If you're not sure where to go on your first camping and hiking adventure, look up some locations that are dog friendly. If you have an RV, you may also want to reserve a spot early, so it doesn't get sold out. Here are more excellent tips so you'll be ready to go camping and enjoy the sites with your doggy asap!

As an avid hiker, I love to share the raw sights and sounds of nature with my dogs. Spending the night out in the wilderness takes that bond to a whole different level. Sound appealing? Then hit the trail!

Get inspired
One of the most enjoyable parts of camping is finding new places to explore.
There are tons of online sites to help, but sometimes just hitting the road is its own reward.

Get prepared
Secure your dog’s collar or harness, and add an identification tag with your cell phone number (not your home number). Having a microchip is another level of protection in case your dog bolts in pursuit of a squirrel.
Some of the most dangerous critters in the woods are also the tiniest. Get your dog up to date on rabies shots, heartworm, and flea and tick control, especially to guard against Lyme disease.

Give your dog a refresher course in key safety commands such as “leave it,” “stay,” and “come.”

Get geared up
Make a packing list of all the essentials: plenty
of food and water, plus treats and bowls; a sturdy,
 six-foot leash; medications and a first-aid kit; bedding and toys; crate or kennel; and, of course, poop bags.

Lanterns and a heavy-duty flashlight make it much safer to take your dog to a site at night where she can relieve herself when nature calls.

Do bears roam your camping area? Secure all food and even items like toothpaste in a bear-safe container.

Messes happen. Bring along paper towels or baby wipes in case your dog gets sick in the car or on the trail.

Don’t let your dog run loose in the campground area, for his safety and that of others. Instead bring along a portable exercise pen where your dog can have space to sniff around but still be kept safe from unexpected hazards.

Get going!
Find a great camping spot near you by visiting online resources:

1. At the Grand Canyon, dogs are welcome to enjoy all 13 miles of the South Rim trail and can stay at three pet-friendly campgrounds.
2. Acadia National Park has 120 miles of dog-friendly trails.
3. Shenandoah National Park, just 75 miles from our nation’s capital, boasts a staggering 480 miles of dog-friendly trails.
4. Mammoth Cave! While this national treasure has 336 miles of underground passages that are off-limits to dogs, it also has 70 miles of scenic, pet-friendly trails.

When you do have your camping trip all planned out, remember to make Fido's safety number one. If you don't have him microchipped you may consider having this done before you go. Or, if you'd prefer a collar with your number or camping location is recommended, especially if you don't have cell phone reception.

Having him on a leash while you're camping and hiking is also important, especially if he tends to stray. You wouldn't want him running into a bear, now would you?! If you want to be even more prepared, Dogster has important camping tips so you can enjoy your adventures and be well prepared!

Get out there and have some fun with your doggy!