Glamping With Pets: How to Set Up a Dog-Friendly Site

Dogs Belong on the Trip

For a lot of people, a vacation isn't really a vacation if the dog gets left behind at a kennel. Glamping is one of the most pet-friendly ways to travel, because the whole experience is built around the outdoors, where dogs are happiest. No "no pets" hotel policies, no sneaking a dog up a back stairwell, no leaving them home alone.

But glamping with a dog (or any pet) takes a little planning. A tent is a different environment than a house, and dogs interact with it differently. Whether you're bringing your own dog on a trip or you're a glamping operator deciding whether to allow pets, here's what works.

Choosing a Pet-Friendly Tent Setup

The good news is that quality glamping tents are naturally well-suited to dogs. A few features matter more than others.

Durable Groundsheet

Dog nails and dog energy are hard on tent floors. The flame-retardant PVC groundsheets on our tents are tough enough to handle dog traffic, nails, and the occasional zoomies session without tearing. A thin polyester floor (common on cheap tents) would not survive an excited dog. For extra protection, a washable rug or mat over the high-traffic area protects the groundsheet and gives the dog a comfortable surface.

Mesh Screens

Dogs and bugs are a bad combination. The mesh-screened doors and windows on our tents keep mosquitoes, flies, and ticks out of the sleeping area, which protects both you and your dog. The Jellyfish with eight doors (all with mesh panel options) is particularly good for dogs because you can create great cross-ventilation while keeping the interior fully screened, and the multiple doors make letting the dog in and out easy.

Easy In-and-Out Access

Dogs need to go outside. A lot. Tents with multiple doors make this much less of a hassle than a single-door tent where you're constantly maneuvering around furniture to let the dog out. The Eclipse (two doors), Pyramid (four doors), and Jellyfish (eight doors) all make life with a dog easier than a single-door setup.

Open Floor Space

A dog needs a spot of its own. The Jellyfish with no center pole has fully open floor space, which makes it easy to set up a dog bed in a corner without working around tent structure. Larger tents (16 or 20-foot) give the dog room to settle without being underfoot.

Setting Up for Your Dog

Bring Their Bed

Dogs sleep better with familiar smells. Bring the dog's regular bed or a blanket from home rather than expecting them to settle on bare tent floor. Set it up in a defined spot so the dog knows where their space is. This reduces anxiety in the new environment and keeps them off your bed (unless that's the plan).

Pack a Tie-Out or Long Lead

A stake-out tie or long lead lets the dog be outside the tent with you without wandering off. Many campgrounds and glamping sites require dogs to be leashed or contained. A 20-30 foot lead gives the dog freedom to move around the campsite while staying safe and within the rules.

Water and Food Stations

Bring collapsible bowls and plenty of water, especially in summer heat. Set up a designated feeding spot outside the tent (feeding inside attracts insects and wildlife). Store dog food in a sealed container in your vehicle or a critter-proof container, never loose in the tent.

Temperature Management

Dogs are sensitive to heat. A tent in direct sun gets hot, and a dog left inside can overheat fast. Use the ventilation features of the tent (mesh doors, windows, roof vents) and position the tent in shade where possible. The Astral Cover helps keep the interior cooler by blocking direct sun. Never leave a dog in a closed-up tent in hot weather. In cooler weather, a wood stove keeps the tent warm, but follow the same clearance rules for the dog as you would for kids: keep the dog's bed well away from the hot stove.

Safety Considerations

Wildlife

Depending on where you're glamping, wildlife is a real consideration. Keep dogs leashed or contained, especially at dawn and dusk when wildlife is most active. Don't let dogs roam where they might encounter snakes, predators, or porcupines. Store all food (dog food included) securely so it doesn't attract animals to your campsite.

Ticks and Pests

Check your dog for ticks daily, especially after time in tall grass or wooded areas. Make sure flea and tick prevention is current before the trip. The mesh screens keep the tent interior pest-free, but dogs pick up ticks outdoors.

Heat and Hydration

Dogs can't sweat to cool themselves the way people do. In summer, watch for signs of overheating (excessive panting, lethargy, drooling). Provide constant access to water and shade. Limit strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.

The Fire Pit

Curious dogs and fire pits don't mix. Keep the dog leashed or supervised around the fire pit. Embers, hot stones, and the fire itself are all hazards for a dog that doesn't understand the danger.

For Operators: Should You Allow Pets?

If you're running a glamping operation, allowing pets is a business decision with real tradeoffs. Here's how to think about it.

The Case For Allowing Pets

Bigger market. A large percentage of travelers own dogs and specifically search for pet-friendly accommodations. Allowing pets opens your site to bookings you'd otherwise lose. Pet-friendly listings get filtered into searches that pet owners use, which increases your visibility.

Premium pet fees. Most pet-friendly operations charge a pet fee ($15-$50 per stay). This offsets the additional cleaning and wear and contributes to your revenue.

Loyal guests. Pet owners who find a great pet-friendly site become repeat customers because pet-friendly options are limited. The loyalty factor is real.

The Case Against (Or How to Manage It)

Additional cleaning. Pet hair, the occasional accident, and general wear require more thorough turnover cleaning. Build this into your pet fee and your turnover process.

Potential damage. Dogs can scratch, chew, or damage furnishings. The durable PVC groundsheets on our tents handle dog traffic well, but soft furnishings are more vulnerable. A pet deposit or clear damage policy protects you.

Other guests. Some guests have allergies or prefer pet-free environments. If you run multiple tents, designating some as pet-friendly and others as pet-free serves both audiences.

How to Set Up a Pet-Friendly Tent

If you decide to allow pets, set the tent up to handle it. Use washable rugs over the groundsheet. Choose durable, cleanable furnishings. Provide pet amenities (food and water bowls, a dog bed, waste bags, a tie-out stake) as a premium touch that earns reviews. Mark the tent clearly as pet-friendly in your listing and include photos showing the pet setup. Many pet owners book specifically because a listing shows it genuinely welcomes dogs rather than just tolerating them.

Pet Amenities That Earn Reviews

Operators who go beyond just "allowing" pets and actually cater to them get rewarded with glowing reviews. Simple touches:

• A dog bed in the tent
• Food and water bowls
• A tie-out stake or long lead
• Waste bags and a designated disposal spot
• A welcome treat for the dog
• A list of nearby dog-friendly trails, parks, and water access
• Towels for muddy paws

These cost almost nothing and signal to pet owners that their dog is genuinely welcome. Pet owners notice, and they mention it in reviews, which attracts more pet-owning guests.

Get Started

For a pet-friendly glamping setup, the Jellyfish (open floor space, eight doors, full mesh ventilation) and the Eclipse (two doors, four windows) are particularly dog-friendly. All of our tents have durable PVC groundsheets and mesh screens that handle pets well. Browse the full collection to compare.

Questions about setting up a pet-friendly tent or operation? Contact our team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you bring a dog glamping?

Yes, glamping is one of the most pet-friendly ways to travel. The outdoor setting suits dogs well. If you're booking a site, check whether the specific operation allows pets (many do, often for a small fee). If you own your tent, you can bring your dog anywhere pets are permitted. Quality glamping tents with durable PVC groundsheets and mesh screens handle dogs well.

Will a dog damage a glamping tent?

The PVC groundsheets on our tents are durable enough to handle dog nails and traffic without tearing. Soft furnishings (bedding, rugs, upholstered furniture) are more vulnerable to scratching or chewing. Using a washable rug over the groundsheet protects the floor, and a well-trained dog with their own bed in the tent minimizes wear. Cheap tents with thin polyester floors are much more vulnerable to dog damage.

How do I keep my dog cool in a tent in summer?

Maximize ventilation by opening mesh-screened doors and windows for cross-breezes. Position the tent in shade, or use the Astral Cover to block direct sun and reduce interior heat. Provide constant access to water. Never leave a dog in a closed-up tent in hot weather, since tents heat up quickly in direct sun the same way a car does. Watch for signs of overheating like excessive panting or lethargy.

Should glamping operators allow pets?

It depends on your market and willingness to manage the extra cleaning. Allowing pets opens your site to a large segment of travelers who specifically search for pet-friendly accommodations, and you can charge a pet fee to offset the additional turnover work. If you run multiple tents, designating some as pet-friendly and others as pet-free serves both pet owners and guests who prefer pet-free environments.

What should I pack when glamping with a dog?

The dog's bed or a familiar blanket, collapsible food and water bowls, plenty of water, a tie-out stake or long lead, waste bags, current flea and tick prevention, any medications, a towel for muddy paws, and the dog's regular food in a sealed container. Bring more water than you think you need, especially in summer.

Are glamping tents safe for dogs in cold weather?

Yes. A glamping tent with a wood stove stays warm and comfortable for dogs in cold weather. Keep the dog's bed well away from the hot stove (the same 3-foot clearance you'd maintain for any combustible), and the dog will be as cozy as you are. Many dogs love a heated tent on a cold night.