United States Dog Travel Forum
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Car Camping with my Dog - Suggestions?
Hi all,
I'm planning a cross-country trip with my dog this summer. We're going to fashion my car into a sleeper and try to camp at each stop on the trip. No tent, no RV, just a car and my dog. I was planning on leaving my car running with the AC on (knowing it will be hot in summer) and locking the door, bringing an extra set of keys with me if I need to use the bathroom, take a shower, go into a store to get supplies for us, etc.
Anyone have any extra tips regarding car camping, camping solo with a dog, or anything of the sort. The goal here is to see the country and hike at each campground we stay at along the way. My dog LOVES to hike, so do I.
Also, any tips on breed restrictions? He's a pit mix and I've already seen some campsites banning pit bull type dogs....ugh....
Thanks everyone!
Reply
Replies
Travel Assistance
Hi!
What a wonderful adventure! Unfortunately, some locations do have breed restrictions. One tip would be to call ahead for every campsite, just to be sure. Also make sure you have a copy of your dog's shot records.
Have a great trip!
Suggestion
You might want to have a sign that you can put on the outside of the car (maybe 2 signs - one on each side?) that says that you are coming right back and dog is fine. Maybe also your phone number? That way someone that might see the dog in there might not report you. Sounds like what you're planning is fine, but others might not be aware of your good intentions.
AC
Just consider the fact that the A/C can go out very unexpectedly so don't leave the pooch too long unattended.
Suggestion
Wow, I was thinking of something like that this summer - but we just adopted 2 new pups, 6 mo old now .. and are learning fast but still pups - so the trip might happen next summer. I have traveled with dogs before - and camped in tents but never in a car. I see no problem with leaving them for short times to get supplies - but I agree a sign would be great. The number however might get you some crank calls....
Car Camping Suggestion
I car camp a lot with my pit bull and lab. I make sure I stop for supplies after dark as it tends to be cooler in summer months and also because I don't want my windows smashed because I ran in for a pack of gum and a gallon of water and some yahoo thinks they are rescuing my dogs. I've never had a problem and do keep a second set of keys handy in case it is still too hot after dark. I just leave the car running with ac blasting and lock it with the second set of keys. I still make sure I am only gone 10-20 minutes though.