What’s better than sitting by the campfire, breathing in fresh pine air, and hearing nothing but nature… and the soft panting of your four-legged camping buddy? If your family loves the outdoors, finding a dog who thrives in tents, trails, and lakeside lounging is the ultimate adventure upgrade.
Not all breeds are made for the wild. Some dogs dislike uneven terrain, unfamiliar smells, or being without their cozy sofa. But others? They were born for it.
These breeds love hiking beside you, splashing in streams, or snuggling under the stars. They’re resilient, friendly, and easygoing—perfect companions for family camping trips.
Today, we’ll highlight the best dog breeds that enjoy camping trips with families. These outdoorsy pups don’t just tag along—they make every trip more memorable, more secure, and a whole lot more fun. If your weekends are packed with tents, marshmallows, and muddy boots, these are the dogs that’ll be right there wagging along the way.
Dog Breeds That Enjoy Camping Trips With Families
1. Labrador Retriever
Energy Level: High
Ideal for: Families who camp like they mean it — hiking, swimming, the whole shebang.
The Labrador, often called a Lab, is a British gundog breed and one of the most beloved dog breeds around the globe. Known for their signature floppy ears, soulful eyes, and constantly wagging tails, Labs radiate friendliness and affection.
Ah, the Labrador Retriever — nature’s golden (or chocolate, or black) gift to camping families. These four-legged bundles of joy are basically the Swiss Army knives of dog breeds. Need a trail buddy? ✅ Swimming partner? ✅ Squirrel chaser? Oh yes, ✅✅.
Labradors love the great outdoors. Toss a stick into a lake and watch them transform into Olympic-level swimmers. They’ll out-hike the kids, out-fetch the Frisbee, and still have energy left to roast marshmallows with their eyes. Friendly to a fault, they’ll make best friends with your campsite neighbors — whether you want them to or not.
Labradors thrive in a wide range of roles, including therapy, search and rescue, and more. Their calm, patient nature makes them especially well-suited for families with children, solidifying their status as one of the top family-friendly dog breeds.
Bonus tip: Keep your sandwiches locked up. Labs are known for “taste testing” unattended meals. Purely for quality control, of course.
2. Australian Shepherd
Energy Level: Zoomies all day
Ideal for: Families who love hikes, long walks, and getting lost (on purpose) in the wilderness.
If you’re the kind of camper who doesn’t just sit by the fire but climbs the mountain to gather the wood, the Australian Shepherd is your spirit animal — or, well, spirit dog.
These agile, brilliant fur-rockets were born to move. Whether you’re trekking up a rugged mountain trail or zigzagging through the forest, the Aussie (as fans lovingly call them) will be right at your heels… or a few steps ahead, scouting the best route like your own four-legged trail guide.
Australian Shepherds don’t just enjoy the outdoors — they treat it like their personal jungle gym. Rocks? Climbable. Rivers? Splashable. Squirrels? Uh-oh.
Fun fact: Aussies are so versatile and eager to work, you could probably train one to help set up the tent. (They’d at least hold a stake in their mouth for dramatic effect.)
They’re also fantastic family companions — affectionate, loyal, and super social. But beware: without enough stimulation, they might start “herding” your kids or rearranging your camping chairs into a perfect circle.
Adventure tip: These dogs thrive on activity, so plan plenty of hikes, games, and tasks to keep them engaged — or they’ll invent their own… like unzipping your tent from the inside.
3. Beagle
Energy Level: Surprisingly endless for such short legs
Ideal for: Families who love laughter, cuddles, and the occasional game of “Where did the dog go now?”
Ah, the Beagle. Small in size, big in personality, and even bigger in nose power. These floppy-eared adventurers are basically little scent-fueled comedians who were built for life on the trail.
The Beagle is not only a skilled hunting dog and devoted companion, but also cheerful, amusing, and undeniably adorable—thanks to its soulful, pleading expression. It’s no surprise that the Beagle has long been the most popular hound breed among American dog lovers, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Taking a Beagle camping is like bringing your own tiny wildlife tracker. They’ll sniff out every interesting patch of dirt, investigate every rustle in the bushes, and alert you to every woodland creature within a five-mile radius — whether you need the alert or not.
Their “Arooo!” howl is both charming and… shall we say, enthusiastic. It echoes beautifully through the forest, especially at 6 a.m. when a squirrel dares to trespass on your campsite.
Despite their compact frame, Beagles are energetic little explorers. They’ll happily join in on hikes, trot through the woods beside you, and climb over rocks like miniature mountaineers. And once they’re tired? They’ll curl up in your lap like they’re still puppies, snoring softly while dreaming about the squirrel that got away
4. Border Collie
Energy Level: Rocket-fueled with a side of laser focus
Ideal for: Families who think “relaxing” means climbing a hill, organizing a scavenger hunt, and maybe training for a triathlon before lunch.
Bringing a Border Collie on a camping trip is like hiring a personal trainer, trail scout, and overachieving camp counselor all in one incredibly smart, agile, and slightly obsessed dog.
These are the Einsteins of the canine world — if there were a dog version of Mensa, Border Collies would be running the board meetings and teaching math to Labradors.
Give them a trail, and they’ll run it twice. Show them a game of fetch, and they’ll turn it into a competitive sport with rules you didn’t agree to.
Border Collies are athletic machines with minds that are constantly working, and camping is their playground. Forests? Fascinating. Lakes? Splash-worthy. Open fields? Herding simulation mode activated.
They’re fantastic companions for families who love to stay active — the more activities, the better. Hiking, agility, frisbee, training games, even yoga (yes, they’ll try to “help” you with your downward dog) — Border Collies are down for it all. They’re loyal, intuitive, and form deep bonds with their humans, which makes them wonderfully in tune with your family’s vibe… as long as that vibe is not “sitting still too long.”
But beware: they’re smart enough to get bored quickly. If your trip includes too much lounging and not enough action, your Border Collie may begin reorganizing your firewood or attempting to herd your children back to the car. Don’t take it personally — it’s just efficiency.
5. Siberian Husky
Energy Level: Wild-child meets marathon runner
Ideal for: Adventurous families, group campers, and anyone ready to be out-hiked by their own dog.
Ah yes, the Siberian Husky — the majestic snow wolf wannabe with a voice that could narrate its own Netflix series. Huskies are known for their striking looks, mischievous charm, and relentless energy. If there’s ever been a dog that truly lives for adventure, this is it.
Camping with a Husky is like bringing a storm of joy wrapped in fur. They love to explore, love to run, and absolutely adore the outdoors. Trails, rivers, hills, bike paths — you name it, and they’re already halfway through it.
Their endurance is remarkable, and their curiosity knows no bounds. Basically, you’ll tire out long before they do. It’s not a challenge — it’s a guarantee.
Huskies have a strong pack mentality, which makes them fantastic group campers. They’ll want to be in the middle of the action, whether that’s hiking with the group, sharing a log by the fire, or sticking their head in the marshmallow bag just to “inspect.” They’re social, playful, and great with people — but definitely a bit independent. They march to the beat of their own sled drum.
But here’s the catch: Huskies are also escape artists, says WebMD. Leave your tent unzipped for three seconds, and you may find your Husky galloping down the trail like it’s the Iditarod. They’re not running away — they’re just “exploring nearby ecosystems at high speed.”
Want to level up the camping fun? Huskies excel at activities like hiking, trail running, biking, sledding (in snowier climates), and even agility training. Basically, if it involves movement, they’re in — probably before you’ve even put your shoes on.
6. Golden Retriever
Energy Level: Steady, playful, and always ready for fun
Ideal for: Families who want a cheerful, dependable adventure buddy with a heart as golden as their coat
Golden Retrievers are the classic all-American family dog, and for good reason. These sweet-natured, always-smiling fluffballs are the poster pups for loyalty and companionship.
Whether you’re camping in the forest, setting up your tent near a lake, or roasting marshmallows under the stars, your Golden will be right there, probably trying to sit on your lap like they’re still a 10-pound puppy.
Goldies thrive on being part of the family’s activities, and camping is like a giant treasure hunt of smells, sights, and swimming opportunities. Take them on a hike? They’re trotting beside you, tail wagging like a flag in a windstorm. Toss a stick into the water? Say no more — they’re in mid-air before it hits the surface.
Fetch, splash, repeat. That’s their kind of vacation.
Their temperament is what really makes them shine as camping companions. Goldens are gentle, great with kids, and have a way of making friends with just about every human and dog they meet — even that grumpy guy with the pop-up camper who pretends to hate dogs. Spoiler alert: he’ll be petting your Golden by sunset.
They’re smart and trainable, too. With just a little prep, your Goldie will stay close to camp, respond to recall, and politely wait for their turn at the s’mores table (okay, that last part might take some work).
7. Bernese Mountain Dog
Energy Level: Moderate — prefers hiking over sprinting
Ideal for: Families who enjoy slower-paced adventures, snuggles by the fire, and majestic trail photos
The Bernese Mountain Dog is like the gentle giant of the campground — calm, dignified, and with fur so luxurious, you’ll be tempted to use them as a pillow (and they won’t mind one bit). These dogs were bred to work in the mountains of Switzerland, and when you take them on a camping trip, you can see it in their element.
Rugged terrain? No problem. Chilly mornings? They were made for it. Rolling hills? Let’s climb ‘em… slowly. Don’t let their size fool you — Berners are incredibly gentle, especially with kids.
They’re affectionate and loyal, forming deep bonds with their families. Camping is more than just a physical activity for them — it’s about being close to their people, breathing in that fresh air, and watching the sunrise over a mountain meadow with you.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are strong and sturdy enough to hike, carry gear, and explore, but they aren’t high-speed adventurers. They’re more of the “let’s enjoy the journey” type than the “race to the summit” type. Perfect for relaxed nature walks, cozy campfires, and peaceful mornings by the lake.
And yes, they shed. A lot. Your tent may become a fur-lined sleeping bag, but let’s be honest, totally worth it for the love and calm they bring to your outdoor experience.
Conclusion
Camping trips are an ideal escape for dog owners who enjoy outdoor adventures with their four-legged friends. The best dog breeds for these trips often combine a gentle demeanor with a sturdy build and a love for physical exercise. Whether you’re an avid hiker or prefer relaxed outdoor activities, there’s a great breed for every lifestyle.
Breeds like the Golden Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog are not only excellent companions but also enjoy spending time with their families in diverse weather conditions. Their thick double coat or need for regular grooming may require a bit more prep, but the reward is a happy, adventurous pup ready for anything from long hikes to water activities.
For active families with limited space or those looking for low-maintenance or smaller pets, breeds like the Jack Russell Terrier or Shih Tzu can still be the right dog for camping. These intelligent dogs, originally bred for hunting or as working dogs, thrive with mental stimulation and proper training. While agile dogs like the German Shorthaired Pointer have a strong prey drive and high energy, others like the Basset Hound or Rhodesian Ridgeback offer a more relaxed pace.
Always remember to bring a leash, provide food, and consider fenced dog parks for safe play, especially if your pup isn’t used to other animals or other dogs. With the right preparation and understanding of your dog’s behavior, camping can be a wonderful way to bond and enjoy nature together.
