Spending some time in nature is one of the best ways to unplug and recharge your batteries. But you don’t have to enjoy “roughing it” in order to do so. Forget pitching your own tent and spending hours arranging your sleeping essentials. The latest trend in camping involves simply showing up to a pre-set up luxury tent or a furnished cabin and enjoying a cozy weekend in the woods. And what better way to bond with your pup than by taking him along for the ride?
What is Glamping?
Camping has obviously been around for forever. But lately, people are looking to experience the great outdoors in a whole new manner. But what is the difference between camping and glamping?
“How I define camping is more doing it yourself,” says Linda Clark, a travel expert with Glamping.com. “You might go to an actual campsite. You’ll bringing a sleeping bag, your own utensils, or you pull your RV up to a campsite.”
But lately, the trend is to experience a night under the stars in a more luxurious fashion.
According to Rebecca Dalby, of Glamping with Pets, “If camping is a stale bread sandwich made with 6-month-old peanut butter and no jelly, then glamping is an artisan rye bread loaf topped with fresh, organic peanut butter, Mom’s homemade jelly, and lots of love.”
Glamping provides pet parents with less hassle and more quality time together. It gives them the chance to get out and experience the location and the outdoors without having to set up a tent, start a fire, or cook hot dogs on a stick. “From yurts to tree houses and more, a glamping getaway promises an unforgettable stay in unique destinations,” says Dalby. “It gives glampers and their pets a one-of-a-kind experience without leaving comfort at home.”
What to Pack When Glamping With Your Dog
When camping with your pup, you’ll have to make sure to lug everything from your pet’s favorite dog bed to a water bowl, dog treats, dog food, and everything necessary to allow him to maintain his regular routine. But with glamping, many of these items are already provided for you. Popular glamping sites, such as Paws Up Resort in Montana, outfit their glamping sites with pup-friendly essentials such as tennis balls, pet beds, and a supply of dog biscuits.
You shouldn’t, however, always assume that these items will always be included in your stay, especially at glamping cabins that take place on individual campsites and not in populated resorts. In order to make sure that your pet enjoys their glamping experience, it’s important to call the resort to get a checklist of exactly what they provide for pets. Some resorts, for instance, will provide food for your dogs, while others, expect you to bring your own. Other items to consider when packing with your dog are:
- Your dog’s favorite toys
- A 6ft. dog leash
- A pet bed (if one is not provided on site)
- Your dog’s food and favorite snacks
- Your pup’s water and food bowls (if dishes are not provided on site)
- A flashlight
- Dog sunscreen
Glamping Safely With Your Dog
When glamping with your pet, you should always make sure to keep safety in mind. Here are a few tips for doing so:
- Obey leash laws. Many glamping spots that allow pets have leash laws in place. But even if your location doesn’t have one, it may be a good idea to keep your dog on a leash at all times. Your pup is in a new and unfamiliar location and you will want to keep a close eye on him.
- Take caution around wildlife. As glamping destinations are in the middle of the great outdoors, the experience will often include a run-in with wildlife. “If your dog loves to chase animals such as rabbits and squirrels, it’s important to keep him on a leash,” says Linda Clark, with Glamping.com. It’s also imperative that you keep an eye on your pet at all times. Don’t just open the tent and let him out. Take him out on a leash with a flashlight if he needs to relieve himself in the dark, and be careful of animals like coyotes and snakes.
- Be mindful of the weather. Dalby reminds pet parents to make a point of checking the weather before embarking upon a glamping trip with pets. For instance, you might want to avoid glamping in the middle of the summer when it is too hot outside. If you find yourself out on a sunny day, make sure to have plenty of fresh water available for your pup for whenever he may need it. It’s also a good idea to apply a pet-friendly sunscreen to your dog for days when you’re going on long hikes or spending time on the beach. And if you choose to glamp in winter months, make sure your pet has everything they need to be comfortable – booties for the snow and a warm blanket to cuddle up with on a cold night.
- Make sure your dog is up to date on vaccinations. Many glamping locations that accept dogs will require you to bring a certificate that shows that your dog has had their most recent rabies shot. If your pup is not up to date on their shots, it’s important to take them into the vet to have them done prior to taking them glamping. This is especially important, as it will keep your dog safe in the event that they should happen to be bitten by a wild animal that passes through the campground.
- Be mindful of what areas of the camp are off limits to dogs. Some glamping sites give dogs free rein of the grounds; while others are stricter on what areas they can enter. And many resorts expect dogs to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
- Clean up after your pet. While a glamping resort may include the services of a daily housekeeper, you should still make a point of picking up after your dog on resort property as well as surrounding areas.
Dog-Friendly Glamping Resorts Worth Checking Out
1. The Resort at Paws Up – Greenough, Montana
Pet-friendly amenities: The resort provides complimentary Paws Up dog collars that are gifted for pets to take home with them. The property also includes use of loaner bowls and a deluxe pet bed, along with a complimentary dog kennels and a bag of homemade treats. In addition, pets can enjoy a freshly made treat from the resort’s pet-friendly room service menu. There is also an onsite doggie spa.
Glamping with pet policies: The camp has strict leash laws in place. “The most important safety precaution for pets in the wilderness is to keep them on leashes. This prevents any run-ins with wildlife. Leashed dogs also tend to not get lost in the woods or carried away by fast-moving rivers,” explains property owner Larry Lipson.
2. Santa Barbara Auto Camp – Santa Barbara, California
Pet-friendly amenities: Filtered water, a spacious patio with two Adirondack lounge chairs, kitchenware, dishes and utensils, a mini refrigerator to store pet food.
Glamping with pet policies: Dogs have to be leashed at all times. Dogs 75 pounds and under are allowed; larger pups are at management’s discretion. A dog costs an additional $50 per stay.
3. The Ranch at Rock Creek – Philipsburg, Montana
Pet-friendly amenities: Accommodations come fully equipped with pet bowls, plastic bags for cleanup, and comfortable sleeping areas for pets.
Glamping with pet policies: Dogs cost an extra $50/night and must remain on leashes in outdoor common areas. Management notes that the area has a variety of wildlife including mountain lions, deer, big horn sheep, wolves, coyotes, and eagles so pet parents should keep a close eye on their dogs at all times.
4. Yosemite Pines – Groveland, California
Pet-friendly amenities: The resort offers a variety of luxury cabins and yurts (circular tent-like structures), which come fully furnished with a kitchen, linens, and utensils. Pet owners must bring all their own pet essentials.
Glamping with pet policies: Dogs must be kept on leashes at all times when outside of your cabin. Owners should clean up after their pets, and dogs are not allowed to be left on site unattended. No aggressive dogs are allowed.
5. The Rendezvous Hut – Winthrop, Washington
Pet-friendly amenities: Your own personal glamping hut is situated near a variety of hiking trails that you can explore with your dog by your side. Huts come with bunk beds, so save the bottom for your furry friend. It also has a small kitchen and sink area, as well as a wood-burning stove for Fido to curl up next to after a day outside in the elements.
Glamping with pet policies: The property offers a variety of huts that accommodate dogs, however, some, such as the Cassal Hut, do not allow dogs in winter months. Check the website for details. One of the more popular huts for dog owners is the Grizzly hut.
6. Under Canvas – Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Zion, Glacier, Moab
Pet-friendly amenities: These luxury tent sites provide beds with luxurious linens as well as a private bathroom with a shower, sink, and toilet. No dog essentials are provided, so pet owners should pack everything that they need for their pup.
Glamping with pet policies: “Being tucked away in the outdoors, all of our camps offer pets an amazing place to explore and become entertained in a brand new environment,” says Neil Litzen with Under Canvas Group. The glamping company welcomes pets at all of their campsites but urges owners that plan on hiking with their pups at nearby parks to follow leash laws. “National Parks do have specific trails pets are allowed on. You can just visit the website for the National Park in question,” Litzen adds. In addition, pets at Under Canvas must stay on a 6-foot leash at all times and should never be left unattended in their tents or on the property grounds.
7. Yurt Rental, Upstate New York
Pet-friendly amenities: This pet-friendly campground, located 25 miles from Manchester, Vermont and 40 minutes from Lake George, is a great option for those looking to travel with a group of friends and their pups. The property features four yurts and can house 31 guests total. Inside, the luxurious yurts contain beds, a dining table and chairs, a bathroom, fire pit, kitchen, and furniture. Pups can cozy up on one of the properties couches but pet owners will need to bring the rest of their pet’s essentials.
Glamping with pet policies: Pets are allowed on site as long as they are up to date on their rabies vaccination. No aggressive dogs allowed. Pets must be supervised at all times and guests must pick up after them.
Nicole Pajer is a freelance writer who lives in Los Angeles with her husband, energetic Doberman, and rat terrier.
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