Are you heading out into the great outdoors with your four-legged friend? Proper preparation ensures you both enjoy a fun and hassle-free camping adventure. After many camping trips with our dog, here's a quick checklist of essential items to pack for your dog to guarantee a good time.
Packing Essentials for a Perfect Camping Trip
- Favorite Toy: Never forget the entertainment! Durable toys like Ruffwear and Chuckit! are fantastic for keeping your dog engaged and active. Whether it's a game of fetch or a comforting chew, these toys will keep your pup's tail wagging. They are easy to clean and can handle the dirt, sand, mud, etc.
- Sturdy Dog Bowl: Hydration and feeding are vital, and the heavy Yeti dog bowls are perfect. Their durability and stability mean your dog won't knock them over easily, no matter how excited they get at mealtime! We use the large stainless steel bowl for water and collapsible bowls for feeding.
- Extra Towels: Whether it's for a swim in the lake or a muddy walk, having extra towels is a must; the microfiber towels are super absorbent and work extra well! They're perfect for drying off or cleaning muddy paws before snuggling in the tent.
- Long Lines and Leashes: To ensure your dog's safety and compliance with campground rules, pack a long line. The versatile biothane leads leashes from K9 Kouture have worked well for us, especially ones that can tie to picnic tables, accommodating campgrounds where you can't use a stake in the ground.
- Dog Brush: Outdoors means tangles and twigs! A good dog brush will help you remove burrs and brush out any unwelcome bits of nature that find their way into your dog's fur. I often forget this tool, but I was so thankful to have it the day Finley was covered.
- Lots of Treats: Packing plenty of treats will help in training sessions and reward good behavior. Treats are also a great way to keep your dog's morale high and reinforce good manners while away from home. You can expect lots of dogs and people to walk past your campsite. Remember to reward your pup for staying well-mannered.
- Enrichment Toys: KONG Classic Dog Toy and WestPaw toys are perfect for keeping your dog entertained at the campsite. Just fill them with treats or peanut butter for long-lasting fun! These toys are durable, fun, and easy to clean.
Top Dog-Friendly Campsites in Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a haven for pet lovers who enjoy camping, with numerous state parks offering excellent amenities to accommodate dogs. Here are the top picks where you and your furry companion are welcome:
- Devil's Lake State Park: This popular spot boasts breathtaking views and specific trails and areas where dogs are allowed. It's a great place for adventurous pups to explore the bluffs.
- Mirror Lake State Park: Known for its calm and reflective waters, Mirror Lake is perfect for dogs who love hiking and swimming. The park has several pet-friendly areas where dogs can romp around and enjoy.
- Governor Dodge State Park: With its expansive grounds and pet-friendly policies, Governor Dodge is ideal for dogs. The park offers ample space for your dog to run and play and a designated swimming beach just for pets (see cover photo).
Exploring these dog-friendly sites in Wisconsin ensures a memorable and enjoyable camping experience for you and your pet. So leash up, grab your state park sticker, pack your gear, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure in nature's backyard, where every trail sniff and lake splash creates lasting memories with your furry best friend. Happy camping!
Happy Tails, Happy Trails!
