Can You Really Camp Comfortably with a Preschooler and a Border Collie?
A complete gear guide for camping with a young child and an active pup without sacrificing comfort or fun
Traveling and doing things with your kids isn't as hard as you might think. While hotels and resorts in many areas may not really accommodate both kids and dogs; they may have kid activities that parents have to monitor or just an area for the dogs to have an area for their business. But that doesn't mean you can't have a blast in those same areas but maybe in a different way. We like to go camping. Not your “we are going to go use a hammock and rough it in the woods only eating fish we catch, nuts and berries.” Our version of camping ensures everyone is not only comfortable but having a blast. Between a dog zip line so the puppy can be trained on staying around without constant attention to a tent that is more like a mini hotel room at a wedding reception. The trick is to have a plan and to know what you need to make it magical and fun for adults, kids and pups.
Top 3 Tips for Camping with a Preschooler and a Border Collie
Bring a backup sleeping bag. You’ll either need it or be someone’s hero.
Use a dog tie-out cable and a zip line to keep your pup nearby and your hands free.
Forget “roughing it,” plan for easy cleanup, cozy comfort and ways to entertain a small child (like marshmallow sticks and a good speaker).
📩 Planning your own family camping trip or need content like this for your brand? I’d love to collaborate.
Family friendly and kid inclusive aren’t the same thing. And knowing the difference can completely change how you travel together.
Wanna learn more about what this kind of travel actually looks like and how to find it?
Camping Gear I’m Taking (or Eyeing) on Amazon
Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. Everything I recommend has passed the 'me test.' And I'm picky.
Electrical & Lighting
EIGSO crystal clear waterproof power strip surge protector – $15.99
Skrizcable 25 ft outdoor waterproof extension cord – $8.99
Brightener 100 ft LED outdoor string lights – $36.99
Dog Essentials
Coolaroo cooling elevated dog bed – $19.29
Nylon training leash for S/M/L dogs – $6.99
50 ft portable dog tie-out cable – $19.99
Coldest anti-rust insulated metal dog bowl – $14.99
Acana puppy food with fresh or raw free run chicken & turkey, flounder & fresh eggs - $42.74 for a 13 lb bag. Lasts me the month! Little Bear loves it and it’s grain free so he doesn’t get itchy. It’s a Border Collie thing.
Butcher Shop 100% Cow Hooves - $9.99 for 6. I had a livestock vet once tell me that her number one surgery were bone shards in K9 throats. She said that the cow hooves were the only thing that didn’t shard. Plus the dogs love them. Been using cow hooves ever since. AND they are under $2 each. Bear has one in his crate now even.
Wire dog crate - $45.88 for the large 42”. We crate train and I don’t know about other breeds but I know that Border Collies need that security of the den. These wire crates fold down so they travel well if you have a dog that road trips well. All my dogs have been crate trained and it actually gets great responses from hotels too when you tell them that your dog is crate trained!
Storage & Organization
Leafico cotton storage bags, XL (6 pack) – $25.99
Meta 12-piece mini hinged tin box container set – $14.99
Tent & Shelter
Yitahome inflatable blow-up camping tent – $259.99
Joytutus dual-use SUV pop-up camping tent – $284.99
Clostnature waterproof tent footprint tarp – $17.99
Drymate waterproof tent carpet mat – $39.99
Sleeping Gear
Kingfun thick memory foam sleeping mat – $145 (survives claws, kicks, and tired moms)
REDCAMP cotton flannel sleeping bags (green plaid) – $39.99 each (I’m bringing 3)
Yuzonc extra-thick self-inflating double sleeping pad – $54.99
Cooking & Kitchen
Vorringard enameled cast iron Dutch oven with lid – $89.99
Lodge seasoned cast iron 5-piece bundle (with 10.5” griddle) – $99.90
Velaze 10 qt camping Dutch oven – $65.48
Lodge adjustable Dutch oven tripod – $90
Amazon Basics heavy-duty camping grill grate – $29.99
Only Fire 16-piece portable camping kitchen utensil set – $28.99
Bamboo 36-inch skewers for s’mores and grilling – $19.99
Haksen 12-piece wood-handle BBQ skewers – $6.49
Kyraton stainless steel camping utensil mess set (x4) – $13.99 each
Full Windsor Magware stainless steel bowls & plates set – $119.99
Dandat 6-pack 12 oz black enamel mugs – $36.99
16 oz pour-over camping coffee maker set – $22.99
Bulin 2.2L fire-safe camping kettle – $32.99
Cuisinart tabletop propane grill – $169.99 (though I may skip it)
Comfort & Seating
Outvita ultralight portable low camping chair – $37.99
Guide Gear oversized club camping chair – $99.99
Biqissi compact folding side table – $31.49
Fire & Ambiance
Honoson 4-piece oil hurricane lantern set – $42.99
Zspeng 6-pack metal outdoor torches – $43.99
Tiki tabletop fire pit torches (2-pack) – $23.99
Extras & Apparel
Zempox 4-in-1 adjustable dumbbell set – $37.99
Wespornow convertible zip-off hiking pants – $42.99
Mippo mesh-back workout crop tops – $18.99 (my go-to for style and comfort. It’s hands down my favorite activewear top line. I just wish they made pants)
Xicikin collapsible adult soaking tub – $49.99
Retractable portable clothesline – $9.99
Ziitop quick-dry women’s hiking shoes – $36.98
Because this isn’t glamping. It’s strategic survival with lumbar support.
And yes, I brought a portable speaker. Because the only thing better than skillet biscuits by the fire is skillet biscuits by the fire with music.
Got a favorite kid dog camping hack? Drop it in the comments. I’m always upgrading the chaos.
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updated 5 June 2025