How to Set Up a Dog Friendly Campsite

Beat the Friday afternoon rush to get out of town and get your weekend started before the sun sets. When there’s no time to lose and you need to set up camp fast, having a dialed system for you and your dog can make all the difference — and help make your campsite feel like a home away from home.

Dog Hitching System for Camping

Our Knot-a-Hitch™ dog hitching system is made with car camping in mind, designed to secure your dog while giving them room to investigate their immediate surroundings, so you can focus on setting up camp or cooking dinner.

Engineered from strong, kernmantle rope, the Knot-a-Hitch system works between two trees or attached to a single post, and adjusts with an easy-to-use tensioning system. Setup is simple and easy, and it stows away in a convenient bag that fits in the back of your car.

The design of the Knot-a-hitch tensioning system was inspired by auto-locking techniques and components used by climbers. It includes a swiveling carabiner that moves up and down the line, while keeping it twist- and tangle-free. At just over 28 feet long, it also gives you lots of line to work with, so your dog can enjoy the natural world around them — and you can relax knowing they’re secure.

Hydration Station

Keep your dog’s food and water close by and easily accessible with the Quencher™ Packable Dog Bowl. It’s made with a flexible, fabric construction that’s designed to pack down small to fit in a backpack or pocket. Plus it’s waterproof, incredibly durable, and simple to clean.

Elevated Sleep

The Mt. EverRest™ Dog Cot is an elevated dog bed that’s portable and easy to set up. The reinforced topper features a soft, durable microsuede that allows the perfect amount of give, so your dog rests well throughout the night. It also packs down small to take up less room in your vehicle.

Paired with the Mt. EverRest™ Insulated Cover for warmth, the Mt. EverRest™ Dog Cot is like glamping for your pup.

Throw It Down Anywhere

For a zero-setup bed you can throw down pretty much anywhere, the Basecamp™ Foldable Dog Bed brings together comfort and packability. Designed to go anywhere - from the campsite to the trailhead - simply fold it up and take it with you to your next location. It features a recycled-polyester cushioned interior and soft micro-suede exterior that’s easy to settle down on. It’s also constructed with a waterproof, non-slip base that creates a barrier against dirt and moisture.

Snuggles for Days

Once your dog experiences the Palisades™ Sleep Poncho for the first time, there’s no turning back — they’ll never want to sleep in your hand-me-down human sleeping bag again. This dog-specific, wearable sleeping bag is designed to drape over their body and keep them warm all night long. Made with an insulated neck baffle that cinches down and elastic leg loops, it stays in place even if they move around.

And when nature calls, the rear pins up for extra clearance, so you don’t have to worry about taking it off in the middle of the night.

Camp-Worthy Toys

Once you’ve got your dog-friendly campsite all set up and squared away, you’ll be ready to kick back, relax, and play a few rounds of fetch with your pup. The Camp Flyer™ Toy is the perfect car camping toy, because it’s made to go anywhere and it folds up to fit in tight spaces. This lightweight disc is flexible and puncture-resistant, enduring game after game of fetch without breaking down. It also comes in bright colors that make it easier to track in the air and spot in the brush.

For dogs that prefer to stay busy, Gnawt-a-Rock™ is a rubber fetch and puzzle toy with an irresistible, irregular shape. The internal chamber holds treats and kibble for an interactive slow feeder that keeps your dog occupied while you’re tending to camp. It features a faceted surface that also gives it an unpredictable, erratic bounce that dogs love to chase.

Ready to plan your next camping adventure? Read more for additional tips on camping with your dog and how to leave no trace when exploring with your best friend.