Cross-country Camping Trip with 2 Dogs

i have two BIG dogs and last summer went from san jose to minnesota and back. i have a jeep so it was super easy to lay the back seats down and comfortably pimp out the back, which made it real easy to keep them happy and contained when needed, with room for me to sleep if needed.

my best advice - (for back and passenger) get yourself some of those mesh laundry bags at the dollar store to close in the door windows. they allow ventilation, keep out bugs, and cut down on the sun beating thru glass, and can still be seen out thru the inside easily -but not so much in from the outside :)

second best advice: PAPER MAPS. they really do help with planning, and lets you see a bigger picture all at once. using google maps has its acceptable points, but i also have an entire collection of photos of signs that say "turn around your GPS is wrong".

i took enough food for both of them the whole trip, as they're on food not easily found everywhere. They are mostly good, well trained dogs, but SQUIRREL! so made sure their chips were working (your vet can check for you) and they had tags on their collar. also packed a couple refillable jugs for water, extra treats, bowls, towels, and some more towels, an extra leash, (have needed it more than once for spare dogs found along the way) and a flashlight. flashlights are life.

i packed most of the food i ate - but i eat pretty lightly.once or twice stopping along the way for a burger, and replenishing at grocery stores along the way as needed.

"most" campgrounds are dog-friendly, as long as they are kept on a 6-foot leash and not taken anywhere it isn't paved. personnally, i avoid crowded campgrounds because going up the coast - pretty much any FOREST land will have less people, are ok with dogs being off leash if under voice control, (and usually free) to camp on, providing you follow proper camping protocols. if you get real sleepy on the interstate, truck stops are your friend. just park away from the truckers - i've never been hasseled at a truck stop for being there in a car - and i do road trips all over ALL. THE. TIME.

i second errythin fiddy suggested, especailly a small first aid kit. (blisters and) small cuts get bad fast if not dealt with right away. if you have the knowledge, a quart of oil, a couple road flares, some wrenches, and a spare serpentine belt don't take up much room, and could be a godsend.

good luck. have big fun. you can do this!

EDIT: forgot to add, make sure you have a copy of your dogs' rabies certificates with you. hopefully you will never need them, but they can save you a grievious headache if you do :)