I'm attempting to wait patiently for my Scamp 13 to be done in February. Until then I'm gathering ideas and information. I won't know if it will work until I try it, but I think I'll be taking my dogs with me on some trips. Those trips will probably be when I visit dog-friendly family and friends or trips when I'll be mostly targeting state park and forests to do some hiking etc. They're large dogs, so spending time outside rather than in the Scamp will be really important.
I've attached a picture of my furry ones. I want to note that the photo was not posed - at least not by me. I only wanted a picture of the Christmas tree. They didn't think the tree should be the center of attention, so they inserted themselves. Now you know what I'm up against.
So what dog camping tips do you have for me? What works and what should I avoid? 
Found this link.
http://petfriendlytravel.com/national_parks
Thanks! That is a good resource and one I hadn't found.
I camp with my Lab & coonhound. I do put them inside when not sitting out with them they are a bit spoiled and like to be with me. So a trip to the bathroom requires locking them up. They don't seem to mind when I leave them inside un attended. I run the AC in the summer it serves a double purpose, drowning out noises for them and keeping them cool in the summer. For them it's just like being home.
We've camped frequently with larger dogs in a 29 foot Airstream which allowed collapsible crates..ideal for crate loving dogs. Not an option with the scamp .We place the cushion from the bottom bunk on the opened top bunk giving both dogs room to lay down for sleep or when we need to move around the cabin. That area is normally packed when we travel . We don't pack the top bunk because heavy items could damage the front window when we applied brakes. We move these items up to the top to free the lower bunk(minus mattress) for the doggie cave when camped. We store other packed items in plastic storage boxes under the table...these can be brought up to the benches to keep the dogs off the "furniture" when we leave them alone . The boxes, cabinets and upper bunk area make puppy resistant storage. The small interior space becomes their crate. Another good reason for crate training. Our dogs are seasoned travelers and like each other so this has worked on longer trips. Good luck and enjoy Scamping!
We love camping with our collie--he has been a camper since he was 6 months old. Our old collie didn't start camping until she was 9, and she was great in the campground. It takes a bit of trial and error to figure out how they will do. I think most state parks and forests welcome dogs, but the national parks don't. It's best to make a practice run or two with them in a nearby campground to see how it works out. Very close quarters with lots of dogs and kids running around, it can be quite a zoo! I spend a LOT of time walking Ray, as he is very energetic and the only way I can keep him quiet at the campsite is to wear him out a bit. We keep him tied outside when we are out, and he has learned to enjoy watching all the activities. The biggest challenge can be the weather--if it is rainy two wet dogs in a 13' Scamp could be an unpleasant experience! Our shakedown trip in our Scamp was a rainy, muddy mess. It all cleaned up though, and Ray loved sleeping in the Scamp with both of us so close. Ha ha ha, I had towels and rags all over the floor trying to soak up all the muck he brought in. Labs aren't barkers like collies, but be aware that most campgrounds have rules about leaving dogs alone at your campsite. If they are quiet it isn't an issue, but no one wants to listen to dogs barking incessantly. Give it a shot--it is fun exploring trails with your doggies! This is Ray chilling out in the Egg on that rainy day...he took up most of the "open" space!
Rhonda Riebow
Agree that you need to try things out. I have a Plott Hound who came to my family as a stray. She loves to be close, but doesn't stress when left alone, so I guess she is secure.
I had never taken her camping, so decided to give it a try. I have gone on several three night trips this past summer, with her in tow. She did excellently well. I got several comments from neighboring campsites that they didn't even realize she was there until the second day when they saw me walking her. I also asked the folks next door to keep a listen for her when I had to go dump the sani potty. When I got back, they told me she didn't make a peep while left tied outside. I feel so confident now that she will be well behaved, that I plan to take her on a month long trip in Feb. Should be fun.
The biggest hassle will definitely be sleeping room. I sometimes had to pull her bed aside if I needed to open the bathroom door. She likes to re-arrange her bed several times during the night, so it never ends up in the same spot I put it. :-)
A belated thank you to everyone for your advice and encouragement! I picked up my Scamp 13 a couple days ago on what thankfully turned out to be a warm and dry winter day. Well, warm is relative - it was 40 degrees here in Wisconsin.
I took this picture during the dogs' first time in the Scamp. You can see my black dog decided that as long as he has a table to sit under, he will be a happy camper. He also enjoyed making himself comfortable on the sofa and even agreed to make a little room for me to sit down.
I like the suggestions to try things out and see how they work. I plan to do some driveway camping this weekend. I can see how well I tolerate the temperature and how annoying the dogs are all while my warm, dog friendly house is a convenient 20 feet away. (Yes, I was the kid who pitched the tent in the yard to sleep in for fun. Heck, I've done that as an adult too and I see no reason it should be any different in the Scamp!)
Thanks again, Sarah
Ha ha ha, I spent a night in ours when it was parked in the backyard too. We don't have A/C, and I wanted to see how comfy it would be in 90+ heat. Not bad--the Fantastic Fan did its job! I need to do it again soon to check out the little elec space heater I bought for it.
Rhonda Riebow
Congrats!
We are supposed to have a heat wave in Wisc. this weekend, a balmy 57 deg.
Have fun
I brought my German Sheperd and little Westie mix camping together..for the first time in fall..they LOVED it and all the smells ...first night they were restless after that settled in..BUT walked in wooded paths with them and ended up with tics in bed even thou they are treated ...just bought the privacy room which attaches to the awning to give us more room for longer trips.....
NSBackus
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