Packing for your pet can be as stressful as packing for yourself! Don't leave home without these pet accessories for camping…
When Jennifer and I first hit the road way back in 2012, we knew we’d have one more passenger riding along. Our dog, Tai.
We had a lot of questions about traveling with a dog, especially in regards to how to pack for him! Through trial, error, and wonderful recommendations, we’ve figured out the best pet supplies for traveling with our dog. We figured this list could help you out, too!
Tai is now traveling golden streets in the sky but, thanks to what we learned from him, our Norwegian Elkhound, Bo, has become a pro pet traveler.
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10 Must-Have Pet Accessories for Camping & RVing
To make it easy for you, Jennifer and I have created a “Pet Accessories for Camping” shopping list on Amazon. If you click that link, it’ll take you to our complete list of recommendations for pet accessories. It includes several more options that aren’t on the list below.
1. Pet First Aid Kit
This compact first aid kit is specially designed for your pet. It even comes with an LED safety collar and a collapsible water bowl.
Its contents can be used for everyday tick removals and small cuts to emergency situations. Its small yet holds a lot with its tri-fold design.
We highly recommend you keep this right alongside your human first aid kit.
2. Vault Airtight Pet Food Container
We recommend this pet food container for RVs more than any other because it is pest-proof and stackable. You can buy a range of sizes (15-80lbs) depending on your needs. That way you don’t waste storage space on a too-big container.
The design is heavy-duty with an easy twist-off top and includes a scoop. It’s worth noting that it’s not bear-proof, though, so always keep bear safety in mind when camping.
3. Folding Pet Cot
We actually have a few pet bed options in our shopping list (see above link), but this one is our favorite since we have a big dog. There is a smaller option that’s very similar.
This dog bed keeps your pup off the ground, which is ideal for several reasons. For one, it keeps them dry and cleaner than if they were down on the dirt. For two, it keeps them cooler since it’s breathable.
Best of all, it's foldable and fits in a nice, small carrying case. That’s why it’s definitely one of the best pet accessories for camping.
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4. Dog Play Pen (Indoor/Outdoor)
We can’t take our backyards with us on the road, so this is the next best option to keep your pet contained while camping.
This dog playpen comes with 16 panels and you can choose between different heights based on the size of your dog. You can arrange the panels in a square or circle, and only use the number of panels you need each time.
It has an automatic gravity-actioned door lock mechanism to prevent your pets from pushing it open or from you accidentally leaving it unlatched.
5. The Original Tick Key
I probably recommend this tick key more often than any other pet accessory for camping. As most RVers know, keeping ticks off your dog and out of your RV can be a challenge.
That’s why I consider this tick key a must-have for every RVing pet owner. It comes in a 3 pack, so you can clip one to your key chain, backpack, and purse.
The aforementioned pet first aid kit includes a tick remover but this Original Tick Key is so easy to use. I still recommend you purchase it even if you get the pet first aid kit. It’s certainly saved Bo (and me!) several times.
6. Yaya Organics Tick Ban
Speaking of ticks, we should try to prevent them from biting as much as be prepared for when they do.
This extra-strength tick repellent is safe for dogs as well as kids and adults. We’re very mindful of using chemicals, so this organic option is ideal. We consider it a must-have when camping with pets.
7. Furbo Dog Camera
You may have seen this camera on Ellen and may even have one at home. But it’s also a great option for your traveling home on wheels.
The Furbo dog camera isn’t just a camera that you can access from any smart device. It’s also a treat tosser with 2-way audio.
So, you can safely check on and talk to your pet during those times you can safely leave your pet in your RV.
We have a couple of other pet monitoring options in our RV pet shopping list, too, if you want to compare.
8. Musher’s Secret Dog Paw Wax
You can tell your dog to “Mush!” without worry with this paw wax. It protects your dog’s paws from heat, hot pavement, sand, dirt, and snow.
Needless to say, it’s great for dogs on trails and for walking around the campground. It’s fast-drying, non-allergenic, and non-staining.
Unlike other paw waxes, this one is made from the highest quality 100% natural food-grade waxes and oils. To top it off, it’s a family-owned 3rd generation recipe developed for sled dogs in Canada.
9. Dog Travel Bag
This nifty travel bag carries everything your dog needs on a weekend trip or short excursion. It includes 2 collapsible food bows, 2 easy-to-clean pet food containers, and blanket straps for their favorite blankie.
There’s also room for your dog’s favorite treats and toys. As a bonus, it comes with a small pet first aid kit, too!
10. Dog Life Jacket
If you’re like Jennifer and me, a lot of your travels involve water. There are plenty of times we’re out on a boat, kayak, or playing on the shores or a beach or lake.
We’ve found that it’s so much more enjoyable when we can safely include our dog in these outings. And though most dogs can swim, not all dogs can. Furthermore, even a good swimmer gets tired.
This dog life vest comes in several different sizes and colors. It also is designed for quick drying and proper draining to keep you guys on the move.
What Pet Accessories for Camping Do You Recommend?
We’d love to hear what pet accessories for camping you can’t travel without. Please share your recommendations in the comments below!
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8 Responses to “10 Best Pet Accessories for Camping with Your Dog”
Comments are closed.
April 04, 2022at6:36 pm, Katharine Lo said:
We bring a collapsible canvas crate since our dog loves to have her own den.
April 05, 2022at9:44 am, Team RV Lifestyle said:
That can help a dog feel secure. Great idea. Thanks for sharing, Katharine – Team RV Lifestyle
March 31, 2022at8:57 am, Cathy Roche said:
I love reading and listening to all your great emails. You are very informative and interesting. I am from the great state of MI and can’t wait until my husband and I can come back to travel through. We haven’t lived or traveled in MI since we left due to being active duty AF. Maybe we can meet younwhen we do. THANKS
April 01, 2022at9:12 am, Team RV Lifestyle said:
Thanks for the kind comments, Cathy! Team RV Lifestyle
March 31, 2022at8:56 am, Sue Sitko said:
We camp in the Sonoran desert in Arizona; if you’re in a cactus-studded area, I recommend bringing a small inexpensive comb, or tweezers, or even two sturdy plastic or metal forks to pull cholla cactus balls off dogs. Those things seem to appear on dogs (and people!) seemingly out of nowhere, and once they’re on, dogs can bite them or paw at them, which makes the situation escalate quickly. Without something ready to pull out these very sticky, sharp balls of thorns, you get them on your hands and embedded thorns can fester for weeks. Comb, tweezers, forks…even a small leather glove in your dog-walking pack will be essential.
April 01, 2022at9:12 am, Team RV Lifestyle said:
That sounds, painful! Thank you for sharing and yes, those tools sound important. Thanks for this info – Team RV Lifestyle
April 09, 2022at10:18 am, Rebecca Miller said:
Although I am not a dog owner, I had a friend visit with her Papillon and while hiking I brought it to her attention the priciest in her paws …so while in the desert it may also help with booties to protect their paws/pads
March 30, 2023at11:07 am, Christie O'Neil said:
Good ideas!!!