Prepping for Overnight Adventures With Your Dog

Everyone experiences the dread of packing for a trip – the anticipation of “can’t we just get on the road already?!” constantly builds! Bringing your pup on trips means even more packing, but do not fret! At Mud Bay, we know what it’s like to pack for any type of adventure—and how different destinations can call for different necessities. So, we’re here to help you make adventuring with your pup easier with our suggestions for different overnight situations.

While preparing for your overnight trip, it is important to make sure that where you’re headed is dog-friendly. Seems obvious, but is important to keep in mind, since there are certain spaces–like National Parks—that do not allow dogs. Whether you’re looking for an Airbnb, a day hike, or a beach, use the available resources and dog-friendly search filters to make sure that wherever you’re planning to go does allow your dog.

Overnight trips can vary from car camping to backcountry trips to a weekend away at a secluded cabin. For a great place to start packing for your dog, take a look at the 10 Essentials for Adventuring with Your Dog list – it covers all of the critical items needed while on the go. In case of an emergency, we recommend keeping your pup’s health records on hand. Stash these records in the glove box of your car or your overnight bag for quick access if necessary.

Each type of overnight trip has specific needs that the others might not. No matter which type of getaway you and your pup choose, make sure you’re both prepared!

Airbnbs and Cabin Rentals

The Pacific Northwest is largely dog-friendly, which makes traveling easy because there are so many options for you and your pup. Something to keep in mind while looking for lodging is that many places may charge an extra fee if you’re bringing your pet. This could be an additional cleaning fee or deposit depending on where you stay. Don’t forget to work this fee into your budget during the planning stages of your getaway!

These types of vacations can also be a great gateway to camping and backpacking because they give your dog a chance to practice being away from home in exciting new terrain. Bringing comfort items like extra treats and toys can help make the transition into an unfamiliar place easier on your pup. Expect to spend some time working on making your dog feel confident while establishing boundaries if they are new to this type of trip.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget: A Crate or Pet Bed

Being away from home can be confusing for dogs. Bringing a crate or a bed where they can hunker down and feel safe is important while traveling. A practical crate that quickly folds down may be best in these situations. Pair it with a bed that is designed to fit inside a crate, and your pup will have their home-away-from-home ready to go!

Weekend Camping Trips at PNW Parks

From the beach to the mountains, there are many areas that welcome dogs. Booking a spot in a campground is a great way to experience different outdoor spots while still being able to access amenities like a bathroom and shower (if your campsite provides it). Most Washington and Oregon state parks allow dogs, but it’s important to follow all leash laws in the park. Dogs may be restricted in some areas, so be sure to look out for signs with this information.

When packing for a camping trip, we recommend bringing items that are more compact than the ones you use at home. For example, food /water bowls that fold down, and easy-to-stash treats and food. These types of items will help create a more enjoyable experience for everyone!

Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget: A Tie-Out System

Since most recreation areas require your dog to be leashed while in your campsite, look for a tie-out system that makes it easy for your dog to enjoy your campsite while remaining on-leash. Mud Bay offers a variety of tie-out systems, including stake options and one that uses nearby trees to keep your dog safely tethered.

Backpacking Trips and Other Backcountry Getaways

Backpacking is all about keeping your gear light and easy to carry. In the backcountry, everything you pack in is all you have, so it’s important to make sure you have everything you need, especially for your dog! The 10 Essentials for Adventuring with Your Dog are vital in the backcountry, especially since you’ll have to hike back out in the case of an emergency.

If your dog is able, you may want to consider a pack for your dog so they can carry some of their own gear. You can train your dog by having them wear a pack on walks in your neighborhood and day hikes, to see how they do. Just make sure that their pack is a manageable weight that’s equally distributed between both sides of the pack. It’s especially important that dogs should never carry more than 25 percent of their weight in their backpack. Filling your dog’s backpack with an unmanageable load creates unnecessary stress that can cause joint problems for your pup later in life.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget a Safety Light

It might sound silly, but it gets very dark when you’re in the middle of nowhere! Keep your dog in sight with a safety light that can clip onto their collar or harness. You might want to also consider options that are rechargeable and have different light functions and color options.

Adventuring with your dog can make for some memorable moments for both you and your pup. Don’t let the stress of packing deter you from taking your dog anywhere, especially since there are so many products that make it easy and convenient to travel. And don’t worry, if you happen to forget something, there’s a good chance that there’s a nearby Mud Bay you can stop at on the way!

Updated 5.15.25