Living in Las Vegas gives me the perfect chance to explore some incredible camping spots, and one of my favorites is the nearby Red Rock Campground. Nestled in the foothills of Red Rock Canyon, the campground boasts a skyline that rises over the tops of tents, with stunning red mountains providing a natural backdrop. Since it’s only a 20-minute drive from home, it’s a fantastic place to get a quick dose of the Great Outdoors without venturing too far. And best of all, I get to bring my Pomeranians along for the adventure. Camping with my Poms has become one of the highlights of these trips, offering them new sights, smells, and experiences in a peaceful outdoor setting. Here’s a guide if you plan to camp with your Pomeranians, with a few lessons from my outings.
Preparing for a Pom-Centric Camping Trip
Bringing my Pomeranians camping requires some extra preparation, but it’s well worth it for the joy they bring to the experience. We pack the SUV with all the essentials: tents, sleeping bags, cooking supplies, and everything the Poms need. The basics include leashes, collars with tags, and freeze-dried dog food since raw food is challenging to keep fresh in the wilderness.
I highly recommend a small, clip-on light for camping with pets. It might seem minor, but it’s incredibly useful for tracking your Pom after dark. Luka practically disappeared in the night with his black coat until we clipped on the glow light, making it easy to spot him no matter where he wandered. Even though we keep a close eye on our Poms, having this visibility in the pitch-dark campsite is reassuring.
Setting Up Camp with Your Poms
As soon as we arrive, we start setting up camp with the Pomeranians’ comfort in mind. We brought along a small Coleman dog tent, originally for Maggie and Shieka (now at the Rainbow Bridge), and Mika quickly claimed it as her own. During the day, it provides her with a shady retreat, but at night, all the Poms join us in the big tent. Each of them claims a spot, sniffing around and settling in for the night.
Camping offers a level of quiet that we rarely get in the city. With no traffic, music, or neighborhood noise, our Poms relax and snore lightly as they sleep. Sometimes, we hear Niko making little yelps in his dreams—a heart-melting sound in the serene wilderness. This kind of relaxation is invaluable for both them and us.
Essential Preparations for Camping with Pomeranians
We follow specific steps before and during each camping trip to keep everyone happy and safe. Here are a few essentials for anyone taking their Poms camping:
- Feed Apple Cider Vinegar: We add a little apple cider vinegar to their food before we leave. It acts as a natural flea and tick repellent, reducing their chances of picking up unwanted pests during the trip.
- Clip Their Nails: Camping often means walking on rough terrain, so trimming their nails beforehand helps keep them comfortable and prevents snags.
- Avoid Doggy Perfume: While making your Pom smell fresh is tempting, perfumes can attract insects. Keeping your Pomeranian unscented will save them (and you) from swatting away extra flying pests.
- Bring a Screw-Style Stake for Leashes: We pack a “screw-style” stake that anchors into the ground. This allows us to attach six-foot leashes to each Pom, allowing them to move freely without wandering too far.
- Keep Them in Sight: This might sound like a no-brainer, but camping introduces many distractions. Keeping the Poms secured and always within view helps ensure their safety in a new environment.
- Provide Extra Seating: We bring extra chairs for the Poms to lounge on. Spoiling them a bit on these trips makes the experience even more fun.
- Clean Their Feet Before Bedtime: After a long day of exploring, we wipe each Pom’s paws before they come into the tent. Skipping this step once led to paw prints all over our sleeping bags—cute but messy!
Exploring the Campground Together
Taking your Pomeranian for a stroll around the campground can highlight the trip. The variety of sights, smells, and sounds offers mental stimulation that benefits their health and well-being. While we explore, the Poms enjoy sniffing around and meeting other campers and their pets. These walks provide gentle exercise and keep their curiosity engaged, which is particularly helpful for breeds like Pomeranians, who tend to be very curious and alert.
Nature offers enriching experiences that you can’t replicate at home. These walks help foster a positive association with the outdoors in our Poms. They learn to be comfortable in new environments, which makes future outings even easier.
Bedtime in the Wild
When it’s finally time for bed, we gather everyone into the big tent. There’s something peaceful about lying down in complete silence, with no urban noise to startle the dogs. Our Poms sleep better, and so do we. Having them close by, feeling safe in their familiar setup, brings us all a sense of comfort. Sharing a tent with the Poms is one of my favorite parts of the camping experience, as they always seem extra cuddly and relaxed.
Must-Have Items for Camping with Pomeranians
Here’s a checklist of essentials to ensure you and your Poms are ready for any outdoor adventure:
- Leashes and Collars with Tags: Essential for keeping them close and secure.
- Freeze-Dried Dog Food: Easier to store and manage outdoors than fresh food, making it ideal for camping.
- Water Bowls and Food Bowls: Collapsible bowls work great for outdoor use.
- Dog Tent (Optional): A small, pet-sized tent provides shade and a cozy retreat for rest during the day.
- Portable Clip-On Lights: Perfect for nighttime visibility, especially if you have a dark-coated Pom.
- Screw-Style Stake for Leashes: Secure your Poms while giving them room to move safely.
- Pet Wipes: Great for cleaning paws and fur before bedtime and keeping the tent clean.
- First-Aid Kit for Dogs: Accidents can happen, so bring a kit with essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and tweezers (for removing ticks).
Wrapping Up: Why Camping with Pomeranians Is a Joy
Camping with your Pomeranian is one of the most rewarding ways to bond. It offers them new sensory experiences and gives you a break from city life. The preparation might feel a bit intensive, but every moment spent outdoors with them is worth it. Watching their little noses twitch as they explore, their happy barks as they chase after shadows, and their calm, content faces at bedtime all make for an unforgettable trip.
So, if you’re considering camping with your Pom, go for it! With some planning, you and your Pomeranian will have a fantastic time in nature. And if you’ve taken your Pomeranian camping or on outdoor adventures before, feel free to share your experiences in the comments below. We’re always eager to hear about other Pommy Mommy (and Daddy) adventures!
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