local attractions that kids and pets alike can enjoy! Here are some of our top tips for tent camping with children and animals.
What to Pack
Like any trip, it’s important to consider what the whole family needs, especially for the ones who can’t pack for themselves. When packing for children and pets, you have to take their needs into consideration, while also planning for every situation.
In addition to packing the essential tent camping gear, don’t forget these (those with an asterisk can apply to both kids and pets):
- Dog food and treats
- Kid-friendly snacks
- Collar and leash
- Travel-safe water bowl
- Medications and supplements*
- Dog bed
- Blankets and bedding*
- Toys*
- Puppy pads
- Dog diapers
- Swim vests*
- Protective shoes*
On Your Journey
If you’re bringing along your pets for your family camping trip, having enough space to travel is important. Whether you’re setting up space in your car or want to rent a bigger vehicle for the trip, make sure you stop frequently enough for everyone to stretch their legs and use the restroom, especially your pets.
Try to find rest areas for grassy spaces and water breaks, and using their picnic areas can be a great way to gather and eat a meal together during the drive. These frequent stops can also be a great opportunity to see some new places on the way, especially pet-friendly attractions and shops.
Safety Considerations
While traveling to your campground, make sure that you’re equipped with safety harnesses for pets and safety seats for children. Ramps are also helpful for pets getting in and out of the vehicle, especially if they’re older or have difficulty moving.
Other safety considerations are to pack first aid kits for both people and pets and bring along any necessary medications or aids in an emergency. Have your pet leashed at all times as well, since travel can make them a little anxious, and you don’t want to run the risk of them wandering off.
Last but not least, review camping safety rules with your kids. For example, don’t feed wild animals, always travel with a buddy, and keep a safe distance from campfires.
Local Activities and Attractions
Finding family-friendly activities near your campground is one thing to do before planning your trip. When bringing your pet along, however, you should definitely double-check that nearby areas are pet-friendly and safe. So, which spots can be fun for the whole family, including your furry friends? Try some destinations with these nearby:
- National or local parks (especially dog parks)
- Beaches with pet areas
- Walking trails
- Patio restaurants that welcome pets
- Pet shops and bakeries
- Recreational sports games (such as baseball)
- Lakes or ponds
Campground Amenities
With campground amenities, everything you need isn’t far from reach! Enjoy off-leash Bark Parks, convenience stores, concierge services, and outdoor pavilions that make your tent camping vacation much more comfortable. Plus, the kids can enjoy swimming areas and bike or canoe rentals.
Plan Your Tent Camping Getaway
Immerse yourself in nature and create special memories by taking your family tent camping! Like with any good camping trip though, proper planning ahead of time is crucial for everyone to have the best experience. Making sure the whole family is comfortable, staying safe, and having fun are top priorities. Plan your camping trip now to one of our family-friendly destinations, and be sure to bring along your pets!
