Fall is a great time of year to camp with your dog! The cooler weather is sure to keep them comfortable and nothing beats the beauty of fall color in the Carolinas.

Here are five tips to help your trip go smoothly:

1. Give your dogs a chance to burn off some energy before you set up camp, especially it you’ve travelled a long way to get there. They’re going to be just as excited as you are to explore and asking them to wait patiently while you settle in isn’t going to set them up for success. Find a spot to hike close to your campsite or take a lap around your campground on foot.
2. Give your dog(s) a place to be. If they have a place command, use it! If they're still learning or if they're a puppy, try tethering them to an immovable object like a tree or picnic table. Make sure you’re aware of local rules - some areas will not allow tethering to trees due to potential bark damage.
3. Bring plenty of water! Depending on where you’re camping, you may have access to potable water. If you don’t, make sure to account for your dog when packing in water. When you factor in sun exposure, activity, and altitude (if you’re in the mountains), they’ll probably need significantly more water than they drink at home. We love this 11 liter hydration jug from REI we use whenever we go camping.
4. Check overnight temperatures ahead of time - if it’s going to be cold, make sure to pack a coat, sleeping bag, or blanket for your dog! Coats work great for dogs who don’t like to burrow.
5. Bring toys along! When you’re camping, it’s likely that you’ll have some down time. Use that time to brush up on training and play with your dog. A floating toy like a Ruffwear frisbee is a great way to encourage your dog(s) to cool off on a hot day. Here are some of our other camping/hiking recommendations.

Camping is a great way to enjoy outdoor time with your best bud. Keeping these tips in mind will help ensure you both have an awesome experience!