Picture this: a crackling campfire, marshmallows roasting, kids giggling in the glow of lantern light—and a happy, wagging dog curled up by their side.
Camping with kids is already an adventure, but add the right dog, and it becomes pure magic. The best camping breeds for families are more than just great with children; they’re adaptable, adventurous, and protective, ready to explore trails, splash in streams, and guard the tent at night.
They have boundless energy for outdoor fun but also the patience to handle the sometimes-chaotic energy of kids. Choosing the right breed ensures everyone—two-legged and four-legged—has the time of their lives in the great outdoors.
We’ll walk you through the ultimate kid-and-camp-friendly breeds, from loyal guardians to playful explorers. Whether your family prefers hiking deep into the woods or lounging by a lakeside campsite, these dogs bring joy, safety, and a whole lot of tail-wagging to your adventures.
Because when the stars are out, the fire is glowing, and your dog is snuggled up with the kids, that’s when you know you’ve got the perfect camping crew.
Best Dog Breeds for Camping With Kids
1. Labrador Retriever
Height: 21–24 inches
Weight: 55–80 pounds
If family camping trips had a mascot, it would be the Labrador Retriever. Labs are friendly, playful, and endlessly loyal, making them the perfect companion for kids who want a four-legged partner in crime for every outdoor adventure.
The Labrador Retriever ranks among the most popular dog breeds in the U.S., and it’s easy to see why. These medium- to large-sized sporting dogs are energetic, friendly, and make excellent family companions.
✔ Labs bond with the whole family and even get along with neighbor dogs—so your campsite becomes a social hub for both humans and canines.
✔ Don’t let their easygoing personality fool you—they thrive on swimming, hiking, and marathon games of fetch.
✔ Labs pick up commands quickly, which comes in handy when teaching them camping rules (like “no stealing marshmallows”).
✔ Always ready to snuggle by the fire after a long day of adventures, Labs bring warmth and comfort to any trip.
Fun Fact: According to AKC, Labs are natural swimmers and love exploring water, so lakes, rivers, or even puddles become instant playgrounds. They’re basically the lifeguard and entertainer rolled into one furry package.
2. Golden Retriever
Height: 21–24 inches
Weight: 55–75 pounds
If there’s a dog that screams “family camping trip,” it’s the Golden Retriever. Friendly, loyal, and endlessly patient, Goldens are basically the Swiss Army knife of family dogs—they fetch, guard, comfort, and play without ever breaking a sweat.
Golden Retrievers rank among the most popular dog breeds in the U.S., and it’s easy to see why. Intelligent dog, loyal nature, and easy to train, these “Goldens” make excellent family pets.
✔ Goldens are famously patient with children, making them perfect for games, hikes, and lakeside adventures.
✔ Quick learners make camp rules easy to teach—like “don’t eat the marshmallows… yet.”
✔ Loves swimming, running, and exploring, ensuring they’ll happily keep up with energetic kids.
✔ Golden Retrievers stick close to the family pack, making sure no one wanders too far.
Bring a Golden on your trip, and expect daily “helping hands” when setting up the tent—or stealing snacks. They’re sweet, but those eyes are master manipulators.
Fun Fact: Golden Retrievers are natural swimmers, so they’ll happily dive into lakes or streams—just be prepared for a wet, happy dog joining the campsite fun!
3. Beagle
Beagles are the tiny detectives of the dog world. The Beagle is a small scent hound from England, originally bred to hunt small game like rabbits and foxes. Sporting a short, smooth coat in colors such as white, black, brown, and tan, Beagles are known for their cheerful and easygoing nature.
With noses that track everything and boundless curiosity, these small dog breeds make every hiking trail an adventure—perfect for kids who love exploring and discovering the outdoors.
✔ Easy to carry or manage on trails, perfect for camping with younger kids.
✔ Beagles love exploring new scents and sights, keeping kids engaged and entertained.
✔ They get along with people and other dogs, making camp life harmonious.
Their adaptable personality allows them to live in apartments, as long as they get regular walks on a leash several times a day. They need roughly an hour of exercise each day, and without enough activity and attention, they may develop destructive behaviors if left alone for long periods.
Their keen senses can warn of approaching wildlife or strangers—while still being family-friendly. Camping with a Beagle means never losing the trail—unless, of course, their nose decides to follow a particularly delicious-smelling squirrel instead.
Fun Fact: Beagles’ noses are so strong that they’ll sniff out everything from hidden snacks to tiny forest critters—sometimes leading the family on unexpected mini-adventures!
4. Boxer
Boxers are like the class clowns of the dog world—full of energy, goofy antics, and a heart big enough to match their boundless enthusiasm.
Boxers were brought to the United States from Germany in the 1930s. They are medium-sized dogs with a deep chest and well-developed muscles beneath a smooth coat. For families who love camping, a Boxer is a mix of protector, playmate, and cheerleader rolled into one.
✔ Boxers can run, jump, and play all day, making them perfect for hikes, trail games, and marshmallow-chasing competitions.
✔ Alert and loyal, they’ll keep an eye on kids and the campsite without being overbearing.
✔ These dogs love people and thrive on family interaction—perfect for campfire cuddles.
✔ They can handle rougher play and outdoor adventures better than most small breeds.
Due to their background as hunting dogs, Boxers have a strong prey drive and may be inclined to chase birds or small animals. They should always be kept on a leash or in a secure, fenced dog parks or area when outdoors, and any introductions to smaller pets, such as cats, should be done gradually and carefully.
Fun Fact: Boxers are famous for their silly antics—from jumping in puddles to doing playful “zoomies” around the tent. Kids will love their funny faces and playful personalities.
5. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a sweet, strong, and dependable giant—a perfect balance of cuddly companion and capable helper on outdoor adventures. Their calm nature and gentle demeanor make them especially great for families with kids.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a relatively active giant breed, though it has lower energy levels compared with many other dogs. It is affectionate, playful, and expressive, and generally gets along well with strangers, other dogs, and pets.
✔ Berners are famously good with children, making them the ultimate family-friendly camping buddy.
✔ Perfect for carrying packs on hikes or pulling small carts during fun outdoor activities.
✔ Alert to strangers, but calm and reassuring around the family.
✔ Comfortable in the woods, near lakes, or even relaxing by the campfire
Britannica says while its deep bark can make it an intimidating watchdog, its protective instincts are moderate rather than strong. With a Bernese, expect a giant, furry blanket on your lap at the end of a long day of hiking. Bonus: They rarely complain, unlike some human campers.
Fun Fact: Berners were originally farm dogs in Switzerland, skilled at draft work and herding, so your camping adventures may include a gentle nudge to “keep moving” or a playful game of chase.
6. Australian Shepherd
If camping is all about exploring new trails and keeping everyone on their toes, the Australian Shepherd is basically your furry GPS with a built-in cheer squad.
Australian Shepherds are intelligent, energetic, medium-sized dogs with natural herding instincts and strong, agile bodies. Originally bred as working dogs, they retain a strong drive to complete tasks and to please their owners.
✔ These powerfully built dogs are up for anything and can be excellent hiking partners.
✔ Quick learners make games and safety instructions easier for both kids and adults.
✔ They’re alert without being aggressive, keeping an eye on children as they explore.
✔ Aussies love being part of every activity, from morning breakfast to late-night campfire stories.
Smart, energetic, and endlessly playful, these dogs thrive in outdoor adventures and are perfect for kids who need a four-legged playmate that never quits.
Fun Fact: Aussies are so agile, they can hop over fallen logs and climb small hills like mini mountain goats. Kids will love watching them bound around like a professional stunt dog!
7. Border Collie
Known as the Einstein of dogs, the Border Collie is fast, smart, and endlessly curious—basically a furry Swiss army knife for outdoor fun.
Border Collies are highly driven dogs that require significant time and attention from their owners. They are athletic and enjoy having a job to do. However, once they’ve expended their energy, they become affectionate companions who love to snuggle and spend time with their families.
✔ Border Collies learn tricks and games in minutes, keeping kids entertained for hours.
✔ Great hiking companions, fetching sticks, or even “chasing” the wind through the trees.
✔ Alert and attentive, they’ll keep an eye on the campsite without constant barking.
✔ They form strong bonds with kids and adults alike, making them a loving and active companion.
They thrive on mental and physical challenges, so camping trips become a combination of hiking, exploring, and spontaneous agility courses. Border Collies may try to herd your kids during a game of tag. It’s cute, it’s smart, and it’s totally harmless—but your little campers might not appreciate being “rounded up” mid-s’more break.
Fun Fact: Border Collies have been known to figure out obstacle courses faster than humans can set them up. If there’s a fallen log or a stream crossing, they’ll conquer it with precision—and probably teach the kids a thing or two.
8. Vizsla
If energy were a dog breed, it would be the Vizsla. Think of them as the Ferrari of the canine world—sleek, fast, and practically built for outdoor fun.
Pair that with their affectionate nature, and you’ve got a dog that’s perfect for camping trips with kids who want a buddy that can keep up with every hike, splash in every stream, and explore every trail.
✔ Vizslas can run, jump, and fetch until the sun goes down… and then still be ready for an evening of cuddles by the fire.
✔ These dogs are velcro companions—they love being part of the family pack, whether that’s playing tag with the kids or curling up in a tent.
✔ Their gentle, friendly demeanor makes them excellent playmates, always ready for games and never prone to biting or aggression.
✔ Whether it’s hiking, swimming, or a lazy stroll through the woods, Vizslas thrive in outdoor environments—they practically demand fun.
Bring a Vizsla camping, and be prepared for daily “zoomies” in the campsite—because apparently running in circles around the tent is considered part of their fitness plan.
Fun Fact: Vizslas are sometimes called “Velcro dogs” because they stick close to their humans. On a camping trip, that means they’ll never wander too far, but they’ll always make sure every kid is safe and every snack is shared fairly.
9. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
If there’s one dog that was practically born to snuggle around a campfire while keeping an eye on kids, it’s the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Don’t let the “royal” in their name fool you—these pups aren’t about fancy palaces.
They’re all about tiny paws, big hearts, and endless companionship, making them the perfect miniature adventurers. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are small dogs characterized by their naturally floppy ears, long backs, compact bodies, and deep chests.
✔ Cavaliers are the ultimate social butterflies—they adore kids and are patient enough to survive sticky fingers, tug-of-war games, and even the occasional mud puddle.
✔ They’re easy to carry around if the trail gets tricky—or if they just decide the hiking is too much effort.
✔ Whether it’s sleeping in a tent, lounging by the lake, or sneaking marshmallows (oops, don’t tell!), Cavaliers adjust beautifully to new environments.
✔ They’re not prone to barking at every squirrel, deer, or passing camper—making them the peaceful co-pilot every parent dreams of.
Fun Fact: These spaniels have a nose for adventure—they love exploring new smells on hikes but are smart enough to come back when called. It’s like having a tiny tracker with a built-in cuddle mode.
Conclusion
The best dog breeds for camping with kids include German Shepherds, Jack Russell Terriers, German Shorthaired Pointers, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Portuguese Water Dogs, Siberian Huskies, Basset Hounds, and Shih Tzus. These fun-loving, intelligent, and energetic dogs are well-suited for active families, enjoying long hours outdoors, hiking, bike riding, agility training, and dog sports.
Powerfully built or agile, they handle harsh climates, thick double coats, and cold weather, making them excellent companions for adventurous families. With proper training, regular grooming, and daily exercise, these athletic dogs thrive as loyal, dignified, and low-maintenance members of the family, forming bonds with new friends along the way.
