15 Must Haves for RV Camping With Dogs
Bringing our dogs along on adventures has been one of the most rewarding aspects of full-time RV travel for us! Over the last five years, we’ve learned a lot about RVing with dogs, including raising our corgi, Waffles, from a puppy right in our RV. While traveling in an RV with dogs adds extra fun, it also comes with unique challenges and requires additional planning.
The right dog travel gear can make your trip more enjoyable and stress-free for you and your pup. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country trek, here are 15 must-haves for RV camping with dogs!
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Table of Contents
ID Tag and Vet Records
Having your dog’s ID tag updated with your current contact information is crucial. In the event that your dog gets lost in an unfamiliar area, this increases the chances of a safe and quick reunion.
We’ve even seen some campers include a temporary tag on their dog’s collar with their campsite info and length of stay.
Always travel with a copy of your dog’s vet records, especially proof of vaccinations. Many campgrounds require this information, and it’s good to have on hand in case of emergencies. We also keep a digital copy on our phones for easy access.
- 😺 Keep Your Furry Friend Safe In Style: our stylish personalized pet ID tags are perfect for all dogs, cats, and pets. You can write your pet’s name, your phone number, your address, and a personal message in case your pet gets lost.
- 🐶 Silent, Durable, And Lightweight Dog Tags: Made from rustproof stainless steel & silicone, our pet tags for dogs and cats will stand the test of time. The easy, slide-on design makes our pet ID tag silent and ideal for puppies and kittens.
- 🐈 Laser Engraved Pet ID Tags: Rest assured, the laser engraved, clear text on your personalized dog collar tag or personalized cat collar tag will look great and will not fade. Attach your engraved pet tag to your pet’s collar or harness.
- 🐕 Must-Have Pet Name Tag For Small, Medium, And Large Pets: Whether you are looking for a small dog ID tag, a medium cat name tag, or a large dog tag, look no further. Our customized dog tags are available in 7 colors and 4 sizes (S, M, X, XL).
Reflective Collar and Harness
Safety is a top priority when RV camping with dogs, especially during evening walks or early morning outings. A reflective collar and harness ensure your dog is visible in low-light conditions.
An LED dog collar is another great option whether you’re taking a walk around the campground at night or simply hanging out by the campfire.
Leash
A sturdy leash is a must have RV dog essential! You’ll want one that can handle the wear and tear of outdoor adventures. If you have multiple dogs like us, a dual leash can make walks more manageable by allowing you to control both dogs with one hand.
- Pet Fit For Life 64″ deluxe double dog leash – the ultimate solution for walking two dogs at once! This dual dog walking leash is crafted from top-notch materials, ensuring it’s built to last. With its adjustable length, ranging from 64″ to 34″, it’s pawesome for any situation, from spacious areas for sniffing to tight spots where control is crucial. This will be the only double leash you’ll ever need!
- Our double leash for dog for walks provides superior comfort and control with the 12″ soft grip foam rubber handle. The triple reinforced loop, stress points, and stainless steel connector rings offer extra assurance during your dog-walking adventures.
- Our innovative integrated bungee tethers are not only safer for your dog’s neck, but they’re also gentler on your arm. As the ideal two dog leash large dogs will love, this design provides a subtle reminder when nearing the leash’s end, without choking them – pawesome for training and safety.
- Safety is paramount with our double dog pet leash, featuring a swivel interface that makes tangles a thing of the past. Crafted from non-toxic materials, this dual leash for large dogs can withstand the occasional chew, while its reflective stitching ensures enhanced visibility during nighttime strolls.
Food, Water, Treats, and Medication
It might seem obvious, but make sure to pack enough food, water, and treats for the duration of your trip, plus a little extra just in case. Don’t forget any medications your dog may need!
We store dog food in an airtight container to keep it easily accessible and as fresh as possible.
- FOOD FOR ALL: For your cats, dogs, birds, and more! Store your cute family member’s dry foods in our sealable and portable pet food container. Our 47-quart food storage containers are great for storing about 38 pounds of dry food.
- AIRTIGHT CONTAINER: Ensure your pet’s food stays fresh with our airtight seals and snap-lock latches, keeping moisture and humidity out. Lock in the freshness of dry food and treats, maintaining a neat and organized food storage area.
- ROLL IT AROUND: The storage bins come with attachable casters, so you have the option to have them off or on. Store it on a shelf or attach the wheel to roll it from the storage area to your dog or cat bowl.
- DIFFERENT SIZES: Check out the different size containers to store your cute friend’s kibble, pellets, seeds, and treats. Made in USA and BPA free.
- GREAT SIZE: 18.13″L x 10.63″W x 23.44″H (without casters: 21.88″H).
Dog Poop Bags
One of the less glamorous aspects of RV travel with dogs is picking up after them, but it’s essential to being a responsible pet owner. Not only is it courteous to clean up after your pets, but many campgrounds require it.
The dog poop bags we order include a dispenser you can clip right onto your leash so you always have one handy when you need it. We also keep an extra roll of bags stashed in our truck in case we run out during a travel day.
- Dog poop bags for quick, easy pick-ups
- Neatly contains waste and minimizes odors
- Leakproof design keeps hands clean and protected
- Includes 900 unscented plastic bags (15 bags per roll; 60 rolls), a dispenser, and a matching leash clip
- Large 13 x 9-inch bag size for generous coverage
Collapsible Water Bowl
These bowls are easy to store and carry (some have a carabiner you can clip to your backpack), making them perfect for hikes, beach days, and other outings! A no-spill water bowl is another great addition, especially while driving, to keep your pups hydrated without the mess.
Dog Backseat Cover
A backseat cover is a lifesaver for keeping your vehicle clean while on the road! This cover protects your seats from fur, dirt, and those inevitable wet paw prints after a day of outdoor fun.
We love the one from A Pets Planet because of its water-proof design, extra storage pockets, sturdy base, and mesh viewing screen. It even has a storage bag to be tucked away when not in use.
- Bridge the Gap Between the Rear and Front Car Seats – Our seat extender has 3 sturdy wood platforms, that extend the backseats in your vehicle to maximize the space, providing your dog with double the room for a comfortable happy ride, and prevents them from falling off the seat, the platform can hold up to 280 Ibs; this dog bridge is an ideal fit for all cars, suvs and trucks
- Mesh Viewing Window to Reduce Pet Anxiety – With the mesh window, your pet can now see you the entire drive from the back seat, reducing anxiety, and creating better airflow in the back; your dog will love traveling in the car now
- Waterproof Material – No more worrying about your car’s seats, accidents, or your pet bringing in water from a day of playing, the bridge covers your entire back seat, is completely waterproof and is easily wiped down to clean; the non slip topping also eliminates the risk of your pet slipping around during the drive
- Mesh Dog Barrier Prevents Distracted Driving – The front mesh material of the back seat extender acts as a barrier and keeps your pets from jumping in the front, and distracting you while driving; you can also store your pets treats, toys, and leashes in the two storage pockets with a dog proof hook and loop closure lid
- Mesh Dog Barrier Prevents Distracted Driving – The front mesh material of the back seat extender acts as a barrier and keeps your pets from jumping in the front, and distracting you while driving; you can also store your pets treats, toys, and leashes in the two storage pockets with a dog proof hook and loop closure lid
Dog Bed or Crate
Providing a cozy spot for your dog to rest is important when RV camping with dogs. Whether you opt for a dog bed or crate, having a designated area for your pet helps them feel secure and comfortable.
We keep two dog beds in the main living area of our RV although our dogs can often be found curled up on our bed or the couch too! When Waffles was a puppy we also had a foldable metal wire dog crate where he would go at night or when we left the RV while he was still being trained.
Dog Grooming Essentials
Grooming essentials like a dog brush, shampoo, wipes, and towels are must haves for RV camping with dogs. We also highly recommend the MudBuster, a portable paw cleaner that helps remove dirt and mud from your dog’s paws before they track it into the RV.
Our corgis are notorious for getting dirty (Butters especially loves rolling in the sand at the beach) so these items are always within reach near the front door of our fifth wheel.
Many stores offer self-serve dog washes if you aren’t able to give your dog a bath in your RV.
Tick Remover
If you’re RVing in areas with tall grass or wooded regions, a tick remover tool is essential. The Tick Mitt is perfect for wiping down your dog after a hike to catch any loose ticks, while a tool like the Tick Patrol ensures you can completely remove a tick, head and all.
We learned this the hard way while we were visiting Tennessee. After our dogs spent an afternoon playing outside, they came back covered in ticks—ugh. We spent the next hour painstakingly pulling them off with tweezers. I really wish we had one of these tick removers back then; it would’ve made the process so much quicker and safer.
That experience also taught us the importance of keeping our dogs on a reliable flea and tick prevention regimen to minimize the chances of dealing with ticks in the first place.
RV Pet Temperature Monitor
An RV pet temperature monitor is a crucial safety tool for RVing with a dog, especially during hot weather! It allows you to keep an eye on the temperature inside your RV, ensuring your pets stay safe and comfortable even when you’re away.
There are various types of RV temperature monitors, so it’s important research to find the one that best suits your needs. Some monitors rely on Wi-Fi, while others use a cellular signal. Keep in mind that cellular-based devices often require a subscription on top of the initial cost.
Many RVers recommend Waggle, but the subscription fees are quite steep at $199 per year. If you’re considering a cellular temperature monitor, Necto and MarCell are both excellent options. Necto even includes two years of cellular service for free, with each additional year costing just $29.99.
For those who camp with reliable Wi-Fi or Starlink, a Wi-Fi temperature monitor like the Temp Stick might be a better choice.
![Necto RV Temperature & Humidity Monitor - [4G LTE] No Monthly Fees and No WiFi Required - Power Outage Sensor, Instant Alerts, for Pet Safety & Home](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41CzSJXIyVL._SL160_.jpg)
We also highly recommend upgrading your RV’s thermostat. We installed a “smart” RV thermostat that allows us to adjust the temperature and monitor the RV’s climate remotely through an app on our phone, providing even more peace of mind when we’re exploring without our dogs.
If you plan to be away from your RV for an extended period of time, consider hiring a pet sitter or taking your dog to doggy daycare to ensure their safety while you’re out. This way, you can enjoy your day worry-free, knowing your pets are in good hands.
Dog Toys
We always pack a variety of toys to keep our corgis busy, especially during downtime at the campground. Whether it’s a favorite chew toy or a ball for fetch, having a few options helps prevent boredom and keeps them happy.
Butters all time favorite toy is her squeaky ball from Playology! It’s super durable and and is embedded with scent that is released as the toy is chewed (available in chicken, beef, peanut butter, sweet potato, or cheddar cheese).
Waffles enjoys playing tug-o-war and recently his favorite has been playing tug with a soccer ball that has straps for him to grip onto. Both our dogs also enjoy chew toys especially when we’re working and not able to actively play with them.
RV Dog Fence or Tie-Out Cable
A portable RV dog fence or a dog tie-out cable is a great solution for setting up a secure outdoor area for your dog. We use a portable fence that allows our corgis to stretch their legs and enjoy the outdoors. It’s perfect for keeping them close while we relax outside.
- 【Durable and Sturdy Structure】– Safety and security is of the utmost importance. Our ZENY pet playpen constructed from sturdy heavy duty metal makes the playpen firm and hard to be damaged by small pets. These solid latches and stakes secure your pet inside so they dont get out. Building a safe place for pets to play and rest, keep them away from the outdoor danger from messing the room up
- 【Change Multiple Shapes Easily 】– Our 16 panels puppy playpen design allows for multiple shapes configurations and can be split into two 8 panels witout any tools to meet your needs, such as the shape of rectangle, square or octagon. Durable puppy playpen great for indoor or outdoor use
- 【Large Space for Your Pets】– 31.5”W x 24”H of each panel. This interactive and expandable pet playpen for small pets provides overall area size 66.52 square feet of enclosed area for pets, ensuring that they have enough room for play and exercise. Our puppy playpen keeps your pets safe from others and the sides of dog playpen are tall enough for a small child to reach into the enclosure
- 【Fold Down Design】– Our puppy playpen easy to set up and no tools required. Once you’re done, the pet playpen quickly collapses for convenient storage and easy to carry. Our dog playpen fold down design makes it ideal for travel and camping
Handheld or Stick Vacuum
A quality handheld or stick vacuum is a must for keeping the RV clean from fur, dirt, and other debris. A broom just doesn’t cut it with how much our dogs shed!
We use a Dyson, and it’s powerful enough to tackle the pet hair and dirt our corgis bring in after a day of play. It’s a small investment that makes a big difference in maintaining a clean RV. My favorite attachment is the Fluffy Optic cleaner head that illuminates dust and hair I may have otherwise missed sweeping up.
- The most powerful HEPA cordless vacuum.¹
- Over 115% more power.² 70 minutes of run time.³
- Power button operated for continuous cleaning.
- Intelligently adapts power based on debris and floor type detected. Bars on the screen grow and shrink in real time according to the volume of particles removed as you clean – showing you when to move to another area.⁴
- The LCD screen displays a summary of how much dust you have picked up at the end of each clean.⁴ Also displays power mode, maintenance alerts, and remaining run time to the second.
Pet Hair Detailer
Pet hair can quickly take over your RV, especially if you have dogs that shed. A pet hair detailer, like the Lily Brush, is perfect for removing hair from upholstery, bedding, and carpets.
- REMOVE STUBBORN PET HAIR IN SECONDS! The MINI Pet Hair Cleaner works great on (1) deeply embedded pet hair (2) vacuum resistant pet hair, (3) hard to remove lint. It’s the original (and still the best!) small, portable pet hair removal tool
- CLEANS HOME & CAR: From parents to professional car detailers, the MINI is a hit! In the home… clean your couch, carpet, rugs, stairs, clothes and blankets! In the car… remove trapped pet hair from car mats, headliners, cargo areas & seats!
- EASY INSTRUCTIONS: Hold the MINI pet fur remover in one hand, tilted slightly in the direction you intend to move it. Using moderate pressure, run it over the fabric surface using short, rake-like strokes. This rubber bladed cat and dog fur remover grabs the hair and yanks it out, where it can be vacuumed easily. Even powerful vacuums can’t do that!
- SUITABLE FOR PETS THAT HAVE medium to coarse & wiry hair of any length, whether straight or curly, such as the overcoat of many dogs and short-haired cat breeds. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR: Fine, long, and clingy hair typically found in the undercoats of medium to long-haired dogs and long-haired specialty cat breeds.
Must Haves for RVing with Dogs
With these must-haves for RV camping with dogs, you’ll be well-equipped to ensure your furry friends are safe, comfortable, and ready for adventure. Read our post that’s all about RVing with dogs for even more tips!
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