Camping with your dog in the winter can be one of the most rewarding outdoor experiences you’ll ever share. Crisp mornings, quiet trails, and frost-dusted forests — there’s something magical about exploring the wild when everyone else has packed away their tents.
But colder weather brings new challenges for both you and your four-legged companion. From managing the cold to choosing the right gear, preparation is everything. Here’s how to make winter camping with your dog safe, comfortable, and unforgettable.
Why Camp in Winter?
While it might sound daunting, winter camping has a few major perks. Campsites are quieter, trails less crowded, and the scenery can be spectacular. Your dog will likely love the cooler air too — many breeds are built for it.
It’s also an opportunity to bond. You’ll spend more time in close quarters, relying on each other to stay warm, entertained, and connected with the wild.
Preparing Your Dog for Cold Weather Camping
Know Your Dog’s Limits
Every dog handles cold differently. Huskies, collies and spaniels often thrive in cooler temperatures, while short-coated breeds like whippets or French bulldogs can struggle. Puppies, older dogs, or those with health issues also need extra care.
If your dog shivers easily or refuses to lie down on cold ground, take it as a sign they’re too cold. Trust their cues.
Build Up to It
Before heading off on a multi-night trip, take a few cold-weather walks or single-night campouts to see how your dog copes. It’s better to learn their limits close to home than halfway up a mountain.
Essential Winter Camping Gear for Dogs
On top of the usual essential camping items, camping in Winter requires a few additional key items can make all the difference between a cosy night and a miserable one.
1. Warm Sleeping Setup
Bring a dog sleeping bag or insulated blanket, and make sure your tent floor has an insulating layer — foam mats or a folded blanket work well. Keep them off the cold ground at night. Make sure you have a cosy and warm spot for them to sleep in too as it will be cold at night.
2. Waterproof and Insulated Coat
A good dog jacket is worth its weight in gold. Look for one that’s waterproof and insulated, with reflective detailing for visibility on dark evenings.
3. Booties (Optional but Useful)
Dog boots can protect paws from frost, grit, and salt on paths. Not every dog will tolerate them, so let them practise wearing them around the house first.
4. Portable Towels
Always bring an extra towel to dry your dog before bedtime or after walks. A damp dog will get cold fast once the sun goes down.
5. Lighting and Visibility
In winter, the sun sets early. A LED collar or light clip helps you keep track of your dog around camp — and ensures others can see them too.
Keeping Your Dog Warm and Comfortable
Share the Warmth
If your dog is a small breed or sensitive to the cold like many sighthound breeds, let them snuggle into your sleeping bag or share the tent’s warmest spot. Body heat works wonders.
Feed Extra Calories
Dogs, much like humans, burn more energy staying warm, so bring extra food or add a little more to each meal. High-protein treats like dried meat strips or training sausages make great on-trail snacks.
Keep Them Dry
A wet dog loses heat fast. If it’s raining or snowing, use a waterproof jacket and dry them as soon as you return to camp. Avoid letting them lie directly on snow or wet ground.
Safety Tips for Winter Camping with Dogs
Check the Forecast
Winter weather can change quickly. Avoid camping if heavy snow, ice storms, or extreme cold are expected — it’s not worth the risk.
Know Where to Go
Stick to dog-friendly campsites that stay open year-round or plan wild camping responsibly (check UK access laws first). Avoid high, exposed areas where temperatures drop rapidly at night.
Paw Care
Inspect your dog’s paws regularly for cracks, ice build-up, or irritation from salt. A little paw balm can prevent soreness and protect against freezing surfaces.
Stay Visible
Dark mornings and evenings are common in winter. Use reflective leads, harnesses, and headlamps to stay visible on walks near roads or other campers.
Keep Water from Freezing
Bring an insulated bowl or pour small amounts of warm water regularly. Snow isn’t a substitute — it lowers core temperature and can dehydrate your dog.
Night-Time Comfort and Routine
When the sun sets early, the tent quickly becomes your cosy retreat.
Set up a warm, dry sleeping area for your dog and keep their gear inside the tent. Avoid leaving them outside, even for short periods — temperatures can plummet fast.
Stick to a familiar bedtime routine. A calm, predictable end to the day helps your dog relax, even in a new environment. A short toilet walk before bed and a treat or chew toy in their sleeping space work wonders.
Morning Motivation: Waking Up to Frost
There’s nothing quite like unzipping your tent to a crisp, frosty morning — and watching your dog’s breath rise in the cold air as they bound through the snow.
Start the day with a brisk walk to warm up, then make breakfast for both of you. Hot coffee for you, a hearty meal for them. It’s a simple rhythm that feels grounding and real — the essence of winter camping.
Final Thoughts
Winter camping with your dog isn’t about pushing limits — it’s about preparation, awareness, and embracing the quiet beauty of the cold season.
With the right gear and mindset, you’ll discover a side of the outdoors that summer campers rarely see: stillness, stars that seem brighter, and a bond with your dog that deepens in the chill of shared adventure.
So, pack your thermals, prep your pup, and get ready to see winter through new eyes — together.