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Seasonal Camping? Here's How to Make Sure Rover is a Good Neighbour

Mary Simpson
by Mary Simpson
Published:  April 23rd, 2026

(photo credit: Reshetnikov_art / shutterstock.com)


One of the big differences between seasonal camping and the typical “pitch a tent and be gone after a few days” type of camping is duration. Seasonal camping involves a trailer and a site where you may reside off and on for several months at a time. Meaning you have long-term neighbours who, unlike the typical camping scenario, are not just passing through.


Now, when you have a dog, maintaining a positive rapport with said neighbours is important. Particularly if your pooch is highly excitable and loves to bark at both two-legged and four-legged passersby (of which there will always be plenty). I mean, it gets really old really quick for those in the surrounding trailers and can actually end with you being evicted from the park if you can’t get it under control.


But here’s the upside to seasonal camping: you’re typically working with a larger travel or house trailer and, by just having four walls between your pooch and the outdoors, you help provide a visual and sound barrier between him and the other campers. That said, we don’t bring our pets camping only to have them stuck inside while we enjoy the campfire or morning coffee on the deck… right?


So, here are some tactics to help ensure both you and your pet remain chill and stress-free while taking in all that seasonal camping offers.


Firstly – and I speak from experience – if at all possible, ensure the entry/exit from your trailer is facing away from high traffic areas. This includes the road, public paths, or the neighbors. You’ll need to coordinate this when you first park your trailer, but it means your dog is not constantly stepping out into a sea of new faces and pets strolling by. And because, all the family action typically takes place on the entry/exit side of the trailer – sitting on the deck, by the firepit, lounging in a hammock – he gets to be front and centre amongst his people.


How to Keep Him Corralled to Your Site

For larger dogs or those that like to dig, you’ll want to set up temporary fencing that offers both height and stability. And let’s be honest, something that looks attractive is always a bonus. For that, we’re liking this 32-inch high fence with a handy gate for corralling your pet. Fifteen 29-inch-wide panels lock into place, allowing you to customize 36 linear feet into the optimal “roam zone” shape your pet will enjoy. And because it’s anchored with spikes, it’s not going to tip and collapse each time your pooch jumps up.


When you’re situated on a site with a hard or rocky base, securing your fencing with spikes will be close to impossible. So, a folding dog fence is the way to go. This 36-inch-high option with eight 24-inch panels provides a safe, secure space for your pet that’s easy to fold up and pack away when the season is over. Set it up on your deck or pick it up and move it over to where the family’s sitting. It’s just that versatile.


If you’re like most of us, where securing your dog to anything immobile results in him becoming continuously tangled and requiring you to unravel him from the tree trunk, picnic table, trailer wheels… something like this tie-out cable might be just what you need. Essentially, it’s 50 feet of cable that spans from one inanimate object to another – typically tree to tree. Your pet’s lead is then attached to a carabiner clip that turns this high-wire cable into a trolley system, allowing them to run the 50-foot length and explore your site tangle-free. In other words, not barking for you to come and help!


Keeping Him Occupied When Indoors

We’re not talking about those rainy days when you’re all sitting around feeling bored. This is when you head out, and he’s left alone in the trailer. For my fur crew, any pastime has to involve food, and that leads us to those popular mats everyone is talking about. Yes, this 17-inch by 21-inch snuffle mat is perfect for when floor space is limited, but enthusiasm is not. It has a thicker, denser fibre surface that makes it easier for all those little kibble bits and treats to work their way down to the very bottom. Which, of course, causes your dog to work harder and take longer to find them. Thereby redirecting his focus away from the fact that he’s on his own. Two suction cups help keep the mat in place and prevent it from sliding out of reach.


Fast forward an hour or so and the treats have been found and consumed. So, what next? If you’re out for a few hours, you may be wondering how to fill that time for your pet, and there are a few options. One of them is this inexpensive white noise machine that offers six different calming sounds. From the rush of a gentle surf to a trickling stream, and even two musical soundtracks specifically designed to reduce dog anxiety.


Keeping Him Occupied When Outdoors

Warm weather and full-sun sites can get pretty uncomfortable, very quickly. When your pooch still wants to hang outside with you, it may be time to retire his thick, cushy dog bed and replace it with something that will help keep him cool, close, and calm. Raised options like this breathable, skid-resistant dog cot are just the ticket. Perfect for larger or older dogs that find stooping to lie on the ground a challenge, this elevated option is water-permeable and easy to clean. Meaning you can leave it out all season. Best of all, a snoozing dog is less likely to bark!


Nothing keeps a dog preoccupied better than one of those super long-lasting chew treats, right? And it’s hard to beat those scented nylon versions for longevity. In that respect, we’re giving the thumbs up to this wishbone-shaped, bacon-flavored dog bone from Benebone. Not only does that 100% real bacon flavor last for weeks, but unlike real bones, this option is non-greasy and won’t result in sharp fragments being left around for bare feet to discover. For longer stays or if your pooch likes to bury (AKA lose) his favorite chew toys, this four-pack is definitely the way to go.


T'is the season! Enjoy the outdoors.

WOW
Mary Simpson
Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and 2 felines who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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