🐶 Camping with Dogs (Plural!): Tips for RVs, Tents & Tail-Wagging Chaos

Camping with one dog? That’s cute. Camping with several? Now you’re speaking my language. Whether you’re tenting it, rolling in a motorhome, or stretching out in a fifth wheel, camping with dogs takes a little more prep — and a lot more patience — when there’s more than one tail wagging.

I’ve done it all, from cozy tents to small RVs, and here are the must-know tips I’ve picked up along the way.

Always always have their shot records on hand as well.

🏕 Tent Camping with Dogs

Let’s be honest: tents and dogs don’t always mix perfectly — especially if yours think every squirrel is a threat to national security. We no longer tent but our son does. There are times when our lab will sleep with him, especially if the night is cool. She is his heat source and she loves to snuggle up with him.

Tips:

• Bring a portable pen no matter the camping equipment

• Line your tent with a waterproof blanket or mat to protect from muddy paws

• Choose a cooler, shaded site — tents heat up fast and so do dogs

• Practice tent time at home so your dogs don’t panic on their first night inside

🚐 Motorhome Camping with Dogs

This is how we set up our site when we use our 1990 24 foot Motor home with 3 dogs, Lucy the lab, Ginnie and Misty the Mini doxie. These are the gates, more or less depending on the need, we use camping every camping outing. We are set up in the Catskill Mountains in NY State.

Tighter quarters mean you’ll want a solid routine — and maybe an air freshener or two.

Tips:

• Rotate potty breaks — not every dog needs to go out at once

• Use foldable crates or seat belts for safe travel

• Have a dedicated “dog bin” inside for leashes, bowls, meds, and towels

  
  

  Tight space for 3 people and 3 dogs but the girls love to be with us as much as we love to bring them.

  If you're in a Class B or C, curtain off areas if your pups need downtime or separation. As you can see, we don't have that space our Class C. That space is reserved for our 5th wheel.

🛻 Big RVs & Fifth Wheels

Ah, the luxury of space! Still, more dogs = more chaos if you're not organized.

Tips:

• Create a designated nap/crate/bed zone to reduce pacing and barking

• Add a pet gate at the top of steps if yours are curious climbers

• Keep a dog-cleaning station outside: think mat, wipes, and brush before re-entry

• Don’t forget ID tags — campgrounds are full of curious smells, loose-latch doors and other dogs smelling those same smells.

This is our set up with the 5th wheel. Same gates as with the Class C. Notice picnic table and chairs are inside the gated area. The girls have no reason to try to leave because we are all together. Occasional barks at folks going by and visitors wanting to pet them.

Napping after a long beach walk and golf cart ride.

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  Lucy always waiting for dad and the next adventure.

  
  

• Don’t forget meds, calming treats, and backup leashes

• Store food out of reach (ask me how fast a mini dachshund can break into a bin)

• Watch for heat, cold, and overexcitement — pack fans, jackets, or cooling mats depending on season

🎯 Wrap-Up: Camping with multiple dogs isn’t just an activity — it’s a lifestyle. It takes planning, patience, and a sense of humor. Whether you’re in a tent or a toy hauler, the goal’s the same: make memories, sniff new places, and maybe , just maybe catch a sunrise with your furry friend.

Ginnie loves and early morning walk on the beach, I think she does anyway. This campground is in Myrtle Beach, SC

Got a pack of your own? Drop your favorite tip or story in the comments — I know you’ve got one. 🐾