Camping With Dogs - Can Dogs Sleep In Tents?

I’ll admit it – when I first decided to take my dogs camping, I had a moment of panic.

Not about the weather, the midges, or even forgetting the marshmallows (which, let’s be honest, would be tragic).

No, my first question was:

Can my dog actually sleep in the tent with me?

If you’ve ever wondered the same thing, or you’re planning your first camping adventure with your canine companion, you’re in the right place.

The short answer is yes, dogs can sleep in tents, and plenty of dogs absolutely love camping. But there are a few things you’ll want to think about before heading off into the great outdoors.

From choosing the right sleeping arrangement to keeping your dog safe around the campsite, I’ll take you through everything I’ve learned about camping with dogs.

At a Glance

🐶 Best for: Dogs who enjoy exploring and new experiences

⛺ Accommodation: Tents, campervans, cabins and glamping pods

🌦️ Best time: Late spring, summer and early autumn

🥾 Ideal for: Walking, exploring and outdoor adventures

⚠️ Important: Always check the individual campsite’s dog rules before booking

Can Dogs Sleep in Tents?

Yes! Dogs can sleep in tents, provided they are comfortable, safe and the campsite allows dogs.

In fact, having your dog sleep inside the tent with you is often the easiest option. They’re protected from the weather, less likely to wander off during the night and close to the person they trust most.

Dogs are naturally social animals, so being close to you in an unfamiliar environment can also help them settle.

And let’s be honest, there is something rather lovely about waking up in a tent with your dog curled up beside you.

Although you might feel slightly differently when you’ve been pushed into approximately three inches of sleeping bag because your dog has somehow claimed the rest.

Table of Contents

Why I Like Having My Dog Sleep in the Tent

There are several reasons I prefer my dogs to sleep inside the tent rather than outside.

Safety First

A tent keeps your dog contained during the night.

Even dogs who are normally perfectly reliable off lead can become distracted by unfamiliar smells, wildlife or noises.

A rabbit appearing outside your tent at 2am could suddenly make your normally sensible dog decide they’re auditioning for The Great Escape.

Keeping the tent securely zipped reduces the risk of an unexpected midnight adventure.

Keeping Your Dog Comfortable

A tent provides shelter from wind and rain and can help protect your dog from chilly overnight temperatures.

However, don’t assume that because they’re inside the tent, they’ll automatically be warm enough.

Your dog still needs suitable bedding, and the temperature inside a tent can change considerably depending on the weather.

They’re Close to You

Camping can be a completely new experience for some dogs.

Being able to see, smell and hear you can make the unfamiliar surroundings much less intimidating.

For nervous dogs in particular, having their favourite blanket or bed beside you can make settling down considerably easier.

Is Every Dog Suited to Camping?

Not necessarily.

Some dogs see a tent and immediately think:

“Excellent. Where’s the adventure?”

Others see it and think:

“Why have you brought me into this suspicious nylon cave?”

Before booking a camping trip, think about your dog’s personality.

Camping may not be ideal for dogs who:

Become extremely anxious in unfamiliar surroundings
React strongly to noises
Struggle to settle outside their home
Have difficulty sleeping in new places
Don’t cope well with changes in routine

That’s not to say they can never go camping, but they may need more preparation.

How to Get Your Dog Used to a Tent

If your dog has never seen a tent before, don’t wait until you’re at the campsite to introduce them.

I recommend putting the tent up at home first.

Let your dog:

Investigate it
Sniff around it
Walk inside
Explore without pressure
Relax inside with their bed
Have treats or toys inside

Don’t force them in.

The aim is to teach your dog that the tent is simply another safe and comfortable place.

If you have a garden, you could even spend an afternoon sitting in the tent together before your first camping trip.

Choosing the Right Tent for Camping With Dogs

You don’t necessarily need a specialist dog-friendly tent, but your normal camping setup might need a little thought.

Give Your Dog Enough Space

Remember that you’re sharing the tent.

A tent that feels spacious enough for one person might feel considerably smaller once you add:

A dog bed
Sleeping bags
Bags and equipment
Your dog

Make sure everyone has enough room to move around comfortably.

Think About the Tent Floor

Dog claws and muddy paws aren’t necessarily the best combination for delicate tent flooring.

A small blanket or dog mat gives your dog somewhere comfortable to lie and also protects the tent floor.

Ventilation Is Important

Good ventilation is essential, particularly during warmer weather.

A dog, two humans and a closed tent can become surprisingly warm.

Always make sure there is adequate airflow while still keeping the tent secure.

What Should Your Dog Sleep On?

I always recommend bringing something familiar from home.

This could be:

Their usual bed
A blanket
A travel mat
A crate if they normally sleep in one

The familiar smell can help your dog understand that this strange new place is actually somewhere safe to sleep.

Keeping Your Dog Warm at Night

Temperatures can drop considerably once the sun goes down.

Don’t rely on your dog’s fur to keep them comfortable.

Consider:

A suitable dog bed or sleeping mat
A warm blanket
A dog coat if appropriate
Keeping them off the cold tent floor

Short-haired, very young, elderly or particularly small dogs may feel the cold more quickly.

If your dog is shivering or seems uncomfortable, don’t simply assume they’ll “get used to it”. Make them warmer or reconsider the sleeping arrangement.

What About Camping in Hot Weather?

This is something I take seriously.

Tents can become extremely warm during the day, particularly when they’re sitting in direct sunlight.

When camping with a dog in warmer weather:

Choose a shaded pitch where possible
Keep plenty of fresh water available
Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day
Watch for signs of overheating
Never leave your dog inside a hot tent unattended

If the weather is excessively hot, camping may simply not be the right choice for your dog.

Keeping Your Dog Safe Around the Campsite

Campsites can contain all sorts of hazards that your dog isn’t used to.

Watch out for:

Campfires
Hot camping equipment
Guy ropes
Tent pegs
Cooking equipment
Other dogs
Wildlife
Food scraps

Keep your dog under control and make sure they can’t wander into another camper’s pitch.

What About Wildlife?

One of the most exciting things about camping for your dog can also be one of the biggest problems.

They may encounter:

Rabbits
Deer
Foxes
Birds
Squirrels
Livestock

Keep your dog on a lead where required and particularly around livestock or wildlife.

Even if your dog normally has excellent recall, an unfamiliar environment can make things very different.

Camping Etiquette With Dogs

If we’re going to keep campsites welcoming to dogs, we need to be considerate guests.

I always make sure to:

Pick up after my dogs
Keep them under control
Respect other campers
Avoid excessive barking
Keep dogs away from other people’s pitches
Follow campsite rules
Keep them on a lead where required

Not everyone is comfortable around dogs, so being a responsible camper benefits everyone.

What If My Dog Doesn’t Like the Tent?

Don’t panic.

Some dogs simply don’t enjoy camping, and that’s okay.

You could try:

A Campervan

A little more space and protection from the weather.

A Camping Cabin

A good compromise for dogs who don’t like tents.

A Glamping Pod

For those who want the outdoor experience without quite as much roughing it.

A Dog-Friendly Cottage

Sometimes the great outdoors is best enjoyed during the day, followed by a proper bed at night!

What I Pack for Camping With My Dogs

Camping already involves an impressive amount of equipment.

Add a dog and suddenly your car looks like you’re moving house.

My dog camping kit includes:

Food
Plenty of fresh water
Food and water bowls
Dog bed
Favourite blanket
Lead
Spare lead
Long line
Poo bags
Towels
Dog coat
Tick remover
Basic first aid kit
Toys
Treats
Portable light or LED collar
Cleaning supplies

I’d rather have something packed and not need it than discover I left it sitting on the kitchen table three hours into the journey.

My Dog Camping Checklist

Before setting off, I check:

☐ Dog food

☐ Water

☐ Bowls

☐ Bed

☐ Blanket

☐ Lead

☐ Spare lead

☐ Long line

☐ Poo bags

☐ Towels

☐ Medication

☐ First aid kit

☐ Tick remover

☐ Toys

☐ Treats

☐ Dog coat

☐ ID tag

☐ Microchip details

☐ Campsite booking confirmation

A Few Extra Tips for Your First Camping Trip

If it’s your dog’s first camping adventure, I wouldn’t make your first trip a week-long expedition into the Highlands.

Start small.

A single night at a nearby dog-friendly campsite can tell you an awful lot.

You’ll quickly discover:

Whether your dog settles
Whether they sleep well
Whether they cope with campsite noises
Whether they enjoy being outdoors all day
What you’ve forgotten to pack!

Once you’ve worked out what does and doesn’t work, you can plan bigger adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dogs sleep in tents?

Yes, dogs can sleep safely in tents as long as they are comfortable, the tent is appropriately ventilated and secure, and the campsite permits dogs.

Is it safe for dogs to sleep in a tent overnight?

For many dogs, yes. Make sure your dog has suitable bedding, isn’t too hot or cold, and cannot escape when the tent is opened.

How do I get my dog used to sleeping in a tent?

Introduce the tent at home before your trip. Allow your dog to explore it voluntarily and use familiar bedding, treats and toys to make it a positive environment.

Do dogs get cold sleeping in tents?

They can. Temperatures can drop significantly overnight, so provide appropriate bedding and monitor your dog for signs that they’re uncomfortable.

Can puppies go camping?

Some puppies can enjoy camping, but consider their age, vaccination status, ability to settle and experience with travel and unfamiliar environments before planning a trip.

Should my dog sleep in a crate inside the tent?

If your dog already enjoys sleeping in a crate, bringing it along can provide a familiar and secure sleeping space. Don’t introduce crate sleeping for the first time during a camping trip.

Can I leave my dog alone in the tent?

I wouldn’t recommend it. Tents can become dangerously hot in warm weather, and your dog may become distressed or escape if frightened by unfamiliar noises.

Planning an adventure with your dog?

Final Thoughts

Camping with your dog can be one of the most rewarding adventures you can have together.

There’s something rather special about waking up in the morning, unzipping the tent and finding your dog ready to investigate the world outside.

But camping isn’t for every dog, and that’s perfectly fine. The important thing is to consider your dog’s individual personality, introduce them to camping gradually and make sure they’re comfortable throughout the trip.

Start small, prepare properly and give your dog plenty of time to get used to their new surroundings.

And yes, dogs can sleep in tents.

Just remember to zip the door properly.

Because if your dog decides to go on a midnight adventure, you probably won’t be sleeping through it.

And if your dog farts in the tent…

there’s genuinely nowhere to run. You’ve been warned. 😂

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Camping With Dogs – Can Dogs Sleep In Tents?